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Sold out Viva Fresh show set to kick off with local flair and flavor

The Viva Fresh Produce Expo is set to kick off with a sold out show that is embracing the sights, sounds and electric buzz of the host city Austin, TX.

Up-and-coming musicians and local award-winning chefs will delight high-profile buyers and grower-shippers from throughout Texas, Mexico, and neighboring southwestern U.S. states.

During the expo opening reception, three chefs, from the Texas International Produce Associations’ home base in McAllen, will feature their own signature specialties.

Adam Cavazos and Jesse Castellon from their restaurant Spork alongside Larry Delgado who owns two restaurants, House. Wine. & Bistro and SALT, will all be serving up a range of tasty menu items from food trucks, which are iconographic of the Austin city scene.

“For a first-year show, it’s unbelievable that the show floor, golf tournament and the hotel are all sold out and we have a waiting list,” Bret Erickson, president and chief executive officer of the Texas International Produce Association, said in a press release. “We’re looking forward to launching our inaugural show with some wonderful Texas-style country music and delicious food.”

Three chefs from the Hilton staff have partnered with expo members to create a unique menu that will feature not only the produce grown in the Southwest, Texas and Mexico, but will also resemble traditional southwest cuisine.

Their dishes will be featured at the Tex-Mex luncheon on Friday, March 27, and at the Expo Hall Luncheon on Saturday, March 28. Each chef, Mark Dayanandan (Executive Chef), Paul Parr (Sous Chef) and Sean Durkin (Banquet Chef) brings years of culinary experience and are excited for the opportunity to put their skills and knowledge to work.

On the music front, the Cody Bryan Band, quoted by Billboard Magazine as “One of the rising stars in the Texas music scene,” will play at the Viva Fresh Expo’s Welcome reception on Friday, March 27 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

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Hy-Vee to host supplier summit

Hy-Vee Inc. will host this year’s Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit Sept. 9-10 at Hy-Vee corporate headquarters in West Des Moines, IA.

The Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with valuable resources and gives them a chance to pitch their products directly to Hy-Vee category managers.

Titan Farms celebrates America’s 250th birthday with limited-time America’s Peach Box

Titan Farms is bringing back its America’s Peach Box for a limited time, giving retailers a unique opportunity to celebrate peak peach season alongside America’s 250th birthday.

Now being packed and shipped to select retailers, the America-themed boxes will be available in stores for a limited time through mid-July. With peach volume typically at its highest around the Fourth of July, America’s Peach Box offers a timely way to support customers, drive excitement in the produce department, and create seasonal displays that stand out.

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation welcomes bew board members

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation named Erin O'Donnell (Class 50) and Michael Frantz (Class 36) to its board of directors.

Organic Produce Summit 2026 celebrates 10 years of growth and industry connection

By
Keith Loria

The Organic Produce Summit will return to Monterey, CA July 14-18, celebrating its 10th anniversary with an expanded trade show floor, an additional day of networking opportunities and new features designed to bring together every segment of the organic produce supply chain.

As the only event dedicated exclusively to connecting producers and buyers in the organic fresh produce industry, OPS has evolved into one of the must-attend gatherings on the produce calendar. 

From campus to career: Meet AFE's 2026 interns

Each year, the floral industry celebrates and spotlights future leaders who take their education beyond the classroom through internship programs. In 2026, eight students are being placed through the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program and the Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program.

The programs provide students with hands-on industry experience while helping host companies develop future leaders in floriculture and horticulture. Interns expand their technical skills, gain professional connections and explore career opportunities within the industry.

Berry Fresh strengthens blueberry offerings with Mountain Blue Orchards

Berry Fresh will bring premium blueberry genetics from Mountain Blue Orchards to the U.S. and Canada through its farms in Peru and Mexico, beginning in fall 2027.

The agreement, signed last month between the two parties, strengthens Berry Fresh’s blueberry offering, with plantings commencing in 2026 and fruit arriving to customers for the 2027 season.

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