Ahhh… the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year is here! Retailers everywhere are gearing up for the holiday frenzy, and the produce industry is no exception. In the mad dash before Thanksgiving, consumers snapped up a jaw-dropping 50 million pounds of sweet potatoes, according to the National Grocers Association.

With the possible exception of being on a golf course with other clients, Kurt Zuhlke said he is always ready, willing and able to talk to existing and potential customers about the state of the packaging business. The long-time president and CEO of Zuhlke & Associates noted that there is a lot to discuss these days.

The Organic Grower Summit is now offering Continuing Education Units through the Certified Crop Adviser program for the upcoming event, taking place Dec. 4-5 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa. Not only does OGS promise to deliver networking, innovation and product sourcing, attendees now benefit from organic industry professional development.

Innovation is a cornerstone of 21st century life. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, kimchi BBQ pork rinds or the latest phone app, we are constantly bombarded with the different and new.  

Big Y’s annual Sack Hunger campaign provides funds for the four food banks within its two-state marketing area. In turn, these food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, day care centers and many others through 2,100-member agencies that it assists every day. The goal is to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources to help ensure food security for those at risk of hunger.

Mrs. Kringle, or as many know her, Mrs. Claus warns readers that Christmas may be canceled if Santa doesn’t lose some weight! Bob for Apples from New York reports the exclusive story.

Bob, adorned with all the wearable trappings of the holiday season, was preparing for his virtual news story when he received an urgent call from Mrs. Claus from the North Pole with an important message for the children of the world.