New research on consumer attitudes toward floral will debut at The Floral Conference, May 23. Exclusive to the International Fresh Produce Association, this research comes from Kantar, a data and evidence-based agency providing insights and actionable recommendations. 
 

Carbon Robotics, a leader in AI-powered robotics, closed $30 million in Series C financing from new lead investor Sozo Ventures along with existing investors Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Liquid2 and Voyager Capital. The funding will be used to expand sales regions in North America, optimize and scale manufacturing, develop new software and hardware products, and launch into international markets. This latest round of financing brings Carbon Robotics’ overall funding to $67 million.

Grapeco Farms LLC, a new venture based out of Delano, CA, and formed by Robert Cadena and Jared Lane, is set to enter the table grape industry. The two industry veterans bring with them a combined fifty years of experience and a shared philosophy of providing the highest quality grapes to customers while maximizing the return to the grower. As the upcoming Mexican grape season approaches, Grapeco is primed to offer a year-round supply of high-flavor tri-color varieties to retailers.

Inc. announced its sixth annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of 200 women whose innovations and ideas are shaping the world into a better place. Corrine Heck, CEO & founder of Details Flowers, is recognized as one of the recipients of this high distinction, which will be published in their latest issue.

The International Fresh Produce Association is hosting its annual Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference April 16-18 in Orlando, FL, this year. The conference is sold out but there are many additional opportunities for the industry to support and participate in Women’s Fresh Perspective Portfolio experiences this year.

Temperatures reaching the upper 90s have basically brought an end to the winter vegetable deals in the California and Arizona deserts, resulting in supply gaps and stronger markets with some commodities headed into the FOB stratosphere.