The International Fresh Produce Association recently concluded another inspiring Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, having sold out for the third year in a row. Industry leaders, including 137 first-time attendees, gathered to foster professional growth, leadership development and meaningful connections. The event brought together dynamic speakers, scholarship participants and women from across the fresh produce and floral supply chain to engage in thought-provoking discussions on self-awareness, work-life balance and career advancement.

Supplies of domestic watermelons were light coming into May, but as Florida production starts picking up in the middle of the month, Wada Farms Marketing will be busy shipping through September, as the season progresses from the Southeast to Mid-Atlantic states.

Norman Brown, Wada Farms’ director of sweet potato sales, also manages the Idaho company’s watermelon program in the east from its Raleigh, NC, sales office and distribution center. As Florida supplies pick up, heading into June, Brown is optimistic.

Leger & Son, based in Cordele, GA, began harvesting watermelons in northern Florida and Georgia the last week of April with hopes for a stable market this season.

Sunny Valley International, a shipper and full-service marketing company, specializes in imported and domestic fruit, with particular expertise in stone fruit from South Carolina and New Jersey and East Coast blueberries.

The company’s prominent South Carolina peach program is a cornerstone of its operations, with peaches directly supplied to retailers serving customers throughout the East Coast and into the Midwest.

Todd Greiner Farms Packing LLC has hired Blake Hansen as national sales manager. He brings nearly two decades of retail and customer relationship experience to the team.