REIDSVILLE, GA - Shuman Farms is adopting an educational strategy to help prepare produce teams for the upcoming Vidalia® onion season. Debuted at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure, Shuman Farms University is designed to equip produce team members with the knowledge they need to talk confidently with shoppers about Vidalia onions.

“Educated produce teams increase shopper engagement and sales by sharing what makes Vidalia onions unique, their seasonality, and their best uses in the kitchen,” shared John Shuman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Shuman Farms. “By investing in produce team education, we’re ensuring Vidalia onions remain a premium, high-demand product throughout the season.”

This 2025 initiative marks Shuman Farms’ fourth year of focusing on Vidalia onion education. Previously, the supplier educated teams through Lunch & Learns, Vidalia 101 content, and its interactive Vidalia Quiz. Now, the supplier is refreshing its 2025 content to make it even more engaging and easier for produce teams to digest and share with shoppers.

“As the leading voice in Vidalia onion education, we’re committed to owning this space in our category, helping both our retail partners and their customers make the most of Vidalia season,” John added. “We’ve revamped our website and updated our educational videos, making training more accessible and engaging, and a new interactive quiz with a completion certificate gives produce team members a fun way to test their knowledge.”

Sharpening produce teams’ knowledge of the coveted Vidalia onion is a surefire way to maximize success for the category, as a knowledgeable produce team not only builds shopper trust but also encourages repeat purchases and drives category growth.

“Vidalia onions are a seasonal favorite, and our education program helps produce teams highlight their exclusivity and encourage impulse purchases,” concluded John. “Investing in education means higher sales, stronger customer engagement, and an overall better shopping experience.”

To learn more about Shuman Farms University, click here.

Keep reading about the latest opportunities to boost fresh produce categories here at AndNowUKnow.

PHOENIX, AZ - Equifruit, North America’s leader in Fairtrade bananas, is hosting free goat yoga sessions in select Sprouts Farmers Market stores parking lots to raise awareness about their Fairtrade banana partnership. Why? Because paying banana farmers fairly is the right thing to do. On Friday 18 April and Saturday 19 April, yoga will take place at two stores in Arizona, led by the iconic Arizona Goat Yoga team, to highlight and celebrate fair pay for banana farmers.

“Equifruit Fairtrade bananas are the G.O.A.T of the produce aisle (Greatest Of All Time)!” says Jennie Coleman, President and Co-owner of Equifruit, in a recent press release. “That’s why we’ve partnered with Arizona Goat Yoga, for a truly GOAT-ed level experience for Sprouts shoppers. We’re so excited that our Fairtrade bananas are now available in Sprouts stores. By choosing Equifruit Fairtrade bananas, shoppers are contributing to a fairer banana industry and helping keep exploitation out of our food supply chains.”

The Equifruit bananas stocked in Sprouts stores come from farms and cooperatives of small producers, primarily in Ecuador. All Equifruit bananas are certified by Fairtrade International, the world’s most recognized and trusted sustainability certification, working to make trade fairer for the people who grow our food. This certification signals to shoppers that the banana farmers are being paid a fair price for their fruit, reflecting the cost of sustainable production and factoring in decent incomes, environmentally friendly practices and safer working conditions.

Equifruit is a 100%, women-owned banana brand. The Sprouts Farmers Market partnership marks the launch of Equifruit Fairtrade bananas into the Arizona market, offering an ethical option to shoppers that supports fairer pay for banana farmers.

Head down to Sprouts (12415 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85032) on Friday 18 April and Sprouts (23269 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255) on Saturday 19 April from 2pm to 6pm to participate in free Arizona Goat Yoga sessions and pick up a bunch of Equifruit Fairtrade bananas. Participants are advised to wear comfy clothing and bring their cell phone to take a TON of pictures with the adorable goats.

CALIFORNIA - Quality Peruvian avocados will be plentiful for US consumers starting in early May and remain available in promotable volumes throughout the summer. Index Fresh, a global leader in fresh avocados, reports that its Peruvian avocado programs will start earlier this year due to higher volumes grown in ideal weather conditions. Peru’s avocado industry has been on a growth trajectory, and US grocers who lock in stable pricing now will enjoy ample, dependable supply for the whole season.

“Peru’s avocado crop is hitting its stride. As new plantings mature and more trees start producing, the whole Peruvian industry has gained experience serving international markets,” said Dalila Rivera, Vice President of Global Sourcing for Index Fresh, in a recent press release. “Tariff talk in the US led to some uncertainty, but Peru’s forecast is looking strong, so there won’t be significant changes or interruptions in shipments. We are seeing what could be the best year yet for the top South American avocado supplier.”

Mexico continues to be the primary source of avocados for the United States, but Peru’s increased presence during the May through August window will help maintain inventory levels when summer supply gaps from Mexico cannot fully meet US demand. Peru’s global avocado export volume is projected to increase by over 1/3 this year, which should help stabilize both supply and pricing for US consumers looking to enjoy guacamole and quality avocados during the summer backyard BBQ season. Peru represents the largest sourcing region offering season-long fixed pricing, enabling customers to plan ahead without needing to react to market fluctuations.

In recent years, Peru has increased market share around the globe. In avocados and other agricultural products, Peru has earned a reputation for being a sophisticated producer ready to tap into shipping routes reaching North America, Europe, and Asia. Experience has brought efficiency and competitiveness to the Peruvian avocado industry.

Grocers can lock in pricing now for Peruvian bulk and bagged avocados from Index Fresh. Retailers who take advantage of Index’s value-added ripening services have seen increased consumer acceptance and repeat purchases. Peruvian avocados will also be promoted and marketed in the US by the Avocados from Peru trade organization. Partnerships in promoting Peruvian avocados have positioned the 2025 season as a breakthrough year for Peru, with an estimated 60% increase in fruit entering the US market, establishing Peru as a more recognized and reliable avocado source for US consumers.

“We have observed our Peruvian program develop with strong commitment over the past several years,” Rivera said. “It is rewarding to supply another high-quality avocado source to a market that is knowledgeable and eager for nutritious and flavorful fruit.”

WASHINGTON - Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), the nonprofit capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers and retailers, recognizes Earth Day as a call to action for protecting the land and resources that sustain our food systems. With agriculture facing increasing challenges from climate change, soil depletion and labor shortages, EFI is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for all stakeholders through education and industry collaboration.

Sustainability in agriculture goes beyond conservation, it’s about building systems that safeguard both the environment and the people who grow our food. To advance this mission, EFI is offering a suite of educational resources in 2025, including free webinars designed to help industry leaders understand and implement sustainable practices.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have for transforming agriculture,” said Madelyn Edlin, EFI’s product marketing manager. “By equipping growers, workers, and buyers with practical knowledge, we can embed sustainability into every level of the supply chain.”

EFI’s series of free, 30-minute webinars is tailored to deepen industry understanding of key sustainability topics. Highlights include:

• Social Responsibility as a Key Sustainability Pillar - Explore why a people-first approach is essential for long-term sustainability. This webinar outlines three practical tactics to enhance your company’s social responsibility efforts. Watch on-demand.
• The Role of People in Regenerative Organic Agriculture - In partnership with the Regenerative Organic Alliance, this session connects the dots between soil health, biodiversity and fair labor conditions, revealing how these elements strengthen the resilience of farming systems. Watch on-demand.
• IPM Standards as a Key to Long-Term Certification Sustainability - Understand why integrated pest management is critical to sustainability and how its inclusion in social responsibility audits supports long-term success. Watch on-demand.
• Elevating Farmworkers for a Sustainable Future - Join EFI and THX! Dreams on May 20 for a live webinar that explores how farmworker well-being is fundamental to a sustainable food system. Register for free.

“Sustainability is not just about protecting the planet—it’s about ensuring that agriculture remains viable for generations to come,” added Edlin in a recent press release. “By helping industry leaders understand the connections between environmental stewardship and worker well-being, we’re building a stronger, more resilient food system.”

EFI invites businesses to take advantage of these educational opportunities and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable agricultural future. Access free recorded webinars, register for upcoming live sessions, and learn more at equitablefood.org/webinars.