As connoisseurs of all things colorful, healthy and delicious, Frieda's was delighted to see the purple sweet potato chosen as Vegetable of the Year 2024, handpicked by an expert panel in celebration of Veganuary — a movement that encourages people worldwide to try a vegan lifestyle during the month of January.

After several years of high quality and limited quantity, the Idaho potato crop came in strong with plenty of top-notch tubers for everyone.

“We had really ideal conditions for all Idaho potatoes this year, without the cold spring we had last year or the extreme hot temperatures of the year before,” said Travis Blacker, vice president of industry relations and research for Idaho Potato Commission. “We got our crop into the ground a week to 10 days late because of snow, but after that we had a phenomenal growing season.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced the 23 floats awarded official honors in the 135th Rose Parade presented by Honda. These awards recognize excellence in a variety of categories and specifications.

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. President and CEO David Smith retired as of December 2023. His successor, Dan Funk, has now assumed the role of president and CEO.

Mountain View Fruit Sales, a leading producer of premium peaches, announced the launch of an exciting social media giveaway to celebrate the Pantone Color of the Year — "Peach Fuzz." The Pantone Color Institute has declared this velvety, gentle peach tone as the color that captures our collective desire to nurture ourselves and others, enriching mind, body and soul.

Bozzuto's Inc. will be handling Tasmanian cherries for the first time in its 75-history, according to Greg Veneziano, the wholesale grocer's vice president of perishables.

The first air shipment of cherries is expected to arrive in the United States the week of Jan. 8, he told The Produce News Wednesday, Jan. 3. He expects to have Tasmanian cherries for about two months, from early January to early March.