United Fresh Produce Association’s virtual BrandStorm featured discussions of cutting-edge industry topics and ended on a powerful note.

CMI Orchards has announced strong branded apple sales growth for several of its brands.

Jazz apples have jumped into the second position for branded apple sales across the United States, with an overall increase of 13 percent in sales dollars representing 24 percent in volume over the latest 52-week period according to Nielsen scan data ending Jan. 23.  Jazz apples currently account for 21 percent of the U.S. branded apple category sales.

Science and technology have teamed up to prevail over safety threats to food products, processes and personnel for several decades now. The marshalling of forces against the latest coronavirus is no exception.

Meijer  is searching for hyperlocal products to fill shelves in the retailer’s fourth small-format store upon opening later this year. Store Manager Marcus Reliford set a goal of 2,000 local products and is inviting local businesses to submit their offerings for consideration here.

Last spring the long-forecasted switch to online grocery happened overnight. The pandemic has reshaped the habits of even the most fiercely loyal-to-the-store shoppers as social distancing became a key line of defense against infection. Shoppers of all ages and backgrounds increased the number of groceries they were buying online. According to FMI, online grocery sales have tripled. Now a year into the pandemic and a year of record grocery sales, it is unclear how consumers will respond as their schools, offices and favorite restaurants open back up.

The Produce Marketing Association has announced that the association will be bringing the industry back together — in person — in Monterey, CA, for the Foodservice Conference July 21-22. The yearly event is the time and place where foodservice and produce intersect, where important connections and partnerships are made.