In a year of extremes, 2020 has brought a mix of good news/bad news for the produce industry, according to Snake River Produce General Manager Kay Riley.

Onion movement has been good throughout the season for Haun Packing in Weiser, ID, with General Manager Herb Haun describing the demand from foodservice as a “pleasant surprise” in the wake of COVID-19.

Haun told The Produce News during the week before Thanksgiving that his operation had been busy as the holidays approached.

Gumz Farms Sales Agent Doug Bulgrin recently gave a positive update of the 2020-21 onion shipping season, noting the Endeavor, WI, operation was seeing good demand and excellent movement ahead of the holidays.

“Movement has been exceptional, and, we definitely are benefiting from people cooking at home,” Bulgrin said about consumer trends as the pandemic continues.

With a high-quality crop of organic potatoes and onions ready for market, Morning Kiss Organic brings a healthy aspect to this year's much-needed comfort cooking. As the pandemic continues, food will play a larger role than ever in bringing the holiday spirit to smaller gatherings planned more around safety than merriment.

After viewing the over-the-top handiwork of retailers from Georgia to Iowa, Bland Farms has chosen the winners of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run & Bland Farms Retailer Display Contest. Bland asked produce managers to build the most fun, creative and interactive Vidalia onion displays inspired by the upcoming SpongeBob movie for the chance to win multiple prizes totaling $10,000.