With an enthusiastic nod to unity, love and new beginnings in the year ahead, 1-800-Flowers.com has named the alluring orchid and the captivating Calathea Rattlesnake as its 2023 Flower and Plant of the Year.

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show announced a triumphant return three years after an abrupt cancellation due to state mandates at the onset of Covid limiting crowds to no larger than 250 at any events within CA.  

The Fresh Produce and Floral Council held its annual Charity Auction and Luncheon on Dec. 7, 2022 at the Sheraton Cerritos in Cerritos, CA. Bryan Presley of Albertsons was the master of ceremonies with additional auction hosts including Shonna Williams of Cardenas Market and Marvin Quebec of Quebec Distributing Co.

A silent auction began while attendees gathered for the luncheon and a post-event social hour occurred immediately following the luncheon where friends and colleagues joined each other for cocktails.

NOGALES, AZ – Produce industry veteran Hurley Neer joined Coast Produce as vice president of sales earlier this year, and while he was not necessarily looking to make a move, he knew joining such an esteemed company would be rewarding.

“I’ve known the folks at Coast for 20 years and have always had a great relationship with them,” he said. “It’s a first-rate outfit, and I’ve already developed some great relationships with the people here.”

The Peterson family announced the addition of Fresh Innovations California LLC, to the Peterson Farms Family of Companies. Fresh Innovations California, located in Stockton, CA, specializes in organic and conventional fresh-cut apple slices, under the brand Prize Slice, supplying schools and retail throughout the United States.

The board of directors of Equitable Foods Initiative, the multi-stakeholder workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farm workers, retailers and consumer groups, has named Pete Donlon as a new board member. Donlon, vice president of Misionero, will fill the seat recently vacated by Vic Smith of JV Smith Cos.