Food Lion’s MVP Savings Program was ranked second in The Loyalty Report’s Best U.S. Grocery Retail Programs of 2021. The Loyalty Report is recognized as one of the industry’s longest standing and largest global studies on customer engagement, loyalty attitudes, behaviors, drivers and distribution. This is the second consecutive year Food Lion’s MVP Rewards customer loyalty program received national recognition in the report.

The annual report surveyed more than 25,000 North American consumers and examined 450-plus loyalty programs on more than 85 attributes.

Determining what will catch on and persist depends on whether these COVID-19-born solutions turn out to be faster, better and/or cheaper than the old way of doing things. Of course, not every change made during the pandemic will retain the same increased penetration post-COVID-19, but it does seem that shoppers’ attitudes on a few solutions will be part of a lasting lifestyle change.  

Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide are turning up the summer heat with seasonal fresh Hatch Chiles now available along with Hatch-flavored Sprouts brand products on shelves. Named after the original growing area in Hatch, NM, authentic Hatch Chiles have a meaty flesh with varying heat levels, making them ideal to add a punch to homemade recipes, or roasting for use in salads, soups, dips and sandwiches.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and the Texas International Produce Association applaud the efforts of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) in leading a bipartisan letter addressed to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, regarding a proposal to reinterpret parts of the 2019 Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico.

Fresha is a new company that has already made a big impact in regard to carrots in Minnesota.

The company got its start when farmer Dan Schaefer saw an opportunity to grow carrots in west central Minnesota.

HelloFresh, a leading meal kit company, launched HelloFresh Market, an online store offering customers a range of add-ons, from quick meals to pantry essentials. The Market gives customers a way to get breakfast options, ready-to-heat meals or everyday items — such as fresh produce, snacks, desserts, sides, spice blends, grocery essentials, and more — delivered to their doorstep simply by adding them to their weekly HelloFresh order. The range of Market offerings will be rolling out to all customers across the U.S.