SEPC’s Southern Roots luncheon focused on a work-life balance
The Southeast Produce Council’s leadership program for women in produce featured speaker Jaime Kulaga, a licensed mental health counselor and author. She spoke about creating a work-life balance and empowering strategies for women in produce. Her empowering message left attendees motivated to take charge of their journey while embracing new opportunities.
Heritage Grocers Group names interim VP of grocery
Heritage Grocers Group promoted Justin Besyk to the position of interim vice president of grocery.
Reporting directly to Vince Gambino, merchandising group vice president for Heritage Grocers, Besyk will lead grocery merchandising efforts across all of its banners, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize category strategies and promotional planning that deliver a value-driven and customer focused shopping experience.
FPFC celebrates industry leaders at annual awards
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council honored three standout leaders at its annual awards ceremony, spotlighting individuals whose careers have shaped and strengthened the produce and floral industries.
USDA cites Colorado company for PACA violations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Lucero Produce LLC, of Denver for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the business, the principal operator of the business and any responsibly connected persons, as defined in the PACA, from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.
Giant icon inspires at EPC Tailgate
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Amani Toomer was a highly touted football recruit out of De La Salle High School in Concord, CA, having been selected as a Parade Magazine All American and a USA Today All-USA player, yet his journey to greatness had just begun.
That Flower Feeling hosts flower giveaway activation in Anaheim after IFPA’s show
That Flower Feeling is bringing its Just Add Flowers campaign to Anaheim with a vibrant floral giveaway designed to spread joy and encourage consumer engagement immediately following the IFPA Conference.
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PRO*ACT Crop Update: California orange crop up with large fruit
After a season dominated by small fruit — especially during the peak of the Navel window — early signs for the 2025–26 California Navel orange crop are encouraging. This year’s crop is expected to increase in both size and volume, with the latest USDA estimate projecting 80 million cartons, a 6 percent rise over last year.
American Floral Endowment launches new AI chatbot Professor Petal in partnership with nextvert
The American Floral Endowment has launched a new AI-powered chatbot, Professor Petal, live on www.endowment.org. Developed in partnership with nextvert, an innovative technology company specializing in intelligent automation, Professor Petal is designed to help industry members easily explore and browse our wide range of resources.
Row 7 Seed Co. brings Sugarcone cabbage to Whole Foods
Row 7 Seed Co., an organic food company known for its commitment to flavor and innovation in the seed-to-table movement, launched Sugarcone cabbage at 325 Whole Foods Market locations across California, the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Texas, including Houston, Austin and Dallas. This new variety will be available from September through mid-November.
Bloomin’ Easy Plants make a splash at Farwest ’25 with award-winning new varieties
Bloomin’ Easy Plants Inc. announced that Bubble Bath Hydrangea and MoonShadow Morello Hibiscus, two of its standout new introductions for 2026, earned showcase awards at the Farwest trade show, held in Portland, OR Aug. 20-22.