Cause marketing champions were out and about at the Healthy Family Project annual reception at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure, celebrating an impressive $260,000 raised in 2024 and more than $8 million since 2002. The event brought together over 200 industry professionals to recognize the collective impact of retail and digital campaigns supporting Feeding America food banks, Foundation for Fresh Produce, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

With one of its larger crops in a decade and more avocado acreage being planted every year, California is poised for continued volume in the coming years.

The International Fresh Produce Association launched its Breeder Showcase at The Floral Conference Feb. 24-26. It was an immersive experience that brought together breeders, importers, growers and supermarket buyers under one roof. 

Kroger Co. is looking to help customers supercharge meals and snacks with fresh in-season fruits, veggies and simple recipes to try during National Nutrition Month and enjoy all season long.

"Preparing dishes with fresh, in-season produce presents limitless, simple options for families to enjoy together as spring and summer approaches," said Carlo Baldan, Kroger group vice president of fresh merchandising. "With guaranteed quality, value and more days of freshness for our customers, we make it easy to create nutritious meals. Fresh is always in season at Kroger."

Mexus Inc., a freight services provider and licensed broker based in Laredo, TX, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024 and has plans for further growth as it begins year 26.

Among the highlights of Mexus’ expansion plans is obtaining their FSIS certification earned from USDA as well as the addition of a warehouse within the same industrial park it operates in Laredo.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on three produce businesses — Roberson Onion Corp., Trooex LLC and US Cargo Solutions LLC — for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. 

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.