NWA inducts Florida legend into Hall of Fame
AUSTIN, TX — Raymond Land, a founding father of the Florida Watermelon Association and a past president of the National Watermelon Association, was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame at the 110th annual NWA convention, here.
Land, who began loading boxcars of watermelons at age 16, built a family business along with his wife, Annette, who also has deep roots in the watermelon industry. Today, the family operates Raymond J. Land Watermelon Sales and Land Truck Brokers, and also continues to grow watermelon and raise cattle.
RJB Produce mourns owner Ross James Bailey
Ross James Bailey, a 40-year produce industry veteran and owner-partner of RJB Produce Inc., died Feb. 16. He was 64.
Mr. Bailey was born Oct. 28, 1960, in Reedley, CA, to Jim and Nadine Bailey. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Mr. Bailey earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural business and management in 1984. That same year he started he journey in the produce industry at Sunkist, where he stayed until 1988.
Groundbreaking project shines new light on Whole Foods Market Daily Shop in NYC
Engagement Retail made its debut in New York City with the opening of the first Daily Shop by Whole Foods Market, a global leader in organic food sales and part of Amazon’s worldwide grocery stores.
Bay Baby Produce hyping premium painted pumpkins at SEPC
Bay Baby Produce was founded based on president and founder Michele Youngquist’s passion for farming and marketing. It has grown over its 25-plus years to become a go-to company for hand-painted pumpkins and unique ornamentals.
The company will be attending Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure this year to connect with its current customers, network with new ones and build meaningful relationships within the industry.
Fresh Gourmet Co. expands premium lemon, lime juice line
Fresh Gourmet Co., known for its fresh produce companion products, is expanding its citrus line to meet growing demand for high-quality lemon and lime juices.
Italia Garden, a Fresh Gourmet Co. brand, now offers authentic Italian citrus juices in an updated elegant design and a wider range of options, including organic (four-ounce) and conventional (seven- and 16-ounce) sizes. The lemon juices, made from hand-selected crops grown in Italy, are not from concentrate and deliver a fresh, vibrant taste.
Square 1 Farms launches new website, prepares for SEPC debut
Square 1 Farms has launched its newly designed website in anticipation of its debut as an exhibitor at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure Conference.
VIP dinner kicks off Southern Exposure 2025
ORLANDO, FL — The Southeast Produce Council held its annual VIP dinner Wednesday evening, March 5, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, just prior to the opening of the 2025 Southern Exposure conference and trade show, here. A new feature this year was a scavenger hunt, which preceded the dinner.
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Good growing conditions for California fields
A series of cold, low-pressure systems will move into California through next week with moderate rain expected throughout much of the state. The desert growing regions likely will not see much rain; however, cooler temperatures and strong winds are forecast through mid-March.
Florida Watermelon Queen emerges as National Watermelon Queen
Elanie Mason, who previously served as the Florida Watermelon Queen, will now take on the role of the watermelon industry’s official promotional ambassador for the next year after being named National Watermelon Queen at the recent National Watermelon Association 110th annual convention in Austin, TX.