As the industry heads into Christmas week, markets are settling into a familiar late-December pattern. Holiday demand is beginning to wind down while winter growing regions continue to build volume, resulting in generally good supplies across most categories, with a few exceptions. With improved overall availability, the focus is shifting to execution and quality.

A coalition of leading floral and fresh produce trade associations in the United States and internationally has joined forces to support the That Flower Feeling Foundation, signaling an unprecedented industrywide commitment to national consumer marketing. The collaboration includes trade memberships, in-kind promotional support and financial contributions, reinforcing the foundation’s role as a unified voice promoting everyday flower consumption.

Attendees at the Southwest International Produce Expo will hear from industry leaders during the event’s educational sessions, which focus on key issues shaping the global fresh produce supply chain.

The SWIPE education program, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 23, will address topics such as preparing for black swan events, adopting new technologies and navigating trade disruptions. Sessions will feature leaders with firsthand experience managing change and planning for the future of fresh produce.

The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority announced that CEO and Executive Director Jeff Theobald will retire June 30, 2026, concluding a decade marked by significant growth and modernization at the Port of Philadelphia.

Theobald joined PhilaPort in 2016 and led the organization through a period of expansion that more than doubled cargo volumes, secured more than 180 acres for future development and positioned the port among the fastest-growing gateways on the U.S. East Coast.

Recent changes at Produce House have Owner and CEO Raquel Espinoza brimming with pride and optimism as the Nogales, AZ-based company heads into 2026.

Among those changes are a new location with larger offices and cold storage capabilities, and two new additions to her team.

Hall 5 at IPM ESSEN 2026 will serve as a hub for floristry, design and forward-looking ideas in the green market. In addition to the IPM Flower Stage, featuring daily live shows by international floral designers, the hall will host BLOOM’s Trend Show and the IPM Discovery Center. Exhibitors offering floristry supplies and the IPM Concept Store will also be located in the hall, creating a space where creativity, market inspiration and sustainable solutions converge.

BLOOM’s Trend Show 2026