AFE empowers florists to learn, grow and inspire
The American Floral Endowment believes continuing education is vital to the floral industry, particularly for small business owners and employees who rely on ongoing learning to remain inspired and competitive. To help make these opportunities more accessible, several grant programs support retail florists traveling to industry events, conferences and workshops where they can build skills, strengthen their businesses and spark creativity.
Kroger makes key leadership changes
The Kroger Co. announced several appointments of experienced enterprise leaders to new retail roles and expanded responsibilities, including promotions in corporate leadership, the Atlanta division and the Fry's division.
Honeybear challenges retailers to display contest
As Team U.S.A prepares to win big at the Winter Olympics in Italy, Honeybear Brands is ready to throw down its own challenge this February. The leading grower, marketer and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries invites produce teams at retailers across the country to create an award-winning, gold-medal-worthy apple display.
PhilaPort sets record container volume in 2025
PhilaPort capped off a milestone year in 2025, posting record container throughput and outperforming national and regional trade trends to remain a leader among U.S. East Coast container ports.
AFM launches the Golden Double Dip Chip snackcessory
Double dipping: Party foul or game day power move when it comes to delicious guac? After surveying Americans ahead of the big game, Avocados From Mexico discovered 80 percent of Americans admit to double dipping into game day guac. Not only that, but more than 50 percent feel “very tempted” to secretly go back for seconds. Why? Because the guac was — and we quote — “too good to resist.” Well, you can’t argue with that.
HAB welcomes Parisa Salehi, honors John McGuigan’s legacy
The Hass Avocado Board announced the appointment of Parisa Salehi as senior director of industry engagement, a role that underscores HAB’s commitment to its 2026–30 Strategic Plan and to strengthen collaboration across the U.S. avocado industry to advance strategic priorities.
NCC Automated Systems delivers custom engineering for peak performance
NCC Automated Systems, a trusted provider of custom conveyor and material handling solutions, recently delivered a high-capacity Z-Incline Conveyor engineered for fresh mushroom production, capable of moving up to 42,000 pounds of product per hour while maintaining gentle handling and sanitary design standards.
Goody focused on providing quality without compromise
The new year brings with it a fresh era for Blue Banner Co., as its recent launch of Goody builds an inspired wave of service and supply for the citrus industry. The company is taking action to counteract issues facing the industry: reduced consumption of citrus, particularly grapefruit; increased pressure from imports, which are shrinking California’s window of sales; and the lack of retail promotional support to drive more sales of citrus.
Market Minute: Promote new crop imported grapes now
Imported grapes are arriving and are ready for promotion in weekly produce ads. New crop Peruvian grapes are showing outstanding color, sizing and are full of flavorful eating quality. The Chilean grapes will also be arriving regularly as well, opening the market for some great ad promotions.
CalFlowers welcomes Gustavo Gilchrist of Kennicott Bros. Co. to board of directors
CalFlowers announced the appointment of Gustavo Gilchrist, president of Kennicott Bros. Co., to its Board of Directors. Gilchrist joins the CalFlowers Board alongside Julie Ortiz and John Louie, whose appointments were announced previously.