RENO, NV - No matter your thoughts on Trader Joe’s, there’s no doubt it has lasting star power. So when the company expands, you better believe that ANUK will sniff it out.

The retailer recently set down more roots in Reno, Nevada, with a recent store opening—only a few days after announcing it was expanding in Ladera Ranch, California. The opening date for this new location was August 21, 2024, a press release noted. It marks the company’s second location in Reno.

Trader Joe’s has a smaller presence in Nevada, but with more and more people turning to mid-sized cities as their preferred place of living, this is a significant area of opportunity for the grocer.

We’ll continue to keep an eye on any additional movement in the retail sector.

CHARLOTTE, NC - A banana-centric event is taking place this Saturday, August 24, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. As part of its 125^th Banana-Versary celebration, Dole Food Company will host the inaugural Dole Great American Banana Challenge this weekend during the Great American Banana Split Celebration. Dole agreed to sponsor the annual challenge through 2027.

“Dole is proud that our bananas have provided the foundation for countless classic and new-twist banana split recipes for years at Latrobe’s Banana Split Celebration—and prouder still to have introduced several great-tasting versions made better with berries, pineapple, and other fresh fruit to the mix,” said William Goldfield, Director of Communications. “So, when we had the chance to help create a new, more nutrient-dense version of the quintessentially American eating contest that doesn’t sacrifice the fun, we were eager to participate.”

According to Banana Challenge rules, the banana fan who peels and eats the most DOLE® bananas in 125 seconds on the event’s Robindale Main Stage will receive the inaugural Dole Banana Challenge Belt, designed and produced by Andrew Lazarchik.

The Great American Banana Split Celebration honors the 1904 invention of the banana split at Latrobe’s Tassel’s Pharmacy. According to a press release, it has been a regular destination for banana and dessert fans since 2013 when the Pennsylvania Historical Society unveiled a marker at the downtown Latrobe site.

Dole helped organize the first Banana Split Celebration 11 years ago in conjunction with National Banana Split Day, and sent a team of employees and Bobby Banana. This year, in addition to serving as an unofficial Dole Banana Challenge judge, Bobby will cheer-on participants in the annual 5K Banana Run.

The Dole 125^th Banana-Versary continues throughout 2024 with in-store messaging, contests, partnerships, proclamations, recipes and appearances by Bobby Banana. A special highlight is “125 Ways to Be Bananas,” part of a web and social media series of banana hacks, tips and recipes, digital downloads, engagement opportunities, and ways to share banana memories.

Banana fans can officially register for the Dole Great American Banana Challenge here. For details on the three-day celebration, click here.

For more ways industry operators are boosting consumption, keep reading ANUK.

SAN DIEGO, CA - In order to keep produce and nutrition top of mind for educators, BrightFresh® Microgreens announced a new partnership between itself and the Boys & Girls Clubs. This is all part of the company’s upcoming Back to School campaign.

"We are excited to work with the Boys & Girls Clubs on this donation drive and to have their support in spreading the word about our delicious and nutritious microgreens," said Aaron Horwitz, Senior Marketing Manager. "This partnership not only helps to ensure that children in our community receive the best possible nutrition as they head back to school but also supports the essential work of the Boys & Girls Clubs in enriching the lives of young people."

According to a press release, this initiative reflects the company’s commitment to community support and promoting healthy eating habits among young people. BrightFresh encourages parents and community members to participate in this campaign by purchasing microgreens at local stores across San Diego, California.

Given that microgreens boast 10 to 40 times more nutrient density than their full-grown counterparts, BrightFresh® makes it easier than ever to provide essential nutrition to children across San Diego and beyond.

We’ll keep our eyes peeled for the latest industry partnerships, so stay tuned.

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Wonderful Company has long been demonstrating its values through extensive investments in education, health and wellness, infrastructure, and more. Honoring these actions, PEOPLE® Magazine ranked The Wonderful Company No. 3 nationwide on its coveted 2024 PEOPLE® Companies That Care list.

“For over 50 years, our company philosophy has been rooted in the commitment to leave behind a better, healthier world,” said Lynda and Stewart Resnick, Co-Founders. “That promise is embodied in our employees, who make a difference every day, and we are so proud PEOPLE has recognized and honored their work and commitment. We hope the initiatives we’ve launched, the investments we’ve made, and the efforts we try to make every day serve as a model for others. Giving back starts in your own backyard.”

As a $6 billion global company made up of iconic brands Wonderful and its subsequent foundations have directed more than $2.5 billion to philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts globally, mentioned a press release.

Additionally, nearly $600 million has been funneled directly into California’s Central Valley, home to more than 3,000 employees.

“Each year, we look forward to highlighting the innovative ways these companies give back to their employees, communities, and the world,” says Wendy Naugle, Editor-In-Chief, PEOPLE. “Celebrating the care and kindness they show is a natural extension of our editorial mission—to show what’s possible when ordinary people commit to extraordinary endeavors.”

The Wonderful Company was named one of Fortune® Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For earlier this year, and was also recognized among the Best Places To Work in the Central Valley for its commitment to the well-being of its workforce.

To be considered for the PEOPLE and Fortune lists, companies must be Great Place To Work Certified™ and have at least 10 U.S. employees.

Congratulations on this incredible honor from AndNowUKnow!