Connection and customization lead Russo Farms’ strategy at NYPS
At this year’s New York Produce Show & Conference, Russo Farms is looking forward to showcase its core vegetable offerings and connect with retail and foodservice partners from across the Northeast. Thomas Russo, president of the company, views the annual event as one of the most valuable shows of the year, especially given its proximity and ability to draw a strong mix of customers.
Chrysal acquires Spring From Holland, strengthens position in global florist market
Chrysal International announced the acquisition of Spring from Holland, a company known for its high-quality flower and plant care products, spray paints and extensive global network within the florist market. The purchase follows a successful period of strategic collaboration between the two companies. For years, Spring has been a trusted brand among florists worldwide, recognized for its reliability, innovative color solutions and strong understanding of floral professionals’ needs. The company has built a loyal customer base and established itself as a preferred industry partner. Chrysal
Frank Donio Inc. looks to make and strengthen partnerships
Frank Donio Inc., a longtime Jersey Fresh grower, packer and wholesaler, has been a member of the Eastern Produce Council since it was founded and look forward to the New York Produce Show & Conference every year. In fact, the New York Produce Show was the very first trade show that Annie Pape, special projects and brand manager for the Hammonton, NJ-based company, ever attended and the company had a booth for much longer than that.
Maurice Auerbach Inc. gears up for another New York Produce Show
Marice Auerbach Inc., a leading distributor of garlic and specialty produce in the Northeast, continues to make its mark as one of the most recognized names in the industry. Based in Secaucus, NJ, the third-generation, family-owned company sources a wide range of products from around the world under its AuerPak brand, focusing on garlic, shallots and an array of specialty offerings that include tropical and Asian produce, as well as organic garlic, asparagus, ginger and tofu. The company will once again showcase its extensive lineup at the New York Produce Show & Conference, an event that
Functional labels, active packaging materials win top award
Vidre+ — a next-generation technology of smart labels and active packaging materials developed by Fresh Inset and brought to market in partnership with Avery Dennison, a global leader in materials science and labeling technologies — has been named the winner of the 2025 pre-commercialized Packaging Europe Sustainability Awards. Leveraging Avery Dennison’s deep expertise in advanced materials and global converting capabilities, Fresh Inset has integrated its proprietary active-material innovation into functional labels and packaging substrates at scale. Vidre+ transforms standard label and film
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Desert production improves, berries tight, holiday pull winds down
The desert is finally starting to take shape. After a messy stretch of storms that slowed harvests and complicated load times, fields in Yuma are drying out, plants are responding to the warmer days and we’re seeing the first real signs of stability since transition began. Iceberg, Romaine and leaf are all showing steady improvement. Weights are still inconsistent, but quality is notably better than the tail end of Salinas, and processors should see more reliable supplies as we move through the first two weeks of December. If the weather continues to cooperate, most growers expect volume and
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.”
