The International Fresh Produce Association celebrated four standout winners at the Foodservice Conference Expo on July 28. The winners, announced on the expo floor, reflected on their wins.

The age-old saying goes “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but an apple a day can also keep the blues away.

“When you bite into an apple, there is a release of dopamine that allows you to feel pleasure,” said Kristi Harris, brand manager for Elgin, MN-based Honeybear Brands, in early June. “There are antioxidants and nutritional properties that help with mood and feeling better.”

Instacart announced that Electronic Benefits Transfer for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBT SNAP) can now be used to buy groceries online via Instacart in every state. The company recently launched online SNAP acceptance in Alaska with Albertsons Cos. banner Safeway, completing the commitment Instacart made in 2022 as part of the launch of its Instacart Health initiative and the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health to bring SNAP online in all 50 states this year.

Brighter Bites will launch a three-part webinar series that will provide more insight and information on the program impact with its followers, supporters and potential friends.

California fig season is under way with a noteworthy crop, marked by strong volume and high quality. Despite a later start date, main harvest is now under way and will run through November.

Westside Produce and Classic Fruit announced their strategic alliance back in March, formalizing their relationship to provide customers with melons 52 weeks a year. With Melon Day coming up this Sunday, Aug. 13, the two are celebrating by emphasizing the success of their alliance and abundant harvest.