The floral industry is off to an exciting start in 2025, with the American Floral Endowment kicking off another year of impactful initiatives. AFE’s team is eager to support professionals across every segment of the industry with expanded educational programs, funding opportunities and innovative resources. Here’s a look at what industry members can expect in 2025:

The 2025 California avocado harvest is now projected to be in the range of 375 million pounds, which is the largest crop estimate for the locally grown fruit since 2020. Recent extremely high winds in California slightly dampened very early season projections, but the industry is still optimistic for a particularly good season.

With the impending New Moon, Natural Delights is preparing retailers with two-, five- and 11-pound date boxes to satisfy the demand driven by Muslim shoppers preparing for Ramadan. Based on the lunar calendar, the observance starts on Feb.

JOH, a leading independent food broker based in Billerica, MA, hired Brian LaMarche as the director of produce and fresh in the north-central region. 

Launched in 1983 with one warehouse in Seattle, WA, Costco has grown to become the world’s third largest retailer with almost 900 stores across 14 countries and four continents. The North American market, with 617 warehouses in the United States, 109 in Canada and 41 in Mexico, represents 85 percent of its store locations.

United Natural Foods Inc. completed its Spring and Summer Selling Show in San Diego, the first of the company’s 2025 show season. The two-day show brought together more than 4,300 attendees, connecting 1,800 retailers with 800 supplier brands. Exhibitors showcased thousands of unique brands spanning natural, organic, fresh, specialty and conventional grocery products.

During the show, UNFI experts discussed current trends and emerging growth opportunities across the grocery retail industry. Top trends include: