It’s an understatement to say that this is has been a most unusual year. But even with all of the upheaval and concern, there is a certain comfort to be taken from the regular routine of nature, from the welcome emergence of favorite and familiar flowers to the sheer enjoyment of the first fruits of the season. I swear one of the best strawberries I ever ate came from the first in-season quart I bought in May. That point is underscored in the renaissance of home gardening and landscaping. The 2020 version of World War II-era Victory Gardens is evident in many people’s social media posts and

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections potentially linked to ALDI, Hy-Vee and Jewel-Osco grocery store brand “garden salads” containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots. To date there have been a total of 76 illnesses and 16 hospitalizations. On June 20, 2020, Hy-Vee and Jewel-Osco recalled their 12-ounce bagged and labeled "garden salad" products. Hy-Vee recalled its 12-ounce Hy-Vee Bagged Garden Salad product on June 20, 2020 across its eight-state region. Fresh Express is the manufacturer of these salads

United Fresh Live! week may have come to a close, but the event is by no means over. “There is so much more that continues to live on the platform, and we encourage exhibitors and attendees to continue to take advantage of it this summer,” said Mary Coppola, vice president of marketing and communications for United Fresh Produce Association, on the final day of the virtual event. All of the company booths as well as the educational sessions remain on the platform and are available until Sept. 1, essentially becoming an online directory, one which exhibitors have the ability to update regularly

The Produce Marketing Association has announced the launch of its eLearning certificate course Essentials of Produce Safety, an entirely online, affordable and in-depth program covering the key challenges and best practices in produce safety. The course is the first certificate program in PMA's new educational platform offering, FreshEd Academy. The course was developed in partnership with Intertek Alchemy, the industry leader in produce safety eLearning solutions. “FreshEd Academy is our commitment to delivering thought leadership to the produce and floral industries, while providing member

Oppy’s popular Ocean Spray blueberries are ramping up to the peak of perfection just in time for July National Blueberry Month promotions. Since 2017, Oppy has brought best-in-class blueberries to market under the recognizable and trusted Ocean Spray label, in addition to other successful berries and citrus lines. A snappy new branded master carton will deliver organic and conventional six-ounce, pint and 18-ounce packs, as well as the two-pound clamshell to market this summer. As well, Oppy is offering bright, eye-catching point of sale to draw attention to Ocean Spray blueberries on display

StickyLickits announced its expansion into 189 Ralphs grocery stores, across Southern California. StickyLickits, all-natural edible stickers for kids is a fun, helpful solution for getting children to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Linda York, founder and chief executive officer of StickyLickits is committed to giving parents a new and fun way to integrate fruits and veggies into their children’s diet and encourage healthy eating habits from an early age. Study shows when children can decorate their fruits and veggies with eat-able stickers, they eat more fresh produce and are willing to try