SALINAS, CA - At the risk of going past poetic and into pun territory, sometimes things just align organically. In the case of organic provider Earthbound Farm, reaching a milestone accomplishment in time for its ideal showcase: the Organic Produce Summit.

As the supplier marks one year at market with plant-based packaging featuring 95 percent less plastic than the standard clamshell, it was the perfect time to connect on the response Earthbound has seen from retailers and consumers.

“Earthbound Farm’s plant-based packaging has been a breakthrough for the salad category. Consumer response has been overwhelmingly positive, driving growth and excitement as this innovative packaging addresses a primary concern for consumers,” Jenny Panziera, Director of Product, shared.

The tray itself is made from plant-based fibers and a food-grade coating. Combined with no plastic liner, it is recycle-bin-ready in what can be a confusing space.

“Earthbound Farm has also been recognized by Inc Magazine on the Best in Business List for Sustainability and voted the #1 Organic Food Brand by consumers through Green Matters,” she added.

According to Nielsen NIQ Research, U.S. consumers hold brands, themselves, and retailers to be most responsible for sustainable progress. This is especially true with organic consumers, Jenny said.

“Earthbound Farm will continue to pioneer with sustainable solutions that help retailers drive sales, increasing shopper trust and building long-term loyalty while reducing environmental impact. Our expanded plant-based tray line, including additional varieties and sizes, is rolling out this summer in stores across the U.S. and Canada,” she commented.

As to how retailers might further maximize what Earthbound has seen in market demand, Jenny shared shoppers are seeking variety beyond classic greens.

“These blends elevate everyday salads into culinary experiences with flavor-driven raw varietal innovation. Retailers can create eye-catching displays along with cross-merchandising, positioning these blends near complementary items like artisan dressings, cheeses, and nuts to suggest full meal ideas and increase basket size,” Jenny advised.

Rounding out its portfolio with Salad Kits featuring avocado oil-based dressings, Earthbound has not just products, but a mission and message it consistently delivers to retailers and their shoppers.

“Our avocado oil salad kits embody our dedication to delivering fresh, flavorful, health-forward choices that align with the evolving preferences of modern consumers,” Jenny said. “By pairing the freshest greens, clean ingredients, and indulgent flavors with the nutritional benefits of avocado oil, we're providing organic meal options that balance great taste, convenience, and nutrition.”

According to a Healthline article, this oil is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that offer benefits such as reducing cholesterol levels, enhancing nutrient absorption, supporting heart health, and promoting eye health.

“Earthbound Farm’s Organic Salad Kits not only incorporate organic avocado oil but also showcase a diverse array of fresh ingredients, including crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and indulgent toppings,” Jenny observed. “Each kit is carefully crafted to deliver a delightfully satisfying experience, making them ideal for busy individuals and families seeking convenient solutions that balance flavor and nutrition.”

In a nutshell, Earthbound Farm is taking steps to be not just a one-stop shop, but a holistic ecosystem of supply.

“Earthbound Farm makes it easy to choose what’s good for you, good for your family, and good for the earth,” Jenny concluded.

Dig in deeper at booth #900, visiting Earthbound and Taylor Farms while in Monterey, California, this week for the Organic Produce Summit.

YAKIMA, WA - The buddy system is the best way to tag-team a commitment, especially in making positive change. This is what comes to mind as I hear from Superfresh Growers® Sarah Lucas, Director of Retail Strategy, that among the company’s showings at the 2025 Organic Produce Summit (OPS) will be the continued growth of its innovative Orchard Buddies program.

“Orchard Buddies is a sustainability-focused packaging initiative that combines healthy snacking with educational storytelling. Designed to engage families, the program features playful characters and environmental messages that help retailers connect with health-conscious parents and their children in a meaningful way,” Sarah explains.

Alongside the buddies, the company will feature its core lineup of organic apples—including Organic Cosmic Crisp®—organic cherries, blueberries, and pears, which Sarah tells ANUK will take center stage this upcoming season.

“This is a great opportunity for retailers to put pears front and center,” she says, sharing the grower expects a larger and more attractive pear crop this season. “We highly encourage retailers to capitalize on back-to-school and fall promotions. By using promotional coupons, hosting in-store demos, and emphasizing how pears fit into both lunchboxes and seasonal recipes, retailers can spark excitement and drive sales.”

All this, Sarah shares, ties into a larger vision: blending high-quality fruit with forward-thinking, sustainable farming.

“We’re not just farming—we’re forging the future,” she concludes. “As a Pacific Northwest grower, we are deeply committed to regenerative farming practices, biodiversity, and operational efficiency throughout our supply chain, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing that journey with our industry partners during OPS.”

With an emphasis on premium organic fruit, purposeful packaging, and the possibilities bursting from its renewed focus on sustainability-driven storytelling, Superfresh offers a full-circle practice in the organic space and beyond. This is a stop you—and your shoppers—won’t want to miss amid the bustling show floor, so be sure to stop by booth #513 on June 10.

ORLANDO, FL - The National Mango Board announced the return of its popular Joy Ride mango tour, bringing fresh mangos to consumers in Chicago, IL, and the Dallas, TX area, this summer. Designed to engage and educate consumers about the joy of fresh mangos, the experience will feature an orange carpet entrance, interactive photo ops, live activations, and giveaways. Visitors can also enjoy complimentary sampling cups of ripe, juicy mangos served with a variety of toppings such as coconut flakes, honey, chocolate sauce, and Tajín® Clásico and Tajín® Twist.

New this year, Tajín® is proud to be the official partner of Joy Ride. A tasty blend of mild chili peppers and sea salt, Tajín® is one of the most popular toppings for fresh mangos, complementing the sweetness with spice and becoming a viral sensation online.

"We had such success with Joy Ride last year and are excited to continue the campaign to further share the incredible taste and versatility of fresh mangos in a fun, educational, and interactive environment," said Ramón Ojeda, executive director at the National Mango Board. "Consumers can expect unforgettable, delicious experiences while learning about fresh mango recipes and the many nutritional benefits of the superfruit."

Joy Ride kicks off in Chicago July 31 through Aug. 3, and will return the following weekend, Aug. 7 through 10. The tour then heads to the Dallas area from Aug. 22 through 24. The tour will visit a variety of high-traffic locations in Chicago and the Dallas area, including retailers like ALDI, H-E-B, Jewel-Osco, Food Market La Chiquita, Mariano's, Pete's Market, Shop & Save, and Whole Foods Market. From the bustling excitement of Chicago in the summertime to Dallas in the Lone Star State, Joy Ride promises unforgettable experiences for mango enthusiasts of all ages. For the full schedule, visit Mango.org/Mango-Joyride.

Those who can't join in person can still join the fun online. A digital component of the campaign invites fans to visit the National Mango Board's Instacart brand page to access a special coupon and enjoy the sweet taste of mango from the comfort of home. Social media influencers will amplify the excitement online, with creators sharing mango-inspired content and encouraging their audiences to join the celebration.

As a flavorful fruit with vitamins and fiber, mangos are a delicious and nutritious treat. For photos that support this campaign, click here.

To learn more about the National Mango Board, visit Mango.org.

FRESNO, CA - The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Clayton Smith as its new Director of Government Relations. He comes to the Association after serving as a Legislative Assistant in the United States House of Representatives.

CFFA Board Chairwoman Melissa Frank of the Wonderful Company stated in the press release, “On behalf of CFFA’s leadership, we are thrilled to welcome Clayton to the Association. His experience working in Washington, DC, along with his background and education, will be of great value to our membership.”

Association President Daniel Hartwig added, “I am delighted to welcome Clayton to the CFFA team. He brings extensive professional experience working on issues such as water, labor, and trade, and I am confident he will be a strong voice for our membership in Sacramento and Washington, DC. I am confident that Clayton will work collaboratively in conjunction with our current staff to continue to serve the needs of the California fresh fruit industry.“

Clayton is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. He served as an intern for CFFA the summer following his college graduation. Clayton’s first day at the Association was Monday, July 7.