American Floral Endowment launches new AI chatbot Professor Petal in partnership with nextvert
The American Floral Endowment has launched a new AI-powered chatbot, Professor Petal, live on www.endowment.org. Developed in partnership with nextvert, an innovative technology company specializing in intelligent automation, Professor Petal is designed to help industry members easily explore and browse our wide range of resources.
Row 7 Seed Co. brings Sugarcone cabbage to Whole Foods
Row 7 Seed Co., an organic food company known for its commitment to flavor and innovation in the seed-to-table movement, launched Sugarcone cabbage at 325 Whole Foods Market locations across California, the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Texas, including Houston, Austin and Dallas. This new variety will be available from September through mid-November.
Bloomin’ Easy Plants make a splash at Farwest ’25 with award-winning new varieties
Bloomin’ Easy Plants Inc. announced that Bubble Bath Hydrangea and MoonShadow Morello Hibiscus, two of its standout new introductions for 2026, earned showcase awards at the Farwest trade show, held in Portland, OR Aug. 20-22.
EFI celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with focus on essential ag contributions
Equitable Food Initiative is marking Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting the vital contributions of Hispanic people throughout the agriculture sector.
Sweet potato demand remains high as Matthews Ridgeview Farms moves to new crop
Jaylie and Taycie Mathews
Schnuck Markets expands with 51-store acquisition
Todd Schnuck, chairman and CEO of Schnuck Markets Inc., announced the 1939 Group Inc.’s definitive agreement to purchase 100 percent of the shares of the Wisconsin-based parent company of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers Inc. The purchase includes shares held by Mark Skogen, CEO of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers Inc, as well as the shares in the trust held by associates in their Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Pacific Trellis, Progressive make leadership changes
Progressive Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit have made several changes in executive leadership designed to enhance the ongoing partnership between the two brands, allowing them to work synergistically to best serve both customers and growers around the world.
Ocean Mist to serve up flavor innovations on the IFPA expo floor
Showcasing a new product with splashy displays on the expo floor during the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show is one of the benefits of exhibiting at the annual event.
Taking the extra step of highlighting a fresh fruit, vegetable or value-added product — whether it’s a new item or not — through sampling takes the experience to another level.
Market Minute: Pack in pepper promotions
Bell peppers originated in South America and were cultivated over 6,000 years ago. They were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Peppers then spread all over the world.
Sights and sounds from SEPC's Southern Innovations 2025
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Southeast Produce Council welcomed the fresh produce industry to its annual Southern Innovations conference and trade show Sept. 10-13. Looking at very early numbers, total attendance was about 1,475, of which about 500 were retail, foodservice and wholesale buyers, according to David Sherrod, the council’s president and CEO. “We were excited to have that many buyers,” he said midway through the expo. “We feel that it’s a really good ratio of buyers to sellers. And it’s showing right now; the floor is still busy, and there’s still lots of buyers walking the aisles.”