MAITLAND, FL - The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has named Publix Super Markets, Inc. its 2026 Customer of the Year, recognizing the company’s longstanding commitment to Florida growers and Florida-grown products. The award was presented during FFVA’s 82nd annual convention at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

Nominated by FFVA producer members, the award recognizes a valued food service or retail partner that helps promote and market fresh Florida produce. Publix was nominated by three separate FFVA producer members, underscoring the broad respect and appreciation it has earned across the industry.

“Publix has long been a trusted partner to Florida growers,” said Jeff Goodale, senior vice president of strategy and business development for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, FFVA board member and chair of FFVA's Supply Chain Management Committee, in the recent release. “Its commitment to sourcing and promoting Florida-grown products, recognizing our farmers and standing by suppliers through challenging seasons has earned the respect of growers across the state. Publix is highly deserving of this recognition.”

Headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., Publix operates more than 1,400 stores across eight Southeastern states: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is an agricultural organization whose membership represents the majority of fruit and vegetable production in the state of Florida. Follow FFVA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

ANTIGO, WI - Thirty-nine shows gives a company plenty of time to learn a thing or two about showing up. As Volm Companies prepares to return to the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, the packaging and equipment provider is bringing more than seven decades of industry experience to the floor—along with solutions aimed squarely at some of the challenges keeping growers and shippers busy today.

“We’re proud to be back at IFPA GPFS this year—it will be Volm’s 39th show with the PMA and IFPA groups,” shared Marsha Pozza, Director of Marketing at Volm Companies. “For us, it’s a great opportunity to connect with customers, partners, and new faces across the fresh produce industry.”

And Volm is giving those attendees plenty to take a closer look at.

More Than Packaging

This year, the company will highlight its packaging portfolio, including eco-friendly options, alongside two automation solutions: the Volmpack® WiC-P 100 Case/Carton Packer and Flikweert Vision QualityGrader 150. While each addresses a different piece of the packing operation, Volm sees the breadth of its capabilities as an important part of what it brings to customers.

“I think what makes Volm stand out is the combination of our experience and the range of solutions we bring to the table,” Marsha explained.

That experience stretches back 72 years this November, and Volm has used those decades to build beyond any one corner of the packing line. “From equipment to primary and secondary packaging materials, we’re able to support customers in many different ways.”

That range takes on particular significance as fresh produce operations balance labor constraints, production efficiency, sustainability goals, and changing merchandising needs.

Automation Meets the Packing Line

For growers and shippers looking to do more with available labor, Volm is putting automation front and center.

The WiC-P 100 Case/Carton Packer automatically fills display-ready trays, cartons, and RPCs with common wicketed-style produce bags, reducing the manual labor involved in the process.

The QualityGrader 150 approaches the efficiency equation from another direction, with the solution designed to increase production speeds.

“Much of what we’re bringing to the show speaks directly to what growers and shippers are working through right now—labor challenges, the need for more efficient production, sustainability goals, and retail-ready merchandising demands,” Marsha said.

And that connection between equipment, packaging, and the realities of fresh produce operations is exactly what Volm wants attendees to see at the show. The company will have a broad team on the floor, spanning owners, packaging product management, and technical sales engineers, giving attendees a chance to dig into both the solutions being showcased and Volm’s wider capabilities.

“Whether someone already works with Volm or is just getting to know us, we hope they’ll stop by, ask questions, and take a closer look at everything we offer,” Marsha shared.

For a company approaching 72 years in the industry and its 39th show with the PMA and IFPA groups, there is plenty of history behind that booth. This year, though, Volm is making sure attendees also get a good look at what comes next.

“Our booth is a chance to see not only the equipment and packaging solutions we’re showcasing this year but also the broader capabilities people may not realize Volm has.”

ANUK will be keeping an eye on Volm as the company brings that full range to the IFPA GPFS show floor.