Side Delights introduces Flavorables, a new flavor-driven potato line
Side Delights announced the launch of Flavorables, a new value-added petite potato line designed to meet growing consumer demand for quick, convenient and flavorful side dishes. Flavorables pairs one-pound of petite potatoes with premium dry seasoning blends from Spiceology, creating a complete, microwave-ready side dish in just five minutes.
Sights and Sounds from SEPC Southern Exposure 2026
The Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure 2026 was held Feb. 25 to March 1 in Orlando, FL. The event featured a record number of buyers, 316 booths and sold-out networking sessions. This year’s iteration featured many familiar events as well as some new ones for attendees to enjoy, including the Tom Page Golf Classic and the Cool Cucumber Pickleball Tournament, as well as the Southern Roots luncheon and the Good Seeds MENtor Program.
Art Van Wingerden appointed AFE chairman-elect
The American Floral Endowment has appointed Art Van Wingerden, chief operating officer of Metrolina Greenhouses, as its chairman-elect.Van Wingerden will begin a two-year term as chairman in September 2026, succeeding current Chairman David Garcia of Pete Garcia Co. Garcia will continue his service for an additional two years as past chairman.The appointment comes as the endowment celebrates its 65th anniversary.
Field Fresh Farms website relaunch focuses on legacy, sustainability and customer service
Field Fresh Farms has launched a redesigned website aimed at highlighting the grower-shipper's four generations of family heritage, sustainability efforts and customer service.The company, which grows, processes, packs and ships greens for foodservice and retail customers, unveiled the site Feb. 20. The updates are meant to showcase the Dobler family’s approach to farming on California's Central Coast.
Window closing on early bird registration for CPMA 2026
Early bird registration for the 2026 CPMA Convention and Trade Show ends this week.The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s annual event, scheduled for April 28-30 in Toronto, is Canada’s largest gathering dedicated to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. It attracts attendees from across the international fresh produce supply chain.
Stemilt building engagement, trust and growth
A partnership between Stemilt Growers and the Equitable Food Initiative has led to measurable gains in safety, worker engagement and workforce retention, according to a new case study from the workforce development and certification organization.
ALDI to open first Maine store, expanding to 40th state
ALDI will open its first store in Maine on March 26, marking the company's entry into its 40th state."We are thrilled to be expanding into the state of Maine as a part of our expansion in the Northeast," said Chris Daniels, regional vice president for ALDI. "At our new Portland ALDI store, shoppers will notice a smaller, easy-to-shop store layout filled with a carefully selected range of products to provide them with exactly what they need."
WFFSA honors Bill LaFever with 2026 Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service award
Bill LaFever, president of the Bill Doran Co., has received the 2026 Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service Award from the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association.The award was presented during the group's Floral Distribution Conference in Miami. It recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the floral industry and honors the integrity and leadership of Leland T. Kintzele, who served as WFFSA president from 1963 to 1965.
IFPA expands “School Foodservice Partner X-Change,” connecting produce suppliers with K-12 and university menu leaders
The International Fresh Produce Association recently hosted its annual School Foodservice Partner X-Change, a virtual "speed meeting" program designed to connect school menu planners with produce grower-shippers and solution providers.Over two days, IFPA coordinated one-on-one virtual meetings between suppliers and K-12 school nutrition leaders. New this year, the program also included college and university foodservice leaders. The meetings created an opportunity for dialogue across sectors that rarely connect directly.
Potatoes USA analysis shows how potatoes can drive cross-purchase, meal solutions and snacking
New analysis from Potatoes USA shows that consumers' online search behavior around potatoes is revealing opportunities for retailers in-store, from cross-merchandising to meal solutions and at-home snacking.Potatoes are America’s most popular vegetable, with shoppers purchasing more than 15.3 billion pounds annually. By examining online search trends, Potatoes USA identified how shoppers are planning meals, entertaining and preparing snacks, and how retailers can meet that demand.Starbucks-inspired dish