SAN DIEGO, CA - BrightFresh® Microgreens announced an expanded partnership with Walmart, doubling its availability from 95 to 201 stores across the United States. This significant growth, focusing on Utah and Arizona, underscores Walmart's commitment to offering fresh, nutritious options to its customers.

"We're thrilled to expand our partnership with Walmart, which will allow even more customers to experience the superior taste and health benefits of BrightFresh Microgreens," stated Aaron Horwitz, Senior Marketing Manager.

The expansion will see BrightFresh Microgreens available in the fresh refrigerated section starting the first week of October. This move reflects the growing demand for nutrient-rich, flavorful microgreens that can enhance any meal.

The company also noted that its microgreens, known for their exceptional flavor and nutritional density, have continued to lead in their retail market. With distribution nationwide on Ibotta and Instacart in addition to in-store opportunities, the company is on an upward trend.

As the nation's leading provider of premium microgreens, BrightFresh controls over 40 percent of the U.S. microgreens market, the release explained, demonstrating its strong commitment to sustainability and health.

For more information on partnerships across the industry, keep an eye on AndNowUKnow.

DELTA, CANADA - With the Global Produce & Floral Show on the horizon, WINDSET FARMS® is unveiling a new addition to its product portfolio: SWEETIES™ Seedless Mini Peppers.

"As the movement toward healthier lifestyles continues to grow, SWEETIES™ Seedless Mini Peppers fit perfectly into what today's consumers are looking for," remarked Ryan Cherry, Director of Sales. "We're thrilled to introduce this new variety that brings an unbeatable balance of flavor, color, and ease to any routine."

These peppers are available in red, orange, and yellow, in addition to being non-GMO and greenhouse-grown.

According to a press release, research shows that fresh, nutritious snacks are at the forefront of consumer preferences, especially as shoppers seek healthier alternatives to satisfy their cravings. SWEETIES Seedless Mini Peppers answer this growing need by offering a naturally sweet and flavorful option for snacking on the go.

There’s also new packaging to complement the launch. The new SWEETIES LDPE bag, available in a 1 lb and 1.5 lb option, reduces plastic usage by 20 percent compared to laminated pouch bags, the release explained.

"We're committed to delivering delicious, fresh produce in a way that minimizes our environmental impact," Cherry added.

The product shares the playful design of YUM YUMS™ Cherry Tomatoes, which saw impressive month-over-month sales following its launch last October.

"The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents and kids alike loving the sweet, crunchy taste of SWEETIES," noted Cherry. "Our playful branding makes healthy eating more fun, which is a win-win for our customers and families."

To see this new product for yourself, stop by booth B1465!

TORONTO, ON - DoorDash Canada unveiled its first-ever Community Impact Report, highlighting significant contributions to local merchants, Dashers, and consumers across Canada. This report revealed that one in 10 local merchants credited DoorDash with their continued business success.

“DoorDash is a platform that supports a wide range of merchants in growing and expanding their businesses, gives Dashers from all walks of life flexible learning opportunities, and is making the lives of Canadians more convenient,” said Shilpa Arora, General Manager.

Based on data collected in 2023, the report indicated that local and family-owned merchants utilizing DoorDash demonstrated improved revenue growth and customer loyalty. According to a press release, nearly three-quarters of businesses surveyed stated that DoorDash enhanced their overall revenue. Notably, one in 10 merchants claimed they would not exist without the platform. Dashers reported high levels of satisfaction with the flexibility DoorDash provided, while consumers noted increased convenience and access to their local favorites.

“This report illustrates the tremendous impact that DoorDash has on the diverse communities where we operate across Canada,” Arora added.

The findings further revealed that 73 percent of consumers used the DoorDash app to discover restaurants they might not have tried otherwise, with 90 percent of them ordering from those establishments again. Additionally, the report highlighted that 93 percent of consumers agreed that DoorDash eased the burden of cooking when time was scarce.

With tens of thousands of partnerships with small and family-owned businesses, DoorDash continues to play a pivotal role in empowering local economies. The report demonstrated that 72 percent of merchants found DoorDash minimized the logistical burdens of in-house delivery, allowing them to focus on business growth.

DoorDash's Community Impact Report underscored the platform’s critical role in connecting communities, facilitating flexible earning opportunities, and enhancing the overall consumer experience. As the company expands its reach, it remains committed to fostering strong relationships within Canadian communities. For more information, the full report is available here.

Keep reading ANUK for more stories that illuminate progress and connection.

WESTPORT, CT - American, family-owned supermarket chain Big Y Foods announced its commitment to local farmers and food businesses, inviting them to collaborate as it prepares to open its first store in southwestern Connecticut.

“Our team is looking forward to learning about the Westport area and becoming a part of the community,” stated Michael P. D’Amour, President and Chief Executive Officer. “One way we do that is by partnering with local farms, businesses, and artisans to showcase the products that are unique to the region.”

According to Westport Journal, Big Y's focus on local products not only meets consumer demand for fresh, high-quality items but also contributes to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. This initiative is expected to foster community relationships and further establish Big Y as a leader in supporting local agriculture.

With this new location at 1076 Post Road East, Big Y aims to strengthen its partnerships with over 500 local businesses that currently supply more than 4,000 products across its existing stores.

“We’re committed to providing our shoppers with the finest, freshest, and most flavorful local products that reflect the communities we are in,” shared Mike Cormier, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

The grocery chain has a history of curating a diverse selection of items, including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, maple syrup, and more. This initiative is part of Big Y’s ongoing effort to enhance its local offerings and support regional economies.

“These partnerships not only help local small businesses stay healthy, but they also allow us to provide the highest-quality merchandise to our customers,” Cormier added.

As Big Y prepares for its opening, it remains eager to hear from local farmers and food businesses interested in collaborating. This outreach will ensure that the new store truly reflects the local community and its unique offerings.

Stay in touch with ANUK for more updates on this exciting collaboration!

CANYON COUNTRY, CA - Trader Joe’s will celebrate the grand opening of its new store in Canyon Country, California, offering local residents an exciting new grocery shopping experience. This store will continue to exemplify Trader Joe’s commitment to providing exceptional value through high-quality products at competitive prices.

According to the retailer, the new store, located in Santa Clarita, California, is set to open on Wednesday, October 9.

The Canyon County Trader Joe's will deliver on the same promise as other locations, featuring a curated selection of unique and interesting products, primarily under the Trader Joe’s label.

According to the grocer's website, each item undergoes a rigorous tasting panel process to ensure it meets the company’s high standards for quality and value. The team emphasized that if a product does not perform well, it is replaced by new and innovative options, keeping the shopping experience fresh and exciting.

Trader Joe's business model is focused on direct buying from suppliers and maintaining low operational costs, allowing the company to offer consistently low prices without the need for sales, coupons, or loyalty programs. This straightforward approach enables Trader Joe’s to pass savings directly to customers, aiming to foster a sense of community and trust.

The grand opening of the Canyon Country store will mark an exciting chapter for Trader Joe’s, enhancing the local grocery landscape while reaffirming its commitment to quality, value, and community engagement.

According to Trader Joe's, the grocer is committed to creating a store environment that imparts adventure, humor, and a warm sense of community. This new store will surely add value to the Canyon Country area!