NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Fresh Solutions Network® (FSN) shares new supporting data that serving potatoes at a barbecue checks several boxes.

According to the study by Talker Research published in June 2025, Americans planned to attend an average of five barbecues this summer and host four, while 66% agreed that summer grilling season is their favorite time of year."

"Summer means BBQ and grilling, and Side Delights is ready to support with Grillables foil-wrapped, triple-washed Russets, Steamables that cook in the microwave in eight minutes without heating up the kitchen for quick potato salad, or Petites in a foil grill pouch that cook alongside any meat or fish," noted president and CEO Kathleen Triou in the recent release.

In the study, which received media coverage in publications from the Tasting Table to the New York Post, 60% of respondents ranked potato salad as their top go-to barbecue side dish, and 64% stated it's a "faux-pas" to arrive at a cookout empty-handed.

"In addition to being the leading choice for BBQ side dishes, potato salads are easy to make ahead and perfectly portable to bring to the host when invited to a cookout or any occasion," added Triou. "Try Side Delights Steamables Medley to make a patriotic Fourth of July favorite: Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad or a healthy California Avocado Tri-Color Potato Salad."

Side Delights® offers a variety of potato products for grilling season or any time of year. For more information on Side Delights® products and its network of farms, visit www.FreshSolutionsNet.com, SideDelights.com, and GrownWhereItMatters.com.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - Delivering freshness for over a century and a half, Oppy has announced the winners of its 2025 Carrier of the Year (COTY) Awards, recognizing five transportation partners whose exceptional service and reliability have helped keep the produce supply chain moving smoothly.

This year’s recipients are:

• Scotlynn USA Division Inc.
• John J. Jerue Truck Brokers
• Prosperity Truck Lines
• Manfredi Logistics Services
• North Delta Transport Ltd.

Each of these companies has demonstrated outstanding performance in areas such as on-time delivery, communication, adaptability, and long-standing partnership, according to Chase Wrightson, transportation director at Oppy.

“Transportation is a vital piece of the perishable supply chain that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves,” he said in the recent release. “This award is about shining a light on the hard work and reliability that goes into moving fresh produce every day. Our award recipients have demonstrated exceptional service, adaptability, and partnership, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

On average, Oppy ships approximately 500,000 pallets of fresh produce annually to more than 2,500 locations across the U.S. and Canada. These efforts are supported by hundreds of transportation providers, with the company’s internal transport team working closely with carriers to ensure quality and efficiency from field to fork.

The dedicated team of 24 professionals within Oppy Transport, the fresh produce grower, marketer, and distributor’s transportation arm, works collaboratively with an extensive network of carrier partners to deliver fresh, high-quality produce to millions of consumers across the continent.

“Narrowing the field to just five winners was not easy,” Wrightson added. “While these carriers earned top honors, we are incredibly grateful for every transportation partner who supports Oppy’s mission. Getting fresh produce to market is a complex operation, and their commitment is critical to our success and continued growth.”

Oppy Transport continues to widen its reach, growing its external customer base who have leveraged the benefits of its vast network of capacity and expertise in managing complex freight. Go to oppytransport.com or email [email protected] for more information.