The Fresh Produce & Floral Council hosted a spectacular 17th annual Northern California Golf Tournament Oct. 4 at Wente Vineyards on Wednesday. Bringing together 120 enthusiastic tournament players from various sectors of the industry, the event drew a notable presence of retailers, including representatives from Grocery Outlet, Raley’s, Marina Market, Berkeley Bowl and Safeway.

The supply chain is a crucial part of the produce industry. After all, if it wasn’t for connecting with the right growers and streamlined transportation of products, many retailers and restaurants would not have fresh produce to service their customers. Fresh Avenue is a produce and fresh food solutions company that provides sourcing and distribution services to retailers and foodservice operators nationwide.

While the concept isn’t exactly rocket science — or even new-fangled, for that matter — the nation’s embrace of griddling in addition to grilling backyard and tailgate food was a bit slow catching on.

Technically speaking, griddles have been used since late in the Dark Ages and grills only since late in the Renaissance. Perhaps the lag is because a griddle doesn’t impart the seared ridges left by a hot grill on a T-bone and an ear of corn. Or maybe it’s because grillmeisters are a zealous lot resistant to change.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM Inc., the leader in consumer and corporate gifting, launched SmartGift for Business, creating a seamless way for companies of all sizes to take control of their corporate gifting programs while engaging employees, clients and prospects.

As consumers continue to look for unique snacking options to fuel their busy lives, Pure Flavor’s innovation pipeline is again yielding fresh results that are injecting new life into the category.

The service industry is taking note: in-house hotel dining options are increasingly important to travelers. And with demand on the rise for interesting and unique places to stay — with outstanding meals as well — lodging facilities are fulfilling consumers’ expectations not only with creativity but also authenticity.