Michigan continues to play a critical role in the success of Applewood Fresh Growers, as the company prepares for another strong apple season supported by expanded grower partnerships, new packing investments and growing consumer demand for premium varieties.

Wakefern Food Corp. is calling on local and regional suppliers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to apply for its 2027 Local Supplier Summit, offering growing brands the chance to showcase their products to key decision-makers and buyers from across Wakefern’s family of supermarket banners.

The Southeast Produce Council launched its 2026 Next Generation Leadership Academy with an immersive retreat at Clemson University in Clemson, SC, June 8–12. This retreat marked the official kickoff of the learning year, uniting a talented and diverse cohort of rising leaders from across the fresh produce industry.

Fleuroselect, the international organization for the ornamental plants industry, has awarded the FleuroStar Award 2026-27 to Dahlia coccinea Dalina Maxi Noir Velvet Crush, bred by PanAmerican Seed and commercialized in partnership with Florensis.

European sales managers Jeroen Star from PanAmerican Seed and Hagen Kalläne from Florensis accepted the prize from Fleuroselect President Marc Driessen and Secretary General Ann Jennen. The evening was moderated by Michael Perry.

Summer Citrus from South Africa's 2026 season is under way, with the first arrivals expected at U.S. ports this month. Approximately 170 containers, primarily easy peelers and some navel oranges, are scheduled to arrive during the early part of the season. The MSC Carmen will be the first direct vessel into Philadelphia, followed by weekly arrivals through both containerized shipments and dedicated conventional vessels.

As the produce industry transitions into the Michigan growing season, Rocky Produce is seeing strong sales momentum, while preparing for another busy summer filled with local fruits and vegetables.

“We’ve seen sales stronger than previous years, which is great,” said Dominic Russo of Rocky Produce. “The cost of produce in a lot of categories has been extremely high through the winter, and some of those prices are still elevated as we move into spring crops.”