On the heels of two years that brought double-digit profits — as well as unprecedented challenges — a growing, fortified floral industry is well positioned to weather the headwinds of inflation and keep flowers top of mind for consumers.

That was the message that Kate Penn, CEO of the Society of American Florists, delivered during the State of the Industry address at SAF Orlando 2022, the 137th annual convention in Orlando, Florida.

Naturipe, a leading global producer of nutritious fresh berries for more than 100 years, will launch a new line of frozen fruit products, available Oct. 17 in select retailers across the mid and Northeast.

Publix Super Markets Charities will donate $5.65 million to 328 Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofit organizations working to alleviate hunger throughout the Southeast.

To further support hunger alleviation efforts, nearly 6,300 Publix associates are volunteering with 205 nonprofits throughout the company’s operating area, each with a mission to help people experiencing food insecurity.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Island Fresh De Puerto Rico Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Puerto Rico, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to six produce sellers in the amount of $1.55 million from August 2019 through July 2020.

Inflation continues to impact how consumers spend their hard-earned dollars, particularly in the supermarket. Nowhere has the impact been more significant than in the produce aisle. Fresh common fruit categories had the largest monthly price jump in August, rising 5.3 percent compared to the end of July, according to the August 2022 Price Check: Tracking Retail Food and Beverage Inflation, from the recently merged Information Resources Inc. and the NPD Group

Gee Whiz has hired Rebecca Meyers as its eastern regional account manager.

To further support its branded identity and to increase the production of its quality fruit, the company is focused on its mission to produce the best eating fruit in the world. It said every team member has a passion for the quality of Gee Whiz fruit. To execute its mission, the hiring of an eastern regional account manager is essential to the growth of the Gee Whiz brand.