We're not off to the smooth start we were hopeful for post-Thanksgiving. Load times in Yuma remain long as growers work through muddy fields and backed-up harvest schedules. Crews are doing everything they can to catch up, but customers should still expect delays at the cooler and a slower turn on trucks through early next week. The good news: product quality is improving every day, and weights are trending upward as the fields dry out and temperatures stabilize.

Giorgio's Grill Packs have been named the winner of the 2025 Joe Nucci Award for product innovation. The award was presented during the Thought Leaders Keynote Breakfast at the New York Produce Show.

Competition was strong, with the Grill Packs standing out among 10 innovative produce products selected by a panel of judges recognized for their expertise in the produce industry.

The Southeast Produce Council is now accepting nominations for the fourth class of its Next Generation Leadership Academy.

Designed for emerging leaders in the produce industry, the yearlong program blends conscious-leadership principles with practical skill-building. Participants strengthen core leadership competencies, learn to navigate industry complexities and develop a growth-focused mindset. With a mix of in-person gatherings and virtual instruction, the academy provides development opportunities for professionals on both the buy and sell sides of the industry.

The 2025 New York Produce Show trade show kicked off at the Javits Center the morning of Dec. 3 and traffic remained strong throughout the day. The show offered exhibitors and attendees a unique convergence of networking, education and commerce in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Attendees found more than 600 exhibiting companies, featuring a show floor full of suppliers, growers, shippers, importers, distributors and service providers.

The 78th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show will return to the Earl Warren Showgrounds from March 20–22, 2026. This year’s theme, “Orchid Escape,” invites visitors to explore the vivid beauty of orchids and the exotic environments they inhabit. Attendees can expect large-scale floral displays in the Exhibit Hall, contemporary floral arrangements, workshops, an international orchid sale and local artwork inspired by orchids.

The show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Judging will be conducted by the internationally recognized American Orchid Society panel.

Schnuck Markets Inc., in partnership with Foodshed.io, is expanding its farm-direct-to-store program, increasing the number and variety of farms supplying its locations to boost freshness and flavor for customers.

The pilot program launched in fall 2024 with one farm supplying multiple Schnucks stores across the St. Louis region. After its success, Schnucks expanded the initiative in 2025 to include more farmers and additional store locations.