Fresh Solutions Network provides shoppers with Side Delights solutions that offer a more cost-effective, time-saving option than the take-out trend. According to a recent article in Food & Wine magazine, five years after the pandemic shuttered restaurants, takeout is more than a need or a dining convenience — it is a culture. The article said approximately 95 percent of consumers rank speed as “critical” to the experience, with younger generations driving demand for convenience and value. The chief economist at the National Restaurant Association noted on the topic of ordering food to go,

Legend Produce has added mini watermelons to its renowned melon program. This expansion complements the successful full-size seedless watermelon program it currently offers. “We are always looking for ways to exceed our customer expectations,” said Barry Zwillinger, founder of Legend Produce, based in Scottsdale, AZ. “Adding mini watermelons to our melon program is the natural step forward building on the successful full-size program. Now we are a one-stop shop for everything from cantaloupe and honeydew to our specialty Origami and Kiss melons, and finally our full-size and mini watermelon

Frank Donio Inc., a proud Jersey Fresh grower, packer and wholesaler, is heading into the new season with another round of new high tunnels. “We started using them about four years ago and every season we’ve added more,” said Annie Pape, special projects and brand manager for the Hammonton, NJ-based company. “The idea is that they trap heat and to raise the temperature for the crops growing inside so we can start growing and picking earlier and then stretch out longer at the end. With it being covered we can block out heavy rains to get more control on irrigation. Anytime you can control a

Marolda Farms Inc., a family-owned business based in Vineland, NJ, specializes in cultivating both conventionally-and-organically-grown leafy greens and herbs. The farm operates on 250 acres dedicated to conventional produce and 130 acres dedicated to organic crops. At the helm are Rich and Sherry Marolda, a husband-and-wife team that has been farming together through more than 25 years of marriage. The couple’s son, Richard Marolda Jr., serves as production manager for Marolda Farms, and spearheads its organic program, which is shipped under the Rock & Roll Organics label by the entity known

Walmart and Lufa Farms are now selling hyperlocal produce from Lufa Farms’ 127,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse atop the Marché Central Walmart Supercentre in the store below. This marks the first time produce from Montreal’s Lufa Farms will be sold through a retailer and the first time Walmart Canada will sell produce from a store’s rooftop greenhouse. Harvested on demand each morning, the rotating crops of tomatoes, cucumbers and Bell peppers will be available for sale in-store in as fast as an hour after being picked. “Rooftops are one of the most underused spaces in cities — and yet

As the 2025 cherry season begins, growers across the industry have a positive outlook. With improved weather conditions, increased crop volume, expanded packing capabilities and strategic marketing programs, the region’s top cherry producers are preparing for what many expect to be a standout year. Crop estimates across the Northwest point to one of the largest harvests in a decade. Favorable bloom conditions, warm temperatures and the absence of damaging frost events have all contributed to strong fruit set, good sizing and high sugar levels. Across the board, growers are expecting consistent