CMI Orchards anticipates a high-velocity summer sales season, starting with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, said patriotic holidays, like Memorial Day, provide retailers with a special way to commemorate veterans and military families who have lost loved ones.

A cold low-pressure system generated from the Gulf of Alaska moves into California Friday with light to moderate rain expected across the state. Overall precipitation is forecast to be between 0.25 and 0.75 inches into Sunday. This system will also bring very strong winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour throughout California and the Southwestern Desert regions. This looks to be the last winter type storm system of the season.

Caitlin Hupp joined the Proven Winners retail solutions team, covering the Midwest and Western regions of the United States and Canada. In this newly created role, Hupp will use her years of experience and intimate knowledge of the garden center industry to focus on the needs of IGCs and strengthen the brand’s relationships in her designated territory. In addition, she will work to create new partnerships and brand-building opportunities within this vital segment of our industry.

 The Foundation for Fresh Produce has announced the special guest list for the upcoming Consumer Connection Conference later this month in Phoenix, AZ. The list comprises retail dietitians, foodservice tastemakers and nutrition, lifestyle and agriculture communicators that hit the three major points of influence: point-of-sale, point-of-flavor and point-of-inspiration.

Volm Cos. has two big shows coming up with Viva Fresh and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s 2024 Convention & Trade Show.