The International Fresh Produce Association announced the continued growth and success of The Floral Conference, which has blossomed from a regional networking event into a cornerstone of the floral industry calendar. Now a national anchor event, the conference attracts top buyers, growers, breeders and industry leaders from across the country, fostering connections and shaping the future of the floral industry.

Temperatures have returned to seasonal averages in northern Mexico and the southwestern desert regions following weeks of cold temperatures. 

Big Y’s annual Sack Hunger campaign provides funds for the four food banks within its two-state marketing area. In turn, these food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, daycare centers and many others of the 2,100-member agencies that they help every day. Their goal is to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security for those at risk of hunger.

POM Wonderful and OAKBERRY launched a limited-time collaboration for National Heart Month: the Very POM Berry Smoothie. Available throughout February at all U.S. locations, for every smoothie sold, $1 will be donated to pediatric heart initiatives in the Los Angeles area.

Phillips Mushroom Farms, a leading grower-packer-shipper of fresh mushrooms based in Kennett Square, PA, announced the appointment of Larissa Rice as its new national sales manager.

Stater Bros. is rolling out Afresh's store ordering solution chainwide across its produce departments. After a successful pilot, the Southern California-based chain is implementing Afresh in all of its 169 stores. Stater Bros. is well-known among shoppers for its fresh and affordable foods. By using Afresh, it will now be easier for Stater Bros. to deliver on those promises.