For Ventura Fresh Produce LLC, the goal is not simply to sell product, it is to build a brand rooted in legacy, values and long-term relationships.

Launched in early 2026, Ventura Fresh Produce LLC was founded by partners Javier Torres, Salvador Macías and Rob Ybarra, each bringing deep, generational ties to the produce industry. Together, they have aligned around a shared philosophy that guides every aspect of the business.

This April marks the seventh season of Continental Fresh’s Water For All branded mango program, a milestone that reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to pairing high-quality produce with meaningful impact. Inspired by the vision of CEO Albert Perez, the corporate social responsibility initiative donates a percentage of proceeds from every branded box of mango sold to support clean water projects in Latin America, communities that are often closely connected to the agricultural supply chain that makes the program possible.

Empire Co. Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire Mayrand Food Group Inc., a long‑established Québec food retailer operating four large‑format locations across the greater Montréal area.

The transaction is being completed pursuant to a court‑approved process and remains subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of court-approval and required regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in first quarter of fiscal 2027.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association held its 2026 Annual General Meeting virtually last week, bringing members together to reflect on a year marked by strong governance, member engagement and meaningful advocacy outcomes for Canada’s fresh produce sector.

Offshoot Brands announced the appointment of Jenna Schulte as vice president of sales and operations.

In this newly created role, Schulte will lead the integration of sales strategy and operational execution across the organization, supporting the company’s continued expansion while strengthening customer partnerships and internal capabilities.