Riggio Distribution enters 2026 with strong demand
Detroit-based Riggio Distribution Co. is starting 2026 with confidence, momentum and a steady market that reflects both the region’s resilience and the company’s decades-long reputation for reliability. For Dominic Riggio, the company’s leader and part of a family legacy that has supported the Midwest produce trade for generations, the tone of the year has been decidedly optimistic.
AFM and Rob Riggle unveil Guacamoney Sweepstakes
Move aside, analytics and experts — this year, the big game is being foretold by the one man who truly understands the mystical power of guacamole: Avocados From Mexico’s Guac Guru. Played by actor and comedian Rob Riggle, he’s bringing some avo-fueled foresight to football’s biggest night, including three bold predictions about the in-game action. And if he gets them all right? Well, prepare to have your world guac-ed.
Six reasons to visit the 2026 Santa Barbara Orchid Show
The 78th annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show will take place March 20–22 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, CA. The celebrated event features an international lineup of growers and elaborate floral displays. This year’s theme, Orchid Escape, invites visitors to explore the vibrant beauty of orchids and their natural habitats, with lush, tropical-inspired displays and cascading blooms.
Peter (Produce Pete) Napolitano dies at 80
Peter Napolitano, who learned about fruits and vegetables working at a family produce store in New Jersey and gained fame talking about fresh produce to millions of television viewers for the past 35 years, died Jan. 26, 2026, a month shy of his 81st birthday.
Forrence Orchards finds strength in quality, consistency and new variety growth
Forrence Orchards, one of the premier apple growers in New York’s Champlain Valley, started growing apples in 1833. The fourth-generation company grows approximately 500,000 to 600,000 bushels annually. As growers and packers, the company deals in McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Paul Red, Delicious, Gala, Ginger Gold and Honeycrisp apples.
AFE marks 65 years of investing in the floral industry’s future
For 65 years, the American Floral Endowment has supported the growth of the floral industry by funding research, education and professional development that help the floral community adapt, innovate and thrive.Established in 1961, AFE was founded to ensure a strong, sustainable future for floriculture through industry-driven investment. Since then, the endowment has provided more than $23 million for research, educational grants, scholarships and internship programs — support that continues to shape the industry.
Instacart goes bananas in Super Bowl LX ad
Instacart is returning to the world's biggest stage with its second Super Bowl commercial. The 30-second spot introduces Instacart’s latest in-app product innovation, Preference Picker, which gives customers an easy way to select their banana ripeness. In the months ahead, Instacart will explore expanding Preference Picker to additional categories, such as options to select avocado ripeness.
That Flower Feeling’s ‘Just Add Flowers’ campaign surpasses 1 million impressions
That Flower Feeling, the floral industry’s national marketing initiative, announced that its “Just Add Flowers” campaign has surpassed 1 million digital impressions since launching in November.The milestone coincides with the organization’s fifth year, reflecting the campaign’s expanding reach and growing influence. That Flower Feeling aims to position flowers as an everyday essential rather than a special-occasion purchase, an approach that has delivered measurable results.
Red Lab Logistics brings fresh approach to produce logistics
In the world of produce logistics, Red Lab stands out for its youthful energy coupled with its willingness to tackle challenges head-on in this highly competitive and demanding field.Founded in 2019 by University of South Carolina classmates Nick Macuch, Toby Skarke and Addison Miles, the company grew out of early exposure to the logistics world.
Bee Sweet Citrus Farm-K brings community, agriculture together
When Bee Sweet Citrus set out to create a new community event, the goal was not simply to host another race. It was to bring people closer to agriculture — both literally and figuratively — while investing in the next generation of industry leaders.That vision came to life with the inaugural Farm-K, a run staged on farmland at Fresno State in partnership with the university’s Ag One Foundation.