U.S. Potato Industry 2024 Challenges and 2025 Opportunities

The 2024 season has been a mixed bag for the U.S. potato industry, marked by reduced production, regional yield disparities, and fluctuating prices. While challenges loom large, key insights from the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) December Vegetable Outlook highlight areas of resilience and opportunity within this crucial agricultural sector. Production Trends National potato production …

Southern Cuisine Alert: Why Frozen Fresh Black Eyed Peas Are a Must-Try!

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Black eyed peas are not just a staple of Southern cuisine; they are a nutritional powerhouse, especially when they are frozen fresh to preserve their quality and benefits. Here’s a closer look at why frozen fresh black eyed peas should be a part of your diet and how they can be creatively incorporated into various …

Boost Your Immunity This Winter with Strawberries

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As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, maintaining a robust immune system becomes more crucial than ever. While various strategies can help bolster your defenses, one tasty and natural option is incorporating strawberries into your diet. Known for their vibrant color and delicious flavor, strawberries aren’t just a treat for your taste buds—they’re …

Impact of the Mexican Peso’s Depreciation on Importers

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The depreciation of the Mexican peso has significant implications for importers, especially in the context of trade with the United States. As the peso weakens against the dollar, Mexican goods become less expensive for buyers using stronger currencies. This shift can increase the competitiveness of Mexican exports, potentially boosting sales abroad as goods become more …

When it Comes to Sweet Corn, Should You Go Fresh or Frozen?

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Sweet corn, whether fresh or frozen, is a staple in many kitchens due to its versatility and sweet flavor. Understanding the differences in nutritional content and culinary uses between fresh and frozen sweet corn can help you make informed choices for your cooking and eating habits. Nutritional Comparison Both fresh and frozen sweet corn primarily …

How is your favorite bag of frozen fruits and vegetables processed?

So you’re at Costco, shopping in the frozen aisle. You grab a bag of frozen strawberries and blueberries for your smoothie, a bag of frozen broccoli to accompany dinners, and quickly remember to also grab a bag of frozen french fries for the kids. Ever wonder how these frozen fruits and vegetables make it to …

Happy New Year! January has abundantly welcomed 2025 with…

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We hope you’re still stuffed. Not just from all the delicious food you enjoyed the past weeks, but stuffed with excitement for the blank slate that is 2025. We know, we know…we’re all still having some holiday hangover, BUT, (with enough coffee) we can’t deny how eager we are to jump in on all the …

Crop News

Broccoli Yields Down in China

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United States Green Pea harvest in the Pacific Northwest was slightly above budget with a good distribution of grades across the pack.  Sweet corn in the Pacific Northwest finished with an on budget pack and nice quality. Dice carrot season was a good one overall with budget yields and high quality. Raw material prices this season were lower …

Food Safety

AFFI Con 2025: Focusing on Food Safety Initiatives

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The upcoming AFFI Con 2025 is set to kick off with an essential meeting for members of the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI). The AFFI Food Safety Working Group Meeting, exclusive to members, will address the institute’s key priorities in food safety. This year’s conference, particularly significant under the ongoing shifts in public policy, is …

Trending

Whole Foods Market’s 2025 Top 10 Food Trends

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The rising trends in food for 2025, as forecasted by Whole Foods Market, showcase an emphasis on innovative and sustainable food choices, highlighting a shift towards plant-based ingredients, sustainable packaging, and unique flavor experiences. The trends identified include an increased focus on crunch and texture in foods, enhanced hydration options beyond traditional beverages, and the …

The Benefits of Private Labeling for Grocery Retailers

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In the competitive world of retail, grocery stores are constantly looking for strategies to increase margins, enhance brand loyalty, and differentiate themselves from competitors. One effective strategy is private labeling, which involves retailers branding and selling products under their own name, rather than a manufacturer’s brand. This approach has several advantages: 1. Increased Profit Margins …

Vidre+: Revolutionizing Food Preservation

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In a significant leap forward for food preservation technology, Vidre+ by Fresh Inset is setting new benchmarks in the food industry, particularly in how perishables are handled, stored, and transported globally. This innovative product represents a pivotal shift in managing the shelf life of foods, promising to dramatically impact food waste and sustainability practices within …

Beverage Innovation Trends to Watch in 2025

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As we approach 2025, the beverage industry continues to evolve with an increasing emphasis on functional benefits, sugar reduction, and innovative hydration solutions. Jennifer Berndt, Associate Marketing Manager (Beverages) at Cargill, Minneapolis, highlights three key trends driving beverage innovation today. 1. Functional Benefits Beyond Hydration Consumers are seeking beverages that do more than just quench …

Sustainable Holiday Eating with Frozen Foods

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence, but it also brings an opportunity to make sustainable choices in our eating habits. One significant way to achieve this is by incorporating frozen fruits and vegetables into your holiday meals. Not only do these frozen options offer convenience and nutritional integrity, but they also play a crucial …

Frozen Trends: Healthier Choices & Global Flavors on the Rise

In today’s market, the demand for healthier, budget-friendly frozen food options is more prominent than ever. According to a report in Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer, consumers are increasingly gravitating towards “better-for-you” options within the frozen food sector, prioritizing clean labels, plant-based ingredients, and reduced sodium and sugar content. This trend is a direct response to …

Avocado Innovation: How Doubling Production in Mexico Revolutionizes the Industry

An exciting development in the avocado industry, as reported by FreshPlaza, highlights the opening of a new facility in Mexico by an Australian-based company. This strategic move has remarkably doubled the production of their innovative non-browning avocado range. This advancement not only underscores the growing demand for avocados but also showcases the evolution of food …

Benefits of Frozen Produce in the Food Service Industry

In the fast-paced world of food service, the demand for efficient, cost-effective, and quality solutions is ever-growing. Frozen foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, offer a wealth of benefits that make them superior for various culinary uses. Here’s why embracing frozen produce could be your key to success. Benefits of Frozen Produce in the Food Service …

Why IQF Produce is Ideal for Specialty Diets in the Food Service Industry

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In the food service industry, accommodating specialty diets is not just a courtesy—it’s a necessity. From gluten-free to vegan, each diet comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to ensuring variety, nutrition, and taste. Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) produce, with its remarkable preservation of quality, emerges as an ideal solution. The …