When the 2023 Garden Rose Design Contest winners were announced last September, Alexa Howe was elated to learn of her first-place win in the Everyday Design category with a dynamic wreath made with many of her favorite Alexandra Farms' varieties. 

Premium blueberries — those that are tasteful, crunchy and bigger — are globally recognized by consumers who are prepared to pay a higher price for it, according to the leaders at SEKOYA.

“The missing link is, mainly in the U.S., that varieties are unrecognizable in store, which makes it difficult for a consumer to distinguish good from less good blueberries,” said Hans Liekens, value chain and retail manager for the company.

Though it has been widely noted that organic produce sales are no longer reaching the annual double-digit growth of years gone by, the record-breaking attendees at this year’s Organic Produce Summit enthusiastically celebrated the fact that organic produce increases are still outpacing the growth in conventional produce and portend a bright future.

Jeff Smutny has joined the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute as executive director.  With over 30 years of experience in global marketing and leading successful business operations, he has dedicated his career to improving trade associations, demonstrating a deep commitment and passion for his work.

Trucco Inc., which began its journey in New York City in 1937 as a supplier of fresh Italian chestnuts and other products, has recently added Italian roasted hazelnuts to its line-up. The company is also focusing on expanding its domestic and imported cherry business.

The National Mango Board has partnered with the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Athletics and will now sponsor all Ole Miss football and basketball home games for the 2024-25 season. This partnership kicks off with the highly anticipated Ole Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State football game on Sept. 7, where the National Mango Board will serve as the official game sponsor.