Outlook 2013: Consumers seek return to basics via plants in 2013
Consumers in 2013 are seeking a return to life’s basics, to be in harmony with nature. Taking time to smell the roses may be more than just a cliché for 2013. Positive energy and “happy-nomics” are also part of the 2013 success matrix.
In the sustainability arena, consumers are quite savvy about repurposing and up-cycling. They are looking for similar and transparent corporate values that align with their green thinking.
Outlook 2013: Ecological and vintage trends prevail
Victoria sits in her green and red plaid flannel pajamas, pondering where to find classic “Ball” brand canning jars to use as floral containers. Suddenly, she receives a message on her tablet. The local market is offering a special on “Ball” jars, first manufactured in 1884. What year is this? It is 2013, where the mobile device revolution and all things vintage collide.
Fortieth anniversary of TPIE to draw 6,000 to Florida show
The 40-year anniversary of the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition is expected to draw more than 6,000 industry professionals to sunny Fort Lauderdale, FL, Jan. 23-25, show officials told The Produce News. The 200,000-square-foot Broward County Convention Center exhibit hall will feature 400 companies and 800 booths showcasing lush tropical plants and foliage with palm trees soaring 28 feet to the exhibit hall ceiling.
Dan Waldschmidt, author of a leading sales blog, will speak at the show’s opening session (see schedule, page 72).
Outlook 2013: Is there a floral fiscal cliff?
Yes! But it is already in the past. We experienced it in 2008-09. The floral industry has been on the road to fiscal responsibility for more than three years. We can and will not only survive in this environment, we will grow and prosper.
Looking both ways as a new year begins
The Roman god Janus, for whom January is named, had two faces, one looking back, one looking forward. And that’s what we do in this January issue — look back and look ahead.
We feature reviews of the year and predictions for 2013 by guest columnists from key sectors of the floral industry, and from key floral associations. Our overview column is again by industry veteran Tom Lavagetto.
Bruce Knobeloch joins Azzule Systems
Azzule Systems, a leading provider of global data management solutions throughout all levels of the supply chain based in Santa Maria, CA, announced that Bruce Knobeloch has joined the company as senior vice president of business development.
Produce veteran Russell Boyd dies at 62
Russell Boyd, a longtime produce veteran whose love of teaching and mentoring was well known to those who knew him, died suddenly Dec. 28 at his home in Fullerton, CA. He was 62.
One of Mr. Boyd's last public appearances was as a panelist at a salad bar conference hosted by the United Fresh Produce Association and the Fresh Produce & Floral Council in mid-December. The seminar appearance was apparently indicative of his produce career.
NoKota fills storage during current potato season
NoKota Packers Inc., located in Buxton, ND, has more than three decades of experience storing, washing and packaging tablestock potatoes for resale. “We at NoKota Packers harvested the tonnage we expected to and filled our storage completely,” said Steve Tweten, chief executive officer.
Nelly Yunta promoted to vice president of sales, marketing and customer care
Nelly Yunta, formerly vice president of U.S. imports, customs brokerage and consulting for Customized Brokers, the customs brokerage division of Crowley Maritime Corp., headquartered in Miami, has been promoted to the role of vice president of sales, marketing and customer care for Crowley’s liner and logistics business groups. Her new appointment became effective Jan. 1.
Florida strawberry growers hold their breath as the new year unfurls with crop and market in fine shape
As the new year rolled into its first week, Florida strawberries were in great shape with abundant volume, excellent quality and — unlike last year — a solid market.