BLANDON, PA - At almost 100 years old, a third-generation, family-owned mushroom company could easily let history speak for itself. Instead, it’s using that legacy as a launchpad for innovation, finding new ways to connect with shoppers and keep mushrooms relevant across modern meal occasions.

Bryan Shelton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Giorgio Fresh, says the focus is on telling that story more clearly while evolving the category.

“We're almost a 100-year-old company, family-owned, third generation. We want to do a better job telling our story. Like, what an amazing legacy we have," he says.

That story is increasingly being told through products designed for how shoppers cook today. One standout example is the grill pack format, built to remove prep friction while positioning mushrooms as an easy, flavorful side for center-of-plate proteins.

“Actually, right behind me are our grill packs. It goes on your gas grill. It's aluminum. It's a great mushroom side with your steak, your salmon, and your chicken,” Bryan notes.

The grill-ready format aligns mushrooms with outdoor cooking moments and protein-driven meals, helping retailers expand usage occasions while maintaining simplicity at the shelf.

Beyond convenience, the company continues to layer in excitement through line extensions, especially within its Stuffed Mushroom offerings, by following flavor trends already resonating across the store.

For Shelton, innovation is about honoring the past while staying connected to how consumers shop, cook, and explore flavor today.

“It's our company legacy, and how do we continue to innovate and talk to our consumers to bring excitement into the mushroom category," he adds.

From grill-friendly formats to trend-driven stuffed varieties, the approach blends heritage with relevance, keeping mushrooms top of mind through familiarity, flavor, and ease.

Watch the full video above to hear Bryan Shelton share more on legacy-driven innovation and where the mushroom category is headed next.

SALINAS, CA - Gear up for an exciting new snacking experience! Naturipe Farms is bringing more options to the berry patch with the debut of its all-new SnackBites. Ahead of the launch, I connected with Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager of Value Added, Naturipe Snacks, to learn more about the grower’s latest category innovation.

“SnackBites give retailers an easy way to tap into the growing demand for protein-forward, functional snacks, especially within the refrigerated produce space,” Steven explains. “They drive incremental sales by bringing in shoppers who might not normally stop in the berry aisle, while also offering a higher-value item that supports healthy margins. At the same time, SnackBites resonate with health-focused shoppers, including GLP-1 users, helping retailers stay relevant as eating habits and shopper needs continue to evolve.”

Naturipe’s new SnackBites are perfectly designed for shoppers who want something that tastes great and also benefits their nutrition. Made with real dried blueberries and BC30 probiotic to support gut health, each bite delivers 12 grams of protein and only 100 calories.

“What really draws consumers in is the feeling of indulgence,” Steven adds. “They are flavorful, portable, and satisfying, which makes them easy to reach for whether you’re heading to the gym, at work, or just need a mid-afternoon boost.”

With snacking serving as one of the biggest growth drivers in produce, berries are perfectly positioned to play a big role. Retailers can lean into this by thinking beyond berries as just breakfast or dessert items and merchandising them as the ideal snack for any time of day.

“Visibility is key. Placing berries in high-traffic areas, secondary displays, or near complementary items like yogurt, granola, chocolate, or snack packs can spark impulse purchases and reinforce berries as a grab-and-go option,” Steven advises. “Pairing berries with protein-forward items, lunchbox staples, or better-for-you snacks helps tell a complete snacking story and encourages larger baskets. Clear signage that highlights convenience, freshness, or simple use ideas can also go a long way in helping shoppers reimagine how and when they enjoy berries.”

Naturipe Farms continues to focus on berry innovation, as evidenced by the success of its Berry Buddies offering.

“Berry Buddies have been a real win, and we’re building on that success with new flavors and combinations,” Steven shares. “The idea is to give families even more fun, grab-and-go options that fit into busy schedules while still delivering the freshness and quality Naturipe is known for.”

The company has also placed greater focus on packaging, exploring new formats that make berries easier to snack on, share, or use in everyday meals, as well as larger clamshell options that offer more fruit in one package.

Ultimately, it’s about giving shoppers more choices, better value, and packaging that works the way they do, Steven tells me—and this strategy is evident in the launch of the supplier’s new SnackBites.

“We’re especially excited about SnackBites. They feel like a natural next step for the berry category as fresh fruit continues to move beyond the produce aisle and into everyday snacking,” Steven concludes. “What really sets SnackBites apart is that they bring berries into a space where they haven’t traditionally played. They’re not just another bar or bite. They’re a fresh, fruit-forward snack that gives retailers something new and gives shoppers a better-for-you option the whole family can feel good about.”

We can’t wait to see how this new product revamps the produce snacking arena! For more industry news, stick around.