This fall, Healthy Family Project is celebrating 20 years of innovative cause marketing programs and thought leadership in the health and nutrition space. In the 20-year time frame the company, which was founded as Produce for Kids, has partnered with more than 100 better-for-you brands and 30 retailers while continuing to evolve with the health and nutrition needs of families.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods accelerated its substantial growth trajectory with expanded reach by partnering with Kroger to offer Simply Fresh Salads across the US., including Ralphs stores on the West Coast.

Kroger recently reported strong second quarter earnings, a 5.8 percent sales increase excluding fuel compared to the same period last year, driven by its Leading with Fresh strategy, which continues to position the retailer as a leader in fresh.

Shuman Farms has always led the produce industry in important initiatives such as food safety, cause-marketing, brand advocacy, and more. At this year’s Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations, the team will discuss the meaningful sustainability priorities they are currently focusing on.

The Kroger Co. opened a new spoke in Birmingham, AL. Serving as a last-mile cross-dock location, the new spoke will operate as a seamless extension of the regional fulfillment center in Atlanta, making Kroger Delivery available to more customers in the greater Birmingham area.

Avocados from Peru is teaming up this season with the World Champion Los Angeles Rams as the team’s official avocado and superfood. Through Oct. 24 fans will have an opportunity to win the Avo-Rams custom electric vehicle, a trip to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru and a VIP Rams game-day experience.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on five produce businesses 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.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry: