As part of its commitment to make online shopping for groceries accessible, affordable and convenient, SpartanNash Co. announced expanded benefits available exclusively for its Fast Lane subscribers, including exclusive monthly bonus savings from different areas of the store.

Lemons, which are heavily dependent on foodservice sales, are currently in a strong demand-supply situation as the nation’s restaurants reopen in the new near post-pandemic environment.

CMI Orchards anticipates growth in the 2021 cherry crop. Excellent weather conditions, including an absence of significant frost events, have contributed to outstanding quality, great sizing, and 17 percent growth of this year’s crop as compared to 2020.

“We are seeing consistent spread throughout our growing districts, with Skeena and Sweetheart cherries showing exceptional size and quality,” said Joel Hewitt, domestic sales organic manager for the company.

The Local Farmer Awards program, funded since 2015 by community philanthropic leaders and businesses, recently distributed checks of up to $2,500 to 81 farmers in western Massachusetts and eastern New York. The funds, totaling $180,000, support infrastructure improvements and equipment. “Our local farmers continue to be an intrinsic and crucial part of our communities. We recognize their growing need for assistance now more than ever,” said funding partner Charles D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO.

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has released its 2020-21 Fresh Asparagus Statistics, Category Trends and Demographics Report. “This year’s report is ready and available for distribution and we are very happy to report an increase of per capita consumption of fresh asparagus,” said Priscilla Lleras-Bush, PAIA executive director. “According to USDA/ERS numbers, U.S. per capita consumption of asparagus went from 1.76 pounds per person in 2018 and 2019 to 1.83 pounds per person in 2020.”

Green Giant released the findings from its annual Favorite Veggie Survey. Broccoli secured the No. 1 spot, yet again, as America's favorite vegetable, followed by carrot and corn. The brand polled over 5,000 Americans in an open-ended survey timed to National Eat Your Vegetables Day (June 17).

Although broccoli remains America's favorite, the popularity of corn substantially increased over the past year. Additional survey findings include: