Ken and Deena Altman receive AFE Ambassador Award
Ken and Deena Altman of Altman Plants have been named the recipients of the American Floral Endowment’s Ambassador Award. The recognition celebrates their longtime leadership, advocacy and dedication to the floral industry.Their commitment to advancing AFE’s mission was recognized last week during the endowment’s Board of Trustees Meeting in Sacramento, California.
NWA caps off 111th annual convention in style
ST PETE BEACH, FL – The National Watermelon Association capped off its 111th annual convention Feb. 21 with an awards banquet, here, where the 2026 National Watermelon Queen was crowned and a new slate of officers was installed, including the naming of just the second female president in the association’s storied history.
Happy Dirt focuses on North Carolina season growth at Southern Exposure
As the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure approaches, Happy Dirt, the Durham, NC-based, farmer-owned company, is heading to the show with momentum, strategic focus and a strong outlook on its upcoming North Carolina season.While the company will not have a booth this year, its leadership team sees that as an opportunity rather than a limitation.
Rice Fruit Co. supports retailers, from orchard-to-shelf
Rice Fruit Co., located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple country, receives, stores, packages and markets fruit for more than 40 farm families in the surrounding areas.Later this month, Rice Fruit Co. will be attending Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure to reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new industry partners and engage in meaningful conversations across the produce supply chain.
Market Minute: Juicy California orange promotions
Want some excellent high-volume sales in the produce department? Then jump on the California navel orange wagon right now. Advertise them and move plenty of volume.
Supply disruptions possible due to unrest in Mexico
HLB Specialties, a leader in the tropical fruit industry and an importer of produce from Mexico, is advising customers of potential transportation delays due to ongoing unrest in the country.
Vick Family Farms hopes to connect with Southern Exposure attendees
Officials at Vick Family Farms are always eager to get to the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure show — as much as to re-engage with existing customers as to meet potential new clients at the event.
Nickey Gregory Co. is a proud SEPC major sponsor
Nickey Gregory Co. is gearing up for a strong presence at the upcoming Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure, with a diverse, cross-departmental team attending and a clear focus on relationship-building, fresh-cut growth and regional supply conversations.
Floral industry celebrates strong Valentine’s Day performance; strategic marketing efforts keep flowers 'top of mind'
Following the 2026 Valentine’s Day season, early reports across the floral industry indicate a robust performance, with many retailers and stakeholders seeing increased sales revenue over previous years. This surge in holiday success comes as the national "Just Add Flowers" campaign continues to saturate the market, suggesting consistent, year-round advertising is successfully influencing consumer behavior.
FPFC dinner dance: A night to shine
Under a “Dress to Impress” theme and overlooking Newport Harbor, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s 2026 Dinner Dance brought the West Coast produce and floral community together on Feb. 21 at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, CA. A signature FPFC tradition, the annual evening blended elegance, camaraderie and industry pride, as leaders, colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate another year of connection and shared purpose across the supply chain.