Wouldn't it be nice if every growing area could accommodate our supply needs at the same time? That would make life a lot easier for retail produce buyers and directors to develop their weekly ad programs. But weather and other obstacles always seem to emerge causing an upward and downward market direction.

RJO Produce, one of the nation’s most innovative agriculture businesses, will enter a new era when it begins its 30th year in 2023. Renowned for bringing relationship-driven, fair business practices to the produce industry, RJO is the brain child of brothers Rob and John O’Rourke.

The 22nd Annual New England Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo will be held Aug. 24-25 at the Omni at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. As always it will include an exceptional line up of speakers and more than 100 produce and floral exhibitors showcasing their products.

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announced its commitment to protect the health of the world’s essential pollinator populations and do its part to ensure food security for future generations.

As Kurt Zuhlke prepares for this year’s New England Produce Council Produce, Floral and Foodservice Expo, he’s planning on meeting with customers and friends in the produce industry. He’s also hopeful that attendance is higher than last year’s event, which was still affected by COVID-19.

“It’s an opportunity to meet with some of the people at retail and let them know what’s out there, some of the new packaging that’s coming out,” said Zuhlke, whose company is headquartered in Easton, PA.

As Del Rey Avocado Co. President Patrick Lucy surveyed the avocado landscape in early August, the company was sourcing product from five distinct regions. But soon that will dwindle down to just two regions —  both in Mexico.