Next Big Thing is a cooperative of dedicated growers at orchards from Nova Scotia to Washington state, which was formed when the SweeTango apple variety was developed by the University of Minnesota in 2006. Nineteen years later and the cooperative is going strong, and a contingent of growers are headed to the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show to talk about the exciting things happening this year.

Avocados From Mexico, the No. 1 avocado brand in U.S., has tapped comedic genius Rob Riggle as its Guac Guru, the all-knowing expert ready to prove how guac and football are so predictably good plus help shoppers get ripe and ready for all the exciting gatherings ahead. As part of AFM’s national shopper marketing campaign, the always good brand is supporting produce retailers with a robust in-store promotional strategy that includes engaging marketing materials featuring Riggle, such as bulk and bagged avocado displays designed to catch the eye of shoppers prepping for game-day celebrations

The International Fresh Produce Association’s Leadership Program Class 29 will be graduating at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show. The competitive program brings together 12 mid-level produce and floral professionals through a year of in-person events, tours and mentoring opportunities. Participants develop essential leadership and business skills while creating a strong network across the entire supply chain. The program is made possible by Corteva Agriscience’s sponsorship. Each class nominates a fellow to represent their cohort at graduation, and we sat down with this year’s chosen

Phillips Mushroom Farms, a fourth-generation family business with more than 95 years of experience growing fresh, high-quality mushrooms, is launching its first vegan stuffed mushroom, created in partnership with Philadelphia-based plant-based cheese innovator Bandit. The new item was set to make its debut at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, CA (booth No. 4152), and will be available in retail locations starting in 2026. Sean Steller, director of business development at Kennett Square, PA-based Phillips, said that stuffed mushrooms have long been a staple at gatherings and are

Fyffes has sold its entire melon business to Martori, including farms in Honduras and Guatemala and the distribution business in Miami. Martori Farms, with deep roots in Arizona and California, is well known for its signature melons: cantaloupe, watermelon, traditional honeydew, golden honeydew and the innovative Kandy Lemon Drop melon. With this acquisition, Martori Farms will offer a seamless, year-round supply of melons, strengthening its position as a leading supplier across the United States and Canada.

Eagle Eye Produce, a leading shipper of potatoes and onions, has made extensive operational investments during the past year to facilitate growth of both categories. “The IFPA show is one of the most important events of the year for us,” said Dallin Klingler, marketing and communications manager at the Idaho Fall, ID-based company. “We’re looking forward to showing off some of the growth, new facilities, expanded programs and investments in technology directly with our partners at the show.” Klingler said Eagle Eye will be showcasing an expanded onion program with the addition of a new Ontario