MATTHEWS, NC - Harris Teeter announces the launch of its Happier, Healthier with Harris Teeter initiative, a comprehensive, storewide approach to help customers achieve their health and wellness goals. The Happier, Healthier initiative spans every aisle, from pharmacy expertise and nutrition coaching to fresh high-quality produce, a new line of protein-packed items, and a wide selection of products made without unwanted ingredients.

Happier, Healthier with Harris Teeter kicks off throughout January with the launch of Harris Teeter's new Simple Truth™ Protein line, enhanced smart product attribute tagging (including high protein, no added sugar, non-GMO and gluten free), new digital tools that include the FoodHealth Score data, and a free 30-minute virtual visit with a Harris Teeter dietitian for every VIC card household, making it easier than ever for customers to pursue their wellness journey with Harris Teeter.

"Our customers are looking for ways to improve their overall health and achieve their wellness goals," said Danna Robinson, director of corporate affairs and customer relations for Harris Teeter, in the recent release. "Happier, Healthier with Harris Teeter is designed to equip every customer with the tools and information they need to make smarter, more informed nutrition decisions. By helping people take meaningful steps toward healthier eating, we're making it easier to support their total well-being."

Simple Truth™ Protein Line

The Simple Truth™ Protein line spans breakfast, snacks, meals and meal components, giving customers convenient, nutritious choices that are packed with protein and free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Offering on-the-go convenience and workout recovery, to heat-and-eat meals and pantry staples, customers can satisfy cravings while reaching their protein goals. New offerings include these registered dietitian-approved products:

• Simple Truth™ Protein Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese Egg Bites
• Simple Truth™ Protein Hazelnut-Filled Protein Pancakes
• Simple Truth™ Protein Roasted Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
• Simple Truth™ Protein Brownie Mix
• Simple Truth™ Protein Grassfed Whey Protein Powder
• A full list of Simple Truth™ Protein products available at Harris Teeter can be found here.

Free Nutrition Coaching for Every VIC Card Household

Every VIC card household has access to one 30-minute virtual nutrition consultation with a licensed registered dietitian—at no cost and from anywhere customers can connect online (nutrition services not available in South Carolina). The session will cover healthy eating and meal planning tips, along with trusted wellness support, to help customers jump-start their 2026 health and wellness goals. Dietitians will show how Harris Teeter customers can access and use the new FoodHealth Score, powered by FoodHealth Company, in the Harris Teeter app, which scores products based on the nutrient density and quality of ingredients in the food. They'll also introduce OptUP® Nutrition Insights, where customers can better understand the nutritional value of purchases, while tracking them over time.

To schedule a visit with a registered dietitian, VIC Card Members can visit here.

CALIFORNIA, US - There's still an active weather pattern across California and much of the West this week, but there are signs of a meaningful shift on the horizon. According to AccuWeather, a series of storms will continue to bring periods of rain and mountain snow through early week before conditions finally begin to settle down.

Across coastal and Northern California, additional rounds of rain are expected, with some heavier bursts still possible. That keeps the risk elevated for localized flooding, especially in urban areas, poor-drainage locations, and near recent burn scars. Central and Northern California remain the most likely areas to pick up meaningful additional rainfall before conditions begin to ease.

This stretch of storminess is adding to an already waterlogged season. Rainfall totals since mid-fall have climbed well above historical averages across much of the state, including Southern California and the Bay Area. Even locations accustomed to frequent winter rain are running higher than normal, underscoring how persistent this pattern has been.

In the mountains, snow continues to pile up. Several more rounds of snow are expected in the Sierra Nevada, leading to difficult travel conditions through higher-elevation passes. While the snowpack is a benefit for water supply, it remains a challenge for drivers navigating mountain corridors.

As the week progresses, the storm track is expected to shift north. A ridge of high pressure building into California should gradually shut off widespread precipitation, allowing drier conditions to spread across much of the state. While parts of Northern California may still contend with some lingering showers early in the transition, the overall trend favors improving conditions.

That same shift keeps the Pacific Northwest unsettled for a bit longer. Washington and Oregon are expected to continue seeing rain and mountain snow before the pattern relaxes later in the month, potentially bringing a more extended dry stretch even there.

Check ANUK for the latest updates as this pattern evolves across the West.

RHOME, TX - ¡Yo Quiero! is launching its new line of authentic Mexican dips, bringing bold, craveable flavors to shoppers just in time for Cinco de Mayo and beyond. The new lineup includes Cantina Salsas — Roasted Hatch Verde (Medium), Fire Roasted Salsa (Medium), and Cantina Style Red Salsa available in Mild and Medium — as well as Mexico-Inspired Guac in Mild and Spicy varieties.

Designed to deliver restaurant-inspired taste at home, the new dips tap into consumers’ growing appetite for authentic global cuisine. According to recent food trend reporting from FoodNavigator-USA, Mexican flavors continue to rank among the most popular global cuisines with U.S. consumers and are expected to remain a leading influence in flavor innovation through 2026, driven largely by Millennials and Gen Z shoppers seeking bold, authentic experiences.

“Authentic Mexican flavor is something shoppers actively seek out, especially during moments of celebration,” said Tara Murray, Vice President of Marketing at ¡Yo Quiero!, in the recent release. “This new line allows retailers and consumers alike to lean into those traditions while offering fresh, high-quality dips that feel festive, approachable, and true to the cuisine.”

In addition to strong flavor appeal, the dips align with the growing trend of value-added foods that enhance everyday meals. According to consumer insights from global flavor and ingredient leaders, shoppers are increasingly recreating restaurant-style experiences at home using products like premium dips, sauces, and spreads that add both convenience and excitement to meals.

The nutritional benefits of dips like guacamole and salsa further support their popularity. “Global flavor trends are rising, but so is interest in foods that add nutritional value,” said Amy Davis, registered dietitian. “Guacamole provides healthy fats from avocados, while salsas contribute ingredients like tomatoes that contain lycopene, along with added fiber and flavor. These dips make it easy for people to enhance meals and snacks with both taste and nutrition.”

The Cantina Salsa varieties offer a range of heat levels to suit diverse preferences, while the Mexico-Inspired Guacamole delivers creamy avocado flavor balanced with tomatillo, jalapeno, onions, and traditional seasonings. Whether paired with chips, wraps, tacos, or fresh vegetables, the new ¡Yo Quiero! dips help consumers turn everyday eating into an authentic Mexican-inspired experience.

The Cantina Salsas and Mexico-Inspired Guacs are now available for order for retailers nationwide. For more information about these new dips and more from ¡Yo Quiero!, contact Jay Alley at [email protected]

WENATCHEE, WA - Pears may be rooted in tradition, but Stemilt is positioning them firmly in today’s regular snack rotation. A bountiful pear crop across the industry is driving a strong season fueled by freshness and flavor, creating new opportunities to enjoy pears every day. Starting in January, Stemilt is launching its I Heart Pears campaign backed by a Numerator consumer survey. The campaign will promote untapped opportunities for pears in the breakfast and mid-morning snack scene, and as a nutrient-rich fruit that supports heart health in correspondence with National Heart Health Month in February.

“The I Heart Pears campaign is all about reigniting consumers’ love for pears, and helping inspire creative ways to enjoy them through strategic retail promotions,” explained Brianna Shales, Stemilt marketing director, in the recent release. “Naturally sweet and fiber-rich, pears offer a nutritious option for consumers seeking simple, flavorful choices. In January, the campaign will call out pears as a missed opportunity to include in breakfast meals, while February will focus on highlighting pears as a hearty snack, packed with soluble fiber, that’s just what the doctor ordered for Heart Health month.”

A consumer survey conducted by Numerator and sponsored by the Pear Bureau Northwest in March 2025 surveyed 2,069 shoppers to understand the pear category and growth opportunities for the future. After reviewing the results, Stemilt found that pears can capture eating occasions at breakfast or mid-morning snack time. The survey unveiled that consumers enjoy fresh fruit and pears equally for most meals, but there is a 20% gap between fresh fruit and pears for breakfast. Pears lag other fresh fruit for mid-morning snacks by 9%.

“Pear’s biggest breakfast miss is integration. Pear purchases have a secondary peak every January, making it an ideal time to prioritize educational messaging to shoppers about breakfast options with pears, nutritional benefits, or the portability of the fruit to increase consumption. When added to breakfast foods like oatmeal or simply sliced on toast, pears increase the fiber content with a whopping six grams of fiber in one medium pear, more than an apple or banana! One pear accounts for 21% of daily fiber needs, fueling digestion, supporting a healthy gut microbiome, and helping you feel satisfied longer.”

Timed to align with Valentine’s Day, the I Heart Pears campaign in February spotlights the heart-healthy benefits of pears in recognition of National Heart Health Month. As consumers lean into New Year’s wellness goals, this moment creates a natural opportunity to position pears as a delicious, feel-good addition to everyday snacking and enjoyment. Conventional and organic d'Anjou, Red Pears, and Bosc will be key varieties to highlight and lean into for promotions in early 2026.

“Pears are naturally sodium-free, cholesterol-free, and fat-free, making them a heart-healthy choice that tastes indulgent without being heavy. It contains 4% of your daily recommended value for potassium, which is essential for heart health, hydration balance, and muscle function. We’re committed to helping retailers build consumer love for pears through customized POS, signage, and merchandising support. The opportunity to grow pear consumption is here, and our role is to remind shoppers of all the reasons pears deserve a place in their everyday routine!”

MICKLETON, NJ - LGS is giving current and prospective partners a firsthand look at its state-of-the-art S&L cold storage facility through a new high-definition video.

“To help make our customers more successful and meet shopper demands, LGS expanded its operations with the creation of S&L Cold Storage,” Luke Sears, President of LGS Specialty, shared.

Founded in 2022 and opened in Mickleton, New Jersey, in spring 2023, this automated facility helps the company further its mission to vertically integrate. Automating workflows to control cost increases, the spacious facility creates more consistent packs, ensures the highest quality, and maintains inventory control.

The facility is less than 20 miles from all major Delaware River Ports, and less than a mile from I-295. LGS understands that client success is defined by how effectively goods are managed throughout their lifecycle, and S&L is designed to execute on those needs. Backed by its state-of-the-art automated line control and product tracking systems, S&L offers repack services, cold storage, pre-cooling, and ripening services.

“With everything under one roof, you will experience faster loading and unloading coupled with best-in-class customer service!” Luke said.

Experience a high-graphic, firsthand view of the sprawling square footage by watching the three-minute video above.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DoorDash is teaming up with OpenAI to bring grocery shopping options directly into ChatGPT. The new DoorDash app in ChatGPT enables customers to turn recipes into grocery orders delivered from local stores in as little as an hour. This partnership is a major first step toward meeting customers where they look for inspiration and bringing them the DoorDash experience they already know and love.

Bringing More Seamless Ways to Shop in Chat

Today, more customers than ever turn to ChatGPT to discover recipes, plan meals, and find ideas to shake up their weekly cooking. Whether you’re a parent cooking for a family amidst evening sports practices or preparing to host a holiday gathering, finding time for grocery shopping can be challenging.

By enabling DoorDash’s extensive grocery selection and on-demand logistics network in the DoorDash app in ChatGPT, we’re making grocery shopping easier, faster, and more convenient, with access to your favorite grocery retailers across the U.S. The selection spans both nationwide staples like Kroger and Safeway, to regional favorites like Bi-Rite, Schnucks, Fairway Markets, and Wegmans. The new DoorDash app in ChatGPT eliminates the time spent finding recipes, writing grocery lists, and making trips to the store, allowing you to build your cart and check out in minutes with quick delivery.

“AI is unlocking an entirely new search and discovery experience for consumers that’s dynamic and personalized,” said Andy Fang, Co-founder at DoorDash, in the recent release. “We're thrilled to partner with OpenAI to create a seamless experience that allows users to quickly order ingredients for any recipe and check out directly on DoorDash. As we expand this experience to more shopping categories, our focus is on building AI tools that give people time back and make local shopping easier.”

“The DoorDash app in ChatGPT is another step toward bringing our vision to life—where AI connects directly to real-world services, saving people time and effort in their everyday lives,” said Nick Turley, VP, Head of ChatGPT.

How it Works

Think of the DoorDash app in ChatGPT as your new personal shopping assistant:

1. Enable DoorDash in ChatGPT: Go to your ChatGPT Account Settings, open the “Apps” section, select DoorDash, and log in to your DoorDash account. Once you open a chat, toggle DoorDash on using the plus button beside the text field to start using the app in your chat.
2. Get Inspired. Ask ChatGPT for a meal or recipe suggestion, like "Give me some ideas for easy, hearty soups to make for dinner tonight?" ChatGPT will suggest recipes tailored to your preferences.
3. Build your list. Once you have a recipe, ask ChatGPT to shop it using the DoorDash app. The DoorDash app in ChatGPT will turn the ingredients into a shoppable grocery list – all within the chat.
4. Check out and relax: When you’re ready to place your order, you can open your cart in the DoorDash app so you can review items, make adjustments, and complete your purchase from a nearby store.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or prepping for a holiday feast, the DoorDash app in ChatGPT helps you spend less time planning and shopping and more time cooking. The DoorDash app in ChatGPT is currently live for select users, and will expand to all customers in the coming weeks across iOS, Android, desktop, and mobile web, bringing DoorDash access directly into the chat.

Supporting Local Stores

By integrating the DoorDash app into new AI surfaces like ChatGPT, we’re helping merchants reach new customers at the very moment they’re deciding what to cook. Now, a local grocer can reach someone searching for “pumpkin pie ingredients” or “easy pasta dinner” in real time through a new channel. As we continue to build a seamless shopping experience, we plan to expand this integration beyond groceries to allow consumers to shop even more local categories on DoorDash directly through conversational AI.

Our goal is simple: to empower local economies by connecting consumers with the businesses that power their communities. We’re focused on making AI as useful as possible by helping people find, shop, and get what they need more easily than ever. The DoorDash app in ChatGPT is another step in building the most convenient and reliable local commerce platform, embedding AI where it creates the most value for consumers, merchants, and Dashers.