Sustainability. This has been the hot new word not only in the floriculture industry but also in everyday life. “Sustainable Living,” “Sustainable Products” and “Sustainably Sourced” are common terms that are used in marketing and promotional materials. Yet, what does sustainability mean? How can we, as an industry, become more sustainable?

Through a special project led and funded by American Floral Endowment, Dr. Brian Jackson and I (Dr. Melinda Knuth) have set out to discover, compile, and provide best practices for sustainability in floriculture.

ALDI U.S. is always looking for new ways to save its customers time and money. That is the reason why Aldi is working with Spryker Systems to develop a new online food and grocery shopping experience for the U.S. market, offering grocery delivery or curbside pickup for Aldi shoppers.

The new digital commerce platform is currently being tested with a select group of U.S. customers and is planned to be rolled out nationally in a phased approach.

NatureSweet is doubling down on the company’s commitment to transform the agricultural industry by partnering with more retailers and selling high-quality produce beyond snacking tomatoes. The company’s portfolio includes nationwide distribution of bulk and packaged tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.

Healthy Family Project’s annual back-to-school campaign wrapped in early October with impressions topping 224 million and social media reach seeing more than 24 mm impressions. This year’s campaign focused on lifestyle content and how nutrition and food impact and play a role in the everyday lives of families. The program, now in its ninth year and in partnership with seven health-conscious brand partners, has raised more than $180,000 to benefit children and families with greater access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

David Lundstrom, a seasoned veteran of the Mexican fruit and vegetable deal, has joined Delta Fresh Sales LLC.  He will be working from the Nogales, AZ, sales office as its new category manager. 

Harps Food Stores Inc. entered into a purchase agreement to acquire The Markets, an independent grocery retailer with seven locations across central Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi.

Earlier last week, Barry Loy, president of The Markets, and his brother, Jeff Loy, vice president/treasurer, informed employees that its store banners, employment and operations will continue with minimal change or interruption. While the timing of the transaction has not been finalized, both parties anticipate completing the transaction by the end of 2022.