For the past six years, the National Watermelon Association has recognized promising members of the next generation in the watermelon industry at its annual convention through its Future Watermelon Farm Leaders award program.

This year, Bailey Leger of Leger & Son was among the recipients named to Class VII of the program.

“Bailey excels in everything she does because she is dedicated and diligent,” said Jordan Carter, director of marketing at Cordele, GA-based Leger & Son.

Windset Farms has introduced its Sonata Tropical Mini Peppers, which it described as a tropical adventure bursting with flavor.

In an ongoing effort to make fresh food more accessible, Meijer expanded its Flashfood program, making it the first retailer nationwide to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through the app that allows customers to purchase surplus close-dated food at a deep discount.

In partnership with Flashfood, Meijer is now accepting the payment capability at all its Midwest supercenters and Meijer Grocery stores, which allows customers with SNAP benefits to pay for their Flashfood orders using an Electronic Benefits Transfer card in the Flashfood app.

Naturipe Farms hired John Johnston for the newly created position of director of premium products.  This new position aligns with Naturipe’s long-term focus on premium products, which will leverage its grower-owner investments in proprietary genetics. Johnston will take the lead on the current premium products like Mighty Blues, Mighty Reds and Green House Strawberries and champion the expansion new premium products.

The Hass Avocado Board is shifting its successful webinar series to an on-demand platform, making access to supply and market data more convenient for stakeholders as the industry grows. Beginning with the first presentation of 2023, Rethinking Retail: Regional Category Development Drivers, it is now easier for industry leaders to fit strategic downloads relevant to critical decisions into their busy schedules.

The floral industry is a dynamic and exciting sector that is constantly evolving. For many in the industry, events like the Floral Distribution Conference are essential to staying connected and informed. Sahid Nahim, CEO of New Bloom Solutions, has attended FDC multiple times and believes it is one of the top industry conventions. "FDC allows us to recharge and get inspired for the rest of the year. We were able to catch up, connect with our current customers, and meet potential new customers," said Nahim.