Mushroom Council debuts Mushroom Marketer’s Toolkit
The Mushroom Council has unveiled the Mushroom Marketer’s Toolkit, a collection of resources designed to help grocery retailers boost mushroom sales and shopper engagement.The toolkit, announced Feb. 24 from Lee’s Summit, MO, provides merchandising guidance, creative assets and in-store materials. The goal is to increase sales and repeat purchases, particularly among millennial and Gen Z shoppers.
BioWorks names Chris Rose interim general manager
BioWorks Inc., a biological products company for the horticulture industry, has named Chris Rose as interim general manager, effective immediately. The appointment marks a leadership transition aimed at accelerating sales and expansion.Rose, a biologist, has been with the company since 2013. He has held leadership roles in operations, research and development, and marketing. He succeeds Bill Foster, who led the company for decades.
IFPA welcomes Eric Stevens as vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs
The International Fresh Produce Association has named Dr. Eric Stevens vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs, a role in which he will lead the group’s global efforts to shape policy in those areas.Stevens, who starts March 18, will serve as a key liaison to U.S. regulatory and food safety agencies and strengthen engagement with global and regional standard-setting bodies. He will also support member needs through technical expertise and strategic collaboration with internal teams and external coalitions.
Watermelon Board elects leadership; all-female team is first
The National Watermelon Promotion Board has elected an all-female slate of executive officers for the first time in its history.The election took place Feb. 21 in St. Petersburg, FL, during the board's spring meeting, which was held alongside the National Watermelon Association's annual convention.Jill Barton, of District 1, was elected president. Renee Goodwin, of District 4, was re-elected as vice president. Camille Lombardo, of District 5, was re-elected as secretary-treasurer.
Bimi Broccoli expands program through partnership with Cal-Organic Farms
Bimi Baby Broccoli, the branded business branch of Sakata Seed America, has announced a strategic partnership with Cal-Organic Farms to expand organic production capacity and North American distribution for the Bimi brand.The agreement adds Cal-Organic Farms, a division of Grimmway Farms and one of the largest organic growers in the country, to Sakata's licensed network. The partnership is designed to meet demand for premium specialty vegetables across retail and foodservice channels.
Eastern Produce Council names 2026 Leadership Class
The Eastern Produce Council has selected 18 produce professionals for its 2026 Leadership Class.The program provides industry and professional development opportunities throughout the year, including seminars, farm tours and networking events, Susan McAleavey Sarlund, the council's executive director, said in a statement.
Market Minute: Lettuce showing lower market, softer demand
The current lettuce market is trending lower as demand has eased, making this an excellent time for consumers to enjoy salads. With lettuce now more promotable, shoppers can take advantage of favorable pricing and good supply.The history of salads made from lettuce dates back as far as 4500 BC in Egypt, where they were originally prepared using a bitter weed. The practice of cultivating lettuce for salads was later adopted by the Romans and Greeks, who enjoyed it with oil and vinegar. Lettuce made its way to the Americas in the 1400s, thanks to Christopher Columbus.
Richter and Co.: A family of farms for a century
In early 1926, Moses Richter boarded a train in North Carolina headed for New York City for the purpose of helping Southern peach growers get a fair market price for their crops. That journey marked the beginning of Richter and Company, which,100 years later, is still laser focused on Southern peaches and the longevity of its “Family of Farms.”
California Avocado Commission celebrates female growers' impact on the industry
Recognizing the growing impact of women in agriculture worldwide, the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The resolution, led by the United States and supported by 123 countries, is backed by the California Avocado Commission as part of its ongoing commitment to leadership and sustainability in the produce industry. Further support of women’s advancement across all fields is highlighted through International Women’s Day (March 8), which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Southern Exposure 2026 was a family affair
The Southeast Produce Council returned to the Orlando World Center Marriott for the 2026 Southern Exposure. Farm and family was the theme and as usual, the Southeast Produce Council did not disappoint. The floor was busy from open to close as show-goers conducted business and fostered relationships.Prior to the opening of the expo, keynote speaker John Maxwell, world-renowned leadership author, speaker and coach, emphasized the important role strong leadership plays in running a successful business.