In the company of family and friends, Ray Obendorf celebrated his 100th birthday in June, and to the delight of everyone, he shows few signs of slowing down.

When the International Fresh Produce Association launched Jan. 1, 2022, sustainability was one of several areas the organization committed to providing leadership, expertise and business solutions to its members and industry. Now as IFPA prepares for its second Global Produce & Floral Show, sustainability is in the spotlight during the next gathering of the global produce and floral community, Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, CA.

The Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and OPN will honor longtime organic grower Rod Braga as the recipient of the sixth annual Grower of the Year Award. Braga, president and CEO of Braga Fresh, was selected based on his ongoing commitment and dedication to excellence in organic production, organic industry leadership, and innovation.

The Chilean Blueberry Committee of ASOEX, with iQonsulting, have estimated a volume of 82,000 tons of fresh blueberries for the 2023-24 season. This represents a six percent decrease in fresh exports from the previous year. Updated estimates will be released throughout the Chilean Blueberry season.

At the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, CA, scheduled for Oct. 20 - 21, CMI is poised to introduce a fresh new look for Kanzi apples. Danelle Huber, CMI’s senior marketing manager, said that besides its primary booth inside at No. 869, CMI’s Activation Station (outside at No. 7000) spotlights the updated Kanzi branding.

Online grocery sales declined more than 3 percent in September versus last year, ending the month with $7.5 billion in sales, according to the latest monthly Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey. Declines in order frequency and spending per order contributed to the drop while an expanded base of monthly users softened the slip in overall sales and signaled continued interest in buying groceries online.