The American Floral Endowment has appointed Art Van Wingerden, chief operating officer of Metrolina Greenhouses, as its chairman-elect.

Van Wingerden will begin a two-year term as chairman in September 2026, succeeding current Chairman David Garcia of Pete Garcia Co. Garcia will continue his service for an additional two years as past chairman.

The appointment comes as the endowment celebrates its 65th anniversary.

Field Fresh Farms has launched a redesigned website aimed at highlighting the grower-shipper's four generations of family heritage, sustainability efforts and customer service.

The company, which grows, processes, packs and ships greens for foodservice and retail customers, unveiled the site Feb. 20. The updates are meant to showcase the Dobler family’s approach to farming on California's Central Coast.

Early bird registration for the 2026 CPMA Convention and Trade Show ends this week.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s annual event, scheduled for April 28-30 in Toronto, is Canada’s largest gathering dedicated to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. It attracts attendees from across the international fresh produce supply chain.

A partnership between Stemilt Growers and the Equitable Food Initiative has led to measurable gains in safety, worker engagement and workforce retention, according to a new case study from the workforce development and certification organization.

ALDI will open its first store in Maine on March 26, marking the company's entry into its 40th state.

"We are thrilled to be expanding into the state of Maine as a part of our expansion in the Northeast," said Chris Daniels, regional vice president for ALDI. "At our new Portland ALDI store, shoppers will notice a smaller, easy-to-shop store layout filled with a carefully selected range of products to provide them with exactly what they need."

Bill LaFever, president of the Bill Doran Co., has received the 2026 Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service Award from the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association.

The award was presented during the group's Floral Distribution Conference in Miami. It recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the floral industry and honors the integrity and leadership of Leland T. Kintzele, who served as WFFSA president from 1963 to 1965.