By Flora Fine Foods

April 23, 2025 – For over 50 years, Flora Fine Foods and Orvino Wine Imports have been trusted names in importing and distributing premium Italian food and wine. Now, the family-owned brands are expanding their reach through new partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, Total Wine & More and ShopRite, alongside longtime partners such as Costco, Publix, Winn-Dixie, and local grocers.

With a growing presence throughout the country, Flora Fine Foods is making it easier than ever for families to enjoy the authentic taste of Italy. From San Marzano tomatoes and cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil to bronze-cut pasta and pantry staples, each product reflects Flora’s deep roots in Italian culinary heritage.

“This expansion is about more than shelf space—it’s about access to the best of Italy’s regional flavors,” says John Flora. “Our mission has always been to bring authentic Italian cuisine to every household. These new partnerships help us reach even more people who care about quality and tradition.”

Flora’s growth comes as consumers increasingly prioritize authenticity and origin in their food choices. As a long-standing importer, the company bridges the gap between artisanal Italian producers and modern American kitchens. Through a close collaboration with Orvino Wine Imports, Flora is now also offering an extensive portfolio of wines, further enhancing the Italian culinary experience.

With expanded retail availability and a loyal customer base, Flora Fine Foods is well-positioned to become a household name for lovers of genuine Italian flavor.

Look for Flora Fine Foods and Orvino Wine Imports at Costco, Walmart, ShopRite, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Total Wine & More, and specialty grocers across the country.

By DeSimone Consulting Engineering (Danilo Nanni)

The MSC Cruise Terminal has been formally inaugurated with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on April 5, 2025, and is already being celebrated in many ways, primarily as the largest cruise terminal in the world, capable of handling three vessels at the same time—the equivalent of 36,000 passengers per day.

This is remarkable, but I feel that this is actually a hidden engineering gem, a premium example of American Italian collaboration in structural engineering, in this case using steel construction.

The steel columns and beams that form the structure of the terminal were completely fabricated in Italy and shipped to Miami to be assembled ‘in situ’ and then inspected by licensed American inspectors.

The entire structure has been modelled with a program called REVIT to define the actual size of each individual structural element for precise fabrication and construction.

The entire project, from a structural perspective, is kind of bilingual.

Throughout the construction document phase of the project, Italian steel section sizes and SI unit dimensions were paired with their equivalent US steel section sizes and US units. This streamlined the coordination between Italian steel fabricators and the US construction crew and ensured an unencumbered project approval by the city of Miami-Dade.

A few notes on the technical site: Per the European standard EN 10025, the Italian steel grade was S355 with 355 MPa yield strength. The equivalent of that according to the US ASTM standard was A992 with 345 MPa strength. 

To ensure scalability and ease of construction of the approximately 3,000 steel beams, DeSimone limited the different types of sections to only 22 profiles and their equivalent US sections based on similar bending capacity—despite the slight difference in material grades.

We extend additional credit for the structural design to DeSimone Managing Principal William O’Donnell and Principal Ahmed Osman.

By Cassioli USA

Since entering the U.S. market in 2009, Cassioli USA has steadily grown its presence across North America, providing solutions for manufacturing, logistics and material handling.

In a strategic move to better serve its American customer base, the company opened a production facility in Newnan, GA in 2016.

The Newnan site now serves as the company’s primary hub for manufacturing and technical support in the U.S., enabling faster project delivery and closer collaboration with American clients.

According to Mr. Marco Cencetti (CEO of the US branch) the decision to establish a local production footprint was driven by increasing demand for automation across several industries, along with the need for shorter lead times and responsive service.

“Being physically present in the U.S. allows us to work more closely with our customers and adapt more quickly to their operational challenges,” said one senior engineer involved in the Newnan project.

Cassioli has secured a contract to deliver 20 automated passenger security screening lines for a leading cruise operator at Port Miami. The systems aim to enhance passenger processing efficiency and safety at one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. Installation has been completed and passengers are expected to start using the new lines soon.

As automation continues to reshape industrial operations in the U.S., the company’s growing footprint in Georgia underscores the broader trend of international firms localizing their operations to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. With nearly a decade of production activity in Newnan and ongoing investments in innovation, the company positions itself as a stable and responsive player in the American automation landscape.”

By Jas Forwarding

Once seen primarily as a city of sunshine, culture, and tourism, Miami has steadily transformed into a major global logistics hub. With over $100 billion in annual trade, the city now stands at the crossroads of the Americas and Europe, offering a strategic platform for businesses looking to scale across continents.

This evolution is reflected in the growing presence of sophisticated logistics infrastructure across the region. In Medley, just west of Miami International Airport, a new wave of investment is reshaping the way cargo moves — combining advanced technology with community-focused development. Among these is the newly opened JAS warehouse, a 200,000-square-foot, fully temperature-controlled (+15 to +25°C ) facility that includes a 5,000-square-foot cooler (2–8°C), CFS for in-transit shipments and a Free Trade Zone.

But Miami’s rise isn’t just about square footage or dock doors. It’s about purpose. Companies are building here not just to grow, but to connect — to people, to regions, and to opportunities. In an industry where precision, transparency, and adaptability are essential, Miami is proving it can deliver.

The city also plays a unique role in transatlantic trade. In 2022, Florida–Italy commerce alone surpassed $3.5 billion, with goods ranging from high-tech components to yachts flowing through PortMiami. For many European firms, Miami is no longer just a U.S. entry point — it’s a launchpad into Latin America and the Caribbean.

What makes this moment special is that Miami isn’t just catching up — it’s leading. With infrastructure to match its ambition and a diverse, driven community behind it, the city is redefining its place in global logistics. And as more businesses plant roots here, it’s clear: Miami’s time to thrive is now.