August and Mary Belle De Hertogh scholarship supports next generation
Supporting students who are committed to building careers in floriculture has long been one of the core focuses of the American Floral Endowment. Continuing that commitment, the August (Gus) and Mary Belle De Hertogh Scholarship Fund is being established by Mary Belle De Hertogh in honor of her late husband, Gus, celebrating their shared belief in the power of education and their enduring commitment to supporting the next generation of floriculture professionals.
NEPC paints the town green during 2026 Dinner Dance
BOSTON — The New England Produce Council held its annual dinner dance March 14, here, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, with a St. Patrick’s Day theme that had attendees donning their best Emerald Isle attire.After an elaborate cocktail hour that provided an opportunity to reconnect and network, attendees adjourned to the ballroom for the main event, where a five-course seated dinner was highlighted by a surf and turf entrée, and a lively band kept the party going for hours.
Walmart to trial new rapid remodel process
This April, several Walmart Neighborhood Markets across Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina and Louisiana will test a new kind of rapid remodel process designed for quicker results and less customer disruption.Instead of stretching a remodel over several months, the company is condensing the work by temporarily closing the main sales floor for four weeks and keeping pharmacies and fuel stations open.Walmart said this is an opportunity to test, learn and refine its remodel process to identify best practices for the future.
USDA files action over $575K PACA violations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against BLJR Distribution LLC. The company, operating from New York, allegedly failed to make prompt payment to 16 produce sellers in the amount of $576,663 from October 2024 through March 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Index Fresh relaunching California Crema GEM line
Index Fresh is a grower owned company with deep roots in California avocado farming, and its board is comprised entirely of California growers.
Industry Viewpoint: Cox Farms exemplifies leadership in hunger relief
For decades, the produce industry has played an essential role in hunger relief, donating fruits and vegetables during times of surplus and helping food banks provide fresh, nutritious food to communities nationwide. People facing hunger tell Feeding America they need access to fresh, nutritious food to thrive, so these contributions remain deeply meaningful.
Market Minute: Essential Easter produce items
It’s never too early to start preparing for the holidays. To stay ahead of your competitors, meet with suppliers now and set plans for the top vegetable items that shoppers expect to purchase for their Easter dinner. Early coordination ensures you can meet demand and put your best foot forward.Shoppers consistently look for asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, celery and sweet potatoes as basic vegetables when planning their Easter meals. Meeting with suppliers early gives you the best chance to secure adequate quantities to create fully stocked produce displays.
Pazazz keeps apple category momentum strong
Honeybear Brands is bringing fresh energy to spring sets with its exclusive Pazazz apple variety as retailers seek a great-tasting, quality apple that satisfies discriminating consumers. With the Honeycrisp market tightening, shoppers will enjoy the bold, juicy flavor of Pazazz at an affordable price.
Lon Kreger named Stimera's new CEO
Stimera, formerly known as BioAge, has appointed Lon E. Kreger as CEO. The leadership transition marks an important step in the company’s evolution as it moves from product validation and early market traction toward broader commercial scale.
Ramsan Foods looks forward to strong avocado season ahead
Ramsan Foods is a 100 percent Mexican-owned company that focuses on avocados as spring approaches. “As Roots by Ramsan Inc., we are very excited to begin the new season starting this spring,” said Alejandro Ramos Sanchez, CEO of the company. “We are getting to know new people as well as new clients. We are also presenting our new avocado product which is the 100 percent avocado pulp.”