Humanitarian athlete and concert pianist join IFPA CEO in Global Show Keynotes
The International Fresh Produce Association announced the dynamic keynote speaker lineup for the Global Produce & Floral Show, bringing together influential voices who will inspire attendees with insights on leadership, purpose and impact.Taking place Oct. 14-16 in Orlando, FL, the Global Produce & Floral Show will feature three unique keynote sessions designed to inform, motivate, and empower produce and floral professionals from around the world.
Church Bros. launches organic retail brand
Church Bros. Farms introduced Church Brothers Farms Organic, a new retail brand that redefines how organic produce is merchandised at retail. Built around the concept of functional wellness, the brand combines easy-to-understand nutritional benefits, thoughtfully designed packaging and right-sized portions to create a differentiated offering for today's health-conscious consumers.
UNFI names new president, CFO and chief commercial officer
United Natural Foods Inc. has named Matteo Tarditi its new president and chief operating officer. Additionally, the company has named Louis Martin its new chief commercial officer and Alfredo Luchini its chief financial officer.These updates, effective Aug. 3, 2026, are designed to align UNFI’s leadership structure more closely with its strategy, helping the company accelerate capability building, sharpen operational execution and continue strengthening its financial performance.
Utah produce manager earns Idaho Potato Lovers Month grand prize
A creative Idaho potato display and a passion for innovative produce merchandising earned Garrett Fowden, produce manager at Kamas Food Town in Kamas, UT, the Western Region Grand Prize in the Idaho Potato Commission’s 2026 Idaho Potato Lovers Month Retail Display Contest.Fowden’s display met all contest requirements, earning him a place in the grand prize drawing, where his entry was randomly selected from thousands of qualifying displays submitted by retailers across North America.
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Rough transition from desert to the San Joaquin Valley
Melons remain in focus as the industry works through a rough handoff from the desert to the San Joaquin Valley. The Arizona-California desert season has wrapped up after insect pressure, worsened by a warm winter, reduced yields and forced an early finish. San Joaquin Valley production is under way, but the crop is not building fast enough yet to fully cover demand. Cooler weather this week may slow growth and stretch the supply gap a little longer, keeping markets elevated until new fields gain momentum.
Field Fresh Farms expands its lineup
Field Fresh Farms has expanded its lineup to include chopped Romaine, as well as one- and two-pound clamshells of conventional and organic Spinach, Spring Mix, Arugula and Kale.With its chopped Romaine, the vertically integrated grower-shipper offers the triple-washed, ready-to-serve pre-cut lettuce directly to the foodservice market. Already a favorite ingredient in salads, wraps, bowls and more, chopped Romaine provides a significant cost-savings to busy customers who need a flavorful no-waste ingredient that won’t slow them down with a lot of prep time.
FPFC opens remaining Holiday Showcase opportunities
As companies finalize their late-summer marketing and retail event calendars, the Fresh Produce and Floral Council is urging produce and floral suppliers to reserve sponsor and exhibitor space now for its 2026 Produce and Floral Holiday Showcase before remaining opportunities are filled. The event takes place Aug. 26–27 at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.
Sustainabloom puts industry spotlight on The Giant Co.: Cutting waste one bouquet at a time
Sustainabloom, a supplier of sustainable floral packaging, is putting an industry spotlight on The Giant Co. for the grocer's efforts to reduce plastic waste. By rethinking its floral plastic sleeves, The Giant Co. reduced six tons of plastic annually — a seemingly small change with outsized results.
Vick Family Farms promotes sweetpotatoes as a healthy, versatile menu option
Vick Family Farms has a compelling message to buyers and menu developers at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference: sweetpotatoes are a top trending menu item.Charlotte Vick, partner/sales and marketing manager at Vick Family Farms, based in Wilson, NC, said influencers promoting healthy lifestyles have helped the category grow.
Pure Flavor to highlight expanding U.S. organic program, greenhouse innovation at OPS
Pure Flavor will be at the 2026 Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, CA, showcasing its latest organic greenhouse innovations and U.S.-grown offerings that are helping shape what’s next in fresh produce. Attendees are invited to visit booth No. 201 to preview the company’s organic portfolio highlights firsthand and see how its expanding organic program is supporting strong retail performance and year-round availability.