10 Fun Facts About Zucchini (That Might Surprise You)

Zucchini doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves—but this versatile squash has a few fun facts up its sleeve. If you’re in the food industry, there’s a good chance zucchini plays a quiet but important role in your lineup. And if it doesn’t yet… well, here’s why it might be time to give this humble …

Crop News

Severe Frost Devastates Turkish Agriculture, Damaging Key Fruit Crops

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United States Sweet Corn: Sweet Corn planting has begun the last week of April. Strawberry: In California, despite a decrease in new plantings, the overall strawberry planted area for 2025 is expected to rise slightly due to lower costs associated with second-year acres. Cooler weather has slowed deliveries, but production is expected to increase with …

Food Safety

Stay Safe This Picnic Season: Essential Food Safety Tips

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As the weather warms up and outdoor gatherings become more frequent, it’s crucial to prioritize food safety during picnics and barbecues. Improper handling and storage of food can lead to foodborne illnesses, which are especially prevalent during the summer months. Here are some key tips to ensure your outdoor meals are both enjoyable and safe. …

Trending

New State Recycling Fees Ahead: What Food Producers Need to Know

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A major shift is coming for food producers as more U.S. states roll out Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs—laws that make manufacturers financially responsible for the recycling and disposal of their product packaging. For food companies, this means new compliance challenges and potential cost increases on the horizon. What’s Changing? EPR programs aim to move …

Frozen vs. Fresh Mangoes: What Food Businesses Should Know About Quality, Nutrition, and Cost

Mangoes are a menu star — whether blended into smoothies, folded into yogurts, topping desserts, or adding tropical flair to sauces and beverages. But when it comes to sourcing, many food businesses still assume that fresh is always best. The truth? Frozen mangoes aren’t just a backup plan — they’re often the smarter choice for …

These beans are going viral.

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In the heart of Chiclayo, Peru, a revolution in black-eyed peas is taking place. Noon International proudly introduces freshly flash-frozen black-eyed peas, a game-changer for lovers of Southern cuisine. These black-eyed peas aren’t like what you normally see in the market; they’re harvested at their peak, instantly frozen to lock in a vibrant green color …

Revolutionizing Pizza Menus with Cauliflower Puree: A Game-Changer for Health-Conscious Consumers

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In the dynamic world of culinary innovation, one ingredient is making a substantial impact on pizza menus across the globe—cauliflower. At Noon International, we are excited to introduce our Premium Cauliflower Purée, a transformative product designed to not only redefine your pizza offerings but also to broaden your customer base. This is more than just …

How Sharing Meals Can Boost Happiness

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In a world that often feels fast-paced and fragmented, one timeless practice continues to bring people together: sharing a meal. The 2025 World Happiness Report highlights a powerful insight—people who regularly eat with others experience greater happiness, deeper social connections, and improved emotional well-being. But with busy schedules, rising stress levels, and the demands of …

Why Frozen Fruits & Veggies Are Leading 2025’s Hottest Food Trends

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In 2025, the food and beverage landscape is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with consumers gravitating towards trends that emphasize health, sustainability, and convenience. Among these trends, frozen fruits and vegetables are emerging as pivotal players, aligning seamlessly with the evolving preferences of today’s consumers. Embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) The “Joy of Missing …

Frozen Raspberry Market Snapshot – April 2025

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As we move through spring 2025, the frozen raspberry market is experiencing a dynamic shift in pricing, availability, and trade routes—shaped by harvest updates across the globe and newly introduced tariffs affecting North American trade. ⸻ Whole Raspberry Prices Climb, Crumble Softens Prices for whole frozen raspberries continue to trend high across global markets, fueled …

The Many Uses of Frozen Broccoli in the Food Industry – And a Smart Solution to Tariff Challenges

Frozen broccoli has long been a staple in the food industry, valued for its versatility, convenience, and year-round availability. From quick-serve restaurants and institutional kitchens to frozen meal manufacturers and private-label brands, frozen Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) broccoli is a go-to ingredient that helps businesses meet consumer demand for nutritious, ready-to-use vegetables. Common Food Industry …

Clarence Birdseye: The Father of Frozen Food and His Lasting Impact on the Industry

When we think of frozen food, it’s easy to take it for granted—after all, frozen fruits, vegetables, meats, and ready-to-eat meals have become essential in homes and businesses worldwide. But few people know that behind this convenience stands a visionary inventor, Clarence Birdseye, whose pioneering work in food preservation changed the way we eat. The …

If You’re Trying to Source Tariff-Free Produce Right Now, Raise Your Hand

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In light of recent changes in trade policies, the food industry is facing significant challenges when it comes to sourcing produce. With tariffs on goods from certain countries, businesses are being hit with rising costs that can affect their bottom line. However, for businesses in need of key vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, peppers, and …

You’re Only As Good As Your Relationships: 49 Years of Trust and Transparency in the Frozen Food Industry

In the fast-paced world of the food industry, one key factor determines long-term success: relationships. At Noon International, we have spent the last 49 years building and maintaining relationships that are based on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit. These relationships have been the cornerstone of our business and have allowed us to thrive and grow …

Check Your Source: Ensuring Compliance with USMCA Tariff-Free Sourcing

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As the U.S. food industry adjusts to the impact and uncertainty of tariffs, it is essential for businesses to be diligent about the country of origin for the fruits and vegetables they are sourcing. With high tariffs for certain imports, the importance of verifying your suppliers’ compliance cannot be overstated. Whether you’re sourcing fresh or …

Cowboy Caviar: A Colorful and Flavorful Delight with Black Eyed Peas

Cowboy Caviar is a festive and colorful dish perfect for any gathering. Here’s how you can make it: Ingredients 15 oz. of black beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz. of black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 4 diced Roma tomatoes (seeds removed) 1 diced red bell pepper 1 diced yellow bell pepper 1 cup sweet corn …

Why Are Strawberry Seeds on the Outside?

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Strawberries are celebrated not only for their vibrant color and sweet, tangy flavor but also for their unique botanical structure, with seeds on the outside. Unlike most fruits, what we consume as the strawberry fruit is technically the receptacle, an enlarged part of the plant that supports the seeds, known scientifically as achenes. Each achene …

Why Vegetables Deserve a Place in Every Dog Food Formula

As the pet food industry continues to evolve, so do the expectations of today’s dog owners. With a growing emphasis on health, wellness, and transparency, more pet parents are turning ingredient labels around—looking for food that not only satisfies but supports long-term health. One of the most compelling trends? Vegetables. Nutritional Benefits Dogs Can Fetch …

How to Integrate Cauliflower Rice for a Healthier Menu in Your Restaurant

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The food service industry is always on the lookout for innovative ingredients that not only enhance the menu but also align with evolving consumer preferences. Cauliflower rice, known for its health benefits and versatility, has emerged as a standout choice for restaurants looking to cater to health-conscious and diet-specific customers. Here, we explore the opportunities …