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Spring is in the air! March Madness is around the corner, and baseball begins in the new Nationals Park in our nation's capital at the very end of this month. Harold and I last discussed the importance of new product promotion in our January column.  »

We have assumed for so long that everything will go well that we have ruled out the possibility that some things can turn out badly. This may be one of those times.  »

Exotic fruits such as pomegranate, açai, goji berry and the latest, yumberry - a subtropical fruit from China, with a cranberry-like taste - continue to rise in popularity. Hailed as "superfruits," they contain a myriad of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids - all of which play an important role in health and disease prevention. As the awareness of superfruits increases, so does the array of available power-fruit products, from cereal and chocolate to juices and teas. Here are a few of our "super" picks to help you celebrate increasing consumer interest in healthy, exotic tastes. »

The world is getting smaller all the time, and no, I'm not just talking about the polar ice caps melting. Not only are people all over the world increasingly linked electronically via the Internet and television, and not only are trade barriers and language barriers becoming less of a factor in both travel and international relations, but people are starting to realize that their actions actually have an impact on the health and well-being of the planet.  »

Every quarter we ask members of our Retailer Advisory Board to lend us a hand identifying top selling products from around the country. This quarter, we asked them to provide those great sellers that have an environmentally friendly story to them if available. So here are their selections; perhaps these products will inspire sales in your store as well. »

Portland, Ore.-based Elephants Delicatessen has also been leading the way in the Pacific Northwest to establish a commitment to the environment in all aspects of this 30-year-old food and catering business.  »

Editor's Note: We taste-test and judge each product based on seven criteria. Products that receive an 85 or above will be considered a hit and those that receive a 95 and above will be "rising stars." »