BLANDON, PA - There is a special fun-gi ready to help consumers celebrate this holiday season, and a company tapping into its full entertainment potential. I speak of Giorgio Fresh Co. and what the company is doing to make mushrooms a festivities favorite.

“As holiday cooking and entertaining peak, we expect our stuffed mushrooms, grill packs, and other value-added offerings to play a larger role than ever in meal planning,” Bryan Shelton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, shares. “We remain dedicated to delivering quality, consistency, and innovative solutions that help shoppers feel confident in the kitchen while helping retailers grow their baskets. Above all, we’re grateful for the strong partnerships that allow us to keep advancing the category and bringing new ideas to market.”

Giorgio Fresh is leaning into its innovation-driven Grill Packs in three bold flavors that bring effortless preparation to holiday entertaining: Steak Seasoning, Smokey Honey Habanero, and Brown Sugar Bourbon.

“We’re proud to be expanding beyond traditional mushrooms into fresh, ready-to-entertain items like stuffed peppers and fresh limes, giving retailers more ways to differentiate,” Bryan says. “With our retail partners, we’re focused on strong seasonal merchandising and cross-category placement to help capture holiday demand.”

That demand continues to rise, Bryan tells me, as consumers seek bold flavors, convenience, and restaurant-quality meals at home. Likewise, volume is strong and Giorgio is well-positioned to meet any increased seasonal needs. Quality remains excellent across the board, reflecting Giorgio’s nine decades of growing expertise and commitment to delivering consistent, fresh products throughout the holiday period.

In addition to exploring new categories, Giorgio is launching a major influencer initiative designed to meet consumers where they already spend their time throughout the holiday season. The team is partnering with more than 20 influencers across the food, health, lifestyle, and beauty spaces to stay present in the digital moments that shape holiday planning and inspiration. By showing up in the places where consumers browse recipes, wellness content, and look for hosting ideas, Giorgio aims to keep pace with demand and remain top-of-mind as shoppers prepare for their celebrations.

“This initiative lets us broaden our reach and step into new spaces,” Bryan shares. “It’s not just about food; it’s about meeting consumers where they’re looking for ideas, creativity, and convenience.”

Giorgio is driving category growth through chef-inspired flavor innovation, ready-to-cook formats, and products that make fresh mushrooms and peppers easier and more inspiring to use in everyday meals.

“Our fresh Stuffed Jalapeños in Bacon & Cheddar and Triple Cheese with Diced Jalapeños; and our Hot ’n Spicy Stuffed Mushrooms featuring Fiery Sriracha, Nashville Hot, Jalapeño, and Hatch Chile. These offerings make fresh entertaining easier, more exciting, and full of flavor,” Bryan concludes.

As we continue to report how to maximize fresh items amid consumer festivities, keep an eye on AndNowUKnow for all the latest.

CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist Farms, North America’s leading grower/shipper of fresh artichokes, unveiled its latest innovation—Heartichokes—at the New York Produce Show last week to tremendous anticipation and acclaim.

“We were thrilled to launch our first-of-its-kind ‘Heartichokes’ at the New York Produce Show,” said Ocean Mist Farms President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Drew, in the recent release. “Inspired by our ‘No Shame in a Shortcut’ rebranded Roastables line, these tender baby artichoke quarters are ready to cook right out of the package and are sure to elevate any meal.”

The exciting new value-added line features three items: two varieties with chef-crafted seasoning packets – Lemon Butter and Savory Parm – and one unseasoned option for artichoke fans who prefer their own signature spices. Versatile and convenient, Heartichokes can be roasted, sautéed, added to soups, stews, or stir-fries – and even grilled for an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish. “Each package contains about five trimmed artichokes for easy dishes requiring minimal prep, mess, or cleanup,” Drew noted.

Emphasizing how Heartichokes reflect Ocean Mist Farms’ commitment to evolving with consumer needs, Drew mentioned, “Commodities will always be central to our business, but we also recognize the growing consumer demand for value-added convenience items in fresh produce.” Continuing, “Remaining strong in the marketplace requires adaptation, and throughout our 100+ year history, we’ve continually evolved in response to shifting consumer needs and industry trends. Understanding how to transform traditional commodities into innovative, value-added meal solutions – while maintaining the right balance between the two – is essential.”

With a continued focus on product development and value-added innovations, Ocean Mist is building on its legacy of premium fresh vegetables while responding thoughtfully to consumer demand for convenience. By pairing its deep agricultural expertise with data-driven insights, the company is expanding into new formats, flavors, and meal-solution concepts that make fresh vegetables easier and more accessible for today’s consumers.

With the rebranded Roastables line rolling out in stores this month, Ocean Mist further strengthens its position as a category innovator and trusted partner. “We’ve invested significant energy and resources into understanding evolving consumer needs,” said Jeff Fulton, vice president sales & product management. “That insight fuels our development process and ensures we’re delivering on-trend, solution-driven innovations that both delight consumers and drive sales growth for our retail partners – all while honoring our century-old heritage.”

“As the largest grower-shipper of artichokes in North America, we are, after all, known for these coveted thistles,” Drew added. “Being able to evolve our flagship item into a first-to-market line of distinctive, time-saving products that we believe consumers will truly enjoy is very gratifying for our team.”

Heartichokes will be available in stores in early 2026.

RIO RICO, AZ - From zucchini to eggplant, bell peppers, and beyond, promotional opportunities are on the horizon as SunFed continues to wield the strength of its dynamic portfolio. The supplier is currently helping retailers meet multi-category demand with its lineup of zucchini, calabacita, yellow squash, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, and tomatoes, along with a full lineup of organic offerings.

“Mother Nature wasn’t too kind to us in early October, but since mid-November, it’s been steady supplies of SunFed Perfect Produce,” shared JC Myers, SunFed’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. ”There are going to be excellent promotional opportunities for zucchini, eggplant, slicing cucumbers, and green bell peppers from December to March.”

This time of year, SunFed’s production comes from Sonora, Sinaloa, and Central Mexico.

As promotional opportunities rise across these categories, JC advises retailers to take advantage of industry messaging, such as the Foundation for Fresh Produce’s Have A Plant® and USDA’s My Plate, which promote increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Build big colorful displays—old school stack it high, and watch it fly!” JC advises.

As 2026 nears, SunFed is excited to be a Platinum Sponsor for the Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) in January, connecting with industry members from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For more of the latest category updates, leave a tab open to AndNowUKnow.

WATSONVILLE, CA - California Giant Berry Farms proudly announces it is now a Certified B Corporation®, joining a global community of businesses committed to using business as a force for good.

Just as Fair Trade USA and USDA Organic certifications validate how berries are grown, B Corp certification recognizes how companies operate. With this certification, California Giant demonstrates its commitment to meeting the high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Joe Barsi, President and CEO of California Giant Berry Farms, said in the recent release, “Our vision is to be the most sustainable fresh berry company in the world, because we believe that’s the only way to provide premium berries for generations to come. Becoming B Corp Certified is a significant milestone on our sustainability journey, as it holds us publicly accountable for real, lasting progress.”

Since its founding in 1983, California Giant has been a family-owned, purpose-driven company. As part of its sustainability roadmap, California Giant has recently announced several key milestones, including:

• Enhanced grower partnerships through Fair Trade USA and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) verification programs.
• Introducing company supported volunteer hours as well as reinstating its Green Team that provides employee education on California Giant’s environmental and societal impacts.
• Conducted a materiality assessment that informed new sustainability metrics and goals for internal and external benchmarking.
• Named as the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County 2024 Food Donor of the Year.
• Installing a solar array at our Santa Maria, CA cooler, expected to offset 50-60 percent of the facility’s grid electricity use.

B Corp certification is a part of California Giant’s broader “Berries with Purpose” ideology—an ongoing commitment to nourishing communities, protecting the planet, and delivering exceptional berries for generations to come.

​​“With our Berries with Purpose commitment,” said Catherine Campbell, Director of Sustainability at California Giant Berry Farms, “we’ve formalized our purpose, set strategic targets, and openly shared our progress through our Sustainability Report. Becoming a B Corp is the result of our team’s incredible achievements to date. We’re honored to join the B Corp community as we continue to grow our positive impact in the berry industry.”

CARLISLE, PA - The GIANT Company announced plans for a new store in Glen Mills, PA. The approximately 53,000 square foot store is part of a new ground up shopping center, The Shoppes at Concord, located at the corner of Route 202/Wilmington Pike and Ridge Road in Concord Township.

“For nearly four decades, we’ve been a part of Delaware County, continually investing in our stores, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the families who call Delco home. Today’s news reinforces our commitment to not only growing in, but also with, the communities we proudly serve,” said John Ruane, president, The GIANT Company, in the recent release. “We’re looking forward to introducing our new Glen Mills neighbors to the freshness and value GIANT is known for, in addition to having them experience the latest grocery amenities and service delivered with kindness by our team.”

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, subject to obtaining the necessary permits and approvals. Specific store amenities and employment opportunities, as well as an opening date, will be shared at a later date.

Currently, The GIANT Company operates 10 stores and employs more than 1,800 team members in Delaware County.

NEWARK, NY - Crunch Time Apple Growers, owned by nearly 170 New York apple growers and responsible for bringing SnapDragon apples to retailers across the country, is giving fans a chance to win big this season – both on and off the field. Crunch Time, specifically SnapDragon apples, is partnering with the Pro Football Hall of Fame for a sweepstakes that will award one lucky winner a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Football’s Greatest Weekend in Canton, Ohio, where they’ll attend the Hall of Fame Game and the Enshrinement of the Class of 2026.

As part of the campaign rollout, Crunch Time is currently recruiting retailers who sell SnapDragon apples to join the campaign. Participating retailers will receive in-store marketing support, including signage featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Reed, and potentially other Hall of Famers.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for retailers to offer this sweepstakes to their shoppers,” said Jessica Wells, Executive Director of Crunch Time Apple Growers, in the recent release. “Apples aren’t typically top-of-mind in the winter months, but this promotion creates a renewed sense of excitement for them in-store – the timing of it aligns perfectly with the end of the football season, the big game and new Hall of Fame members being announced. This campaign will boost sales while helping retailers to engage directly with their shoppers. And who wouldn’t want to be able to say they helped send a shopper to the Hall of Fame?!”

The Snap Your Way to Canton sweepstakes officially starts in December, with a grand prize winner to be drawn in March of 2026. Fans can enter by purchasing SnapDragon apples, and can follow along on SnapDragon’s social media channels for more details*. The campaign rollout officially kicked off at this year’s IFPA show, where Reed, the spokesman for the sweepstakes, held a meet and greet with fans and discussed the upcoming promotion.

“This partnership is a natural fit for the SnapDragon brand,” added Wells. “SnapDragon apples are the variety of choice for anyone who seeks out unique experiences and fosters a competitive spirit – we’re thrilled to team up with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to bring our audiences a fun, exciting way to celebrate their love of sports while enjoying their favorite apple.”

For more information, including how to commit to participating at the retailer-level, please contact [email protected].

UNITED STATES - Trader Joe’s is closing out the year with a slate of new store openings, adding eleven locations across the country as part of its ongoing national expansion strategy.

Following months of steady growth, the retailer has now officially opened new stores in Daytona Beach, FL; Newton, MA; Exton, PA; Goodyear, AZ; Washington–Friendship Heights, DC; Melbourne, FL; Broken Arrow, OK; Lacey, WA; Shelton, CT; and Kingwood, TX.

According to the releases, two additional openings round out the list: Costa Mesa, CA, which opens December 11, and Columbia, SC and Williamsville, NY, both welcoming shoppers on December 12.

This latest wave continues a remarkable cadence for the grocer, which has opened at least one—often several—new stores nearly every month of 2025. The new sites strengthen Trader Joe’s footprint across the Southeast, Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and Southwest, bringing its neighborhood-style shopping experience to even more communities.

As the retailer builds out its coast-to-coast network, ANUK will continue tracking each new opening and the broader growth strategy behind them.