MIDWEST, UNITED STATES - A busy weather pattern is setting up across the Midwest United States this week, bringing daily opportunities for showers and thunderstorms, some of which could turn severe. From the southern Plains to the Northeast, changing conditions are expected to keep things active through the weekend, but also offer much-needed rainfall in some areas.

According to AccuWeather’s Guy Pearson, “We’re tracking a prolonged stretch of severe weather potential, but with good forecasting and awareness, folks will have time to prepare.” He explained that the setup involves warm, moist air from the Gulf meeting cooler air from the west, with an overhead jet stream providing the lift needed to spark storms.

The Weeks Breakdown

• Thursday into Friday: A fresh round of storms will likely pop up across the southern Plains, including parts of West Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico. There’s a small chance for tornadoes, but the primary concern will be strong winds and localized flooding in areas that see repeated storms. Meanwhile, the Northeast may see passing downpours and small hail.

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• Friday: Storm chances stretch from Texas to the Appalachians, with Oklahoma, northern Texas, and southwestern Arkansas likely to see more concentrated activity. Storms may also develop across Georgia, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia, offering cooler air and brief rain relief during the day.
• Saturday: The storm track lifts north again, targeting parts of the Northeast with more quick-moving storms. These could bring brief gusts and moderate rain, but not everyone will be affected.

Looking ahead, parts of the Gulf Coast could also see storm activity by Sunday, keeping conditions dynamic but manageable for those staying weather-aware.

Storms may be frequent, but they’ll also bring important rainfall and opportunities to cool off. For full regional breakdowns and alerts, check ANUK.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a global leader in fresh produce and the world’s only grower of the patented Pinkglow® pineapple, is expanding the global footprint of its premium pink-fleshed fruit with an exclusive launch in the United Arab Emirates. Beginning June 4, consumers in the UAE can purchase Pinkglow® pineapples only on Talabat Mart, the quick-commerce arm of Talabat, the leading on-demand delivery platform in the MENA region.

With its vibrant pink interior, delicate sweetness, and striking presentation, Pinkglow® pineapple has captivated global audiences since its debut. The pineapple is the result of over 16 years of research and development and is exclusively grown in Costa Rica and distributed by Fresh Del Monte, whose vertically integrated operations ensure rigorous quality, sustainability, and flavor standards from field to shelf.

Until now, the Pinkglow® pineapple has only been available in select markets across North America and Asia, making its arrival in the UAE a major milestone in its global expansion.

In the UAE, the Pinkglow® pineapple will be:

• Available only on Talabat Mart for six months.
• Sold in limited quantities weekly.
• Priced at AED 125 (approx. USD 34), positioning it as a premium fruit experience.
• Delivered in bespoke packaging, reinforcing its status as a giftable, must-try delicacy.

“This launch is a continuation of our mission to reimagine how the world experiences pineapples,” said Racha El Aawar, Fresh Del Monte’s Director of Regional Marketing in the Middle East, in the recent press release. “We’re not just selling fruit—we’re curating indulgent, memorable moments rooted in decades of agricultural innovation. talabat mart’s reach and cultural resonance in the UAE make them the perfect partner to introduce the Pinkglow® pineapple to consumers in the Middle East.”

Alix Julien de Zelicourt, General Manager, Talabat Mart said, “At Talabat Mart, we take pride in consistently unearthing unique and premium products for our customers; a true reflection of our pioneering spirit. The Pinkglow® pineapple celebrates this: bold, vibrant, and extraordinary. We’re proud to be the only platform bringing this iconic fruit to customers in the UAE.”

Since its debut, Pinkglow® pineapples have become a global phenomenon, embraced by celebrities, tastemakers, influencers, and event planners for their visually stunning pink flesh and vibrant aesthetic. Whether served at luxury brunches, styled on social feeds, or gifted as a statement piece, Pinkglow® pineapple delivers both flavor and flair.

Today, Fresh Del Monte remains the unrivaled leader in the global pineapple category, offering proprietary varieties like Honeyglow® pineapples, Rubyglow® pineapples, Pinkglow® pineapples, and the DM Zero® pineapple—each designed to elevate taste, appearance, and appeal to different consumers. The company’s vertically integrated model enables rapid innovation and quality control across the supply chain, responding to evolving consumer preferences with unmatched agility.

Follow the Pinkglow® pineapple journey around the world on Instagram: @pinkglowpineapple. To get more updates from Del Monte Arabia and Talabat, follow @delmontearabia and @talabatuae.

WOODLAND, CA - Further establishing itself as a premium and stemsational branded vegetable, Bimi® Baby Broccoli is proud to sponsor this year’s James Beard Awards®, taking place June 16 in Chicago. Already beloved by chefs around the world, Bimi® now takes center stage in the U.S., where some of the country’s most discerning culinary professionals will experience its unmatched quality and flavor.

Widely regarded as the highest honor in the food industry, the James Beard Awards are an Academy Awards–style event featuring red carpet arrivals and a ceremony recognizing excellence in the restaurant and chef community. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the event, drawing over 2,000 of America’s top chefs, restaurateurs, food media, and culinary enthusiasts—with millions more tuning in online.

Following the ceremony, Bimi® will host a Tasting Station featuring a signature dish created by James Beard Award–nominated Chicago chef and new Bimi® brand ambassador Thai Dang, known for his critically acclaimed restaurant HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen and daytime cafe.

The celebration doesn’t stop there—on Thursday, June 12, Bimi® will also appear at a special pre-Awards event at the Paul Stuart store on Chicago Avenue, where HaiSous will host a culinary takeover, spotlighting the versatility and flavor of Bimi® Baby Broccoli in elevated Vietnamese cuisine.

“We’re excited to share Bimi® with the most influential tastemakers in the industry,” said Michelle Glover, Brand Development Lead for Bimi® Baby Broccoli, in a recent press release. “This sponsorship is an opportunity to reinforce what chefs around the world already know—Bimi® isn’t just baby broccoli. It’s Broccoli, but Better.”

Bimi® Baby Broccoli is now available to consumers in Chicago at Fresh Thyme Market, a regional retailer known for its focus on emerging food trends and premium produce offerings.

For more information or to inquire about retail and foodservice opportunities with Bimi®, contact Julie McElhaney by sending an email to [email protected].

FOLSOM, CA - As retailers seek to capture the millennial and Gen Z market, the California Walnut Board & Commission is breaking from traditional commodity marketing playbooks that emphasize functional benefits of products and instead introducing its Feel Good marketing effort that positions walnuts as a lifestyle brand through direct-to-consumer strategies for younger audiences.

Grounded in consumer research, the Feel Good campaign is designed to modernize the image of California walnuts and reposition them as a must-have ingredient and snack for younger shoppers, who hold significant purchasing power. At the heart of the campaign is the message, “California Walnuts. Feel Good.” brought to life through a fresh, energetic visual identity that will be communicated across the full shopper journey, from discovery to purchase.

The campaign will activate across digital and social media channels, influencer partnerships, paid streaming, retail-tagged advertising, and shopper marketing, reaching shoppers where they spend their time and make purchasing decisions. Sampling events provide hands-on experiences, while in-store activations can provide cross-merchandising opportunities that increase sales.

"This isn't just a new marketing campaign – it's a complete repositioning of California walnuts for a new generation of consumers who prioritize both nutrition and versatility and are looking to align their shopping habits with their lifestyle," said Christine Lott, director of integrated communications for the California Walnut Board & Commission, in a recent press release. "Research shows younger shoppers are seeking foods that align with their values, and California walnuts deliver exactly what they're looking for."

Digital influence is the cornerstone of the campaign, with the board and commission partnering with more than 20 cooking, wellness, lifestyle, and hosting influencers who collectively reach millions of potential buyers. This strategy taps into findings from the KS&R Entercom Landscape Tracker that 77% of Gen Z and 50% of millennials follow social media personalities who strongly shape their purchasing decisions.

On its owned channels, the California Walnut Board & Commission will showcase trend-driven, authentic content designed to resonate with younger consumers. Paid media efforts will extend the campaign’s reach across social platforms, streaming services, and online video – channels where these shoppers spend their time.

Beyond digital, the campaign includes experiential marketing with sampling at wellness events nationwide, allowing potential customers to taste and experience the convenience and versatility of California walnuts in environments that reflect their values and lifestyles.

For retailers, the California Walnut Board & Commission is providing comprehensive merchandising support designed to maximize sales potential and capitalize on the consumer momentum generated by the Feel Good campaign. This includes a refreshed summer snacking program with new elevated imaging and branding that aligns with the campaign, retail-tagged 30 second television spots running in select markets on connected TV, and programmatic advertising that drives traffic to retailers’ websites for purchases. These efforts are complemented by in-store and online shopper marketing tactics aimed at motivating shoppers to add walnuts to their carts at the point-of-sale this summer.

To learn more about how the California Walnut Board & Commission can help support retailers, contact [email protected].