AFE trustees visit UC Davis to see research, philanthropy in action
Last month, members of the American Floral Endowment’s Board of Trustees and staff visited the University of California, Davis, to see firsthand how AFE-funded research is advancing innovation for the floriculture industry.UC Davis, ranked among the top universities globally for agriculture and forestry, has long been a hub for cutting-edge agricultural research. During the visit, faculty and graduate students shared updates on their AFE-funded research and related collaborative efforts aimed at addressing key industry challenges.
Winn-Dixie partners with Amazon to expand grocery delivery
Winn-Dixie and Amazon have expanded their grocery delivery collaboration on Amazon.com to additional communities across Florida — including the greater Tampa Bay area — giving even more customers access to high-quality groceries and household essentials through a shared commitment to providing choice, value and convenience.
Viva Fresh Pickleball Tournament heads to San Antonio
The second annual Viva Fresh Pickleball Tournament is officially returning to San Antonio on Thursday, April 16. Hosted by the Texas International Produce Association and sponsored by SunFed and Perlag Imports, the Viva Fresh Pickleball Tournament is a signature social and networking event held in conjunction with the Viva Fresh Expo, focused on building industry relationships through healthy, active competition.
CFFA hosts 90th annual meeting
The California Fresh Fruit Association officially began its new fiscal year on Monday, March 16, during the Annual Membership Breakfast held as part of its 90th Annual Meeting at the Estate Yountville in Napa Valley. The event featured the election of the board of directors and chairman, along with key industry and committee updates.
Needler’s Fresh Market expands Indiana footprint
Needler’s Fresh Market celebrated the grand opening of its newest location in Anderson, IN, expanding access to fresh, affordable groceries on the city’s west side. The store is the newest Needler’s Fresh Market serving Ohio and Indiana.“Our goal is to be more than just a grocery store — we want to be a trusted neighborhood partner,” Store Director Kenny Smith said. “This grand opening represents an important step in serving Anderson residents with fresh food, everyday essentials and a welcoming place to shop close to home.”
Buying mangos can bring clean water to those in need
World Water Day 2026 is coming up. UN-Water, the coordinating body of the United Nations’ water and sanitation efforts, sets an official theme and campaign each year. In 2026, the theme is “Water and Gender,” and the accompanying campaign is “Where water flows, equality grows.”These messages accurately frame water and sanitation as a human rights issue that affects health, education, dignity and opportunity. For Continental Fresh, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America, the message is deeply personal.
USDA lifts PACA sanctions on Washington produce business
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Alvarez Farms LLC, operating from Everett, WA, has satisfied a $39,004 reparation order resulting from unpaid produce transactions under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company is now free to operate in the produce industry. Ruben Alvarez was listed as the member/manager of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
Sunkist expands leadership team with new directors
Sunkist Growers is continuing to invest in operational strength and global growth with the addition of two new leadership roles: Joshua Carr, director of procurement, and Stephen Sheldon, director of global business development. Both roles report to Christian Harris, chief operating officer, and reflect Sunkist’s continued investment in top talent to strengthen its operations, expand global opportunities and deliver long-term value for its grower-members.
Nourish the Moment campaign shows that spring gatherings start at the table
Prime Time Produce, Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic Farms and Tasteful Selections have partnered to launch #NourishTheMoment, a spring campaign celebrating nutritious produce as the centerpiece of spring gatherings.Rolling out across social media today, the collaborative campaign will feature seasonal recipes, influencer-driven content and entertaining inspiration designed to encourage consumers to bring vibrant, fresh produce to the center of their spring tables. A giveaway inviting followers to join the conversation and celebrate the season will be announced on March 23.
Salinas grower-shipper association weighs in on Cesar Chavez allegations
March 31, dubbed Cesar Chavez Day in 2014 by then President Barack Obama, was supposed to be a celebration. A celebration of Cesar Chavez, who was president of the United Farm Workers Union, which he co-founded in 1962 and who did more for farm workers than perhaps anybody in the history of this country.