One of the best tools we have to manage the produce business is data. Without statistical facts, we wouldn’t know about the progress of specific items that deliver the most sales and profit.

Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil, introduced the Badger UV Disinfect robot, an autonomous ultraviolet disinfecting robot designed to combat COVID-19 and high-risk pathogens commonly found in grocery, foodservice and retail environments. To advance retail automation and infection prevention, Badger Technologies and UVDI will conduct micro-efficacy testing and in-store pilots of the Badger UV Disinfect robot during the first quarter of this year.

The Allen Lund Co. recently announced the acquisition of Magic Valley Truck Brokers Inc. based in Boise, ID.

"My parents always said, don't work just for today, work hard for tomorrow and think long-term then you will always have a job and a good name. So, when Allen Lund Co., Eddie, and David approached us this seemed like a perfect fit," said Wes Blaser, president of Magic Valley Truck Brokers Inc.

February is Potato Lover's Month, and Arrowfarms companies Morning Kiss Organic and Gold Bell are celebrating by introducing new, fully compostable paper bag potato packaging. Among the most popular items in the produce department, potatoes have a high rate of consumption across all demographics. Now, with fully compostable packaging, there are even more reasons to love potatoes.

Retail, foodservice and consumer promotional activities are all key components of the National Watermelon Promotion Board’s activities. In the face of restrictions on many of these traditional activities, the board found it necessary to make adjustments in its approach, and it has done so creatively and effectively.

North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services participants can purchase groceries online using their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards through Instacart.com or the Instacart mobile app, providing access to an additional authorized online EBT retailer, Food Lion. This flexibility will allow participants to buy food while promoting social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and will help families with transportation and mobility barriers.