This year’s Peruvian asparagus deal has been much more consistent than last season featuring better volume and a solid marketing situation, though the tariffs have cut into profits.

The GIANT Co. recently hosted its annual Floral Seminar, bringing together nearly 200 floral team members for a day full of learning, creating, celebrating the team and planning for the upcoming holiday season. In addition, 12 team members were recognized as top performers from each region. 

The Southeast Produce Council’s leadership program for women in produce featured speaker Jaime Kulaga, a licensed mental health counselor and author. She spoke about creating a work-life balance and empowering strategies for women in produce. Her empowering message left attendees motivated to take charge of their journey while embracing new opportunities.

Heritage Grocers Group promoted Justin Besyk to the position of interim vice president of grocery.

Reporting directly to Vince Gambino, merchandising group vice president for Heritage Grocers, Besyk will lead grocery merchandising efforts across all of its banners, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize category strategies and promotional planning that deliver a value-driven and customer focused shopping experience.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council honored three standout leaders at its annual awards ceremony, spotlighting individuals whose careers have shaped and strengthened the produce and floral industries.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Lucero Produce LLC, of Denver for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the business, the principal operator of the business and any responsibly connected persons, as defined in the PACA, from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.