Category: Trending

Figures released last month by the U.S.D.A. Census of Agriculture show that trends behind America’s farms and diets are changing.   Leafy Greens, including kale, along with sweet potatoes, once thought to be fads are now changing America’s terrain. Sweet potato acreage increased almost 38% from 2012 to 2017.   White potatoes along with white flour and …

Continue reading “Sweet Potato In, Sweet Corn Out!”

As consumers search for healthier alternatives to their favorite foods, frozen food producers and grocery retailers are taking note. Although virtually all households purchase frozen food–spending nearly a collective $57 billion annually–consumers may not be aware of the full range of healthy products now available to them. Grocery retailers sell more frozen entrees than any …

Continue reading “Frozen Food Is Making a Strong Comeback”

Fewer than one in ten Americans describe themselves as vegetarian, but plant-based foods are more popular than ever. According to new research, plant-based food sales were up 20% in 2017, soaring to $3.3 billion. Plant-based meat alternatives are especially gaining popularity, with a 24% increase in sales that resulted in $670 million – compared to …

Continue reading “Tomato Sushi Anyone?”

Two years after the United States withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the United States and Japan have reopened negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The talks are a welcome development, especially in light of the Japan – European Union Trade Agreement which went into effect on February 1st of this year. That agreement will remove …

Continue reading “Experts Call for a US-Japan Bilateral Trade Agreement”

The predictions are in, and 2019 is shaping up to be an adventurous time to browse supermarket aisles and restaurant menus in America. Global flavors predominantly Indian and Middle Eastern, meat and dairy alternatives, and wellness trends are expected to boom in the new year. Above all, people want to consume foods that promote health …

Continue reading “7 Food Trends to Watch For in 2019”

Canned corn prices are on the rise – there are numerous reaons including labor and energy costs, however one area of concern is the rising tin plate cost. Tinplate is made primarily of steel or sometimes iron and contains 1-2% tin. This blend of metals resists corrosion, making it safe to store even highly acidic …

Continue reading “Rising Tinplate Costs May Spike Prices for Canned Goods”

The world of truck transportation as we knew it has completely changed since the end of December 2017 when E – Log rules went into effect which strictly monitors the length of time a driver can drive in a 24 hour period.  The mandate for trucks to use this electronic log book was fully impletmented …

Continue reading “Truck Freight Rates Are on the Rise”

This month, China announced new trade tariffs that will affect $60 billion worth of products produced in the United States. China’s announcement is in response to recently imposed duties on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods. Earlier this year, the United States also upped fees on Chinese products valued at $34 billion and imposed a …

Continue reading “China Imposes New Trade Tariffs on $60 Billion of American Products”

Earlier this summer, temperatures hit record highs across Europe as heat waves swept the continent. A summer with extreme dryness and heat has left normally green fields a disturbing shade of brown. Drought settled over Europe with a high pressure weather system remaining in place for much of the summer. Vegetable growers/producers are facing the …

Continue reading “Drought Conditions in Europe Worse Than Expected!”

In July, Japan and the European Union signed a groundbreaking free trade deal that eliminates over 90% of tariffs on goods exchanged between Japan and European countries. Trade between the European Union and Japan represents more than 600 million consumers and is valued at approximately $150 billion, or approximately one-third of the global economy. Notable …

Continue reading “Japan and the European Union Sign Major Free Trade Deal”

Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted on Sunday, June 3rd, killing at least 62 people and spewing a river of lava and plumes of smoke almost 6 miles into the air. Broccoli season is underway; fortunately, there was no damage done to the plantations. The winds were blowing east/northeast of the volcano, while the main growing area …

Continue reading “Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupts – killing at least 62 people”

The typical American grocery shopper is busy, hungry, and looking for an affordable and healthy meal option–no cooking required. Although frozen meals have previously earned a reputation as either junk food and unhealthly based on the high levels of salt and additives, they are currently making a comeback as consumers embrace newer healthier options. A …

Continue reading “Frozen Meals Are Making a Comeback”