MIAMI, FL - A leading global grower-shipper, Kapi Kapi Growers welcomes two new experts poised to support the brand’s continued expansion in North America, with the goal of enhancing its logistic capabilities.

“Transportation is my true passion,” said Carlos Pelaez, Logistics Manager. “I am very grateful that my journey has led me to Kapi Kapi and I look forward to serving our customers and business partners well in this role.”

Pelaez is a proud U.S. veteran, bringing 18 years of experience in perishable transportation after having worked with a large-scale, global grower/shipper/importer of fresh produce.

“This opportunity has changed my life,” expressed Kiyoshi Taylor, Logistics Coordinator. “It has been amazing working with the Kapi family, and I am elated to be a part of this growing business.”

Taylor brings with her nine years of transportation administration experience with a global brand, where she managed 15 different locations.

“We are proud to welcome these highly experienced professionals for these new roles. Logistics is a critical part of our total commitment to service and excellence,” added Latishia Bryant, Senior Logistics Manager. “With our ongoing development, it is the right time to continue building a dedicated team for this journey. Carlos and Kiyoshi have been great additions to our team!”

A press release shared how Kapi Kapi aims to expand its customer base to support retailers in need of a private label partner with a brand that has a story consumers can relate to.

The family-run operation has 30 years of experience responsibly growing bananas and pineapples and is among the largest carbon-neutral certified banana growers in Costa Rica and Latin America.

A big congratulations to Carlos and Latishia for landing these positions!

NEW YORK - Mushroom Monday is in full effect! Six months after the creative initiative’s debut, Mushroom Council’s Mushroom Monday campaign continues to gain momentum nationwide. Elevated by national media events, local chef promotions, influencer takeovers, and beyond, the initiative is driving more and more consumers to the already beloved mushroom category.

As a press release shared, the organization launched Mushroom Monday to encourage the healthy habit of adding mushrooms to weekly grocery shopping and restaurant orders.

Some inviting features of the ongoing campaign include:

• Restaurant Participation - Dozens of restaurants nationwide ranging from QSR to fine dining have signed on as Mushroom Monday participants, including chains like Jersey Mike’s, MOD Pizza, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, and Hickory Tavern
• Social Influencer Promotion - Social influencers are kicking off the work week by visiting their favorite local restaurant and spotlighting their Mushroom Monday orders on Instagram and TikTok
• National Media Event - In June, the organization formally launched the campaign to consumer media by hosting a Mushroom Monday experiential dining event for more than 85 food media and social influencers. The event featured James Beard Award-winning chef Kiki Aranita and James Beard Award-winning mixologist Danny Childs serving mushroom-centric dishes and cocktails while mushroom growers shared their stories
• Local Market Activations - More than 30 Cleveland, Ohio-area restaurants part of the Cleveland Independents chef and restaurant collaborative joined forces last month for a metro-wide Mushroom Monday campaign launch
• Digital and Social Advertising - Mushroom Council is supporting participants with national Mushroom Monday online and social advertising; the ads have reached shoppers and diners more than 7.8 million times to date

As the council enacts this coast-to-coast, sales-driving strategy, we expect to see even more consumer interest in the growing mushroom category.

Stay tuned as ANUK brings you more consumer insights.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Exceptional quality and strong yields headlined a successful Oregon blueberry season for Berry Fresh this year. As the season winds down, the company reflects on generations of farming expertise and a steadfast commitment to quality-focused practices.

“My family has been growing blueberries for 30 years. My cousins, my brothers, and I are all blueberry farmers. Connecting my family history with my position at Berry Fresh has made the Oregon blueberry season very special for me,” says Darren Sinn, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain.

Berry Fresh’s Oregon team is deeply rooted in the local farming community, with many members from multi-generational blueberry farming families. Since establishing its Oregon operations over a decade ago, Berry Fresh has prioritized connecting with the region’s rich farming history, maintaining strong relationships with local families, and drawing on their experience.

A press release went on to note that all of Berry Fresh’s fresh blueberries are hand-picked and carefully sorted to ensure only the best fruit reaches the market. While some other growers are turning to machine harvesting, Berry Fresh continues to invest in hand-picking to minimize bruising, maintain freshness, and extend shelf-life for the consumer. These quality-focused methods—combined with growing premium Northwest varieties like Draper and Calypso as well as investing in innovative, flavor-forward private genetics—have solidified Berry Fresh’s Oregon blueberry program as a success.

Over the past decade, Berry Fresh has also expanded its organic blueberry program in Oregon, understanding the importance of the organic category for its customers. In 2024, the company increased its organic blueberry output by nearly 60 percent and anticipates more growth in 2025.

Berry Fresh remains committed to enhancing the quality of its Oregon blueberry program, with a continued focus on heritage, quality, and sustainability.

For more updates from the company, stick with us at ANUK.

ORLANDO, FL - Building on one year of collaboration, the National Mango Board and Florida State University (FSU) Athletics have announced the renewal of their marketing partnership. Both organizations aim to elevate the game day experience by bringing the joy of fresh mangos to both fans and athletes.

“We're absolutely thrilled to extend our partnership with Florida State University Athletics,” said Dan Spellman, Director of Marketing, National Mango Board. “The Seminoles' electrifying game-day atmosphere is the ideal setting to share the delicious taste of fresh mangos, as well as the fruit’s versatility and nutritional power packed into every bite.”

Kicking off the season, Seminole fans will be immersed in the world of fresh mangos with the arrival of the Mango "Joy Ride" food truck at FSU’s home opener. This mobile mango food truck will bring fresh mango treats, interactive activities, and photo opportunities directly to FSU Athletics, explained a press release.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the National Mango Board to promote nutritional choices and delicious flavors to our fans,” shared Bill Houston, General Manager, Florida State Global Partnerships. “We are always striving to improve the game day experience for our fans, and our continued partnership with the National Mango Board is an exciting way to do that.”

After the activation at FSU, the National Mango Board will be taking its mango-themed promotions to other colleges as well, including Boston College, UC Berkeley, and Clemson.

Packed with vitamins and fiber, fresh mangos are a delicious, nutritious treat well-suited for any athlete.

When you’re hungry for more mango updates, click back to ANUK.