During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Brighter Bites and Hardie’s Fresh Foods were able to ensure that current Brighter Bites’ Texas families continued to receive produce even after COVID-19 impacted their communities.

The Michigan Apple crop is looking good for 2020. “We’ve heard from many growers over the last week and they are reporting a strong crop," said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. "Of course, an official crop size estimate will be made at USApple’s Outlook conference, Aug. 20-21, which will be online this year.

“At this time all I can say is we are expecting a good crop. We’ll know more as the summer goes on," she said. An average crop size for Michigan is about 25 million bushels.

Sam’s Club announced the nationwide launch of curbside pickup. The service, which provides a contact-free, order online and delivery to car shopping experience, will be free for Plus-level members and is expected to be available in all clubs by the end of June. Curbside pickup is part of a list of Plus-membership benefits, which also includes early shopping hours, free shipping on most online items, 2 percent cash back on qualifying in-club and pickup purchases, and more.

Chelan Fresh’s SugarBee apple has hit a market sweet spot for retailers and growers alike, as the new variety heads into its fifth season. In addition to doubling the harvest each year, Chelan Fresh has added online shopping and SugarBee cider to the mix for this successful variety ahead of the coming fall harvest.

Now proven at retail, SugarBee is reigniting consumer excitement about apples and giving some much-needed support to retailers’ top lines, reported Julie DeJarnatt, Chelan Fresh retail strategy manager.

Sunkist Growers, the 127-year-old citrus cooperative, is heading to the United Fresh LIVE! Expo, sharing a sneak peek of the ‘Sunkist Island’ in the virtual world of Animal Crossing™: New Horizons. The interactive ‘Sunkist Island’ debuts in select export markets, simulating a California orange grove with educational touchpoints on in-season Sunkist Valencia oranges. In addition, Sunkist curated citrus-themed activities, including scavenger hunts for tools to “grow” virtual orange groves and a store filled with custom apparel.

Hy-Vee Inc.’s popular KidsFit At Home daily programming is transitioning to the Find Your Smile campaign to help families continue health and wellness fun all summer. “Find Your Smile” is perfect for children of all ages and their families as they explore the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, career, spiritual, environmental and financial.