Blooms Trade Inc., a financial technology company engineering a borderless future for produce, announced the appointment of Miguel Hernandez Storey as chief operating officer.

For too long, exporting fresh produce from Latin America to the U.S. and Canada has meant navigating chaotic cross-border documentation, fighting blind market risks and waiting on outdated financial institutions. While traditional players simply finance the friction of cross-border trade, Blooms has built the industry’s first AI-driven ecosystem designed exclusively to digitize the chaos.

Hernandez will help scale this

Sustainabloom by the American Floral Endowment has introduced a new sustainability planning template to support wholesale florists in assessing their operations, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing a clear framework for measurable progress toward their sustainability goals.

Sustainabloom Senior Manager Amanda Solliday and AFE Executive Director Debi Chedester shared the template at the WFFSA Floral Distribution Conference luncheon.

The template was released at the 2026 WFFSA Floral Distribution Conference in Miami, the premiere floral industry show for wholesale floral

Continental Floral Greens, a family-owned grower of premium American-grown foliage and specialty cut floral, has added two experienced sales professionals to its sales team and promoted Lucia Narciso to wholesale sales manager.

The announcements reflect the company’s continued investment in building an exceptional, experienced team to support its customers and drive growth across all channels.

“We’re announcing the future of our sales team and our belief in hiring and promoting the most talented individuals,” said Yerandy Palenzuela, vice president of sales at Continental Floral Greens. “CFG is

Beacon impatiens colors arriving this spring add fresh hues and mixes that bring a refined, cohesive feel to shaded gardens and containers.

Curb appeal that looks intentional and feels authentic doesn’t rely on filters or editing — it relies on plants that perform consistently. Beacon impatiens from PanAmerican Seed deliver dependable results in the shade, with vibrant color for porches, patios and landscapes.

New Beacon impatiens colors arriving this spring add fresh hues and mixes that bring a refined, cohesive feel to shaded gardens and containers, offering new combinations designed to work

Last month, members of the American Floral Endowment’s Board of Trustees and staff visited the University of California, Davis, to see firsthand how AFE-funded research is advancing innovation for the floriculture industry.

UC Davis, ranked among the top universities globally for agriculture and forestry, has long been a hub for cutting-edge agricultural research. During the visit, faculty and graduate students shared updates on their AFE-funded research and related collaborative efforts aimed at addressing key industry challenges.

The day began with an overview of drone imaging technology

Registration is now open for the American Institute of Floral Designers’ 59th annual national symposium.

Far more than an ordinary flower show, the Elevate symposium will showcase a lineup of world-renowned industry educators. Attendees can look forward to inspiring main stage programs, dynamic hands-on workshops, insightful lecture sessions and more.

The official symposium brochure is available online.

Registration is available through the symposium website.

AIFD is offering a payment plan for those who wish to pay for their symposium registration in smaller monthly payments. Attendees can select