Fleuroselect names 2025-26 FleuroStar Award winner
Fleuroselect, the international organization for the ornamental plants industry, announced that the FleuroStar Award 2025-26 has been awarded to Digitalis purpurea Hanabee F1 White bred by Takii and commercialized in partnership with Florensis.
Key purchasing trends help retailers boost asparagus sales
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has released its 2025-26 Fresh Asparagus Category Management Stats & Key Purchasing Trends Report. “This annual report provides the fresh asparagus industry at large with the information necessary to enhance asparagus sales. Within the report, industry is equipped with statistics, trends and marketing key purchasing trends that retailers and foodservice can use when planning their fresh asparagus activities and programs,” said Priscilla Lleras, executive director of PAIA.
Albertsons pilot empowers suppliers in the produce department
Albertsons has launched an in-store digital display network designed to revolutionize the shopping experience and enhance customer engagement. The company's pilot will launch this summer in select stores, featuring large format premium displays in high-traffic areas, such as store entry and the produce department.
IFPA addresses immigration enforcement, labor issues
Over the past week, the Trump administration has intensified its immigration enforcement efforts, with a particular focus on workplaces employing undocumented laborers, including farms. This past Thursday, President Trump made comments committing to preventing labor disruptions within the food supply chain, but did not say what changes he would implement or when they would take effect.
SEPC STEP-UPP Retail Class kicks off summer tour
The Southeast Produce Council’s 2025 STEP-UPP Retail Class launched its annual summer tour last week, offering participants immersive, hands-on experiences designed to strengthen partnerships with growers. STEP-UPP — the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals — is SEPC’s premier initiative focused on developing retail and foodservice produce professionals through strategic education, leadership development and in-the-field learning.
Safety remains job one at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Produce safety has always been at the forefront of the activities at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
Market Minute: Temperatures heating up watermelon promotions
Did you know the watermelon was portrayed in Egyptian hieroglyphics? They actually originated in southern Africa well over 5,000 years ago before being cultivated in Egypt. Then they started their spread into China and Europe by trade route explorers.
A great blueberry crop is coming from the Garden State
Officials at the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council are proud of what their members are doing with the blueberry harvest. They want residents of the Garden State to be just as proud.
With the blueberry harvesting season up and running, officials at the Trenton, NJ-based council, a state-run organization that takes a small fee from growers in New Jersey, are excited about what is taking place and eager for retailers and consumers to get behind the blueberry market.
Premium Kyle’s Pick cherries draw in flavor-focused shoppers
Kyle’s Pick cherries will return during Stemilt’s Washington cherry season and are backed by a new selective quality control process. Developed through a multi-stage research and development and quality control program, Kyle’s Pick represents the peak of cherry excellence, delivering fruit that meets ultra-premium standards for size, firmness, color and flavor. Each cherry pack is designed to captivate high-end shoppers and drive sales with a top-tier eating experience.
BrightFarms' new state-of-the-art greenhouse driving sustainable ag
BrightFarms and its parent company Cox Farms recently celebrated the opening of its newest greenhouse in Macon, GA. The facility is among the most advanced in the state.
The grand opening event featured interactive tours of the new Cox Farms Discovery Center, an expert-led panel discussion on the future of food and an inside look at how BrightFarms is redefining freshness, innovation and accessibility.