PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - With an already expansive portfolio of spreads and dips that are beloved by consumers across the nation, Good Foods is now wielding its prowess in the category to capitalize on seasonal demand. The brand has announced its first limited-edition fall products, introducing Pumpkin Spice and Cranberry Jalapeño as its newest trend-forward flavors.

“These new seasonal dips mark Good Foods’ first venture into limited-edition products, showcasing our consumer-centric commitment to innovation and quality,” said Shannon Maher, Chief Growth Officer. “The Pumpkin Spice and Cranberry Jalapeño Dips not only embrace the fall and holiday seasons but also create memorable moments around the table. We are thrilled to see how our customers enjoy these exceptional flavors.”

Both SKUs are set to hit shelves in September, designed to entice consumers with a unique and tasty experience that reflects the spirit of the fall season, a release explained.

A coveted flavor each year, Good Foods has tapped into the pumpkin spice craze with its Pumpkin Spice Dairy Spread & Dip, which offers a blend of pumpkin, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese, enriched with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The product can be found at Sprouts Farmers Market, Safeway Seattle, Giant Eagle, and Costco stores in the southeast region while supplies last.

The Cranberry Jalapeño Dairy Spread & Dip, on the other hand, combines the sweet tartness of cranberries with the zesty kick of jalapeño peppers for a vibrant and versatile flavor profile. The variety is now available nationwide at BJ’s Wholesale Club and will launch at Sprouts Farmers Market, Giant Eagle, and select Safeway stores at the beginning of next month.

As more new products and exciting fall merchandising opportunities come to light, ANUK will continue to relay the latest industry news.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Kelowna, British Columbia, hosted a flurry of activity recently, as the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) successfully concluded its Semi-Annual Board and Committee Meetings. A key outcome of the meetings was the approval of CPMA’s updated Sustainability Strategy, which builds on the Association's efforts over the past four years to increase the adoption of sustainable packaging across the produce industry.

“CPMA continues to serve as a true solution space for our members in Canada and the global produce community,” said Ron Lemaire, President. “While CPMA has always played this role, the Board has confirmed its commitment to move forward and reinforce this value for the industry. This focus will be integrated into all our activities and initiatives for members.”

Set to launch in November 2024, the comprehensive strategy will focus on four key priorities:

• Increase adoption of sustainable fresh produce packaging
• Minimize fresh produce food loss and waste
• Minimize the carbon footprint of fresh produce supply chains
• Promote the harmonization of fresh produce sustainability practices

The Sustainability Strategy identifies the need to support and collaborate with key produce stakeholders to help advance essential sustainability outcomes, including:

• Water stewardship
• Soil health
• Biodiversity and agrobiodiversity
• Supply chain adaptation to climate change
• Financial vibrancy and resiliency
• Sustainable finance

“CPMA has been the voice for the Canadian produce industry for 100 years,” added George Pitsikoulis, CPMA Chair. “Since its founding, the organization has been proactive and at the forefront of the industry’s emerging needs which has contributed to making the Canadian produce industry one of the most dynamic marketplaces across the world.”

In addition to the Board meetings, CPMA's committees including education, marketing and promotions, member services, CPMA’s Government Issue Management, and CPMA’s Industry Technology Advisory Committee (CITAC) met to frame strategies for 2025, a press release explained.

Reusable Plastic Containers (RPC) were also on the agenda at CITAC’s meeting, given the anticipated expansion of their use by some of Canada’s largest retailers.

Click back to ANUK as we continue to provide industry updates near and far.

CHARLOTTE, NC - Dole Food Company’s year-long 125^thBanana-Versary celebration continues with another strategy that centers the beloved fruit. Dole is in search of 125 banana-loving runners in and around Charlotte, North Carolina, to participate in one of three events at the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon on November 16.

“Dole’s partnership with the Charlotte Marathon simply reinforces what marathoners and other runners everywhere have known for years: Bananas are nature’s perfect pre-, during-, and post-race recovery food,” said William Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications. “In addition to fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and a range of antioxidants, bananas are rich in carbohydrates and a high-energy source that aids in both athletic performance and muscle recovery.”

Dole, which operates its United States corporate office in Uptown Charlotte, partnered with Run Charlotte in July to become the Official Banana of the Charlotte Marathon as a way to salute its historic banana milestone as well as the research-backed health, wellness, and post-race recovery benefits of America’s most popular fruit.

In addition to covering race fees for the Charlotte Marathon, Half-Marathon, or Chick-fil-A 5K, Dole will ask the 125 runners to don an official DoleRuns Charlotte Marathon run shirt, a press release stated. Dole is also hosting the Dole Going All Bananas Recovery Tent on Race Day and offering Dole recipes, training tips, and other pre-race resources.

Dole’s free race packages will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 125 runners who register at a special Charlotte Marathon registration site for Dole runners. As the official banana provider, Dole will also hand out DOLE® bananas to all runners on Race Day led by its iconic 7-foot healthy-eating ambassador Bobby Banana.

The company is also assembling a Dole Banana Bunch cheering section that will encourage runners on Race Day from a dedicated viewing area.

“This year, in honor of our 125^th Banana-Versary, we’re excited at the prospect of seeing 125 banana enthusiasts out on the course spreading the fruit’s remarkable health and wellness message—as well as many more cheering from the sidelines. It’s the perfect culmination of our year-long Dole Bananas birthday party,” Goldfield continued.

In-store messaging, contests, partnerships, recipes, and appearances by Bobby Banana will continue the celebration all year long. Stick with ANUK to stay in the loop.