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.
BrightFarms marks third expansion of the year
BrightFarms is now shipping from its newest greenhouse in Macon, GA, which opened in late 2024. Spanning 1.5 million square feet once fully built, this facility — just a short drive from parent company Cox Enterprises in Atlanta — is transforming access to fresh, locally grown produce in Georgia.
WFFSA unveils winners of its new Floral Xcellence Awards at the 2025 Floral Distribution Conference
On the first day of its 2025 Floral Distribution Conference in Miami, the Wholesale Florist & Floral Supplier Association (WFFSA) announced the winners of its Breeder Excellence Award and Grower Excellence Award, as part of its new Floral Xcellence Awards, sponsored by Flowers of Colombia and Proflora 2025 by Asocolflores.
The United Family, Rainier partner for Apples and Pears on a Mission initiative
Throughout February, The United Family and Rainier Fruit joined forces to donate 5,000 pairs of socks to non-profit organizations across the state of Texas through the Apples and Pears on a Mission initiative. More than 30,000 pairs of socks have been donated through this program over the last six years.
FirstFruits Farms’ Lon Hudson promoted to national sales director
FirstFruits Farms promoted Lon Hudson to the position of national sales director. With his extensive experience in sales and dedication to the company, Hudson will lead national sales efforts, driving strategic growth and strengthening relationships with retail partners across the country.
NWA partnership to better navigate labor policy and compliance
The National Watermelon Association announced a new partnership with JPH Law Firm, establishing an ongoing resource to help NWA members navigate the complexities of H-2A and other labor policies, laws and regulations.
Labor challenges continue to be one of the most pressing concerns for the agricultural industry, particularly as regulatory requirements evolve. This partnership ensures that NWA members have direct access to reliable legal counsel to help them remain compliant and informed.
Bozzuto's hosts The Big Expo at Mohegan Sun
Bozzuto's hosted this year's The Big Expo March 4-5 in Uncasville, CT. For the fourth year the event was held at Mohegan Sun. Produce vendors from all over the country were on hand to display their latest products at the two-day event, which provides a venue for those in the industry to network, learn about the latest trends and take advantage of on-site show exclusive deals.
Bozzuto's, headquartered in Cheshire, CT, is a total service wholesale distributor of food and household products to retailers in New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.