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.
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 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.
Red Sun Farms, Heritable Agriculture and CIV partner to accelerate indoor strawberry innovation
Red Sun Farms, Heritable Agriculture and Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti announced significant progress in their collaborative effort to develop leading indoor-grown strawberries at the Vineland Research Station facility. The partnership combines CIV’s expertise in strawberry genetics and germplasm, Heritable Agriculture’s AI-driven breeding models and Red Sun Farms’ indoor growing capabilities to advance how premium strawberries are bred and produced.
Schnucks expands farmer’s market concept, building on local produce partnership
Schnuck Markets Inc., in partnership with Foodshed.io, is expanding its farm-direct-to-store program, increasing the number and variety of farms supplying its locations to boost freshness and flavor for customers.The pilot program launched in fall 2024 with one farm supplying multiple Schnucks stores across the St. Louis region. After its success, Schnucks expanded the initiative in 2025 to include more farmers and additional store locations.
Salix Fruits builds on citrus leadership and logistics agility to drive growth in 2026
Salix Fruits, a leading global importer and exporter of fresh fruit, has released its annual review highlighting its strongest-performing categories in 2025, key logistics developments and strategic priorities for 2026.
Bimi Baby Broccoli celebrates street food culture at Museum of Food & Drink’s Street Food City exhibition
Bimi Baby Broccoli, a global sponsor of the World Food Photography Awards, will be featured at the Museum of Food and Drink’s upcoming exhibition Street Food City, opening to the public Dec. 6 at MOFAD’s DUMBO location at 55 Water St. The exhibition will be open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are available here.
Mission Produce appoints Douglas Stone to board of directors
Mission Produce Inc. has appointed Douglas M. Stone to its board of directors as an independent Class I director, with a term set to expire at the company’s 2027 annual meeting of stockholders. With the appointment, the board has expanded from 10 to 11 members.Stone also has been named to the compensation committee, effective Nov. 26, 2025. As part of the change, Bruce C. Taylor will step down from the committee.
BJ’s Wholesale Club announces grand openings of three clubs
BJ’s Wholesale Club announced that it will open three new clubs in December. Locations in Springfield, MA, and Sumter, SC, will open Dec. 12, followed by the Casselberry, FL, club on Dec. 17.All three locations will include on-site BJ’s Gas stations offering everyday low fuel prices and additional savings through BJ’s Fuel Savers Program. Gas stations in Springfield and Sumter opened in November. The Casselberry station is scheduled to open Dec. 3.The Casselberry club, located at the Casselberry Exchange at 108 State Road 436, is BJ’s 42nd Florida location.
Interim CFO Roel to depart; Bootsma returning to Royal FloraHolland
The Supervisory Board of Royal FloraHolland said interim Chief Financial Officer Hendrik Jan Roel will leave at the start of 2026 to join Jumbo Supermarkets, where he has accepted a permanent position. Roel’s temporary appointment followed CFO David van Mechelen’s move to acting CEO after CEO Pieter Bootsma went on medical leave. The company said Bootsma’s recovery is progressing, and he is expected to begin a gradual return in January 2026.