The Texas International Produce Association announced that Max Lugavere will be the keynote speaker for the upcoming 2024 Viva Fresh Produce Expo in Houston. A prominent health and science journalist, filmmaker and bestselling author, Lugavere will inspire and educate attendees with his insights into the intersection of nutrition, brain health and overall well-being.

Equitable Food Initiative is launching new online training products designed to share core social responsibility concepts that build the capacity of workers and managers in the fresh produce industry.

Floriology powered by BloomNet, the premier education authority in floral design and business, announced a pivotal transformation within its organization. The institute bids a fond farewell to Jackie Lacey, Floriology’s long-standing director of education, and welcomes a new era under Angelyn Tipton, who will be stepping into lead Floriology education.

Bay Baby Produce was founded based on president and founder Michele Youngquist’s passion for farming and marketing.

“I never saw myself at a desk job; I knew I needed something that was dynamic, allowed for creativity and had a great intrinsic reward,” she said. “From those principles, I knew I needed to find a great business partner and start taking steps to make the company come to life.”

Salix Fruits, founded by Juan González Pita and Luis Elortondo, first began importing citrus to the U.S. in 2015, focusing initially on lemons from Argentina. Today, the Argentinian-based company has a portfolio of more than 25 fruit items, although, in the U.S., it focuses on the consistent supply of imported citrus.

The company will be attending Viva Fresh as participants this year and is looking forward to all the show has to offer.

As generative artificial intelligence is integrated into nearly all aspects of business, its presence is also likely to influence diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.