In 1924, Paul Tavilla borrowed $500 from his wife, Stella, to buy a load of lemons. He sold them in one day and thus began a journey that continues to this day.

The exact day the business was started is unknown, but from that day forward there was a Tavilla produce company operating in the Boston area, although P. Tavilla Co. did not officially become its name until 1928, when it was located on Commercial Street in downtown Boston.  Sometime in 2024, the company will turn 100 years old and as such it is celebrating its centennial birthday all year long.

Initiated in 1992, the Landscape Design Awards program for  recognizes design projects that are exemplary in use of herbaceous perennials to help create balanced and beautiful landscapes. The “after market” applications of growers’ products and the design, installation, and maintenance of plants in gardens and natural settings are of special interest to the Perennial Plant Association. Both experienced and novice designers are invited to participate.

Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, released the first-ever Instacart Economic Impact Report, quantifying the company’s economic impact across all four sides of the Instacart marketplace — customers, shoppers, retailers and brands.

Urapa Produce, a grower-packer-shipper of Mexican tropicals, announced its acquisition of Bland Distribution Services. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Urapa Produce as it expands its capabilities and strengthens its position in the market.

Baldor Specialty Foods announced several additional strategic hires and structural changes aimed at enhancing customer service, achieving future goals, and ensuring continued growth and success.

The company reported:

In some ways it is difficult to believe that Raquel Espinoza has been working in the produce industry for three decades. Her youthful exuberance and enthusiasm belie the fact that it was a long climb up the ladder to where she is today.

“I was exposed to the produce industry early on as my father worked for a Customs house, but I am a first-generation produce person,” she said. “My first job was with Meyer Tomato and I really enjoyed it and remained there for 12 years before moving on to a few different companies, and eventually to opening Produce House nine years ago.”