Sales of North Carolina sweet potatoes soar the highest leading up to Thanksgiving, but year-end demand sees a considerable spike as well.

Taylor Farms launched a new double dip vegetable tray. The company will continue serving premium vegetable trays and Buttermilk Ranch — now with the addition of either Chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce or Bacon Ranch.

As a gluten-free almond-based vegan dip with no added sugar, the Chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce provides a non-dairy dip to accompany the Buttermilk Ranch helping ensure no one is excluded from visiting the veggie tray. Meanwhile, the Bacon Ranch paired with the classic Buttermilk Ranch contains delicious bacon bits that will have consumers returning for seconds.

At its annual association meeting in Anaheim, CA, PAIA membership announced their co-chairmen for 2026-27 term. Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties serves as the East Coast chair, while Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt (JMB) serves as the West Coast chair. 

In 2002 the launch of Cuties not only sparked a nationwide love affair with mandarins, but it also defined the mandarin category and introduced millions of shoppers to this sweet, seedless delight known for its taste, adorable size and convenience. Now, Sun Pacific is launching its new Irresistibly Cute fully integrated marketing campaign to celebrate everything that makes Cuties a beloved, trusted staple for families.

Side Delights is tapping into a fast-growing consumer trend this season:  Southern-style Christmas buffets that feed a crowd and inspire bigger shopping baskets. With more shoppers hosting large, casual gatherings, retailers have an opportunity to merchandise potatoes and complementary ingredients in a way that increases both volume and cross-category sales.

Atlanta’s reputation as the King of the Southeast continues to hold firm, with the region experiencing one of the most dynamic periods of growth in its produce industry. A combination of robust retail and foodservice demand, a booming population and Georgia’s diverse agricultural output has positioned the metro area as a key engine for fresh-produce movement across the eastern half of the country.