Questions abound on fresh produce consumption, but shows like New York help spread word

Fresh notes: Rashford, Oliver call for 'urgent review' of free school meal plan

“How do we increase produce consumption?” This mantra has been chanted at industry events and in produce publications for as long as I can remember. It should be a no-brainer. Produce is healthy. Everyone wants to be healthy. Between fresh and non-fresh presentations, produce is available, affordable and there is a fruit or veggie that […]

Shoppers are making more healthy food choices after changes to multibuy promotions

What can be more healthful than expanding the footprints of fresh produce sections in supermarkets? Removing any and all unhealthy products in store aisles that are high in fat, sugar and salt, or HFSS. That has been a mission for Tesco since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially as individuals and families have […]

Walnuts from U.S. looking ‘exceptional’ heading into end of the year

California promotes walnuts in UK after 20-year hiatus

Good news for those in the UK who enjoy seeing California walnuts in stores: the 2023 crop is one of the best in memory for growers who have been in business for 40 years.  Robert Verloop, CEO, of the California Walnut Commission, talked up the amazing results at the recent the Global Produce & Floral Show in […]

Grape Attraction: 5 big consumer trends for the next year include nod to ‘green reality’

More than 90,000 visitors attended the recent 15th Fruit Attraction fair and conference in Madrid, which showcased agricultural industries of 135 countries. The convention included the 7th iteration of Grape Attraction, which explored the table grape sector in Europe and the world. Desmond Jas, head of sales and marketing at Olympic Fruit, based in the Netherlands, analyzed […]

The C-Suite Focus on Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Freshfel Europe calls for new policy approach to fresh fruits and vegetables

I recently moderated a panel discussion in the U.S. at the Produce for Better Health (PBH) Consumer Connection Conference in mid-April. The panelists represented a diverse group of foodservice companies, where senior leadership views produce as an important part of their business. Our 45-minute discussion focused on leaders’ insights on what matters, what’s doable and what […]

Can eco-labels on menus really change habits of diners?

A new study out of the University of Bristol shows that diners who were given menus with eco-friendly ratings more often chose items that were sustainable, vegan and vegetarian over dishes that had meat or dairy. Nearly 1,400 adults took part in the research project published in the journal Behavioural Public Policy which looked at the […]

Growing demand for plant-forward food

Plant-forward is now the widely accepted term for menus and eating patterns that include more plant-based ingredients and fewer animal-sourced ingredients. The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), in its Have A Plant: The Plant-Forward Eating Guide, positions plant-forward as an inclusive style of eating that is appealing to more people simply because it doesn’t omit […]