Fresh Express, Chiquita, Planet Harvest and World Vision are bringing the Fresh Communities Tour to Chicago, Streamwood and the surrounding areas, uniting leaders across the food system to help expand access to fresh food, nutrition resources and meal inspiration for approximately 1,500 families across the region.  

When the organic Purple Crush tomato first hit produce departments, it quickly captured attention with its striking deep-purple color, exceptional flavor and premium eating experience. Consumers loved it, retailers embraced it and Veg Fresh Farms became obsessed with making it even better.

Now the company introduced the next generation of organic Purple Crush — a new variety that delivers everything that made the original special, with improvements that elevate the experience from first glance to final bite.

With retailers looking for differentiation and dependability, and a desire for premium apple programs that create excitement, drive traffic and deliver strong turns at shelf, Next Big Thing is seeing big numbers in 2026.

Instacart introduced “Immersive Feed,” a new short-form, vertical video feed that showcases meals and recipes, currently in pilot as part of Instacart’s suite of inspiration ads. Customers can now browse the video feed directly within their favorite retail storefronts on Instacart and seamlessly add items to their cart. The new experience gives consumers a familiar way to scroll, discover and shop meal ideas on Instacart, like finding the best appetizers to pair with rosé or planning a meal for seasonal occasions, such as a family summer picnic.

Brendan Burns has joined JOH as senior vice president, produce, Metro. Burns brings more than 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience across the beverage and produce categories, building high-performing teams and helping grow nationally recognized brands. Throughout his career, he has led sales initiatives across a wide range of retail channels, including club, mass, grocery, foodservice and hospitality.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods' Dandy eight-ounce Celery Snack Packs have been named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards. 

Selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute’s registered dietitians and culinary experts with validation by extensive consumer testing, the awards spotlight snacks that deliver on flavor, nutrition, ingredient quality, packaging and overall innovation.