IRELAND - In fresh produce, we seek to understand the wants and needs of every generation of consumer, from the evolving Millennial shopper to the increasing purchasing power of Gen Z. Another key demographic is entering our radar, as the oldest member of Generation Alpha turns 16 this year—an age when many get their first jobs, and with it the independence to determine where their dollars go.

But what about the younger members of this generation? While the youngest members of Gen Alpha are currently between 1 and 2 years old, what they are eating matters. And bananas are ranking high on that list.

Based on research conducted amongst parents and industry experts, the National Parenting Product Awards competition awarded the top spot to the popular pre-packed bananas, ‘Freddy Fyffes,' in both the ‘best baby/toddler snack’ and ‘best baby/toddler snack for on the go’ categories. According to the results of the competition, bananas are at the top of the list for Irish parents when it comes to choosing a snack food for their baby or toddler.

Accepting the awards, Fyffes Head of Marketing, UK and Ireland, Emma-Hunt Duffy thanked competition adjudicators for their recognition: “It’s fantastic to see parents choose Freddy Fyffes bananas; families tell us they love their versatility as an on-the-go snack or as part of their breakfast or healthier desserts. Bananas are soft, easy for little hands to manage, and full of natural goodness.”

This exciting recognition prompts the question: How can we drive fresh produce demand by leaning into the needs of today’s tiniest consumers?

For more category insights and opportunities, stick around!

HOUSTON, TX - Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit delivering fresh fruits and vegetables and nutrition education to families, announced today that it has received $20,000 in support from the American Heart Association as its Houston program reaches its largest footprint since the organization was founded in the city in 2012.

Brighter Bites is kicking off the 2026–27 school year at a record 62 Houston-area schools. With support from the American Heart Association, Brighter Bites will provide 12,000 families and 35,000 students with regular access to fresh fruits and vegetables alongside nutrition education designed to help children build healthy habits that extend beyond the classroom and into the home.

“This is an exciting milestone for Brighter Bites and for the Houston community where our work began,” said Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites, in the recent release. “We’re grateful to the American Heart Association for investing in our continued growth and helping us reach more Houston families with fresh food and the tools to build healthy habits.”

The American Heart Association’s $20,000 contribution will support Brighter Bites’ produce distributions at two participating Houston schools during the 2026–27 school year, helping the organization build on more than a decade of work supporting healthier families in its hometown.

"Access to nutritious foods plays an important role in helping children and families live healthier lives," said Emily Gordon-Araki, Senior Community Impact Director for the American Heart Association Houston Market. "Brighter Bites is expanding that access for thousands of Houston families while helping children build healthy habits that can last a lifetime. We are proud to support efforts that make it easier for families to choose healthy foods and improve their overall well-being."

Brighter Bites was founded in Houston in 2012 and has since grown into a national nonprofit serving communities across the country. During the 2026–27 school year, the organization will partner with more than 200 schools nationwide and reach approximately 265,450 children and family members. This year’s record Houston footprint reflects the organization’s continued commitment to expanding access to fresh, nutritious food in the community where its work began.

Brighter Bites school-based program combines access to fresh produce with evidence-based nutrition education, using schools as trusted community hubs to reach children and their families where they are. Through produce distributions, participating families receive a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost. Students also participate in nutrition education throughout the school year, helping them learn about healthy foods and giving families practical resources to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their daily routines.

BARTOW, FL - Florida citrus is a hallmark for many, a childhood of Navel oranges and memories warmed into nostalgia. It is also a reckoning: of resilience, of challenge, of championing a changing category that is choosing to evolve. Continuously. As we approach the IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show on October 14–16, the Florida Department of Citrus is bringing the category to the trade show floor with new strategies and solutions to share with attendees.

“Florida Citrus is known worldwide for producing the juiciest, sweetest varieties of oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines,” Shannon Shepp, Executive Director, shares with me. “Its reputation is generations-strong, and consumers know and look for citrus from Florida. Despite recent challenges, Florida citrus growers have remained resilient and steadfast in the care of their groves while constantly innovating to produce the premium product consumers love.”

As Shannon explains, one area of innovation is the state’s latest variety development, which has produced not only more disease-tolerant fruit, but fruit that’s as juicy as ever. By maintaining the same characteristics consumers have come to expect, these varieties are lifting the whole category. By adding consistency in flavor and eating experience, Florida Citrus is making a difference.

In many ways, Florida Citrus’ programs and services speak to the challenges and dynamics the industry is working through today.

“The challenges the industry faces with citrus greening are worldwide, but the Florida citrus industry stands as an example of innovation and commitment to producing the exceptional quality that consumers want and retailers expect,” Shannon reflects.

Florida Citrus will have representatives from its executive leadership team, along with members of its marketing and scientific research departments. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with staff regarding retail options, nutrition information, and delicious Florida Citrus.

Check out booth #4058 and find out more about a category in transformation. See you all in Orlando!

ST PAUL, MI - National Co+op Grocers (NCG) announces that Michelle Schry has been promoted to Vice President, Member Success, a newly created position. Michelle has been with NCG since 2015 as a Strategic Development Director, where she played a pivotal role in supporting member co-ops through strategic planning, executive coaching, operational development, governance support, and business growth initiatives for co-ops in NCG’s Central region.

In her new role, Michelle will oversee the work of NCG’s Strategic Development, Business Expansion, Retail Operations, and Transformation teams. She will be responsible for leading NCG’s member success strategy; assisting co-ops with maximizing the value received from NCG’s programs and services, improving retail execution, strengthening co-op leadership, supporting our system’s growth, and driving financial results across the membership.

“Michelle’s leadership has helped strengthen member success across the cooperative system and has contributed to innovative programs that continue to shape the future of grocery co-op development,” said Ben Nauman, Chief Operating Officer at National Co+op Grocers, in the recent release.

Michelle brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the cooperative grocery sector. Prior to joining NCG, she served as the CEO/General Manager of People’s Food Co-op in LaCrosse, WI, and she currently serves on the Board of U.S. Co-ops, a national association that develops, advances, and protects cooperative enterprises across all sectors of the economy.

EDGEWATER, NJ - Inserra Supermarkets Inc., a family-owned and operated New Jersey-based company, announced the grand opening of the new ShopRite of Edgewater Commons, located at 481 River Road, on Saturday, Sept. 19. The opening will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring festivities throughout the weekend.

Local officials will join the Inserra family for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7 a.m. to mark the grand opening, and members of the Inserra family and their retail team will greet customers as they enter the store.

Tasting stations and giveaways will be featured throughout the store on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Singing Mozzarella Chef will also appear on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The store, formerly occupied by Acme, will continue to undergo a remodel designed to modernize the space and further enhance the shopping experience over the next year.

“We are proud to open our doors to the Edgewater community while renovations continue, ensuring local shoppers continue to have access to a full-service supermarket,” said Lawrence R. Inserra Jr., chairman and CEO of Inserra Supermarkets Inc. “We know this is just the beginning of an exciting transformation. Over the next two years, we will invest in the store to expand its offerings and create a shopping experience that meets the needs of the Edgewater community.”

The 64,000-square-foot supermarket will feature Inserra Supermarkets favorites, including Patsy's Butcher Shop, known for its high-quality meats and custom cuts, Fresh Bakery Shop, Produce Department, Seafood Department, Sushi Bar and a full-service Deli Department. ShopRite’s popular Fresh to Table section will offer convenient meal solutions, including grab-and-go, ready-to-cook and ready-to-heat options. The Inserra Family is planning a range of enhancements as part of a bigger two-year remodel of the store, including Antoinette's Kitchen, featuring freshly prepared meals, a hot bar and soup bar, expanded produce, dairy, frozen and kosher departments. Additional improvements will include new energy-efficient equipment, reinforcing Inserra’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Established in 1954 by Patsy Inserra, Inserra Supermarkets remains true to its roots as a family-owned grocery business committed to serving local communities. Today, third- and fourth-generation family members operate the company’s stores, continuing a tradition of service and community support. The Inserra family are members of the Wakefern cooperative and currently operate 24 ShopRite stores in New Jersey and New York, as well as two Price Rite Marketplace stores and two Fresh Grocer stores.

The new ShopRite of Edgewater Commons will be open from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Del Monte Corporation, one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, distributors and marketers of fresh and shelf-stable produce, announced its sponsorship of the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) annual Step Out® Walk in Pittsburgh on September 26 at PNC Park, joining community members, advocates, healthcare professionals and families in the fight to prevent and cure diabetes while improving the lives of everyone affected by the disease. The partnership reflects Del Monte's continued commitment to strengthening its presence in the Steel City—a community where its North American Foods Division has called home for more than two decades.

“We believe in investing in the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and it’s especially meaningful to engage in the local Pittsburgh community, where our foods division is based,” said Michael Buesink, VP. “We are honored to support the ADA Step Out Walk and walk with fellow teammates alongside individuals and families impacted by diabetes.”

“With the generous support of valuable corporate sponsors like Del Monte Foods, our Step Out Walk: Pittsburgh has the opportunity to be the largest ADA walk in history, and the potential to be the first to raise $1M to support the ADA,” comments Chelsea Musial, ADA Executive Director, Western PA & Eastern OH, in the recent release. “Del Monte's support will help advance diabetes research, provide educational resources, and promote advocacy initiatives that drive meaningful change for millions of Americans living with diabetes.”

Del Monte recently reaffirmed Pittsburgh as the operational hub for its Foods Division, where key functions including supply chain, finance, commercial operations, and research and development are anchored. The company’s history in Pittsburgh dates back to 2002, when the company acquired several iconic brands, including StarKist, 9Lives and Nature's Goodness, from Heinz. More than two decades later, the Foods Division continues to expand its presence in the region while building partnerships, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and others, that celebrate Pittsburgh's culture, community, and future.