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The fresh produce and floral industries are not just essential to our food systems; they are key drivers of positive change. At the 2024 State of the Industry keynote, IFPA CEO Cathy Burns highlighted how the collective advocacy efforts of IFPA members have made a significant impact. One standout victory was the preservation of the fresh produce benefit in the WIC program, safeguarding a $1 billion opportunity for the fresh industry and reinforcing the importance of healthy food access for families. As we continue to face new challenges, from labour reform to food security, IFPA and its members remain steadfast in their commitment to fighting for the future of fresh produce and floral. Together, we are amplifying our voices to ensure that these vital industries remain strong, sustainable, and impactful for generations to come. Read more in our recent media release. https://lnkd.in/g5a2iz2u International Fresh Produce Association #FightForFresh #IFPA2024 #Advocacy #FreshProduce #FloralIndustry #GlobalImpact #PublicPolicy

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Today, we are highlighting the “Guide to Establishing Nutrition Incentive Local Sourcing Programs in Grocery Retail”. This resource, prepared by Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, provides a 5 phased approach to establishing NI local sourcing programs in grocery retail locations. 🍎 PHASE 1. Get ready for grocery retail partnership 🍊 PHASE 2. Understand your local food supply 🍋 PHASE 3. Support your stores to create demand for local produce 🥑 PHASE 4. Evaluate the nutrition incentive local sourcing program 🥬 PHASE 5. Sustaining the nutrition incentive local sourcing program Download this guide here: https://lnkd.in/d8GnEmwq This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. #NIFAimpacts

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Food industry leaders, this one is for you! #ICYMI the latest Beyond the Shelf episode is out, featuring Katy Jones, CEO of Trustwell, and a leader in food safety and transparency. In this episode, Katy shares her expertise in navigating regulations while prioritizing safety, predicting trends, and embracing new technology and change management. Check out the recap blog and episode here: https://lnkd.in/gyU8KX_G #foodsafety #foodindustry #specificationmanagement #labeling #packaging #supplychain

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📣 NEW REPORT Who wants free data?! Check out The Good Food Institute's new foodservice report! Dive into 2023 foodservice sales data and consumer insights for plant-based and conventional categories. - $306MM: In 2023, plant-based protein broadline distributor dollar sales reached $306 million, down 1% from 2022 but 6% higher than pre-pandemic levels. - 19%: The plant-based milk market in broadline distributor sales made up 19% of the total milk market dollar sales in 2023, underscoring plant-based milk’s growing market share. Congratulations to GFI's Senior Market Research Analyst Ben P. on another phenomenal report! Circana, Sue Fennelly, Jennifer DiFrancesco, Emma Ignaszewski, Jody Kirchner, Taylor Leet-Otley, Daniel Gertner, Kimberly Taylor

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The Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems has published its evaluation findings for the 2021-2022 10 Cents a Meal program. This report showcases 10 Cents a Meal’s impact by examining the faceted impact on Michigan kids, farms, and food service programs. From “What foods were served through 10 Cents?” to “The Big Picture: Does 10 Cents Work?”, this report provides key indicators towards progress achieved and future opportunities for growth. https://lnkd.in/eviq4N2Y

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The countdown to Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) FIRST is on! I hope you are planning to join us in Chicago July 14-17 for this one-of-a-kind event designed specifically for you, the science of food community. Don't take my word for it. Watch the video to hear why people like you think it's a can't miss event! https://lnkd.in/gS4EjNut #IFTFIRST #FoodScience #FoodTechnology #FoodInnovation

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🍽️ As we observe Hunger Action Month, it's important to highlight the strong link between food security and affordable housing. The recent $87,500 awarded by Mars Food & Nutrition, Delta Group, and the MolinaCares Accord to support food initiatives in Washington County, Mississippi marks a significant step toward reducing hunger in vulnerable communities. Yet, we must also acknowledge the critical role that affordable housing plays in addressing long-term food insecurity. When families are burdened by housing costs, they are forced to make different choices between paying rent and affording basic needs like food. Housing instability exacerbates food insecurity, making it even harder for individuals to maintain a consistent, healthy diet. Affordable housing provides more than just a roof over people’s heads—it offers the stability families need to focus on their overall well-being, including access to nutritious food. For lasting impact, we must take a holistic approach. Investments in food access, like this grant, are crucial, but they must go hand-in-hand with efforts to ensure affordable, stable housing. Leaders must advocate for integrated solutions that address both housing and hunger, empowering vulnerable populations to thrive. By tackling the root causes of poverty and insecurity, we can build sustainable, resilient communities for the future. https://lnkd.in/d_ns6tk2

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Since my talk at IFT, I've been seeing ashwaganda EVERYWHERE, even more so than what I did before. Could it be the next ingredient in our longevity toolkit? This article says yes! Review reveals benefits of ashwagandha on 'inflammaging' https://buff.ly/4c8V97E

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I love to see innovation in the produce category, which I saw first-hand at the recent International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce and Floral Show. Here's a look at 10 produce trends for 2025 from The Packer. 🍒 Food as medicine: fruits/vegetables and preventive health 🥫 Simplicity with a side of affordability: simple, affordable meal and snack solutions 🥑 Produce's leading role in the Ozempic era: delivering high satiety, low calories 🫐 The conscious consumer: increased demand for health, sustainability and ethical sourcing 🥬 Sustainable, eco-friendly packaging: demand for reduced waste and environmentally responsible practices 🥒 Social media driving new usages: fueling creative ways to use produce 🍄‍🟫 Value-added timesavers: pre-cut, pre-washed and ready-to-cook 🍓 Growing demand for organic: mainstream consumer preference 🍌 Bananas as an inflationary budget stretcher: convenient, economical and nutrient-rich 🥭 Glamour in the produce aisle: the rise of luxury fruit, including specialty mangos and pineapple, especially from Melissa's Produce #food #trends #produce https://lnkd.in/gpaN5g9J

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State of Food and Beverage Innovation Webinar! September 26, 2024 - 2:00 PM ET In this FREE, live webinar, Food Business News and Cypress Research will provide an exclusive review of the results of Food Business News' State of Innovation survey and explore the top challenges confronting product development teams. After attending this webinar, you will: Know where food and beverage manufacturers will be making R&D investments in 2025 Uncover what trends will inspire new product ideas and guide priorities with ingredients in the month ahead Understand the most significant challenges facing R&D departments today Learn what factors and influencing R&D product development strategies and risk tolerance Click here to register: https://lnkd.in/eV4q8G7N

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💥PODCAST EPISODE Clinton Monchuk and Erin MacGregor discuss what’s behind some of the marketing information we see online and on food packaging. How do you know what’s credible and what isn’t when we see food-related information? Article link: https://lnkd.in/gqRxbbXb

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I'm fortunately among the 10%--I drink milk right from the carton, if I can make a confession, and I am a huge fan of cheese, sour cream, and other dairy products I use on the regular. What about you? Also, would just an incentive program motivate you as a snack/bakery/candy producer to incorporate more dairy in your formulations? Read more at the link from Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery sister publication Dairy Foods

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Americans sent a clear message at the polls: grocery prices matter. For IGA retailers, this is a moment to reflect on our role in supporting communities and keeping food affordable. 🍏 In our latest column, IGA CEO John Ross shares insights on what drove voters, the impact of food inflation, and how independent grocers make a difference. 🛒 #IGA #Food #Grocery #Economy #IndependentGrocers #Retailing #Community

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🔊 I'm beyond excited to finally share this article highlighting the important work #grocers are doing around #FSMA204 and #foodsafety! 📗 This feature is the culmination of several months of research, in which I had the opportunity (thank you Upshop!) to learn about what FSMA 204 requires and how the #groceryindustry is responding to these challenges -- all in hopes of reducing the number of people who get sick each year from foodborne illness. 💡 This issue is important to everyone, both as #consumers and #retailindustry experts. Whether you know nothing about it or you’re working towards the 2026 deadline yourself, I urge you to read, like, and share this article. 🙏 A special thanks to Michelle Leger, Sr. Manager Quality Assurance of Lunds & Byerlys, Matt Hilbrink, Vice President of Enterprise Risk & Asset Protection for The Raley's Companies, and Sally Robinson, VP Strategic Initiatives for Upshop, and Grocery Dive. #supplychain #retail #retailnews #supplchainreadiness FDA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://lnkd.in/eGm6KVzw

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Great recap of Erin E. Ball's conversation with Joanie Spencer of Avant Food Media at NEXUS Of Baking. Learn more about the value GFF is bringing to the commercial baking industry in the article below!

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From cottage cheese to whole milk, find out why dairy foods are back in the spotlight and here to stay in this new article written by Dairy Council of CA CEO Amy DeLisio. #CAdairy #SustainableEating #NutritionScience

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Dairy Farmers of America's strategy emphasizes efficiency, partnerships, and innovation. Initiatives around member services, milk marketing, investments, and sustainability strengthen its position. Collaborations with brands like Pizza Hut and major acquisitions of companies like Dean Foods expand its distribution and capabilities. As the landscape evolves, DFA's multifaceted approach keeps it competitively positioned. However, rivals must closely track DFA's plans to identify opportunities. #dairy #businessstrategy #efficiency #partnerships #innovation #greyb #greybservices #patents Read more: https://lnkd.in/gWbhqVbe

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Curious about ingredient trends driving consumer purchasing decisions? Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) member JamesGratzek shared his perspective on the shift toward more natural, nutritious ingredients and what he calls an "anti-ingredient trend" in a new Brain Food Blog. Read on to learn about the latest trends and innovative ingredients and make plans to hear from James live and in person during the IFT FIRST Featured Session, F&B Ecosystem of the Future: Harnessing the Power of Innovation, Collaboration, and Diverse Thinking. https://lnkd.in/ghPcwSn3 #IFTFIRST #IFTSpotlight 

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