SEPC celebrates family at Southern Exposure 2025
2025-03-11
ORLANDO, FL — The Southeast Produce Council welcomed the fresh produce industry in early March to its flagship event, Southern Exposure 2025, where attendees enjoyed a wide array of educational and social activities while celebrating the significance of family meals and the importance of eating together.
USDA files action against Texas company for $175K PACA violations
2025-03-11
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against Tomato House LLC for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Texas, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to three produce sellers in the amount of $174,458 from December 2022 through February 2023.
Gordon D. Rowe III appointed as new director of sales and business development at Hoffman Nursery
2025-03-11
Hoffman Nursery appointed Gordon D. Rowe III as the new director of sales and business development. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the horticulture and nursery industry, Gordon brings a wealth of expertise in sales strategy, customer success and operational efficiency.
Market Minute: Time for cantaloupes, honeydews, watermelons
2025-03-11
I recently saw two shoppers in a store, each holding a cantaloupe close to their ear and tapping away on it. No customer likes a hard, unripe melon so how can they tell if a particular melon is ripe? By knocking on it? Most people laugh at that method, but it does work. Tapping on a cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon or any other type melon is a clue for ripeness when it has a specific sound.
USDA files action against Pennsylvania company for PACA violations
2025-03-11
The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Hurst Produce & Flowers Corp. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Pennsylvania, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to nine produce sellers in the amount of $296,668 from September 2022 through November 2023.
Kapi Kapi looks to boost customer success with new hire
2025-03-10
Kapi Kapi Growers has hired Daniel Acon Ferrandino as operations specialist. The company said he will play a critical role streamlining communication with customers from farm-to-market — from production, to transit and delivery expectations.
SEPC’s Southern Exposure a family affair
2025-03-10
The Southeast Produce Council tied in the importance of family with Hawaiian spirit at its signature Southern Exposure event March 6-8, 2025, at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Just as ohana means family in Hawaiian, Southern Exposure once again proved — beyond a shadow of a doubt — that the produce community is a one big family.
Following educational sessions and a keynote address, the show floor was packed as attendees filled the aisles for more than six hours.
Dümmen Orange marks another year of focused actions and results in sustainability
2025-03-10
Dümmen Orange released the fourth edition of its sustainability magazine, 'Growing Together.' This annual publication offers an in-depth look into the company’s ongoing commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance principles, highlighting its consistent efforts to drive sustainability and share tangible results.
Hannaford donates $1.3 million to advance child health and wellness
2025-03-10
Hannaford Supermarkets announced a $1.3 million investment in programs that positively impact child health and wellness across New England and New York. The funding is the latest chapter of Hannaford’s “Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Health” initiative, which paves the way for healthier futures by increasing access to nutritious foods.
WFFSA's 2025 Floral Distribution Conference
2025-03-10
WFFSA's 2025 Floral Distribution Conference in Miami, FL was nothing short of spectacular, bringing together approximately 650 attendees, nearly 100 exhibiting suppliers and over 50 wholesaler companies for an unforgettable experience. From the vibrant show floor to high-energy celebrations, insightful discussions and meaningful recognitions, the 2025 FDC left a lasting impact, with attendees raving about its success and the new additions that made this year’s conference truly exceptional.
