Keith Loria
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Articles by Keith Loria
Packaging powers meat snack growth
As the meat snack category continues its rapid expansion, processors are discovering that success depends on much more than developing the next popular jerky flavor or protein stick. Packaging has become a strategic differentiator, influencing everything from labor efficiency and production throughput to shelf life, sustainability and retail merchandising. Consumer demand for convenient, protein-rich snacks has fueled a proliferation of new product formats, package sizes and retail channels.
Brindley Brothers reunite for Jammin Java celebration
The founders return to their musical roots for the venue’s 25th anniversary Luke and Daniel Brindley opened Jammin Java as young musicians hoping to build lives around live performance. Twenty-five years later, the brothers will return to its stage for an anniversary concert that connects the venue’s earliest days with the music company it became. The Brindley Brothers reunion headlines the celebration Oct. 17, with Mike Clem of Eddie From Ohio opening.
Michael Blaustein brings “Taste Me Tour” home
The Silver Spring native returns with two high-energy performances at Capital One Hall Michael Blaustein traces his comedy career to the Northern Virginia area lunchrooms where his efforts to entertain classmates sometimes landed him in the principal’s office. The Silver Spring native returns to Capital One Hall Oct. 16 for two homecoming performances on the final leg of his “Taste Me Tour.” “The D.C. area is definitely a special place for me,” Blaustein said.
Alexandra Farms designer spotlight: Southern roots, wanderlust and bold garden rose designs from Canaan Marshall
Alexandra Farms designer spotlight: Southern roots, wanderlust and bold garden rose designs from Canaan Marshall October 14, 2026 Canaan Marshall is an Atlanta-based designer known for his vibrant, extravagant floral creations full of garden roses. His designs feel abundant, expressive and full of personality, bringing together his Southern roots, a love of travel and an instinct for creating spaces that make people feel something.
Manfredi expands capacity, services ahead of IFPA Global
Manfredi expands capacity, services ahead of IFPA Global By Keith Loria October 14, 2026 The Manfredi Cos. will head to the 2026 IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show with additional cold-storage and packing capacity already in place, more expansion on the drawing board and a continued focus on helping produce customers manage costs and supply-chain complexity. The annual show remains one of the company’s most important opportunities to connect with customers and vendors in person.
El Sol Brands highlights tropical produce, expanded capabilities at IFPA Global
El Sol Brands highlights tropical produce, expanded capabilities at IFPA Global By Keith Loria October 14, 2026 El Sol Brands is bringing an expanding tropical produce program, new distribution capabilities and the next generation of family leadership to the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show as the company continues building its presence with retailers across North America.
Pretty Lady ready with red, white and grape celebration
Pretty Lady ready with red, white and grape celebration October 14, 2026 Pretty Lady Vineyards is celebrating America’s 250th birthday at the 2026 Global Produce and Floral Show with a premium selection of fall table grapes, the debut of Summer Blush and a signature dessert inspired by a classic American treat. At booth No. 331, attendees can experience Pretty Lady’s sought-after fall varieties.
Moxxy refreshes its brand 20 years in
Moxxy refreshes its brand 20 years in October 14, 2026 After nearly two decades of helping food companies stand out in competitive markets, Moxxy is putting its own brand in the spotlight. The agency has unveiled a refreshed visual identity and website that better reflect its industry expertise, strategic approach and creative capabilities across fresh and perishable foods, beverages and other agriculture-related categories.
IFPA Global kicks off with inspirational State of the Industry keynote
IFPA Global kicks off with inspirational State of the Industry keynote October 14, 2026 In the annual International Fresh Produce Association State of the Industry keynote during the association’s 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show, IFPA CEO Cathy Burns called on the global fresh produce and floral community to meet a period of extraordinary disruption with deeper collaboration, stronger advocacy and practical solutions that overcome challenges facing the industry.
Market Minute: Promotable supply of California red seedless grapes
Market Minute: Promotable supply of California red seedless grapes By Ron Pelger October 13, 2026 Are you hunting for those popular front-page produce items that generate high-volume sales but are difficult to find due to high markets and light supplies? Then consider red grapes, which are still in good supplies. With many produce items reported on the tight side along with escalated costs, it’s a good time to promote California red seedless grapes in your weekly ad flyers.
North Shore Greenhouses names Alex Sanchez president
North Shore Greenhouses names Alex Sanchez president October 13, 2026 North Shore Greenhouses LLC announced the appointment of Alex Sanchez as president, bringing more than three decades of agricultural and operational leadership to the grower of the Living Herb brand, North Shore Living Herbs & Greens. Sanchez joins North Shore after more than 20 years with Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic Farms.
Florida Citrus to bring fresh optimism to IFPA Global show
Florida Citrus to bring fresh optimism to IFPA Global show October 13, 2026 The Florida Department of Citrus is excited to share an encouraging outlook for Florida Citrus at the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show. This news comes as growers, researchers and industry partners work together toward a stronger future for Florida Citrus.
Southern Specialties takes IFPA Global beyond the show floor
Southern Specialties takes IFPA Global beyond the show floor By Keith Loria October 13, 2026 Southern Specialties is taking advantage of this year’s IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, FL, to give customers a closer look at the people, products and facilities behind its specialty produce business.
Riggio Distribution puts partnerships at center of IFPA Global strategy
Riggio Distribution puts partnerships at center of IFPA Global strategy By Keith Loria October 13, 2026 Riggio Distribution heads to the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show with a straightforward objective: spend meaningful time with the suppliers and partners that help the company serve retail and foodservice customers throughout the year.
Pacific Produce expands Peruvian grape program with new varieties, Pisco production
Pacific Produce expands Peruvian grape program with new varieties, Pisco production By John Groh October 13, 2026 Pacific Produce is entering the upcoming Peruvian grape season with an expanded production footprint, a growing portfolio of newer-generation varieties and a longer shipping window designed to give U.S. retailers greater consistency throughout the season.
Melon 1 brings year-round watermelon expertise to IFPA Global
For Melon 1, the annual International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show is about more than showcasing product. It is an opportunity to reconnect with customers, strengthen industry relationships and demonstrate the company’s commitment to supplying high-quality watermelons year-round. With this year’s show taking place in its home state of Florida, Melon 1 plans to make a strong showing, bringing together team members from ownership, sales, marketing and logistics.
How multifamily firms are rethinking 2027 budgets Original
This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. After a couple of sluggish years, multifamily operators know they need to stay flexible as they budget for marketing and other priorities in 2027. “Rather than treating advertising as a static annual expense, we increasingly manage spend dynamically based on inventory, traffic, conversion and market conditions,” said Melanie French, CEO of RR Living.
Wonderful Pistachios teams up with Josh Allen for new campaign
Wonderful Pistachios teams up with Josh Allen for new campaign October 12, 2026 Wonderful Pistachios is bringing NFL star Josh Allen’s real-life roots as a pistachio farmer to screens nationwide this football season as it expands its partnership with Allen into its second year.
Double RHS recognition for Danziger's GEM Lantana Series
Double RHS recognition for Danziger's GEM Lantana Series October 12, 2026 Danziger announced that two selections from its GEM Lantana Series – GEM Compact Yellow Topaz and GEM Diva Pink – have received the RHS Recommended Award of Garden Merit following the Royal Horticultural Society's first-ever Lantana Trial at RHS Garden Wisley. The landmark trial featured 74 Lantana entries, with only 11 cultivars receiving the award.
Fowler Farms takes the scenic route to IFPA with apples, cider and a vintage Ford
A vintage Ford pickup truck, a custom-built cider stand and more than 20 apple varieties will help Fowler Farms bring a little of its New York farming heritage to the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando this October. The Wolcott, NY-based grower is taking a particularly personal approach to its exhibit this year, with employees designing and building the booth themselves before transporting it to the show.
G&R Farms: Experience at work
G&R Farms: Experience at work October 12, 2026 In fresh produce, the decisions that matter most are often made long before a product reaches the shelf. Knowing how a crop is developing. Recognizing when conditions call for a change. Understanding what customers will need weeks or months in advance. Maintaining quality and continuity as seasons and growing regions change. Those decisions get better with experience.
Malena Produce to spotlight Zucchiolo, expanded ALLDAY portfolio at GPFS
Malena Produce to spotlight Zucchiolo, expanded ALLDAY portfolio at GPFS October 12, 2026 Malena Produce is heading to the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show with an expanded ALLDAY portfolio and a particular focus on Zucchiolo, the distinctive specialty vegetable that the Nogales, AZ-based company sees as an opportunity to introduce consumers to something new.
Walmart opens next-gen fulfillment center in California
Walmart opens next-gen fulfillment center in California October 11, 2026 Walmart opened its fifth next-generation fulfillment center, a more than 900,000-square-foot facility in Stockton, CA, that will create more than 1,000 jobs and expand the retailer’s ability to provide faster shipping and delivery to customers across California and the West Coast.
From Binder to Action: Making Infectious Disease Outbreak Plans Operational
Publication|Articles|October 10, 2026 Drug Topics Journal Drug Topics September/October 2026 Volume 170 Issue 5 Infectious disease readiness depends on rehearsed workflows, bidirectional public health communication, and rapid access to care. An infectious disease response does not begin when the first symptomatic patient walks to the counter.
Lineage brings receiving, cold storage into focus
Cold-storage receiving leaves little room for loose ends. A pallet arriving from a poultry plant must be matched to expected inventory, inspected for damage and tied to the correct SKU, lot and date information. When employees key those fields manually, each receipt can take minutes, and dock congestion can leave product waiting for hours. Lineage’s temperature-controlled warehouse in Decatur, Ala., has moved that work into the path of the forklift.
Phillips puts fresh mushroom quality and innovation at center of IFPA presentation
Quality will be a central theme for Phillips Mushroom Farms at the 2026 IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show as the Kennett Square, PA-based grower highlights how growing, harvesting, cooling, packing and distribution practices work together to deliver top-quality fresh mushrooms.
Eagle Eye Produce celebrates 30 years with integrated growth strategy
Eagle Eye Produce celebrates 30 years with integrated growth strategy By John Groh October 9, 2026 Eagle Eye Produce is marking three decades in business with a larger story to tell at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show. “This is a big year for us at Eagle Eye Produce because we are celebrating our 30th year in business,” said Newman Giles, CEO of the Idaho Falls, ID-based company.
Produce Careers offers opportunity in a changing hiring landscape
Produce Careers offers opportunity in a changing hiring landscape By By Keith Loria October 9, 2026 As produce companies navigate rising costs, consolidation and changing leadership needs, finding the right people has become an increasingly important part of maintaining a competitive business. Produce Careers will bring that message to the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, where its team will connect with companies seeking talent and professionals considering their next career move.
Five Crowns Marketing highlights year-round produce programs at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show
Five Crowns Marketing highlights year-round produce programs at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show October 9, 2026 Five Crowns Marketing, a fourth-generation, family-owned grower, packer and shipper with deep agricultural roots dating back generations, is poised to showcase its year-round approach to fresh produce at the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 15-16 in Orlando, FL.
Review: Dirty Dancing Has the Moves, but Its Book Needs a Lift
Ethan Peterson (Billy Kostecki) and Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman) appear in Dirty Dancing: The Musical. (© Matthew Murphy) A watermelon may get Baby into the party, but it’s going to take more than a few famous lines to make Dirty Dancing a hit on Broadway. The new touring production of Dirty Dancing: The Musical, which recently stopped at Washington DC’s National Theatre, offers plenty of reasons to revisit Kellerman’s.
Mission Produce champions Fair Trade certification, showcases new era of fresh at IFPA
Mission Produce champions Fair Trade certification, showcases new era of fresh at IFPA October 9, 2026 Mission Produce Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced its commitment to Fair Trade certification, a rigorous and globally recognized sustainable sourcing model that improves livelihoods, protects the environment and builds resilient, transparent supply chains.
New Jersey Department of Agriculture has eyes on new markets with Jersey Fresh
New Jersey Department of Agriculture has eyes on new markets with Jersey Fresh By Kris Mulheren October 9, 2026 For the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, participation in the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show is about more than promoting a state brand. It is an opportunity to put New Jersey growers directly in front of buyers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and other industry decision makers from across the fresh produce supply chain.
JJB Family Farms has its sights set on the world at IFPA Global
JJB Family Farms has its sights set on the world at IFPA Global By Keith Loria October 9, 2026 JJB Family Farms is looking beyond its California roots as it prepares for the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, where the company hopes to introduce its Modi apples and year-round onion programs to a broader international audience.
Titan Farms achieves SQF Quality certification
Titan Farms achieves SQF Quality certification October 9, 2026 Titan Farms, the largest peach grower on the East Coast, has achieved SQF Quality certification, further demonstrating the company's commitment to maintaining rigorous quality control and assurance practices throughout its operations. The certification follows the successful completion of an independent audit conducted on July 16, 2026.
Bolthouse Fresh Foods puts carrot innovation at the center of its IFPA Global strategy
Bolthouse Fresh Foods puts carrot innovation at the center of its IFPA Global strategy By Kris Mulheren October 9, 2026 For Bolthouse Fresh Foods, carrots remain at the heart of the business, and the company sees significant opportunity to expand how consumers use and enjoy the category. At this year’s IFPA show, Bolthouse will showcase its broad carrot portfolio, highlighting innovations designed to address multiple eating occasions, from snacking and cooking to meal preparation.
Ocean Mist Farms brings 102 years of farming excellence and fresh flavors to IFPA Fresh Summit
Ocean Mist Farms brings 102 years of farming excellence and fresh flavors to IFPA Fresh Summit October 9, 2026 Ocean Mist Farms, North America's leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, is heading to Orlando for the 2026 IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, bringing its expansive portfolio of premium fresh vegetables and a continued focus on helping consumers enjoy fresh, nutritious and flavorful foods.
H-E-B crowns 2026 Quest for Texas Best winners
H-E-B crowns 2026 Quest for Texas Best winners October 9, 2026 H-E-B named the winners of its 13th annual Quest for Texas Best, celebrating five standout small businesses and the Texas-made products poised to become customers' next favorites. Selected from a record-breaking 978 entries representing more than 500 companies statewide, the five winners shared $110,000 in cash prizes, with the Grand Prize recipient earning the title of "Texas Best" and placement on H-E-B shelves.
Pure Flavor introduces Tulu Tomatoes: A premium pink cherry tomato on the vine built around extraordinary flavor
Pure Flavor introduces Tulu Tomatoes: A premium pink cherry tomato on the vine built around extraordinary flavor October 9, 2026 Pure Flavor, a greenhouse-grown produce company known for pushing innovation across the fresh category, is introducing Tulu Tomatoes, a pink cherry tomato on the vine grown for one thing: flavor that stops you mid-bite.
Oakton’s Mark Gould serving up laughs
The comedian is part of a night of comedy at Taco Rock After roughly three decades away from stand-up, Oakton resident Mark Gould is back onstage and quickly building momentum close to home. The comedian is performing at Taco Rock Oakton during a free comedy showcase featuring invited comics that are sure to entertain. The event, produced by Jon Yeager and Adrian Russel of Call Back Comedy, begins at 8 p.m. on Oct. 10.
James Seol brings “Maybe Happy Ending” home
The Springfield native returns with the Tony-winning romantic comedy James Seol grew up attending theaters around Washington, D.C. that shaped his ambitions. The Springfield native now returns to The National Theatre in the national tour of “Maybe Happy Ending,” appearing on a stage with a special place in his history. “It’s a full-circle moment,” Seol said. “The National, I remember, is where I saw the original national tour of ‘Ragtime.’” The musical runs through Oct.
Community Pharmacy Partnerships That Close the Gaps
News|Articles|October 8, 2026 Drug Topics Journal Drug Topics September/October 2026 Volume 170 Issue 5 Local collaborations can turn pharmacies into care-coordination hubs, but lasting results require trained teams, shared data, and sustainable payment. An uninsured patient in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had an acute deep vein thrombosis and needed to begin taking apixaban (Eliquis) immediately.
Natural Grocers to donate 1 percent of sales on World Food Day to The Cornucopia Institute for second consecutive year
Natural Grocers to donate 1 percent of sales on World Food Day to The Cornucopia Institute for second consecutive year October 8, 2026 In recognition of World Food Day on Oct. 16, Natural Grocers will once again host a one-day, in-store fundraising campaign benefiting The Cornucopia Institute. Natural Grocers has pledged to donate 1 percent of sales from all stores nationwide, with a goal of raising more than $45,000 for the nonprofit.
CDT Continues to Strengthen Affordable Housing Finance Model Across Cycles
Atlantic at Twin Hickory in Glen Allen, Virginia, serves residents earning no more than 60% of area median income. Photo courtesy of Community Development Trust. Atlantic at Twin Hickory in Glen Allen, Virginia, serves residents earning no more than 60% of area median income. Photo courtesy of Community Development Trust.
Wholly Guacamole sees room for major growth in convenience avocado
Wholly Guacamole sees room for major growth in convenience avocado October 8, 2026 Wholly Guacamole is looking beyond its core guacamole business and sees significant potential in convenience avocado as consumers increasingly seek easy ways to incorporate fresh foods into their diets. The opportunity comes as avocado consumption continues to grow.
Celebrate Autumnfest with Natural Grocers
Celebrate Autumnfest with Natural Grocers October 8, 2026 Crisp air, colorful leaves and cozy seasonal traditions are back, and so is Natural Grocers' fourth annual Autumnfest celebration. From Oct. 8-10, customers can embrace the flavors and festivities of fall with free product samples, a chance to win $500 in groceries and exclusive savings of up to 51 percent off for {N}power members.
Valued Naturals builds snack business around quality, efficiency and retail support
Valued Naturals has built its business around a combination of product variety, dependable sourcing, packaging flexibility and hands-on customer service, positioning the brand as a full-service supplier of nuts, dried fruits, confections and snack mixes. The flagship brand of International Foodsource LLC, Valued Naturals was established in 2004 by David Lipson, president and CEO of International Foodsource.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services brings diversity to IFPA buyers
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services brings diversity to IFPA buyers By Keith Loria October 8, 2026 The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will bring more than 30 Florida producers to the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show this year, using the industry gathering to create sales opportunities, connect growers with buyers and strengthen awareness of the Fresh From Florida brand.
A new chapter begins: Consalo Family Farms expands global growing footprint to Peru
A new chapter begins: Consalo Family Farms expands global growing footprint to Peru October 8, 2026 Consalo Family Farms of New Jersey and Frutanza of Peru have joined together to form ConFrut, a new 50/50 farming partnership focused on growing premium blueberries in Peru. The partnership represents a significant expansion of Consalo Family Farms’ blueberry business and establishes direct ownership of blueberry production in Peru.
GreenFruit Avocados builds out leadership team to execute on its vertically integrated vision
GreenFruit Avocados builds out leadership team to execute on its vertically integrated vision October 8, 2026 GreenFruit Avocados announced a strategic expansion of its leadership team, bringing in one of the produce industry's most experienced operations executives and elevating two rising leaders from within. The moves advance its mission to shorten the distance between grower and customer, delivering avocados consistently from grove to shelf in a vertically integrated supply chain. Ryan C.
School Security Starts at the Planning Table
Story at a glance: Layered access and wire-free locks can make campuses safer and easier to manage, but technology cannot compensate for a missing emergency plan. Access control should be considered before key decisions about wiring, circulation, and interior zoning are complete. Schools can keep everyday movement simple while requiring additional verification after hours or at sensitive spaces.
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