Phillips Mushroom Farms will return to the New York Produce Show & Conference, continuing a long-standing tradition of participation and relationship building at one of the produce industry’s most influential annual events.

For more than half a century, Pete and Brenda S. Garcia have worked to strengthen and support the floral industry. Together, they grew the Pete Garcia Co., the Garcia Group and several other companies while consistently finding ways to give back. Pete and Brenda have been longtime supporters of the American Floral Endowment, participating in every AFE phone-a-thon and sharing their belief in the Endowment’s mission and its impact on the industry. Pete joined the AFE board when the organization was still known as the Society of American Florists Endowment. As public relations chairman, he

The New York Produce Show provides Nash Produce a unique opportunity to connect with its northeastern customers and inform potential customers in the region about its reputation and service as a major supplier of sweet potatoes.

In a salad unfit for this year’s Thanksgiving table, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in Pharr, TX, intercepted $10.3 million in alleged methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of lettuce. “Within a shipment of salad greens, our frontline officers discovered contraband that does not belong on any holiday table,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “As this seizure aptly illustrates, our officers’ use of tools and technology were instrumental in this massive takedown of hard narcotics.” On Nov

Moonland Produce Inc., a longtime player in California’s produce industry, is making major strides to strengthen its position as a premier resource for temperature-controlled storage, ripening and repacking services. Based in Vernon, CA, the wholesale distributor has expanded its capabilities significantly in the past year, opening up new opportunities for foodservice customers, retailers and brokers seeking reliable, high-quality solutions for managing fresh product. Owner Julio Manshadi said the company’s vision for the future centers on providing best-in-class storage and ripening support

Hapco Farms , a leading East Coast grower-shipper based in Westhampton Beach, NY, has hired Kevin Fix as vice president of business development, with a primary focus on advancing the company’s carrot program across Florida and Canada. Fix brings more than 24 years of experience in fresh produce, CPG, distribution, logistics and transportation — most recently with Bolthouse Cos. In his new role, Fix will lead sales strategies and operational improvements across both carrot locations, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. He joins the team as Hapco Farms continues to invest in its