The word “sustainability” is on the lips of almost everyone in the produce industry these days, and it is something that more and more retail and foodservice customers are asking for from their suppliers.

IPM Essen will open its doors for the 31st time Jan. 22-25 to an expected 60,000 trade visitors. Show offerings will include plants, technology and floristry and garden features, a news release stated. Ilse Aigner, Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture & Consumer Protection for the German federal government, has once again agreed to be the patron of the trade fair in Essen, Germany, the sponsors indicated.

The second edition of Expo Flora Russia closed its doors Sept. 7, having drawn about 600 attendees representing nearly 400 companies in 27 countries, said Jasper van Dijk, marketing manager for HPP Exhibitions in Holland, the show sponsor. The three-day show was held in the historic Gostiny Dvor building near Moscow’s Red Square. Inside Gostiny Dvor’s columned halls, 89 exhibitors from 13 countries displayed their products.

It’s official — Victor Schaff is the new owner of Gallup & Stribling Orchids in Carpinteria, CA. The pending sale of the orchid grower founded more than 40 years ago closed Oct. 12. Mr. Schaff is a businessman in Carpinteria and owner of S&S Seeds Inc. there.

People in the Northeast were shopping aggressively in preparation for Hurricane Sandy. At a Fairway store in Manhattan, even the garlic bins were close to being emptied.

"That's our garlic," said Anthony DeAngelis, director, northeast division for Christopher Ranch, headquartered in Gilroy, CA. "Fairway is a big user of our products."

In supermarket floral departments, February rocks. Industry stalwarts forget that Valentine roses are often a first-time event for many, and possibly the only flower purchase of the year. In both cases, we want to let the love shine. Here are best practices to ensure Cupid’s arrow hits the mark.