FOLSOM, CA - California Walnuts is marking its eighth year leveraging American Heart Month to turn heart health awareness into measurable walnut sales in-store and online by partnering with retailers to reach health-conscious shoppers.

The initiative supports walnut sales through in-store displays, feature ads, digital media, shopper marketing, recipe content and registered dietitian-led education, and aligns with consumer demand for foods that help them stay healthy and feel good. These tools translate nutrition science into shopper-friendly messaging that fits seamlessly into store layouts and omnichannel strategies.

Cross-merchandising also is a key component of this year’s strategy. California Walnuts is partnering with Natural Delights Dates and USA Pears on select programs, pairing complementary heart-healthy foods in shared displays and promotions. Similar collaborations in past campaigns delivered double-digit year-over-year volume lifts for participating retailers.

With heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States, American Heart Month highlights how small, consistent lifestyle changes can impact long-term heart health. Walnuts offer versatility backed by science, making them an accessible option for heart-smart eating.

Walnuts are a heart-healthy whole food that may benefit key markers of cardiovascular health. They provide 2.5 grams of plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), 4 grams of plant protein and 2 grams of fiber per ounce. Walnuts are certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check Food Certification Program, a mark widely recognized and trusted by consumers as a credible indicator of heart-healthy choices. Over the past three decades, studies have demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of walnuts, exploring how eating walnuts affects various factors related to heart health like cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and blood vessel function.^1,2

“American Heart Month gives retailers an opportunity to connect consumer interest in heart health to walnut sales,” said Robert Verloop, CEO and executive director of the California Walnut Commission and Board, in the recent release. “Walnuts combine trusted science, strong shopper recognition and everyday versatility, making them a natural fit for February promotions.”

Retailers can access American Heart Month merchandising tools and promotional resources at walnuts.org/retail/retail-resources. For additional information on participating in the program, contact [email protected].

References

^{1. FDA approved claim: Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, March 2004. A one-ounce serving of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat and 13g of polyunsaturated fat (of which 2.5 grams is plant-based omega-3 ALA), as well as 1.5g of saturated fat.}

^{2. Kris-Etherton P. Walnuts decrease risk of cardiovascular disease: a summary of efficacy and biologic mechanisms. J Nutr. 2014; 10: 39:2S-8S.}

EAGLE, ID - Three regional retail winners will be able to select the television set of their dreams – up to a $3,500 value – as their grand prize in the 2026 Idaho® Potato Lovers Display Contest.

“We will even make sure their new television set is delivered right to their home,” says Ross Johnson, Idaho Potato Commission vice president of retail, in the recent release. “All the winners have to do is sit back in their favorite recliner, pop open their favorite beverage, and take their new remote control for a spin.”

Every qualified entrant will also receive an exclusive mini portable 4K projector that allows direct projection from an iPhone or Android device. Equipped with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, the projector has a 180-degree rotation feature that enables it to project on a wall, ceiling, or inclined surface.

The 35th annual Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest, which awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes, provides the perfect place for stores to showcase the creativity and sales expertise of their produce managers. These secondary displays also can drive higher sales, Johnson says: Test stores with secondary displays of Idaho russets delivered a nearly 10 times growth advantage, while comparison stores with no secondary display achieved an average category growth of only 2.5 percent, according to IPC research.

The Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest runs from Feb. 1 through March 28, 2026, and all entries must be received no later than April 15, 2026. Retailers can participate by building an attractive and memorable display in the produce department that includes fresh Idaho potatoes (bag, bulk or both) with a clear label showing the Idaho name and the “Grown in Idaho®” seal. (Displays may not include potato products from other states.) The display must be up in the store’s produce section for at least one week during the contest period.

The display must also use IPC 2026 special themed point-of-sale materials: two double-sided Idaho Potato Lovers logo display signs, one large and two small double-sided signs featuring an appetizing photo, and six inflatable Mylar™ Idaho potato balloons. For more point-of-sale clip art and delicious recipes, go to the Idaho potato website: idahopotato.com/retail.

Display entries can be any size but are limited to one per store. Retailers will compete with other same-size stores in one of three categories: 1-5 cash registers, 6-9 cash registers, or 10+ cash registers. Within each store category, entrants are eligible to win these prizes:

• 1st place – $1,500
• 2nd place – $1,000
• 3rd place – $750
• 4th place – $500
• 5th place – $250
• Honorable Mention – $100 (100 selected from remaining entries)

The Category Manager Match Program will award equivalent prizes to corporate category managers for stores that qualify for a 1st through 5th place prize, including a chance to win one of the three television set grand prizes.

The Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest Review Committee will judge all displays on a point system based on use of fresh Idaho potato products, use of IPC-provided point-of-sale materials, salability of the display, and creative elements. The top winners will be notified by June 1, 2026, and all winners will be posted on the IPC website by June 15, 2026: idahopotato.com/retail.

UNITED STATES - The broccoli market is trending firm to slightly higher across major producing regions, with moderate to good demand and lighter supplies supporting pricing, according to the USDA’s National FOB Review on January 21, 2026. While conditions vary by district, crown cuts are generally anchoring the higher end of the market, particularly where supplies are tight.

In California’s Imperial, Coachella, and Palo Verde Valleys, demand is moderate, and markets are higher. Bunched broccoli in 14-count cartons is ranging from $22.75–$27.45, mostly $24.75–$26.75, with occasional higher and lower prices reported. Crown cut 20-pound cartons are showing a wide range from $20.00–$29.55, mostly $27.00–$29.00, with sporadic higher and lower quotes.

Santa Maria, California, is reporting moderate demand with markets about steady. Pricing shows a wide range due to variability in quality and condition, with extra services included. Bunched 14-count cartons are trading between $14.00–$16.00, mostly $15.00–$16.00, with occasional higher pricing. Crown cut 20-pound cartons are ranging from $20.25–$27.50, mostly $20.25–$22.95. Short-trim crown cuts are higher overall, ranging from $23.95–$27.50, mostly $23.95–$26.55.

In California’s South and Central Districts, supplies are light with moderate demand and markets holding about steady. Organic broccoli continues to command strong premiums. Organic bunched 14-count cartons are ranging from $22.00–$41.00, mostly $35.00–$37.00. Organic crown cut 20-pound cartons are trading between $32.00–$44.00, mostly $35.00–$38.00, with occasional higher and lower prices noted.

Western Arizona is reporting fairly light supplies and fairly good demand, with markets slightly higher. Pricing shows a broad range with extra services included. Bunched 14-count cartons are ranging from $22.85–$28.75, mostly $23.75–$26.45, while 18-count cartons are trading from $23.35–$29.25, mostly $24.25–$26.95. Crown cut 20-pound cartons are ranging from $25.85–$31.55, mostly $27.85–$30.75, with a few higher quotes up to $32.55. Short-trim crown cuts are higher overall, ranging from $28.85–$33.55, mostly $28.85–$31.75.

At Mexico crossings through Texas, supplies are light with good demand and markets slightly higher. Crown cut short-trim 20-pound cartons are ranging from $20.00–$26.00, mostly $24.00–$26.00, with occasional higher prices and a few listings up to $28.00.

Overall, the broccoli market remains very firm, supported by lighter supplies in multiple regions and strong demand. Crown cuts and organic offerings continue to lead pricing, while bunched product shows more variability by district.

ANUK will continue to monitor how supply levels, quality, and regional transitions influence pricing in the weeks ahead.

MARLBOROUGH, MA & CHATTANOOGA, TN - BJ’s Wholesale Club announced that its location in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will open on January 30.

The new club, located at 401 Northgate Mall Drive, is the sixth BJ’s location in Tennessee. The on-site BJ’s Gas station offers everyday low fuel prices and potential extra savings through BJ’s Fuel Savers Program. The gas station opened on January 14.

BJ’s offers unbeatable value on everyday essentials in a convenient one-stop shop. Members save on fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, fresh bakery goods, household essentials, home décor, pet supplies, toys, consumer electronics and more. BJ’s members love the true treasure-hunt shopping experience, discovering new and exciting items with each visit.

“We’re bringing unbeatable value and savings of up to 25% off grocery store prices every day to families in Chattanooga,” said Dave Shaw, Club Manager, Chattanooga BJ’s Wholesale Club, in the recent release. “At BJ’s, we take care of the families who depend on us, and we’re thrilled to be part of the community.”

BJ’s has a long-standing commitment to nourishing its communities. For over 15 years, it has worked with Feeding America and its network of food banks, providing more than 155 million meals for those in need. In Chattanooga, BJ’s is partnering with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank by regularly donating produce, meat, dairy products and more to support the community.

“We’re excited to welcome BJ’s Wholesale Club to Chattanooga,” said Melissa Blevins, President and CEO of Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “At the heart of this partnership is a shared goal to nourish our community. The contributions from BJ’s will make a meaningful difference for neighbors facing hunger across our region, and partnerships like this are essential to ensuring no one goes without.”

BJ’s members can choose from several time-saving options, whether shopping online or in-club. Curbside pickup, in-club pickup, same-day delivery* and shipping are available on BJs.com. Members shopping in-club can use ExpressPay** through the BJ’s mobile app to scan products as they shop and skip the checkout line.

Additional member perks include:

• Unbeatable grocery prices: Members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day
• A risk-free membership: Shoppers can try BJ’s risk-free with the company’s 100% money-back guarantee
• BJ’s coupons + manufacturers’ coupons: Members can combine BJ’s coupons with many manufacturers’ coupons to maximize savings
• BJ’s Gas: Members can fill up at any BJ’s Gas station at low prices. Plus, members can save even more through BJ’s Fuel Savers Program

Local shoppers can join the new club now with limited-time exclusive offers. New members can sign up for a 1-year BJ’s Club membership for $40 with BJ’s Easy Renewal® and earn a $10 reward for each $100+ spent during the first 90 days of club opening. A 1-year BJ’s Club+ membership is also available for $80 with BJ’s Easy Renewal® and earns a $15 reward for each $100+ spent during the first 90 days of club opening. BJ’s Club+ members get 5¢ off/gal at BJ’s Gas and earn 2% back in rewards on most BJ’s purchases. Terms apply. Learn more at BJs.com/Chattanooga.

CARLISLE, PA - The GIANT Company, known locally as GIANT and MARTIN’S, announced the launch of its new Talk & Tours. Led by the grocer’s team of dietitians, these free and interactive events, which are offered monthly, combine 30 minutes of nutritional education with a 30-minute guided store walking tour.

“Making better for you food choices often start at the grocery store, but for many, shopping for healthier items or new-to-them products can be an overwhelming or even confusing experience,” said Kilene Knitter, RD, LDN, manager of wellbeing outreach, The GIANT Company, in the recent release. “These Talk & Tour sessions are designed to inform, inspire, and help our customers shop for their families with confidence.”

January’s theme, Fueling Weight Management with Protein and Fiber, kicked off earlier this month. The Talk & Tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at both the Camp Hill and Willow Grove GIANT stores. February’s theme is Heart Smart Your Cart.

Space is limited for each Talk & Tour and registration is required. For more details and to register, visit giantfoodstores.com/ wellbeing.

DELTA, BC - Innovation in the greenhouse vegetable industry is taking shape in Delta B.C., where WINDSET FARMS® is advancing a new smart-farming initiative designed to improve how crops are grown, monitored, and managed in a changing climate. Supported by the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, the project is in partnership with Simon Fraser University, Koidra Inc., Vivent Biosignals, and Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. This international collaboration brings together leading industry, academic, and technology partners to develop a data-driven system designed to strengthen food security and advance more efficient, sustainable greenhouse production across British Columbia.

To mark the announcement, Windset Farms hosted Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food, to its Delta facility. The visit highlighted the importance of innovation in agriculture and how technology supports local food production, sustainability, and economic stability.

“This project represents an important step forward for Windset Farms and for greenhouse agriculture in B.C.,” said Tony Kalf, Chief Technology Officer at Windset Farms, in the recent release. “By combining real-time plant data with advanced analytics and machine learning, we are working toward more precise, efficient, and responsive growing systems that support both sustainability and year-round food production.”

Beyond technology development, the initiative reinforces the value of long-term partnerships between industry and academia as a driver of local research and development. “These innovations allow us to make meaningful impacts through job creation, new business opportunities, and by helping ensure the security and stability of B.C.’s food supply,” added Kalf.

Minister Popham also spoke to the importance of locally grown produce, adding, “We’re getting much fresher produce ending up on our shelves because farmers are now growing all year round and being able to meet the demand of our domestic market here.”
Windset Farms is proud to play a leading role in advancing modern agri-tech solutions that strengthen local food systems, support economic growth, and help British Columbians rely on food grown closer to home.

To learn more, click here.