Plastics play a major role in floriculture, appearing in everything from propagation trays and plant containers to floral sleeves, shipping crates and even price tags. For growers, wholesalers and retailers, plastics provide convenience, durability and cost efficiency, making them difficult to replace entirely.

Derek Kostynuik has been promoted to vice president of sales for Peak of the Market. Kostynuik, who joined Peak of the Market in 2024 as its director of sales, has helped Peak expand its presence on grocery shelves and foodservice across Cananda.

“Kostynuik has developed a strong connection to the produce industry and growers and I’m proud to promote him to the vice president of sales,” said Pamela Kolochuk, CEO of Peak of the Market. “Derek will continue to lead our sales strategy and drive long-term growth and strengthen our industry partnerships.”

Stars and stripes proved fruitful for Hass avocados, with Independence Day driving strong summer holiday sales and Labor Day providing additional late-seasonal support. The Hass Avocado Board’s Avocado Holiday Retail Recap reports that 53.3 million Hass avocados were sold during the Independence Day holiday week in 2025, generating $66.1 million in retail sales, an increase of 10 percent in units and 3.8 percent in dollar sales compared to the prior year. 

The first containers of Bright Bounty Moroccan mandarins have arrived, officially kicking off the Morocco mandarin program. Early arrivals are showing outstanding color and excellent internal quality.

Crop reports from Morocco indicate a strong mandarin season overall. With indications of fruit drop impacting California supply, Moroccan mandarins provide a strategic solution for maintaining consistent availability.

C&S Wholesale Grocers LLC has signed a new supply agreement with Sedano’s Supermarkets, Florida’s leading Hispanic grocery retailer. This agreement makes C&S the primary supplier for this leading grocery retailer, providing an expansive assortment and mix, as well as distribution, transportation, procurement, merchandising and retail services for 32 Sedano’s Supermarkets.

A. Duda & Sons and G’s Group announced the joint venture acquisition of Tozer Seeds Ltd.

Founded in West London in 1944 by Arthur Tozer and owned by the Dawson family since 1950, Tozer Seeds has earned a global reputation for innovation in vegetable breeding and the production of premium-quality seed crops. Over the past 80 years, Tozer has introduced industry-first breakthroughs, including the world’s first commercial F1 hybrid parsnip and celery varieties.