United States Beets: In Wisconsin, the beet crop is looking strong with no major concerns reported. Blueberries: The blueberry outlook is promising, provided the weather continues to cooperate. While global inventories are low and demand remains strong—especially in health-forward food categories—uncertainty around tariffs and international supply chain shifts are adding pressure. Additionally, a greater share …
Food Safety
Avoiding the Worst Offenders: How Frozen Produce Can Help Minimize Food Poisoning Risks
Foodborne illnesses continue to be a major concern for consumers and the food industry alike. A recent article from EatingWell highlights some of the worst offenders when it comes to food poisoning. These items have been linked to significant outbreaks in recent years, largely due to their perishable nature, risk of cross-contamination, and how they’re …
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Millennials and Gen Z Are Powering a Frozen Food Renaissance – Here’s What It Means for the Industry
Two of today’s most influential consumer groups—Millennials and Gen Z—are reshaping the grocery landscape, and their preferences are fueling major growth in the frozen food aisle. Gen Z, the digital-native generation that thrives on speed, personalization, and value, is skipping the fresh perimeter and heading straight for the frozen section. As Supermarket News reports, these …
Crop News
Sweet Corn Planting On Track Despite Weather Setbacks in the U.S. Midwest
United States Sweet Corn: Minnesota and Wisconsin saw widespread rainfall last week, totaling 2.0–3.5” in Minnesota and 0.7–2.5” in Wisconsin, which brought much-needed moisture to all growing areas. Cooler-than-normal temperatures accompanied the rain, with highs in the 40s–60s and lows dipping into the 30s and 40s. Despite the wet and chilly conditions, sweet corn planting …
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Food Safety
Fire Up the Grill This Father’s Day: Food Safety Tips Every Backyard Chef Should Know
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and for many families, that means one thing: grilling season is officially in full swing. Whether it’s steak, burgers, chicken, or veggies sizzling over the flames, nothing brings people together like a backyard barbecue. But while grilling is fun and flavorful, it also requires careful attention to food …
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How the Pandemic Reshaped Food Spending-and What It Means for Diet Quality and Access
The USDA Economic Research Service’s May 2025 report, U.S. Household Food Spending Post COVID-19 and the Implications for Diet Quality, provides an in-depth analysis of how the COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered the way Americans purchase, prepare, and consume food. It also raises important questions about nutrition equity, food access, and long-term dietary health—especially for lower-income …
Crop News
Severe Frost Devastates Turkish Agriculture, Damaging Key Fruit Crops
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 …
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New State Recycling Fees Ahead: What Food Producers Need to Know
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 …
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Food Safety
Stay Safe This Picnic Season: Essential Food Safety Tips
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. …
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Crop News
California Avocado Season Well Underway
United States Corn: The latest outlook predicts worsening drought through June 2025 across much of the Western Corn Belt, where 53% of U.S. corn areas are already facing drought—the highest in five years. This raises concerns for the upcoming season, though timely spring rains could still help. Strawberry: The strawberry market is experiencing fluctuations …
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Grocery Inflation: The Impact of Tariffs on Food Prices
A recent article from Grocery Dive has highlighted a significant uptick in grocery prices, with staples like eggs and beef experiencing some of the highest increases. This rise is attributed in part to the new tariffs imposed on various food products, which have compounded existing inflationary pressures and raised concerns among consumers and retailers alike. …
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Food Safety
The Importance of Temperature Control in Food Safety
Maintaining proper temperature control during the storage, handling, and preparation of food is crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlines specific guidelines for temperature control to ensure food safety. These guidelines emphasize the importance of keeping food out of the “Danger Zone” — the temperature range between 40°F and …
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Crop News
Tariff Concerns and Rising Costs Impact Strawberry Supply
United States In 2024 approximately 52.7 million cwt of sweet corn was harvested across the United States, both fresh and processed. The number is about 14% lower than in previous year 2023. Volumes for processing dropped by about 19%. As well there was a decline in sweet corn exports from U.S.A. due to mainland China’s advantages price. A decline …
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The Future of Nutrition: Functional Foods for Moms at Every Stage
The rise of functional foods and beverages tailored for pregnant and postpartum women marks a significant shift in the food industry. As highlighted by Candace Smith-Lee of ofi, Senior Category Scientist of Beverages, there exists a notable gap in the market for ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-drink (RTD) products that cater specifically to the nutritional needs …
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Food Safety
FDA Postpones New ‘Healthy’ Food Label Rules: What You Need to Know
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a delay in the implementation of new food labeling regulations that redefine the term “healthy.” Initially set to take effect on February 25, 2025, the effective date has been pushed to April 28, 2025. This postponement follows a presidential directive to review all recently published regulations. The …
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Food Safety
Shifting Hues: How FDA’s Ban on Red No. 3 Inspires a Natural Dye Revolution in the Food Industry
The FDA’s recent decision to revoke the authorization for the use of Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) in food and ingested drugs marks a critical shift towards safer, more natural alternatives in the food industry. Effective January 2025, this decision is based on the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits …
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Navigating the New Trade Landscape: The Impact of President Trump’s Recent Tariff Measures on Your Business and Personal Finances
With President Trump’s return to office, the U.S. trade landscape is undergoing significant transformations, particularly with the introduction of new tariffs and the proposed establishment of an External Revenue Service to manage these duties more effectively. These measures are part of a broader strategy to address the nation’s trade deficits and enhance revenue from foreign …
Crop News
Europe’s Fruit Prices High
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. Contract negotiations for 2025 season potatoes are …
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Whole Foods Market’s 2025 Top 10 Food Trends
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 …
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Food Safety
AFFI Con 2025: Focusing on Food Safety Initiatives
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 …
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