YUMA, AZ - As holiday sweets tempt consumers, opportunities are ripe to steer them toward the healthy indulgence found in the produce aisle.

“We recommend creating prominent secondary placements that capture the festive spirit and highlight the premium, giftable nature of Natural Delights Medjool dates,” David Baxter, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Natural Delights, said. “Eye-catching holiday displays near produce, bakery, or deli sections draw shoppers in and remind them that dates are perfect for entertaining, snacking, and baking.”

Because they’re shelf-stable, Natural Delights are an excellent merchandising staple across the store. Among the complementary options David listed were holiday baking ingredients, entertaining displays with cheese and meats, as well as charcuterie and appetizer boards.

“Retailers can also leverage endcaps or shipper displays featuring holiday recipe inspiration like stuffed or wrapped dates to showcase the product’s versatility and drive impulse purchases. Cross-merchandising is a powerful way to showcase how versatile dates can be while tying into the broader momentum happening online,” he shared.

This holiday season, Natural Delights is hosting a sweepstakes on Instagram from November 14 through December 31, partnering with produce heavy hitters like Stemilt, Love Beets, SugarBee®, and Frieda’s for giveaways that celebrate the creative ways dates fit into holiday entertaining and baking. An online buzz retailers can leverage and build on in-store.

In fact, when asked about success stories from retail partners who executed standout holiday promotions or creative merchandising that boosted sales for Natural Delights, David said retailers who have seen the most success during the holiday season are bringing Natural Delights Medjool dates out of the produce section.

“Bringing our products into high-traffic areas where shoppers are planning for entertaining and baking, many have utilized our holiday shippers with clear callouts to recipe inspiration and hosting ideas to capture attention and drive impulse purchases,” he explained.

During the holidays, Natural Delights sees sales lifts of 25–50 percent, with those featuring more prominent displays achieving results on the higher end of that range.

“We’ve also seen strong results from retailers who take advantage of cross-merchandising opportunities, placing dates alongside those complementary staples, so shoppers can easily add them to their carts while shopping beyond produce,” he reiterated. “And with Google searches for ‘date caramel’ and ‘date dessert recipes’ trending 5,000 percent higher during the holiday months, it’s the perfect time for retailers to take advantage of this consumer interest and position Natural Delights throughout the store.”

Retailers can bring the company’s recipes to life in-store through point-of-sale signage, QR codes, or digital promotions that feature holiday favorites like Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Date Bark, or Brie-Stuffed Dates. Who says holiday sweets have to be a guilty pleasure?

For more ways to ensure holiday traffic lifts the produce aisle across categories and beyond, keep an eye on AndNowUKnow.

IMMOKALEE, FL - Modern farming company Ark Foods is highlighting its domestically-grown honeynut squash program as retailers gear up for Thanksgiving. Grown across U.S. regions, Ark Foods’ Honeynut Squash delivers the quality, consistency and flavor buyers expect during one of the busiest produce seasons of the year. The squash’s vibrant color, natural sweetness and easy preparation reflect Ark Foods’ belief that simple, flavorful vegetables can evoke excitement in the produce aisle.

“Honeynut squash perfectly captures what Ark Foods stands for — flavor, simplicity and a genuine love for vegetables,” said Noah Robbins, founder and CEO of Ark Foods, in the recent release. “It’s grown right here in the U.S., farmed in Upstate New York, and packed with natural sweetness that proves seasonal produce can be both comforting and exciting.”

Compact and deeply flavorful, the variety is about half the size of a traditional Butternut but twice as sweet. Its rich orange flesh is high in beta-carotene, a natural antioxidant, and its edible skin makes preparation effortless. Roasted or microwaved and drizzled with honey or maple syrup, Honeynut Squash brings warmth and flavor to every table throughout the holiday season.

“Hard squash season is one of our favorites,” says Lindsay Belfatto, Vice President of Sales at Ark Foods. “We take great pride in growing our squash domestically. It gives our retail and foodservice partners the confidence of knowing they’re offering a U.S.-grown product — one that supports local agriculture and consistently delivers on taste, quality and reliability.”

Consumers increasingly value locally grown products for their freshness and lower environmental impact. By choosing U.S.-grown Honeynut Squash, shoppers know where their ingredients are coming from and can enjoy a delicious, high-quality product while contributing to a more sustainable food system.

“Our hard squash program represents what we love most about this time of year,” Robbins adds. “We take pride in being a domestic grower that brings the best of U.S. agriculture to every table. It’s a story we’re proud to tell, one that continues to grow each season.”

ORLANDO, FL - Two decades of rapid growth, research, and impact are being celebrated as the National Mango Board celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year. Since 2005, the organization has been on a mission to increase mango consumption in the U.S., and it continues to contribute to the success of one of the fastest-growing fruits in the country today.

“As we celebrate our 20^th anniversary, we’re looking ahead with an ambitious goal: to see mangos in every grocery basket by 2030,” shares Ramón Ojeda, Executive Director of the National Mango Board. “We plan to reach this goal by continuing to invest in research, education, and promotion efforts that keep mangos top of mind for consumers, retailers, and the entire produce industry.”

Celebrating this milestone anniversary, the National Mango Board is looking back on two decades of progress for the mango category, including:

• Consumption has nearly doubled from 1.9 lbs. per person in 2005 to 3.5 lbs per person in 2024
• During the first half of 2025, mangos reached the 10^th most consumed fruit in the U.S.*
• In 2024, the ROI on mango promotions reached 16 percent; this means that for every dollar the industry has invested in the NMB programs during the past 10 years, the industry has gained $16 in return
• U.S. mango imports have increased 255 percent, from $262 million in 2005 to $929 million in 2024
• More than 130 million boxes of mangos are delivered to the U.S. annually
• In 20 years, over 40 nutrition and health studies and 100+ production/post-harvest studies have been completed, advancing both consumer awareness and industry innovation

As Ramón tells me, retailers are key players when it comes to uplifting the mango category.

“Retailers play a vital role in keeping mangos top of mind for consumers and driving category growth. The biggest opportunities come from consistent merchandising, engaging displays, and cross-promotions that highlight how mangos fit into everyday meals and snacks. Through retail partnerships, we’re able to provide shoppers with samples, recipe inspiration, and easy access to educational resources on Mango.org. The National Mango Board also supports retailers with promotional materials, data insights, and more,” Ramón explains.

With category demand already strong, rising trends also present the opportunity for additional retail growth.

“One of the most visible consumer trends creating opportunities for mangos is the growing focus on health and wellness,” says Ramón. “Consumers are increasingly seeking foods that support a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor. Because fruit naturally aligns with perceptions of health, mangos are well-positioned to benefit from this trend. By continuing to educate on mangos, we can keep them top of mind for consumers who are making more mindful food choices.”

The NMB continues to drive research, education, and promotion efforts to keep mangos top of mind for consumers, retailers, and the broader produce industry, well on track to put “mangos in every grocery basket by 2030.”

“We plan to continue the momentum, the only way we know how to—by creating fun, joy-filled moments that immerse consumers into the world of mangos,” Ramon shares. “In 2026, the focus will remain on providing year-round education through creative campaigns, influencer partnerships, in-store activations, and more. With major global events coming to the U.S., we also see a timely opportunity to tap into that excitement and bring the energy of mango education to an even broader audience.”

The NMB website receives over 2.5 million visits annually, featuring recipes, research, education, and interactive content.

For more category insights and updates, leave a tab open to AndNowUKnow.

^{*Source: Nielsen IQ data through July 2025}

LAKELAND, FL - Publix has been named by Fortune as one of the best workplaces for women in 2025, one of only two grocery retailers on the large companies list.

“This recognition reflects the culture we have built at Publix to ensure all associates feel appreciated, supported and valued,” said Publix Vice President of Associate Experience Marcy Benton in the recent release. “For 95 years, Publix has been committed to being an inclusive workplace, which allows each associate the opportunity to achieve their personal best.”

Methodology

In a survey conducted by Great Place to Work, women were asked about their experiences in the workplace, focusing on their ability to thrive professionally, opportunities for advancement and feeling valued.

To learn more about Publix’s recognition and see Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women list, visit greatplacetowork.com/best-workplaces/women/2025.

CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist Farms, North America’s leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, unveiled its newly rebranded Roastables line at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim last month.

Originally launched just over a year ago – and named the Joe Nucci Innovation Award winner at the New York Produce Show just months later – Ocean Mist Farms’ Ready-to-Roast vegetable kits have been redesigned to better engage consumers, stand out on retail shelves, and drive category growth. The rebrand introduces bold new packaging in the playful “No Shame in a Shortcut” campaign, celebrating the ease and enjoyment of fresh, flavorful, oven-ready vegetables.

Now seven items strong, the Roastables line features washed and trimmed premium vegetables paired with chef-crafted seasoning packets. With virtually no prep required, consumers can have a fresh, nutritious, and delicious side dish on their dinner table in just 15–20 minutes in a flavor every palate in the family will love.

“We’ve invested in significant brand marketing initiatives and consumer research to continually understand the evolving needs of shoppers,” said Chris Drew, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Mist Farms. “These kits were developed for time-starved consumers who want quick, easy, and wholesome meal solutions without compromising on quality or flavor.”

Drew added that connecting with consumers starts with visibility at the retail level. “We knew we had to break out of the ‘sea of sameness’ in the value-added category,” he explained. “Our goal is to deliver innovative products that not only meet consumer demand but also drive sales growth for our retail partners.”

Designed for busy households, Roastables make it simple to enjoy freshly prepared vegetables – no guilt, no mess, and no compromise.

“We’ve got more exciting innovations coming in Q1 of 2026, including a first-of-its-kind value-added line we think consumers are going to be excited about and respond to very enthusiastically,” Drew teased. “Our innovative spirit is alive and well – and fired up for the new year and beyond.”

New “No Shame” Roastables packages will begin rolling out to retail shelves next month.

WASHINGTON - Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers and retailers, is proud to recognize Amalia Zimmerman-Lommel of GoodFarms for receiving the 2025 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award.

Named for produce industry pioneer Frieda Rapoport Caplan, the award honors individuals who mentor women, act with integrity and create pathways for others to thrive professionally. It is presented annually during the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast held during the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show.

Zimmerman-Lommel, who currently serves as director of sustainability and partner at GoodFarms, began her career as a receptionist before working her way up through the company and earning recognition as a trailblazer in social responsibility, sustainability and leadership within the produce industry. During the award presentation, presenters noted that she builds pathways for women to step into new roles with confidence, provides the support they need to thrive, and acts as a convener and a bridge builder. Zimmerman-Lommel has been deeply committed to empowering women across all levels of the agricultural supply chain, mentoring countless women and creating spaces and processes within her company to foster confidence, connection and growth.

Reflecting on Zimmerman-Lommel’s contributions, Megan Nash, director of education and talent for IFPA said, “Amalia truly embodies the spirit of this award. Her dedication, integrity and heart for mentorship show up in everything she does. She doesn’t just talk about developing future leaders; she actively invests her time, her experience, and her belief in others. She is carrying forward Frieda Caplan’s powerful legacy of action, impact and lifting others as she climbs.”

Zimmerman-Lommel’s mentorship has inspired women across her company and the industry. Her colleague, Marylu Ramirez, human resources and H-2A program manager for GoodFarms noted, “Amalia doesn’t just offer guidance, she creates intentional opportunities for growth and helps you see the potential you didn’t know you had. She has given me both a platform and the resources to advance my career, and I am deeply grateful to her. Amalia brings a rare blend of integrity, wisdom and genuine care that makes everyone around her feel valued and capable of more. She has been a pillar of support for me and for so many others at GoodFarms.”

Under her leadership, GoodFarms became one of the first growers to adopt EFI’s Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured certification program, which promotes collaboration, continuous improvement, leadership and worker engagement on farms. Zimmerman-Lommel has been instrumental in implementing worker-manager collaborative teams that give farmworkers—especially women—a platform to lead, share ideas and develop professionally.

“Amalia’s impact reaches far beyond her own company,” said EFI’s Director of Marketing and Communications, LeAnne Ruzzamenti. “She exemplifies what it means to lead with empathy and vision. Through her mentorship, she has built a legacy of women who see themselves as capable, confident and vital to the success of our industry.”

Zimmerman-Lommel credits her success to mentors who supported her early in her career and to her belief that leadership is about creating opportunities for others. “These things are possible when women are mentored and given an opportunity to grow,” she said during her acceptance speech. “Sometimes, all we need is a little opportunity—and someone who believes in us.”