The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on National Produce Sales Inc. in Lake Zurich, IL, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

NPS failed to pay $820,456 to seven sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from January 2016 to February 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. NPS cannot operate in the produce industry until Oct. 21, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

Looking to revolutionize the stagnant in-shell sunflower seed category, South 40 Snacks is partnering with retailers to uniquely position its giant-sized, premium seeds in the produce aisle. The company seeks to emulate the success of pistachio category, driven in large part by innovation on the part of The Wonderful Co.

Farm Fresh Produce considers itself an evolving company and not afraid of change.

Johnnie Herring, chief production officer of the Faison, NC-based company, said the company’s success comes from not saying “no” to customers and knowing how to adapt under any circumstance.

AJ Trucco Inc., has been involved in chestnuts for most of its existence, with its product grown in the mountains of Campania, Italy.

Chestnuts naturally drop from trees when they’re ready, and are collected by the Contadini, the local farmers who use centuries-old methods to get them ready to ship to the  United States.

Hy-Vee, Inc. announced today that Casey Decker has been named the company’s chief information officer, where he will lead the IT strategy for the more than $11 billion company. Decker will oversee all of Hy-Vee’s information systems and staff and lead the company’s technology operations. He will also lead all innovations and initiatives for the retailer’s online and digital channels.

Bill Brooks and Paul Villa are longtime friends in the Los Angeles produce industry, and they have had their respective heads in the clouds for a very long time. Recently, they were honored for that.