Wegmans Food Markets Inc. has donated $550,000 to Explore & More Children’s Museum, and with that, puts the Wegmans name on the From Farm To Fork educational play zone, as well as the Galley cooking area. In addition, The Wegman Family Charitable Foundation has donated $500,000 to support the new museum’s rooftop garden.

Horticulture Nova Scotia held its Scotia Horticultural Congress 2014 convention on Jan. 27-28 in Greenwich, Nova Scotia. The successful event grew 10 percent from last year, attracting 258 delegates and over 45 booths at the tradeshow, which sold out early for space.

“This congress was one of the most successful to date — a great turnout, with amazing and very informative speakers. Our trade show was exceptional, with some new entrants complementing those who participate each year,” said Marlene Huntley, executive director of the association.

On Feb. 10, CanadaGAP (Good Agricultural Practices) held its first annual general meeting of members to elect a new board of directors. The new board will focus on rolling out the new Option D certification for re-packers and wholesalers.

The new board members are Jack Bates of Tecarte Farms, Hugh Bowman of Misionero Vegetables, Avia Eek of Eek Farms, Keith Kuhl of Peak of the Market, Stephanie Lariviere of Erie James Ltd., Paul Leblanc of Apple Growers of New Brunswick, Cathy McKay of Nature’s Bounty, and Dean Thomson of Thomson Orchards.

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, located in Wenatchee, WA, plans to send members of its sales and marketing teams to this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Annual Convention and Trade Show. National Sales Representative Bruce Turner said he will be walking the floor, as will Director of Marketing Scott Marboe and John Cannon and Shane Cass, members of the sales team.

Despite the frigid grip winter has held on the country over the last few months, Gordon Food Service Ontario has enjoyed steady growth. New customer acquisition and greater penetration with existing customers has led to the recent expansion of its Milton, ON, facility. The new facility is 170,000 square feet and includes a state-of-the-art test kitchen in the customer resource center, as well as meeting rooms.

According to Business Development Specialist Steve Crawford, “We’re going to continue to grow and bring in some new business.”

2013 was an eventful year for Sobeys Inc. as it expanded its network in Western Canada and launched new Sobeys banner brand positioning. Using the tagline “Sobeys Better Food for All,” the rebranding involves a new store concept, services and products, with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver as brand ambassador.