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Grocery & Department Stores

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GoVerden Expands Products in Walmart, Whole Foods

GoVerden, the maker of all-natural, ready-made guacamole, launched a nationwide retail expansion of products. Beginning The brand’s distribution in Walmart will increase from 200 to 1,050 stores across the country, offering the brand’s top selling Guacamole Mild and Guacamole Spicy to a larger customer base. Second only to the Super Bowl, this time of year is the United States’ biggest consumption occasion for guacamole, and GoVerden is ensuring shelves are stocked to meet demand.

Following the expanded nationwide distribution in Walmart, GoVerden is also excited to announce that Guacamole Mild will be available nationally at Whole Foods starting in June. This expansion reflects the brand’s growing popularity and commitment to making its high-quality, convenient products accessible to a wider range of consumers.

“Guacamole and processed avocado products are registering double-digit growth in sales year over year, in retail and food service, which is why we are expanding our national distribution further,” says Rick Joyal, vice president of North American Sales at GoVerden. “Our goal is to meet the growing needs for our high-quality, all-natural guacamole, and ensure that everyone across the nation can enjoy our industry leading avocado products,” the 20 year guacamole sales veteran shares.

GoVerden is owned by three of the largest avocado growers in Michoacán, Mexico. The family farming operations date back more than three decades, boasting a rich history of producing avocados for both the fresh and processed markets. The inception of the brand started in 2018 when the passion for creating a ready-to-enjoy guacamole brand united the like-minded growers.

GoVerden sets itself apart with its unexpectedly fresh flavor, crafting guacamole exclusively with non-GMO Certified fruits and vegetables, maintaining a 100% natural product. The brand uses a high-pressure pasteurization process that eliminates pathogens and extends shelf life, without the use of artificial preservatives. “We prioritize taste and quality above anything else. Our unique farm-to-table approach ensures that every spoonful of GoVerden guacamole is packed with the freshest ingredients. You will taste the difference,” says Joyal.

Every GoVerden product starts with hand-scooped Hass avocados, grown in Michoacán, Mexico, the avocado capital of the world. This attention to detail results in a chunky yet creamy texture that is synonymous with homemade guacamole. For the consumer who values quality, flavor and freshness, GoVerden’s all-natural, non-GMO, ready-made guacamole and fresh avocado products are an ideal choice. Look out for GoVerden Guacamole in your local Walmart today, and in Whole Foods starting in June.

For a more information about GoVerden visit us at www.goverden.com and follow us on Instagram @go.verden

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The Fresh Market Introduces Hot & Fresh Pizza

The Fresh Market renowned for providing the highest quality, best tasting fresh foods, invites pizza enthusiasts to experience the culinary delight of its new authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, Hot and Fresh Pizza, which has already won in a blind taste test against America’s biggest pizza chain.

No more dinner dilemmas! The Fresh Market has crafted the ultimate solution with Hot and Fresh Pizza, designed to quench the cravings of pizza lovers, busy families, and discerning foodies alike. The secret? Quality, fresh ingredients atop a perfect golden crust made with Neapolitan flour.

Each pizza features crushed Italian tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese, meticulously selected to ensure every bite is as delightful as the last. Chefs created a pizza that not only meets but surpasses the caliber of America’s best restaurant chains. Ideal for pizza lovers of all ages who value both taste and convenience, Hot and Fresh Pizza turns the age-old question of “What’s for dinner tonight?” into a resounding chorus of “Hot and Fresh Pizza from The Fresh Market night!”

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, grabbing a quick lunch, or satiating a pizza craving, The Fresh Market’s range of Neapolitan-style pizzas promises a flavor for every taste and occasion.

With options ranging from meaty delights: Hot Honey Pepperoni and Classic Pepperoni to meat-free wonders: Cheese, Ensalada, Margherita and Pepe Fromage, the selection caters to everyone’s taste buds and preferences, ensuring there’s a flavor for every palate.

What’s even better? Each flavor comes in two convenient sizes: 12 inches, perfect for a satisfying meal for one or two people, and 16 inches, ideal for sharing with friends and family. And because gourmet experiences should be affordable, prices are as inviting as flavors. The 12-inch pizzas start at $7.99, and 16-inch pizzas start at $12.99.

The Fresh Market’s delivery partners are sweetening the deal to enjoy the new Hot and Fresh Pizza with introductory deals:

  • Door Dash: 20 percent off the full basket when ordering a Hot & Fresh Pizza with Promo Code: TFMPIZZA. Max $10 off. Offer valid 5/6-6/30/2024.
  • Instacart: $5 off Hot & Fresh Pizza. Delivery only. No promo code. $10 min basket. Offer valid 5/4-6/1/2024.
  • Uber Eats: FREE DELIVERY when ordering a Hot & Fresh Pizza w/Promo Code: TFMPIZZA $25 min basket order. Offer valid 5/4-5/31/2024.

“When our skilled chefs set out to craft an authentic Italian pizza, they honored the time-honored Neapolitan traditions with a singular focus on quality and freshness,” expressed Giorgio Bianchetti, chief merchandising officer, “Their passion has culminated in a pizza that not only meets but exceeds expectations. We’re thrilled to invite our valued guests to savor this exceptional Hot & Fresh pizza, meticulously prepared with the finest fresh ingredients, right here at The Fresh Market.”

The Fresh Market pizzas feature three primary ingredients that contribute to the unique taste and texture. The mozzarella cheese, sourced from BelGioioso, is celebrated for its exquisite texture and delicately clean flavor, a testament to the time-honored Italian cheesemaking traditions. The sauce, a crucial component, owes its rich and authentic flavor to the Italian tomatoes, grown in the fertile volcanic soils near Mt. Vesuvius, subtly seasoned with salt.

Completing the foundation is the crust, crafted from the highly esteemed Neapolitan flour, which ensures a light yet crisply lavish base, reflecting centuries of Italian baking expertise.

Starting May 29, and running for the rest of 2024, ending 12/31/2024, pizza lovers can dial up their pizza experience and choose between two different pizza bundles with either a 12-inch pizza ($20) or 16-inch pizza ($25):

The Pizza Bundle includes:

  • The Fresh Market Hot & Fresh Whole Pizza (12-inch or 16-inch, choose one from all varieties), where each bite is a promise of perfection.
  • The Fresh Market Gelato (30.4 oz, choose from all varieties), the perfect follow-up to a savory masterpiece.
  • Coca-Cola Mini (1) 6pk Mini Cans (45 fl. oz, choose from all varieties) or (2) 20oz. bottles, because no pizza gathering is complete without the fizzy, refreshing taste of Coke.

Bianchetti added, “The introduction of the Hot & Fresh Pizza line at The Fresh Market is far more than just a new addition to our menu; it marks the continuation of our passion for culinary innovation and our dedication to catering to the varied tastes of our customers. This initiative is a clear reflection of our commitment to excellence in quality, taste, and customer satisfaction, fulfilling our promise to consistently offer exciting and delicious options.

“It is the enthusiasm of our guests for gourmet experiences that motivates us to exceed expectations and launch new offerings that make The Fresh Market not just a store, but a destination for food lovers everywhere.”

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Giant Food’s Local Artist Bags Benefit Communities

Giant Food’s Local Artist Bags from L to R: The D.C. Artist Bag designed by Marcella Kriebel, the Virginia Artist Bag designed by Grace Manno and Dashiell Kirk, the Maryland Artist Bag designed by Ann Gill and the Delaware Artist Bag designed by Brad Almond.

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington, D.C., regional grocery chain, has teamed up with four artists from D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, to create reusable bags that represent each artist’s local community. As part of Giant’s Community Bag Program, for every $2.75 reusable bag purchased, Giant donates $1 donated to a local nonprofit. Throughout the month of May, each of the artists chose a local nonprofit to receive the donations.

“With the help of our customers, we’ve achieved significant accomplishments through our Community Bag Program, including saving over 585,000 single plastic bags and helping over 1,700 non-profit organizations last year alone,” said Felis Andrade, Director External Communications and Community Relations of Giant Food. “We’re excited to spotlight local artists whose creative designs celebrate the core of Maryland, D.C., Virginia and Delaware while also supporting the local charities that mean the most to them.”

In 2019, Giant Food launched its Community Bag Program, which is designed to empower customers to support local nonprofit organizations while working to reduce single-use paper and plastic waste in the environment. To date, Giant and its customers have raised over $580K and provided 684,990 meals to 1,748 different non-profit organizations and 405 hunger organizations through the program.

This month, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware stores will each carry their very own reusable bags created by their state’s local artist. The artists and their chosen benefiting nonprofits include:

  • Marcella Kriebel: Marcella is a watercolorist, muralist and the author and illustrator of two cookbooks, “Mi Comida Latino” and “Comida Cubana.” She is known for her vibrant artwork that celebrates the world through food and culture. Marcella designed the D.C. bag which will benefit the D.C. Central Kitchen.
  • Ann Gill: Ann is a local artist based in Hyattsville, Maryland. Born in Washington, D.C., her family roots run deep in the region. She has been creating art since she was a child, and her work is influenced by street pop art. Ann designed the Maryland bag with proceeds benefiting Words, Beats and Life Inc.
  • Grace Manno and Dashiell Kirk: Grace and Dashiell are two artists who formed FOND Collective based in Richmond, Virginia. Some of their favorite mediums include illustration, print design, animation and sculpture. Together, Grace and Dashiell designed the Virgnia bag and chose Our Stomping Ground as the benefiting organization.
  • Brad Almond: Brad is a graphic designer, illustrator and part-time musician. He resides in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife, two children and their cat. Brad grew up fascinated by the colorful, stylized worlds of film, video games and cartoon shows. He designed the Delaware bag and chose Urban Promise Wilmington as the benefiting organization.

Customers can purchase their Local Artist Community Bag at any Giant store. For more information, please visit: https://giantfood.2givelocal.com/program/community-bag/

Since opening its first location over 88 years ago in Washington, D.C., in 1936, Giant has been an integral part of the communities and customers it serves. Giant is committed to being a Better Neighbor and has designated four main giving pillars that address local Food Insecurity, Military Support, Pediatric Cancer Research, and Social Equality.

Giant is headquartered in Landover, Md., and operates 164 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia with approximately 20,000 associates. Included within the 164 stores are 154 full-service pharmacies and 28 Starbucks locations. Giant fits all the ways today’s busy customers want to shop – in-store or online. With 162 Giant Pickup locations and delivery options available in all of its markets, customers have even more convenient options at their fingertips to get the best products and prices whenever and however they choose.

For more information on Giant Food and its charitable efforts to make a positive difference, visit giantfood.com/pages/better-neighbor-report.

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