Hundreds throughout the full retail supply chain convened for tailored networking and essential consumer insights, April 30-May 1 in Dallas at IFPA’s The Retail Conference. In just its fourth year, the produce conference continues to attract key industry retailers, suppliers and solutions providers to connect, do business and learn. The event’s limited registration continues to create meaningful, personal networking opportunities that foster genuine partnerships. This was especially evident during this year’s Buyer Connect 1:1 Roundtables, the Welcome Reception and the Connect, Collaborate

FreshPortal Software, a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for florists, wholesalers and distributors, has partnered with Service First Processing, a premier payment automation company. This collaboration delivers a fully integrated platform that streamlines operations, enhances financial processes, supports business growth and better customer experience. Through SFP’s new integration with FreshPortal, businesses can also unlock additional savings and payment automation tools. FreshPortal’s powerful software allows businesses to automate inventory management, optimize order

Ocean Mist Farms is wrapping up a successful spring artichoke season as the company transitions into its Northern California summer season. “We’ve been very pleased with the excellent quality and sizing this spring crop produced,” said Ben Wilson, commodity account manager for Ocean Mist Farms. “The varieties we grow in our northern region have been specially selected or developed to perform well in this unique coastal climate, just as our desert varieties are tailored to thrive in our Southern California winter growing region.” Ocean Mist Farms’ spring and summer artichokes are grown from

Consumers’ desire for healthy eating may be responsible for much of the increased purchasing patterns of fresh fruit and vegetables over the past 30 years. Now, organic can be included as a driver of fresh fruit and vegetable sales. Ever since the mass hysteria over the Alar apple scare in 1989, organically grown produce sales have increased each year. It has been one of the fastest-growing categories in the supermarkets from the start. There have been some stop-and-go intervals that hounded organic produce activity over the years, but those are the growing pains of any new program as it works

The City of Brotherly Love is not just known for its historical landmarks and vibrant culture; it’s also a major hub for fresh produce, boasting what is reportedly the world’s largest fully enclosed, fully refrigerated wholesale produce terminal.

Gold Bell co-founders Joanne Cipriano Dolan and Maria Cipriano Maggio are stepping down after 45 years of leadership and innovation. Their vision and commitment to providing top-quality service and products to customers was instrumental in shaping the company into the successful organization it is today. The company remains family- and women-owned as Dolan and Maggio continue as owners and principals. In conjunction with this transition, Gold Bell's new leadership team will be headed by incoming CEO Jeff Glennon. Bringing a wealth of experience, strategic vision and leadership, Glennon is