With Memorial Day here and social restrictions opening up, shoppers are ready to relax and reunite.  What better way to do that than by encouraging them to try something new, juicy and delicious at their next backyard BBQ or picnic?

Vancouver, BC-based Oppy brought cherries to the market earlier than ever this year, according to Jon Bailey, who leads the company’s cherry category. “We began on May 2 thanks to bringing two top cherry brands together at the beginning of this year — Katicich Ranch and Brookside to form Katco Packing,” said Bailey. The partners invested in a brand new Unitec optical sorting line for Katco’s initial season in order to put accuracy and speed at the forefront.

Dandrea Produce started its growing operation in 1917. Now that it’s into its fourth generation, the company continues to see tremendous growth on the fruit categories, which it imports and does year-round. It also has a special place in its heart for the local New Jersey vegetable program.

Sbrocco International Inc., a produce importer and distributor headquartered in Mount Laurel, NJ, is excited to begin its 2021 summer citrus season. With the finest growers out of Chile, Peru and Argentina, the company is looking to continue last year's momentum on easy-peelers, navels, lemons and cara cara oranges.

The Kroger Co. is launching a new effort to incentivize more Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The #CommunityImmunity giveaway campaign will start next week and provide individuals, including customers and associates, the opportunity to win life-changing prizes like one of five $1 million payouts and 50 chances to win free groceries for a year.

The program aims to encourage increased vaccinations as part of the national push to have at least 70 percent of U.S. adults with at least their first dose by July 10.