The wait is over for Skylar Rae cherries. This season promises a high-quality, flavorful crop that’s firm, crisp and bursting with natural sweetness. Thanks to ideal growing conditions, volume is up significantly over last year, giving retailers and consumers even more reason to celebrate.

Fleuroselect, the international organization for the ornamental plants industry, announced that the FleuroStar Award 2025-26 has been awarded to Digitalis purpurea Hanabee F1 White bred by Takii and commercialized in partnership with Florensis. 

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has released its 2025-26 Fresh Asparagus Category Management Stats & Key Purchasing Trends Report. “This annual report provides the fresh asparagus industry at large with the information necessary to enhance asparagus sales. Within the report, industry is equipped with statistics, trends and marketing key purchasing trends that retailers and foodservice can use when planning their fresh asparagus activities and programs,” said Priscilla Lleras, executive director of PAIA. 

Albertsons has launched an in-store digital display network designed to revolutionize the shopping experience and enhance customer engagement. The company's pilot will launch this summer in select stores, featuring large format premium displays in high-traffic areas, such as store entry and the produce department.

Over the past week, the Trump administration has intensified its immigration enforcement efforts, with a particular focus on workplaces employing undocumented laborers, including farms. This past Thursday, President Trump made comments committing to preventing labor disruptions within the food supply chain, but did not say what changes he would implement or when they would take effect.

The Southeast Produce Council’s 2025 STEP-UPP Retail Class launched its annual summer tour last week, offering participants immersive, hands-on experiences designed to strengthen partnerships with growers. STEP-UPP — the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals — is SEPC’s premier initiative focused on developing retail and foodservice produce professionals through strategic education, leadership development and in-the-field learning.