At its annual association meeting in Anaheim, CA, PAIA membership announced their co-chairmen for 2026-27 term. Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties serves as the East Coast chair, while Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt (JMB) serves as the West Coast chair. 

In 2002 the launch of Cuties not only sparked a nationwide love affair with mandarins, but it also defined the mandarin category and introduced millions of shoppers to this sweet, seedless delight known for its taste, adorable size and convenience. Now, Sun Pacific is launching its new Irresistibly Cute fully integrated marketing campaign to celebrate everything that makes Cuties a beloved, trusted staple for families.

Side Delights is tapping into a fast-growing consumer trend this season:  Southern-style Christmas buffets that feed a crowd and inspire bigger shopping baskets. With more shoppers hosting large, casual gatherings, retailers have an opportunity to merchandise potatoes and complementary ingredients in a way that increases both volume and cross-category sales.

Atlanta’s reputation as the King of the Southeast continues to hold firm, with the region experiencing one of the most dynamic periods of growth in its produce industry. A combination of robust retail and foodservice demand, a booming population and Georgia’s diverse agricultural output has positioned the metro area as a key engine for fresh-produce movement across the eastern half of the country.

Trials from Argentina have revealed that an innovative MCPBag — active packaging that releases the freshness-protecting compound 1-MCP directly inside each bag, offers growers and retailers a powerful new way to reduce waste and extend shelf life across long supply chains, where pears often soften and lose value within just days after packing.

From stuffing to skillet sides, sweet onions anchor flavor in the dishes shoppers crave most this time of year. As category leaders, Bland Farms supplies consistent sizing, quality, and availability. Retailers can count on eye-catching displays that stop shoppers in their tracks and behind those displays is a reliable supply chain built to meet peak holiday demand as well dependable year-round volume that keeps departments running smoothly