Westfalia Fruit will present its GEM gourmet avocado at Fruit Logistica 2026, reinforcing its continued focus on premium quality, innovation and category growth in the global avocado market.

At the Westfalia Fruit stand in Hall 5.2, Stand D-21, visitors will be invited to discover the GEM experience through live tastings and dedicated displays that highlight the variety’s superior taste, texture and eating quality. Retailers interested in experiencing GEM and exploring ranging opportunities are encouraged to meet with the Westfalia Fruit team during the show.

The American Floral Endowment’s Grow Pro Webinar Series will return in 2026 for its sixth year, continuing to provide timely, research-based education for growers across the floral and horticulture industry.

What began as a targeted training initiative has grown into one of AFE’s most widely attended educational programs, reaching hundreds of professionals each month and supporting growers at all stages of production.

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.