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.
Southern Roots Women's Luncheon inspired at Southern Exposure 2026
Set against the backdrop of the Southern Exposure conference in Orlando, FL (Feb. 26 – March 1), the SEPC's Southern Roots Women's Luncheon welcomed chef, author and Food Network host Molly Yeh as its keynote speaker. Renowned for her series Girl Meets Farm, Yeh brought her distinctive warmth and perspective to the stage, offering insights into her culinary style and the cultural traditions that inspire her to connect people through food.
"Life in Bloom" news roundup from J Schwanke
J Schwanke and RJ Pole will launch the new "Behind the Bloom" podcast with special guest Lane DeVries on Feb. 16. New episodes are available first on Schwanke's YouTube channel and uBloom.com.In the debut episode, Schwanke and Pole speak with DeVries about his career, his leadership role at CalFlowers and his new book, "The Pursuit of Purpose." The "Behind the Bloom" podcast is currently ranked No. 127 in the United States. The podcast is sponsored by CalFlowers and Chrysal.
Harps Teams with Verdant Technologies to improve broccoli freshness
Harps Food Stores, an employee-owned retailer operating 160 stores across Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma, is rolling out a new postharvest technology designed to reduce broccoli shrink and improve freshness. The company has partnered with Verdant Technologies to implement HarvestHold Fresh, which are sheets added to its iceless broccoli supply chain, following a successful pilot in late 2025.
Joolies drives date category growth with Date Pops expansion
Joolies is expanding national distribution of its Date Pops product line into Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Meijer, The Fresh Market and Hy-Vee. The expansion marks a significant milestone in scaling one of the fastest-growing value-added date formats at retail.The new placements build on an already robust lineup of more than 45 retail banners, including Target, Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, Ralphs, Wakefern, Thrive Market and regional independents — positioning Date Pops for continued ACV growth in 2026.
ADS Management expands local grower partnerships with new packing facilities in North Carolina and beyond
ADS Management, the Westhampton, NY-based parent company of Hapco Farms and Freshouse, is continuing to invest in its mission to support local farmers through strategic grower partnerships and expanded infrastructure across key agricultural regions.
JOH hosts clients and partners during SEPC Southern Exposure
ORLANDO, FL – JOH, a leading food brokerage based in Billerica, MA, which services clients throughout the Northeast, North Central and Mid-Atlantic regions, held a reception for its clients and partners Feb. 26, here, ahead of the annual SEPC Southern Exposure conference. Attendees were treated to a relaxed and convivial atmosphere as they prepared for the festivities of the popular SEPC event.
Divine Flavor moves into spring with West Mexico vegetable programs and return of Honey Pearl grapes
As the spring months approach, Divine Flavor is entering a key period in its produce calendar, with vegetable programs underway in West Mexico and the seasonal return of its exclusive Honey Pearl grapes from Chile.Divine Flavor’s spring vegetable season in Sonora and Sinaloa is now in progress, centered on its hot-house and greenhouse programs. Core items include Bell peppers, mini peppers, cucumbers (Long English/European, Persian and slicer), tomatoes and yellow squash and Italian zucchini.