California Grape Commission Mourns Karen Hearn
Source: LinkedIn
The California Table Grape Commission is deeply saddened to share that Karen Hearn, vice president of marketing, passed away on Nov. 24 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Hearn dedicated nearly 26 years of service to the California table grape industry, playing a pivotal role in the growth of innovative retail programs in the U.S. and Canada, helping to move California grape volume season after season. Her steadfast dedication to the industry stemmed from a lifelong desire to help farmers succeed.
“Karen was a special person,” said Kathleen Nave, commission president. “She loved her work; loved representing growers and knowing that actions she took helped move the crop; loved partnering with retailers to figure out new ways to motivate more sales; loved working as part of a team and helping lead that team. Her work ethic, which even illness could not conquer, was based on her unwavering belief in the value of the work and was matched only by her exceptional grace and kindness.”
Raised on a family farm in South Texas, Hearn developed a deep appreciation for agriculture from an early age. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Journalism from Texas A&M University, she devoted her career to supporting farmers and promoting agricultural products. Before joining the California Table Grape Commission, Hearn served as marketing director for TexaSweet Citrus Advertising, implementing retail programs across the U.S. and Canada.
Hearn’s table grape legacy lives on through her daughter Kathryn Hearn who joined the commission as a marketing manager earlier this year. “It’s a testament to Karen’s passion for this industry and the work she did that her daughter followed in her footsteps,” Nave said. “We all learned so much from Karen. Her grace, determination, generosity, and warmth made a lasting impact on those whose lives she touched.”
Heartfelt condolences to Karen’s husband Michael, stepson Sam, Kathryn, and her extended family.
NatureSweet Introduces Adora Heirloom Tomato
NatureSweet, North America’s largest vertically integrated controlled-environment agricultural company and the number one snacking tomato brand is proud to introduce its award-winning Adora Heirloom Tomato to select stores. This unique tomato redefines the taste, appearance, and texture of tomatoes. Adora is a tomato like no other and has earned the ultimate recognition, the Crystal Taste Award, a prestigious distinction given to products by world class chefs with the International Taste Institute that achieved the 3-star Superior Taste Award for three consecutive years. Adora consistently won the award in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Adora offers a one-of-a-kind taste experience, with a perfect balance of sweetness, subtle savory notes, and a hint of smokiness. With a Brix level higher than seven, Adora is the ideal combination of ripeness and flavor. Its high in water content (94 percent) makes it exceptionally hydrating and refreshing. The smooth transition from green to brown along its grooves signals the optimum ripening point, making it easy to identify when it’s at its peak. Renowned for its visual culinary appeal, Adora has even been called the “best heirloom tomato in the world.”
“This is a tomato like you’ve never eaten before,” says Monica Najera Morales, senior brand manager at NatureSweet. “Adora’s superior flavor can elevate any meal, transforming it from ordinary to gourmet. It’s a game changer, and there’s no coincidence that it’s the only tomato with this level of recognition.”
In addition to its robust flavor, Adora is also rich in vitamins A and C, and an excellent source of potassium, which supports fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Packed with antioxidants called carotenoids, Adora may help reduce blood pressure, protect against stroke, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Adora tomatoes comes in a 17-oz tray (7”x 3”x 2”) and will be available for a limited time at select Aldi grocery stores across the United States starting in mid-November and running through March of 2025.
NatureSweet is the single-source solution for greenhouse-grown vegetables and is the number one best-selling brand in snacking tomatoes. The largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company in North America, NatureSweet guarantees great tasting produce year-round, both organic and conventional.
Its vegetables are carefully grown, harvested, and packaged by about 9,000 company Associates. NatureSweet tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers are handpicked at the peak of freshness and sold at major supermarket retailers throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
NatureSweet is dedicated to having a positive social, environmental, and economic impact within our communities, and its purpose is to transform the lives of millions of agricultural workers in North America through a profitable business model that encourages other companies to replicate. Our efforts around sustainability and social impact have led us to earn B Corp, Fair Trade, and the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certifications.
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Wild About Sprouts Raises Funds for Susan G. Komen
Rä Foods, a pioneer in food tech and functional foods, recently announced that its Wild About Sprouts brand is proudly announcing its partnership with Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, to raise awareness and support the breast cancer community. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer while highlighting the massive health benefits of broccoli sprouts.
One in 8 women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and experts estimate that one-third of breast cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented with universal access to modern treatments.
During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, all Wild About Sprouts products will feature special Susan G. Komen-branded pink packaging. This limited-time offering includes the popular 100% Broccoli Sprouts and the Alfalfa, Broccoli, and Kale blend.
Wild About Sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse. Broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, a natural compound studied for its potential role in supporting overall wellness and cellular health. Research suggests sulforaphane may help promote detoxification, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural defenses against abnormal cell growth. This partnership was created to help educate consumers on the powerful health benefits of broccoli sprouts.
Wild About Sprouts products are cultivated through the brand’s patented COLD-GROWN process, ensuring unmatched safety and freshness. Unlike traditional methods, Wild About Sprouts® products are grown inside their packaging, remaining untouched until harvested by the consumer—guaranteeing maximum freshness and an extended shelf life.
For every 3-ounce clamshell of these products sold between October 1-31, 2024, Rä Foods will donate $0.10 to Susan G. Komen, up to a total of $10,000. Additionally, the company has pledged a guaranteed minimum donation of $5,000 to support breast cancer research, regardless of sales.
Stephanie Browder, vice president of marketing of Rä Foods, stated, “We’re honored to partner with Susan G. Komen® this October. This collaboration allows us to contribute to a crucial cause while highlighting the incredible health benefits of our sprouts. We invite our customers to join us in supporting breast cancer research with our specially marked products.”
To support breast cancer research and experience the benefits of Wild About Sprouts, you can use the store locator at www.wildaboutsprouts.com/store-locator or purchase through Instacart at www.instacart.com/store/brands/wild-about-sprouts.
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