SEPC's Next Generation Leadership Academy kicks off
The Southeast Produce Council launched its 2026 Next Generation Leadership Academy with an immersive retreat at Clemson University in Clemson, SC, June 8–12. This retreat marked the official kickoff of the learning year, uniting a talented and diverse cohort of rising leaders from across the fresh produce industry.
Dahlia Dalina Maxi Noir Velvet Crush wins FleuroStar 2026-27
Fleuroselect, the international organization for the ornamental plants industry, has awarded the FleuroStar Award 2026-27 to Dahlia coccinea Dalina Maxi Noir Velvet Crush, bred by PanAmerican Seed and commercialized in partnership with Florensis.European sales managers Jeroen Star from PanAmerican Seed and Hagen Kalläne from Florensis accepted the prize from Fleuroselect President Marc Driessen and Secretary General Ann Jennen. The evening was moderated by Michael Perry.
SCSA helps retailers maintain citrus supply through summer
Summer Citrus from South Africa's 2026 season is under way, with the first arrivals expected at U.S. ports this month. Approximately 170 containers, primarily easy peelers and some navel oranges, are scheduled to arrive during the early part of the season. The MSC Carmen will be the first direct vessel into Philadelphia, followed by weekly arrivals through both containerized shipments and dedicated conventional vessels.
Rocky Produce sees strong demand as Michigan season approaches
As the produce industry transitions into the Michigan growing season, Rocky Produce is seeing strong sales momentum, while preparing for another busy summer filled with local fruits and vegetables.“We’ve seen sales stronger than previous years, which is great,” said Dominic Russo of Rocky Produce. “The cost of produce in a lot of categories has been extremely high through the winter, and some of those prices are still elevated as we move into spring crops.”
AFE 2026 Paul Ecke Jr. and Altman Family scholarship recipients
The American Floral Endowment has announced the 2026 recipients of the Paul Ecke Jr. and Altman Family scholarships. The scholarships recognize graduate students whose work is poised to shape the future of floriculture through innovation, research and education.Emily Eldridge, a master's degree student at North Carolina State University, is the recipient of the 2026 Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship. Eldridge will receive 10,000(10,000(5,000 each for two consecutive years) to help fund her education.
Market Minute: Grapes transitioning to California vineyards
The Mexican grape deal will be wrapping up earlier this spring. Production will be moving into California vineyards — it has already begun out of Coachella. This shift will be a little over two weeks earlier this season for California grapes to be harvested primarily because of very good growing conditions.
IFPA Washington Conference a pivotal moment for the fresh produce industry
The International Fresh Produce Association concluded its annual Washington Conference last week with a clear and compelling message: the fresh produce industry’s voice is being heard at the highest levels of government.
Fresh Expressionists program back to inspire new salad lovers
Fresh Express announced the return of its successful Fresh Expressionists program for a second year, featuring an expanded roster of celebrity chefs, creators and culinary personalities who bring the brand's "Express Yourself" philosophy to life, inspiring consumers to transform salads into fresh, flavorful meals that reflect their own tastes and lifestyles.
Wonderful wins two Good Housekeeping Best Snack Awards
Wonderful Halos mandarins and POM Wonderful Pomegranate Arils have been selected as winners of Good Housekeeping's 2026 Best Snack Awards.Wonderful Halos won in the produce category for the second consecutive year, highlighting Halos as an easy-win snack that is sweet, seedless and easy-to-peel. Wonderful said Halos is the most productive mandarin brand on-shelf, with the highest dollar velocity in the category and two times higher velocity vs. private label.
Riggio Distribution focuses on relationships and Michigan produce
As the Michigan produce season gets underway, Riggio Distribution Co. is preparing for another busy year supplying locally grown fruits and vegetables throughout the Midwest and beyond, while continuing to emphasize the relationships that have helped define the company for generations.