Giorgio’s Grill Packs win the Joe Nucci Award for product innovation
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.
SEPC accepting applications for Next Generation Leadership Academy
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 success of our first
The produce industry takes a bite out of the Big Apple at NYPS
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.
Save the date for the 78th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show
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. Tickets are available online
Fall Creek appoints Robert Reiter to board of directors
Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc. has appointed Robert (Bob) Reiter to its board of directors. Reiter, former head of research and development for Bayer Crop Science, brings more than three decades of global experience in plant breeding, biotechnology and large-scale agricultural innovation. “It’s a privilege to welcome Bob to our board,” said Kevin Murphy, executive chair of Fall Creek’s board of directors. “As Fall Creek continues to expand its global footprint, the depth of Bob’s scientific leadership and his record of delivering innovation to growers worldwide will help guide our long-term
It’s a stellar year for Stemilt Cosmic Crisp apples
Stemilt’s 2025 apple harvest laid the foundation for a strong year for Cosmic Crisp apples, with vibrant color, ideal sizing and excellent quality. As the industry anticipates continued volume growth, Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said Cosmic Crisp is well positioned for promotions as it becomes a mainline apple variety. “This year’s crop is absolutely stunning,” Shales said. “From color to firmness, every apple reflects the care and dedication our growers put into making Cosmic Crisp a premium choice for shoppers nationwide. It’s one of those apples that tastes great straight off
Oppy has opened a new, significantly expanded office and warehouse facility in south Calgary, bolstering its service capabilities across the Prairies and strengthening its long-term commitment to western Canada.
The new location, which is 50 percent bigger than Oppy’s previous Calgary facility, was developed in response to the company’s continued business growth and increasing demand for value-added logistics solutions. With its lease expiring at the former site and no option to expand, the company seized the opportunity to move to a space tailored for efficiency, flexibility and innovation.
John Anderson and Stewart Lapage
“Our growing core business, combined with the rise in third-party logistics, meant we needed more room,” said Stewart Lapage, vice president of supply chain and logistics. “This new space allows us to offer enhanced services like packing, bagging, grading and ripening, while improving how we move and store produce.”
The new facility features state-of-the-art packinglines, bagging equipment and specialized ripening and grading technologies that support a wide range of produce. Thoughtfully designed coolers, racking and floor plans contribute to greater operational efficiency, enabling the team to optimize produce flow as volume grows.
As a cold storage and value-added service hub, this Calgary location is uniquely positioned to serve not only Alberta, but all of western Canada with increased agility.
“Oppy is committed to evolving with our customers’ needs and finding new ways to deliver excellence across the supply chain,” said Chairman, CEO and Managing Partner John Anderson, who attended the facility’s grand opening. “This space is a physical expression of our promise to grow in step with the Prairies and invest in long-term partnerships across the region.”
Oppy has already hired nearly half a dozen new team members in Calgary and plans to add six more roles in the near future as its logistics and third-party service offerings continue to scale. The site also supports the growth of Oppy Transport, which is expanding to meet increased demand for storage and distribution solutions.
With LED lighting installed for energy efficiency, EV chargers in parking lots, motion controlled lighting and the capacity to invest in future automation technologies, the new space also supports Oppy’s broader sustainability and innovation goals.
“Our team built this facility with the future in mind,” said Lapage. “It gives us the flexibility to right-size our workforce, improve how we serve existing customers and welcome new business with confidence.”
