AUSTIN, TX — Raymond Land, a founding father of the Florida Watermelon Association and a past president of the National Watermelon Association, was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame at the 110th annual NWA convention, here.

Land, who began loading boxcars of watermelons at age 16, built a family business along with his wife, Annette, who also has deep roots in the watermelon industry. Today, the family operates Raymond J. Land Watermelon Sales and Land Truck Brokers, and also continues to grow watermelon and raise cattle.

Ross James Bailey, a 40-year produce industry veteran and owner-partner of RJB Produce Inc., died Feb. 16. He was 64.

Mr. Bailey was born Oct. 28, 1960, in Reedley, CA, to Jim and Nadine Bailey. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Mr. Bailey earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural business and management in 1984. That same year he started he journey in the produce industry at Sunkist, where he stayed until 1988.

Engagement Retail made its debut in New York City with the opening of the first Daily Shop by Whole Foods Market, a global leader in organic food sales and part of Amazon’s worldwide grocery stores.

Fresh Gourmet Co., known for its fresh produce companion products, is expanding its citrus line to meet growing demand for high-quality lemon and lime juices. 

Italia Garden, a Fresh Gourmet Co. brand, now offers authentic Italian citrus juices in an updated elegant design and a wider range of options, including organic (four-ounce) and conventional (seven- and 16-ounce) sizes. The lemon juices, made from hand-selected crops grown in Italy, are not from concentrate and deliver a fresh, vibrant taste. 

Bay Baby Produce was founded based on president and founder Michele Youngquist’s passion for farming and marketing. It has grown over its 25-plus years to become a go-to company for hand-painted pumpkins and unique ornamentals.

The company will be attending Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure this year to connect with its current customers, network with new ones and build meaningful relationships within the industry.

Square 1 Farms has launched its newly designed website in anticipation of its debut as an exhibitor at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure Conference.