DES MOINES, IA - Hy-Vee is celebrating multiple exciting recognitions, each demonstrating not only the retailer’s grocery prowess but also its success in the produce department specifically. Hy-Vee was recently voted the Best Grocery Store in America, according to USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Along with Best Grocery Store in America, Hy-Vee also earned the title of America’s Best Grocery Store for Produce and was ranked the No. 2 Best Grocery Store for Prepared Food in the nation.

This is the first year Hy-Vee has ranked No. 1 on the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards list, having ranked within the top three spots in previous years.

When determining the annual USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, a panel of experts nominates 20 grocery stores as the best in the United States for their offerings, selection, and great service.

As a press release explained, USA TODAY readers are then encouraged to cast their votes during a 28-day voting period, and the nominated stores that received the most votes are designated as the Readers’ Choice for their category.

With over 570 business units across the U.S., Hy-Vee has built a legacy based on its superior service and commitment to quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, and culinary expertise. Congrats to the retailer on this recent recognition!

WASHINGTON, DC - Ahead of the highly anticipated International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show on October 17-19 in Atlanta, Georgia, Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns has shared some thoughts with us, teasing the keynote presentation.

“The produce and floral communities are facing challenges and transformation from all fronts,” began Burns. “We’ll be exploring new developments in—and implications of—technology, sustainability, workforce dynamics, and more during next month’s State of the Industry keynote at the annual IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.”

Burns is set to deliver the must-attend presentation at 8:45 a.m. on the opening day of the showcase, a press release shared. It will explore the latest in emerging innovations and consumer trends and what these mean for IFPA members.

“During this session, we will look at the forces shaping the world around us,” added Burns. “The status quo won’t get anyone anywhere today. Businesses stay put at their own risk.”

The presentation will address the produce and floral industries for its:

• Responsibility to people—those who work in the industries as well as the people who consume its products
• Commitment to an industry community where everyone belongs
• Accountability to the world and the impact they have on it 
• Obligation to shape the industries’ business environment 

“Overlying each of these topics is advocacy—an essential component of our efforts to grow a healthier world, a thriving industry, and our members’ businesses. Whether it’s public or government affairs, public relations, or consumption growth, advocacy is how we get the job done. I invite everyone to join us in Atlanta to be part of something bigger than themselves,” continued Burns, “to connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for fresh produce and floral and believe in our communities’ power as a global force for good.”

AndNowUKnow will continue to report updates as the show date nears, so keep clicking back.

MILWAUKIE, OR - With talk of the current Pacific Northwest pear crop circling, we were pleased to receive an update from Pear Bureau Northwest (PBNW) yesterday. The organization stated that for the 2024–25 season for Washington and Oregon, the industry’s fresh pear estimate is 10.6 million standard box equivalents—down 31 percent from the five-year average.

“Despite this year’s shorter crop and some regional differences in overall appearance,” says CarrieAnn Arias, President and Chief Executive Officer, “This years’ harvest will continue to deliver a great eating experience for the consumer.”

Bosc pears have seen the steepest decline, down 62 percent from last year, a press release stated. We learned that cumulative effects of intense freezes the past couple of years are the driver of this year’s drop. Green Anjou, which is down 36 percent from the five-year average, is the other most impacted variety.

The organic pear estimate is expected to come in at 1.4 million standard boxes equivalents, or 13 percent of the total projected Northwest crop.

Across all regions, harvest started in early August for Starkrimson and Bartlett pears, with growers beginning to pick Bosc, green, and red Anjou by late August. Harvest for specialty varieties such as Comice, Seckel, Forelle, and Concorde will be completed by late September.

This season will feature an evolution of last year’s consumer advertising campaign with a deeper dive into the personalities of different varieties, while continuing to educate and inspire consumers with bold and approachable recipes that celebrate the versatility of pears.

Early season promotions will include a partnership with Tajin in October, to observe National Pizza Month. For National Diabetes Month in November, PBNW is collaborating with a team of accomplished dietitians. Plus, December, which is National Pear Month, will showcase more versatility on the ninth annual World Pear Day, December 7.

Promotions are also taking place outside the United States. PBNW will have full programs that will focus on in-store activities; larger-scale activities such as movie tie-ins and TV advertising in Mexico; digital marketing efforts with leading retailers in Mexico, Canada, and Central America; as well as in-store and social media campaigns.

We look forward to seeing these pear-centric strategies in action!

BAKERSFIELD, CA - A fresh new retail partnership is bringing a crisp and juicy green grape variety to the shelves of Sprouts Farmers Market. Sun World International recently announced its partnership with the natural and organic food retailer, making its branded AUTUMNCRISP® grapes available at select stores this season.

“Fresh, juicy, and vibrant AUTUMNCRISP® grapes are hitting Sprouts produce shelves as the air turns cool and crisp signaling the beginning of fall,” said Elena Hernandez, Director of Global Marketing Insights at Sun World International. “We’re thrilled to continue working closely with our valued retail partners such as Sprouts to promote the grape category and our amazing grape brands. We value Sprouts’ support in bringing AUTUMNCRISP® grapes to more consumers.”

As part of this table grape collaboration, Sun World International is aligning with Sprouts to drive shopper excitement around AUTUMNCRISP® grapes with a robust omnichannel marketing campaign. The partnership will feature bright, engaging AUTUMNCRISP® branded store displays, influencer collaboration, and other integrated marketing efforts to drive shoppers into Sprouts stores to experience the amazing grape variety at the peak of its season, a press release explained.

Sun World launched its beloved AUTUMNCRISP® variety just over a year ago, introducing one of the first globally branded table grapes available year-round. The brand is backed by a global marketing campaign focused on driving awareness and trial for the exceptionally juicy and crisp green grape.

“We are proud to partner with Sun World International to offer our Sprouts customers fresh, peak-season produce, including this unique grape variety,” said Meghan Diaz, Senior Director of Local Produce for Sprouts. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering delicious, fresh, local produce to the communities we serve.”

AUTUMNCRISP® grapes will be available in select Sprouts Farmers Markets stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Colorado, and New Mexico this fall.

For more category updates and opportunities, you know where to click!

REDLANDS, FL - Ramping up biodiversity, Lion Farms aims to transform South Florida’s mushroom market with its innovative, sustainable farming practices. By combining eco-friendly techniques with rapid delivery, Lion Farms delivers gourmet mushrooms fresh from its farm to local businesses within 24 hours.

"We're excited to share our love of organic farming and gourmet mushrooms with the South Florida community," shared Peter Fedele, Founder.

Lion Farms operates as a Global Good Agricultural Practices (GLOBALG.A.P.) and USDA-certified organic farm. Utilizing regenerative practices, they enhance soil health and significantly reduce waste. Spent mushroom growing blocks are composted and converted into OMRI-certified castings through a zero-waste, Continuous Flow Through (CFT) worm farm. This process not only minimizes landfill waste but also enriches soil biodiversity.

According to a press release, Lion Farms’ Controlled Environment Agricultural (CEA) facility in Redlands, Florida, supports its commitment to quality. This modern, energy-efficient concrete building allows precise control of temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and lighting, creating optimal conditions for mushroom cultivation.

"Our focus on sustainability, quality, and fast delivery makes us stand out in the industry. Most mushrooms are shipped to Florida from Pennsylvania or California and can take up to a week to arrive. Ordering from us means you get the freshest, locally grown mushrooms, delivered within hours of harvest. We can't wait to serve more food services, restaurants, and mushroom lovers with our premium products," Fedele continued.

Lion Farms specializes in Lion's Mane and Oyster mushrooms, among eight organic varieties, providing product to South Florida’s foodservice operators and restaurants with premium products. The company's promise of delivery within 24 hours of harvest ensures that clients receive the freshest and most flavorful mushrooms available locally.

The company is surely shaking up the mushroom industry with its commitment to sustainability and rapid service. Its cutting-edge approach provides a competitive edge for retailers, delivering top-quality, gourmet mushrooms to South Florida businesses with freshness and efficiency.

For more delicious, fresh, and sustainable updates, stay in touch with AndNowUKnow.