DALLAS, TX - Double dipping: Party foul or game day power move when it comes to delicious guac? After surveying Americans ahead of the Big Game, Avocados From Mexico®, the number one selling avocado brand in the U.S., discovered 80% of Americans admit to double dipping into game day guac. Not only that, but more than 50% feel “very tempted” to secretly go back for seconds. Why? Because the guac was — and we quote — “too good to resist.” Well, you can’t argue with that.

To officially settle the age-old debate, the brand is debuting its Golden Double Dip Chip. Part blinged-out jewelry, part snack tool, the Golden Double Dip Chip is a limited edition, 14K gold “snackcessory” that ensures fans are always ready to scoop, dunk and— you know it—double dip their way through any bowl of guac.

And who better to help settle the score on this divisive snacking habit than the ultimate life of the party himself? The brand has called upon its Guac Guru, actor and comedian Rob Riggle, to serve up tailored game day plays and guac recipes throughout football season. This time, he’ll be harnessing the power of guac to make yet another delicious prediction: Double dipping is a sure bet.

“The Big Game is the moment guac was made for,” shared Riggle in the recent release. “And as the Guac Guru, I can confidently predict that you'll find yourself in front of a bowl that’s simply too delicious for a single dip. As for if I'm a double dipper myself? Well, I’ll never spill that secret. But I will say this: When the guac is this good, who could blame you?”

The Golden Double Dip Chip is a statement worth its weight in gold — which is why something so luxurious (and undeniably stylish) deserves to be shown off. Designed to keep your prized chip safe and ready for action, each comes in a protective case. Whether displayed on the snack table or tucked away for a dramatic reveal, this case ensures the Golden Double Dip Chip isn’t just a tool for those who go back in for a second scoop. It’s the perfect tribute to the crown jewel of your entire party setup: the guac.

“At Avocados From Mexico, we believe that when it comes to the deliciousness of guac, all bets are off,” said Alvaro Luque, Avocados From Mexico President and CEO. “The Golden Double Dip Chip is our way of leaning into the fun and breaking the so-called ‘rules’ of snacking. Guac has an unmatched way of bringing people together on game day, and we wanted to celebrate that magic by making every dip (and we mean every dip) unforgettable.”

For a chance to win a Golden Double Dip Chip, enter weekly from Jan. 12 to Feb. 3 at AFMDoubleDip.com.

In the meantime, get a little pre-game luck going with the Guac Guru's Good Luck Guac recipe — a golden twist on everyone’s favorite snack, infused with ingredients (edible gold flakes and pomegranate seeds) associated with good luck.

Ingredients:

• 4 Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon onion, minced
• 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch edible gold leaf flakes

Directions:

• In large bowl, mash avocados until chunky-smooth.
• Fold in lime juice, onion, pomegranate seeds and salt until well combined.
• Garnish with edible gold leaf flakes.

LANDOVER, MD - Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, D.C. regional grocery chain, has once again been recognized as a Top Employer in the United States by the Top Employers Institute, earning the prestigious certification for the second consecutive year. The recognition reflects the company’s continued focus on creating a workplace where associates feel supported, empowered, and connected.

Guided by its core values of Courage, Integrity, Teamwork, Care, and Humor, Giant Food continues to invest in a people-first culture that supports growth, collaboration, and long-term success for its associates, customers, and communities.

"Being recognized as a Top Employer for the second year in a row reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a workplace where every associate can grow, care, and belong,” said Ira Kress, President, Giant Food, in the recent release. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and our shared vision for a better world at work."

The Top Employers Institute certification is based on a comprehensive HR Best Practices Survey, which evaluates organizations across six domains and 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Wellbeing and Organizational Purpose. Giant Food’s results underscore its ongoing commitment to building an engaging workplace grounded in trust, accountability and continuous improvement.

“Top Employer certification is a tremendous achievement to build from as we continue take our people-focused efforts to an even higher level,” said Caron Sanders, VP Human Resources, Giant Food. “This honor demonstrates our collective commitment to creating a workplace that represents and celebrates all of our associates.”

This latest honor builds on Giant Food’s reputation for cultivating a culture where associates and customers can Grow, Care, and Belong with regular recognition, including Progressive Grocer’s Impact Awards for Educational Support/Learning Advancement and Philanthropic Innovation, FMI Community Uplift awards, and other industry-leading lists.

MIAMI, FL - Kapi Kapi Growers, a leading global grower-shipper of sustainably grown pineapples, bananas, and plantains, announces the appointment of Jake Kamysz as Business Development Manager. Based in South Florida, Kamysz will support the company’s continued growth by strengthening customer relationships, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting the development of Kapi Kapi’s pineapple, banana, and plantain programs.

Kamysz brings more than a decade of produce industry experience, including extensive background in pineapple sales and program management. He officially joined Kapi Kapi on October 27 and immediately began supporting key customer initiatives and business development efforts.

“I’m happy to jump back into the pineapple business,” said Kamysz in the recent release. “Seeing the investment that Kapi is making to create a better quality and more sustainable product out of Costa Rica makes me want to be a part of building the Kapi program and supporting the brand.”

Kamysz began his produce career working directly with pineapple imports and spent about seven years focused on the category before expanding into broader tropical and fruit programs. Most recently, he served as Sales Executive at one of the largest North American fruit importers, where he was responsible for planning, sales, and execution of full-basket citrus, grape, and stone fruit programs while targeting new retail and wholesale customers.

Prior to that, Kamysz held senior sales and category leadership roles at other notable growers/importers, where he managed high-volume programs, negotiated long-term retail contracts, led sales teams, and coordinated promotions aligned with production volumes. His experience spans retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels, with a strong emphasis on forecasting, pricing strategy, and customer collaboration.

Sofia Acon, president of Kapi Kapi Growers, added, “We recognize that with our growth over the last year, we need to build out our talent base with experienced people that really know the banana, pineapple, and plantain business. Jake offers the depth of experience required to meet today’s growth demands while helping drive the company forward. He has already made a tremendous impact, seamlessly stepping into the role.”

IMMOKALEE, FL - A new year is a time for fresh starts. Successful resolutions begin by getting the basics right. To support consumers who want fresh, simple foods to begin healthier routines, Lipman Family Farms offers reliable staples that are good from the ground up, like in-season round tomatoes.

Every January, shoppers step back from rich holiday foods and embrace healthy New Year’s resolutions. As retailers move through their first quarter, Lipman sees round tomatoes continuing to play a central role in winter assortments to support displays, value-driven promotions and consumers returning to everyday meals created with fresh produce.

The new year is a great time to lean into dependable items that perform week after week and make healthier eating easy for shoppers. With per-capita annual consumption of more than 19 pounds, tomatoes are routinely one of the first fresh produce items that customers seek out.

“Starting the year fresh begins with familiar favorites that take the pressure off starting a healthier routine,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms, in the recent release. “Round tomatoes are a popular weekly essential for meals, snacks, sauces, salads and more. Our focus is on delivering consistency as the season unfolds.”

Lipman’s round tomato season is going strong in Florida, with production currently shifting from Labelle to its Naples-area farms. These crops will carry the program through the rest of the winter season. Quality has been strong, and crops are expected to respond positively to warmer January temperature forecasts.

Building dependable programs to last the winter months.

Lipman coordinates production across growing regions for an uninterrupted supply, so retailers and foodservice operators can plan promotions with a reliable round tomato program. Lipman’s focus on quality and consistency ensures vibrant, appetizing fruit with bright, juicy flavor. It’s a tasty way for consumers to reach New Year’s goals while enjoying every bite.

Retailers and foodservice operators who want to plan the year with a dependable round tomato program should contact their Lipman Family Farms sales representative. For more information, visit lipmanfamilyfarms.com.

LAKE ELSINORE, CA - The start of the year is a time of reflection as well as resolution. Of goals becoming accomplishments, paving the way for an even brighter horizon.

As 2025 wound down, Dr. Oscar Guzman, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Progressive Produce, took the time to tell me of how he has been watching a dream come to life.

It’s easy to forget among big business names today that even the most far-reaching banners were each once a mom-and-pop shop, cutting the ribbon on a dream come true. Now, after helping such chains gain and navigate success, Cesar Guerrero is doing just that: opening the doors to his own waking dream.

“For years, Cesar dreamed of working for himself—but he hesitated to take the leap,” Oscar tells me of his friend, who ventured into opening his own grocery market early last year.

Cesar carried with him 23 years in retail between Albertsons and Fiesta Mart’s El Super, procuring everything from apples, pears, and citrus to onions, potatoes, and tropicals. He’d helped expand new business by focusing on customers, distributors, supplier needs, and new marketing opportunities, and overseen negotiation of contract pricing to ensure value, quality, availability, and food safety.

But while these were highly valuable credits to his profession, Cesar shared the portfolio he’d spent a career building overqualified him for many positions he pursued, despite promising interviews and opportunities.

“After a long career at Albertsons, where he rose from produce manager to buyer, Cesar learned what it takes to make a store thrive and truly understand customers. His career later took him to a Southern California Hispanic grocery chain, where he discovered the deeper value of community—buying fresh produce for neighborhoods much like the one he grew up in,” Oscar reflects.

In speaking with Oscar, I can’t help but think that fate was pushing Cesar to take the chance he’d been hesitating on for so long.

“Frustrated but determined, Cesar decided to stop waiting for the right opportunity and create it himself,” Oscar shares proudly.

Doing so meant Cesar was doing more than entrepreneuring: he was taking up his place in a legacy laid down by his grandfather, Antonio Escalera, back in Zacatecas, Mexico. He too owned a small neighborhood market, La Puerta del Sol, meaning “The Door of the Sun.”

“It was named for the morning light that streamed through its doorway. Carrying that legacy forward was the perfect way to connect Cesar’s family history with his new venture,” Oscar observes, explaining that this chapter too is a family affair. “His cousins, brothers Alex and Christian, are his partners and biggest supporters. Alex, the older brother, comes from a construction background and now works for the City of Moreno Valley in graffiti removal. Christian, the youngest, recently left his job as a forklift operator at FedEx. Together, they bring trust, hard work, and a shared determination to succeed.”

Deepening those roots initially planted by buying fresh produce for neighborhoods that reminded him so much of his own childhood, Cesar and his family were incredibly intentional about La Puerta del Sol’s flagship location in Lake Elsinore, California. Finding home in an underserved neighborhood where the nearest full-service grocery stores are four or five miles away in either direction, Oscar paints for me a picture of home away from home, where produce clerks and deli operators know you by name.

“The location was no accident. When Cesar moved here in 2020, he noticed the local convenience stores lacked fresh produce or stocked only a limited, poor-quality selection. He saw an opportunity to change that by bringing fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables to a community that had long gone without them.”

And it is working! As one shopper reflected, the store is small but mighty, with praises across the internet for its friendly staff, good quality produce and meat, and cleanliness showcasing the shop as a rising beacon of fresh in the community.

So, as you lay out plans for a new year and all its possibilities, think on the man who followed his fresh produce path to realizing a longtime dream: Opening his own doorway to the sun.

And next time you’re in the Lake Elsinore area, stop by La Puerta del Sol, pick up fresh ingredients for your holiday table and gatherings by the lake, and say hello to our friend Cesar.

UNITED STATES - An incoming winter storm could be one of the most widespread we’ve seen in years, with impacts stretching across more than two dozen states by late this week. What really stands out here isn’t just the snow or ice—it’s the brutal Arctic air feeding this system, locking everything in place and making conditions harder to manage once they arrive.

According to MSN, this storm could span more than 1,500 miles from the Plains through the South and into the Northeast. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are all in play, with ice shaping up as the biggest wildcard. Even small amounts could slow travel significantly, especially across key corridors in the South and mid-Atlantic, where systems and infrastructure aren’t built for prolonged icing.

Snow and ice are expected to start developing over the central and southern Plains on Friday, expanding rapidly on Saturday. By Saturday night, impacts could reach from northern Texas and Oklahoma through the Carolinas and into parts of the Northeast, lingering into Sunday night in some areas. The exact track is still coming into focus, which means totals could shift, but the footprint is clearly large.

Ice is the main concern across parts of Texas, the lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, northern Georgia, and the Carolinas. Ice accumulation in these areas could lead to power disruptions and extended recovery timelines, especially with temperatures staying well below freezing. State leaders in Texas and Georgia have already begun preparations, including road pretreatment and emergency resource staging.

North of the ice zone, heavier snow is possible from Oklahoma and Kansas through the Ohio Valley and into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Cities like Oklahoma City, Louisville, Washington, DC, and New York City are all watching closely as forecast confidence improves.

The cold itself may be just as impactful. Temperatures could run 20 to 40 degrees below average, with some areas facing record-breaking lows. Any snow or ice that falls is unlikely to melt quickly, meaning disruptions could carry into early next week.

For the latest developments and how this could play out region by region, be sure to check ANUK.