LIMA, PERU - The 2nd International Table Grape Congress (CIUM 2025) took place last week at the ESAN University Convention Center, with inaugural remarks from Manuel Yzaga, President of Provid and CEO of Vanguard Group International.

Held on August 13 and 14, the event gathered over 2,000 participants, including growers and exporters, industry associations, government authorities, technical experts, and agribusiness companies. Over two days, national and international leaders exchanged insights and strategies on key topics such as production, post-harvest management, sustainability, logistics, marketing, and emerging market trends, a press release stated.

Vanguard Group International participated as an official sponsor, joined by an international delegation from Chile, Mexico, Europe, and the United States, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and leadership in the global table grape industry. At its booth, under the theme “Cultivating with Purpose”, the company showcased social responsibility initiatives, certifications, and sustainability practices that set it apart in the marketplace and embody its vision of a responsible and prosperous agricultural future.

A highlight of the program was the panel discussion “From Individual Challenge to Collective Action: The Value of Coopetition in the Table Grape Industry”, moderated by Yzaga, featuring panelists from Chile, Mexico, and Peru.

By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices, CIUM 2025 reaffirmed its position as a premier platform for advancing the global table grape industry—an effort Vanguard Group International is proud to actively support.

For more information: https://congresoprovid.org.pe

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bako Sweet® is suiting up for its first-ever Game Day Tailgating promotion, giving retailers a fresh opportunity to score incremental sales this fall. Available September and October, the brand’s product lineup will feature limited-time football-themed packaging and eye-catching in-store displays designed to capture shopper attention during one of the highest consumption seasons of the year.

The promotion includes Organic and Conventional Sweet Potato Trays, Organic and Conventional 3 lb. and 5 lb. Mesh Bags, and the fan-favorite Single Sweets – conveniently wrapped sweet potatoes that are washed, ready to microwave, and now dressed to look like footballs. Vibrant Game Day Tailgating display bins feature the playful “Sweeten Game Day Tailgating” theme, complete with a football goal post graphic, mouthwatering sweet potato appetizer imagery, and a spirited sweet potato sister character dressed in football gear, making Bako Sweet sweet potatoes impossible to miss.

Sweet potatoes continue to outpace both the total produce and potato categories in dollar and pound sales growth across the U.S., and Bako Sweet leads the field as the #1 sweet potato brand in dollar sales nationwide (NielsenIQ Syndicated Data, 52 Weeks Ending 6/29/24). With 85% of consumers making unplanned produce purchases, visually engaging displays like Bako Sweet’s Game Day Tailgating bins give retailers a powerful way to inspire impulse buys, especially during high-energy shopping periods. By continually investing in eye-catching merchandising and timely, themed consumer promotions, Bako Sweet drives sales performance at retail and reinforces the leadership position that sets the brand apart in the category.

“Fall is one of the most exciting times for food and entertaining, and game day gatherings are a perfect occasion to spotlight sweet potatoes,” said Susan Noritake, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bako Sweet, in the recent release. “We’re encouraging retailers to get their orders in now so they can be ready to win big when shoppers start planning their tailgates. Our themed packaging and fun, high-visibility displays not only grab shopper attention but also inspire creative, better-for-you game day recipes.”

To extend the excitement beyond the store, Bako Sweet will share a lineup of tailgating and grilling recipes across its social media channels and partner with influencers to create Game Day-inspired content that not only sparks ideas for shoppers but also drives them to the produce department. With promotional activity accounting for over 30% of vegetable sales in 2024 (Circana, Integrated Fresh, MuLO+, 52 weeks ending 12/29/2024), these digital activations provide retailers with additional momentum to convert online engagement into in-store sales.

The Game Day packaging and displays will be available for shipment starting September 1, and retailers are encouraged to secure orders early to maximize sales during football season.

For more information about Bako Sweet, visit bakosweet.com or contact the sales team at [email protected] or 661-858-1075 x818 to place an order.

OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce, Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, showcases its promotable supply of jumbo avocados and mangos at the New England Produce Council (NEPC) Expo in Boston, Mass., August 18-19, 2025, at booth #117.

“Our strong supply of jumbo avocados and mangos provides a timely opportunity for retailers to leverage larger sizes to drive incremental sales and attract high-value shoppers,” said Galen Johnson, Senior Director of Sales, in the recent release. “Size is not only a key indicator of quality to avocado and mango shoppers, it’s a profit driver—whether through bulk or bagged programs. NEPC is the perfect venue to connect with our partners and explore how to maximize this moment.”

Mission's vertically integrated farms in Peru are producing strong volumes of jumbo avocados this season. Additionally, Mexico’s upcoming avocado size curve is leaning heavily on 48s and larger, and nearly half of Mexico’s Kent mango crop consists of sizes 6 and larger.

Jumbo avocados (sizes 36, 32, and 28) yield more than twice the edible volume of smaller sizes (96, 84, 70, 60), delivering clear value for consumers. Retailers adding jumbo bulk or bagged avocados have historically seen substantial category growth, including dollar lifts up to 29% and minimal cannibalization of smaller fruit.

Jumbo mangos (sizes 6 and larger) provide retailers with a premium offering, appealing to over one-third of mango shoppers who prefer larger mangos. Jumbo mangos carry a 73% price premium over smaller sizes, representing an opportunity to drive incremental revenue.

NEWARK, DE - The Foundation for Fresh Produce invites the produce industry to join them this September as the nonprofit organization kicks off its sixth annual National Fruits & Veggies Month. This month-long celebration of everyone’s favorite plants (fruits and veggies!) has reached millions of consumers each year.

National Fruits & Veggies Month was designed to celebrate produce as our nation’s top health priority. And as the conversation on health is in the national spotlight, it’s up to the produce industry to make sure fruits and veggies take the lead.

“The data is clear: fruits and vegetables improve lives, especially for children as they grow and develop. The sad reality is people simply aren’t eating enough of them, and we are committed to increasing consumption,” said Lauren M. Scott, President of The Foundation for Fresh Produce, in the recent release. “This is how the produce industry can provide a profound positive impact on global health.”

The Foundation for Fresh Produce focuses on boosting the appeal of fruits and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets. Despite knowing that they’re necessary for good health, fruits and vegetables continue to rank low in consumer choice.

That’s where National Fruits & Veggies Month comes in. Using friendly and engaging messaging and education, the National Fruits & Veggies Month campaign shows how fruits and veggies can be added to our everyday lives. It emphasizes ways to make it easy to Have A Plant® at every meal and snack by highlighting hacks, flavor, and fun.

“The Foundation is dedicated to making fruits and veggies the number one choice through culturally relevant content that resonates with consumers,” said Katie Calligaro, Director of Marketing & Communications at The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “National Fruits & Veggies Month is a prime moment for our industry to take advantage of the campaign momentum with one collective voice to reach millions.”

The Foundation is making it easy to collaborate with the National Fruits & Veggies Month Toolkit. From customizable social media posts and turnkey messages to tips for activations in retail or incorporating more produce on menus in restaurants and schools, it is full of ideas to support everyone’s consumer marketing efforts this September.

The Foundation’s tried-and-true food and nutrition influencer network is also pivotal to reaching consumers online and through traditional media with National Fruits & Veggies Month messages. The Foundation encourages the produce industry to take advantage of the campaign by engaging with this important community or by activating your own influencer network.

“While fruits and veggies should take center stage all year long, September is a great time to promote your own products and brands too,” says Calligaro. “There’s strength in numbers, and together, we can rise the tides to boost appeal and drive demand for fruits and veggies to grow a healthier world.” 

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