NASHVILLE, TN - The Mushroom Council® helped fuel the conversation around food and cognition at this year’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo™ (FNCE®), sponsoring a featured segment at a sold-out invite-only “Energize and Thrive” brain health retreat in Nashville this fall.

More than 80 registered dietitians, media professionals, and nutrition influencers gathered for the exclusive event, designed to explore how food can support focus, energy, and overall well-being.

The Mushroom Council’s sponsored discussion highlighted mushrooms’ role in the MIND Diet and their connection to brain health and cognitive function.

Consumers are increasingly linking what they eat to how they think and feel. Mushrooms are a natural fit within the MIND Diet, offering nutrients like ergothioneine, an amino acid that is being examined for its role in brain health.

The segment highlighted mushrooms as a functional food: whole, nutrient-rich, and accessible. Fresh mushrooms were lauded for contributing to overall wellness with key nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, and ergothioneine — a powerful amino acid that may help protect against chronic age-related diseases, including cognitive decline.

“FNCE is where dietitians go to discover what’s next in food and nutrition,” said Amy Wood, President and CEO of the Mushroom Council, in the recent release. “Our sponsorship brought fresh attention to mushrooms’ wellness story and showed how whole foods like mushrooms can play a real, science-backed role in supporting brain health as part of the MIND Diet.”

Guests experienced an immersive tasting featuring fresh mushroom dishes, showcasing mushrooms’ versatility across cuisines and meal occasions. Attendees also got a sneak peek of the Mushroom Council’s new marketing initiative, It’s Not Magic. It’s Mushrooms., which launches in 2026 with plans for increased Mushrooms 101 and nutrition education specifically for Millennial and Gen Z consumers.

HOUSTON, TX - America’s only Butter Potatoes are back with a major relaunch from EarthFresh, North America’s premier supplier of fresh produce. Now available from coast to coast, the full lineup, featuring Butter Golds, Butter Reds and Butter Russets, delivers premium flavor, bringing a new level of cooking versatility to kitchens across the country.

EarthFresh Butter Potatoes feature a naturally buttery, creamy interior, so rich in flavor, there’s no butter needed. Their smooth texture and vibrant color make Butter Golds perfect for mashing, Butter Reds perfect for roasting, and Butter Russets perfect for baking, delivering standout performance in every meal.

"At EarthFresh, we’re committed to bringing freshness and innovation to the produce aisle, and Butter Potatoes perfectly embody that vision," says Jessica Anderson (Hughes), Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at EarthFresh, in the recent release. “After more than a decade of research and development, our Butter Potato varieties are unlike anything else on the market, truly setting them apart from the everyday spud. Launching nationwide marks a major milestone as we continue to raise the bar and meet the growing demand for premium produce, whether for home cooks or professional chefs."

All-natural, Butter Potatoes deliver a nutritious, perfectly textured potato that’s smooth and creamy, no matter how it’s prepared. Each variety is carefully graded to ensure exceptional quality, consistency and taste. A comprehensive sensory analysis, conducted by a panel of experts, identified key flavor and texture attributes and assigned a score out of 100, helping consumers easily navigate their unique profiles. Butter Potatoes are quickly becoming the go-to for grocers and home cooks who demand the very best.

To help highlight the culinary potential of the Butter Potato lineup, EarthFresh has partnered with acclaimed chef Yann Nury to lead recipe development. “Butter Potatoes are a chef’s dream – incredibly adaptable, delicious, and consistently perfect,” says Chef Yann Nury. “They elevate any dish, from simple home-cooked favorites to restaurant-worthy creations. They perform beautifully in every setting, making them the ultimate kitchen staple. Without a doubt, they’re my potato of choice.”

Following a successful debut in select U.S. markets, Butter Potatoes have undergone a major relaunch featuring a fresh new look and updated sustainable packaging. Previously available only in those initial regions, where they quickly sold out and generated excitement among both retailers and consumers, Butter Potatoes are now being distributed nationwide across the U.S. and in Canada.

Ahead of the national launch, a study was conducted to gauge grocery shoppers’ interest and purchase intent for new produce items. The results are impressive: 85 percent of American consumers indicated a positive intention to buy Butter Potatoes, according to recent findings by IMI International. The Butter Potato concept outperformed industry benchmarks, demonstrating strong and unmistakable consumer demand.

EarthFresh Butter Potatoes are now available on shelves across the country. Choose from Butter Golds, Butter Reds, and Butter Russets in convenient 5 lb bags, with Butter Golds also available in 10 lb bags. Retailers interested in these exclusive varieties can learn more at EarthFreshFoods.com/Butter.

More about the Butter Potato Lineup

• Butter Golds: Butter Golds have smooth golden skin and rich yellow flesh. They deliver a balanced cooked potato flavor with buttery-corn richness, mild sweetness, and light earthy warmth. With a tender, creamy texture and natural moisture, they’re ideal for mashing, roasting, or any dish highlighting their buttery finish. Butter Golds pair beautifully with sweet seafood, herb sauces, and roasted root vegetables, offering a rich, buttery complement to golden, savory dishes.
• Butter Reds: Butter Reds have smooth red skin and golden flesh. They deliver a rich cooked potato flavor with gentle buttery corn notes and subtle earthy depth. With a smooth, creamy texture that holds its shape, they offer a tender, satisfying bite perfect for boiling, roasting, or pan-searing. Butter Reds pair beautifully with roasted meats, tangy glazes, and earthy root vegetables, offering a savory, structured balance that stands up to bold flavors and bright finishes.
• Butter Russets: Butter Russets have classic russet skin and rich golden flesh. It delivers a strong cooked potato flavor with buttery sweetness and subtle caramelized notes, ranking highest among russet varieties. With a light, fluffy texture and balanced moisture, it’s an excellent choice for baking, mashing, or frying. Butter Russets pair beautifully with rich meats, truffle accents, and crisp greens, offering a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness for any meal.

UNITED STATES - This November, the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) and AndNowUKnow (ANUK) are collaborating to invite the entire fresh produce community to take part in a collective moment of appreciation. In celebration of National Gratitude Month, EFI is expanding its annual gratitude campaign beyond certified farms to include growers, shippers, retailers, marketers, and everyone who helps bring fruits and vegetables to tables around the world.

For the past two years, EFI has collected reflections of gratitude from its certified farms, highlighting messages from farmworkers, supervisors, and managers sharing why they are proud to be part of this industry. With the industry’s help, we are excited to create a collective “Wall of Gratitude” that celebrates the people, companies, and connections that make fresh produce such a collaborative and caring industry.

“In produce, gratitude runs deep,” said LeAnne Ruzzamenti, EFI’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “Every box of fresh produce represents thousands of small moments of teamwork and dedication, from the field to the packing line to the point of sale. This initiative reminds us that we all depend on one another, and that saying thank you strengthens the entire supply chain.”

How to Participate

EFI and AndNowUKnow invite everyone across the produce supply chain, from farm teams and field managers to marketers, buyers, and retail partners to share what makes them thankful to be part of this industry. Submit a short message or quote recognizing colleagues, mentors, or companies that have made a difference.

Show how #GratitudeGrowsHere by posting directly on social media and tagging @AndNowUKnow by November 23, or submit through EFI’s JotForm by November 15.

Messages will be compiled into a digital Wall of Gratitude, published on AndNowUKnow news feed and EFI’s social media channels during Thanksgiving week.

“Our industry moves fast, but taking a moment to express appreciation reminds us what makes fresh produce special: the people,” said Andrea Allen, Senior Section Editor at AndNowUKnow. “This campaign celebrates the spirit of connection and care that unites growers, shippers, and retailers alike.”

From farmworkers in the fields, to partners managing logistics and retail displays, every person in the produce pipeline plays a vital role. This campaign is a collective thank-you card to the people who make fresh produce possible, proof that gratitude truly grows here.

WEST DES MOINES, IA - With families struggling to figure out budget-friendly meal options in the current economic environment, Hy-Vee is offering a way to make holiday meals more affordable with its $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal. This year Hy-Vee’s meal deal includes all the traditional ingredients needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal for the best value. Meal packages start at $30 and feed up to 6 people and include a whole turkey or turkey breast as well as a dessert. The in-store and online offer runs Nov. 3 through Nov. 26. A gluten-free meal deal is also available for $50.

New this year, in addition to the $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal, Hy-Vee is also providing a delivery option for the Hy-Vee Prepared Holiday Meal Packs. This popular option is available for a party of 2 to 12 and includes a choice of protein with sides that come prepared and only require reheating. Customers can start placing orders online today at Hy-Vee.com or through their local Hy-Vee store. Customers who purchase the prepared holiday meal packs can schedule a delivery time until Nov. 26 or schedule a pickup time at their local Hy-Vee store. All Hy-Vee stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day; however, pre-ordered meal packs can be picked up at the store between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Also new this year, customers will be able to order either the Hy-Vee prepared holiday meal packs or the $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal in the same online basket as their other grocery items through Hy-Vee.com, making for a seamless order process and avoiding the hassle of going to a separate Hy-Vee website.

“At Hy-Vee, we want to help customers save time and money, and these meal options will do just that while allowing customers to spend more time with friends and family,” said Anna Stoermer, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising & Retail Officer at Hy-Vee, in the recent release. “We know the holidays can be a busy time and that no two celebrations look the same, so whatever Thanksgiving looks like for you, Hy-Vee has you covered.”

In addition to the Thanksgiving meal options, Hy-Vee will be running its popular “Buy a ham, get a turkey free” promotion throughout the month of November at all Hy-Vee locations.