LOS ANGELES, CA - The Fruitist has scored a winning partnership with D.C. United, an American professional men’s soccer club based in Washington, DC. As part of the collaboration, the brand will become the official snack of the team, its summer camps, and the D.C. United Youth Soccer Programs. Additionally, the company’s logo will earn a prominent spot on the right sleeve of the team’s home and away jerseys, getting them nationwide recognition.

“We are beyond proud to be named the official snack sponsors for D.C. United,” said Scott Albertson, President of The Fruitist. “For too long, soccer fans of all ages have craved a better-for-you choice at the stadium. We are excited to introduce a deliciously good-for-you premium snack that appeals to the whole family and delivers on taste, aroma, and crunch—truly a better berry. Kids love that The Fruitist berries taste great and have a snappy pop, while parents love our berries’ consistency, convenience, and nutritious benefits. We look forward to delivering on this health and flavor promise to the fans at Audi Field, the D.C. United community, and to retailers nationwide.”

Through the partnership, the Fruitist will also receive prominent branding throughout Audi Field, the club’s downtown Washington, D.C. stadium; premium client appreciation benefits at D.C. United home matches, and exposure across the club’s social and digital media channels, a release explained.

The Fruitist berries are hand-selected, premium fruits grown and harvested at peak ripeness and flavor from the supplier’s own farms. With unique offerings of “Jumbo” blueberries, fragrant red raspberries, and tangy sweet blackberries, the company delivers its products 52 weeks a year to snackers of all ages.

“D.C. United is proud to welcome The Fruitist as our official sleeve patch partner and exclusive snack partner for the team,” Danita Johnson, D.C. United President of Operations, said. “Bringing health and wellness to the forefront of our community was an important priority for the club, and our partnership with The Fruitist will allow us to best serve our team and the youth at D.C. United Summer Camps. We look forward to welcoming The Fruitist to the Black-and-Red family.”

How will The Fruitist grow its consumer base through this partnership? Stick with AndNowUKnow for the answer to that question and more.

NETHERLANDS, BRITISH COLUMBIA, & CALIFORNIA - Physical expansion seems to be a key focus for WINDSET FARMS®, which has just welcomed a new 24-acre greenhouse facility with the help of KUBO Greenhouse Projects. The newly built facility is located in Delta, British Columbia, Canada.

"In 2024, our Delta greenhouse facility will become the largest lit greenhouse vegetable facility in Western North America, utilizing renewable hydroelectric power and biomass boilers,” commented Steven Newell, Chief Executive Officer of Windset. “KUBO's expertise and unwavering commitment to sustainable cultivation have allowed this goal to become a reality. We're proud to have them as key supply partners on this groundbreaking expansion."

KUBO previously collaborated with Windset Farms on the company's Santa Maria facility, a United States-based, single-site vegetable greenhouse operation. Following the introduction of this Ultra-Clima greenhouse, the duo teamed up again to establish the new Delta facility.

As a press release explained, the new greenhouse will produce high-quality tomatoes and cucumbers year-round for Western Canada, the U.S., and Asian markets using sustainable initiatives, including renewable hydroelectric power and biomass boilers.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the new build, the release noted. Dual climate curtains, Ventilation Jet fans, and dimmable LED light fixtures will be pivotal in controlling and reducing energy usage, while thermal screens and full light abatement curtains on the roof and side walls will eliminate light pollution. Reverse osmosis and ozone systems are also being optimized for water recirculation.

"It's been a great honor to work with Windset Farms again, already setting new records in the industry,” added Wouter Kuiper, Chief Executive Officer of KUBO Greenhouse Projects. “Thanks to Windset Farms' exemplary construction team, the entire 24-acre greenhouse structure in Delta, from foundation to roof glazing, was completed in a record 80 days! We look forward to seeing Windset Farms continue leading the greenhouse-grown sector".

The first planting of the new greenhouse is scheduled for Spring 2024. To read more about this geographical expansion, click here.

And for more industry news, keep reading ANUK.

SANTA MARIA, CA - Anticipation is building for this year’s Southern Exposure event hosted by the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), and many exciting exhibitors are setting up shop on the show floor. Among them is Gold Coast Packing, which will spotlight one of its latest launches.

“We will be showcasing our Better than a Burger Salad Kit,” Crystal Chavez, Marketing Coordinator, enthusiastically explains. “The salad is great on its own, as a burger topper, or it can be made into a complete meal by adding browned ground turkey or beef. We launched the kit in July, and it has become very popular.”

The Salad Kit starts with the company’s Signature Cruciferous Blend, a mix of Napa Cabbage, Green Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli Stem, and Carrots. The blend is then topped off with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy onions, dill and mustard crouton crumbles, and crispy fries, all brought together with a creamy burger sauce dressing. Is your mouth watering? Because mine sure is!

Those who stop by Gold Coast’s booth can try the flavor-filled salad kit and see its entire lineup of retail items available in 2 lb and 12 oz pack sizes. The supplier will also display a significant portion of its foodservice offerings.

Gold Coast Packing’s team is eager to catch up with current partners and form new relationships while seeing what else everyone has in store.

“Southern Exposure is a must-attend event. It is a smaller format show with a more intimate feel. It allows us to meet with customers, see our industry friends, and make new connections,” Crystal adds. “Our team also loves to see how other exhibitors deck out their booths in the annual theme. We’re looking forward to this year’s Unseen Heroes! It always makes for a good time!”

With that being said, schedule a stop at booth #941 to meet the Gold Coast team and see its portfolio for yourself!