The San Francisco Flower Mart has announced a partnership with Kilroy Realty Corp. that will preserve the flower market at its current location in San Francisco at Sixth and Brannan streets in a new, state-of-the-art facility, according to a news release.

While most people are spending their spring and summer planning what to plant in their gardens, or when to have the family picnic, or where to go for vacation; those of us who work in the floral greens industry are planning for Christmas. In fact, once Dec. 25 has passed, we’re already in the early stages of product development for the following year.

As of May, indications are that 2015 shipments of California flowers are up. While the final numbers won’t be available for some time, the state’s growers and shippers are reporting continued growth and strong volumes. Good signs for an industry that took a bit of a beating in the recent recession. And, as a sign of industry confidence, growers and related businesses are beginning to look to the future. At the upcoming Fun ‘N Sun conference July 29-Aug.

Cherry professionals in the Pacific Northwest talked with The Produce News about category management insights that can translate to increased fruit sales at retail.

AmericanHort announced the focus for Cultivate ’15 —to be held July 11-14 in Columbus, OH — is “Changing the Game.” The horticulture and floriculture industries are changing at a rapid pace and Cultivate ‘15 will offer strategies and ideas for navigating the shifts, according to a news release.