USDA restricts PACA violators in four states
2025-03-24
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on four 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:
Paul Divis joins Grant J. Hunt Co.
2025-03-21
The Grant J. Hunt Co. has added Paul Divis, a seasoned produce industry professional, to its sales and marketing team.
Instacart prioritizes healthy foods with new Smart Shop, Health Tags
2025-03-21
Instacart introduced its Smart Shop, which leverages cutting-edge generative AI and machine learning to create a more personalized grocery shopping experience. With Smart Shop, Instacart is making online grocery shopping more intuitive by analyzing customer habits and dietary preferences to surface the most relevant products faster.
SEPC launches Unseen Hero Award
2025-03-21
The Southeast Produce Council is introducing The Unseen Hero Award, a special recognition honoring the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the produce industry moving forward. Whether in growing, shipping, packing, retail or foodservice, these unsung heroes make a lasting impact without seeking the spotlight.
GLC Cerritos completes robust season of Fairtrade sales
2025-03-21
GLC Cerritos, a Mexican avocado company with a U.S.-based sales operation in Oxnard, CA, just completed its first full year in the Fairtrade campaign registering sales in excess of 2 million pounds.
Southern Flavor Cocktail Party a night to remember
2025-03-21
On Thursday, March 6 the Southern Flavor Cocktail Party brought together Georgia’s growers, shippers, packers and logistics professionals to host an unforgettable evening of delicious bites, refreshing drinks and lively entertainment. Guests were treated to a high-energy dueling pianos performance while enjoying a relaxed, festive atmosphere for mingling and networking.
TIPA celebrates 10th Viva Fresh anniversary
2025-03-21
It was a decade ago that the Texas International Produce Association launched the Viva Fresh Expo as a regional produce show dedicated to celebrating the vital role of the Tex-Mex corridor as a key trade route and production hub for fresh produce.
“It was a game changer for the association and the industry,” said TIPA President and CEO Dante Galeazzi, who was on the founding committee as an industry member.
Meijer expanding with new supercenters announced
2025-03-21
Meijer will open three new supercenters in northeast Ohio on May 8, increasing the retailer's store count to 58 in the state. The new 159,000-square-foot supercenters are located in Austintown, Medina and Richmond Heights.
Bolthouse Fresh Foods earns honors for innovation
2025-03-20
Bolthouse Fresh Foods has been named one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies, earning a top-10 ranking. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to transforming the fresh produce industry through disruptive packaging, product innovation and digital engagement — all while staying rooted in its 110-year legacy of quality and sustainability. Well-positioned for the next generation of consumers, Bolthouse Fresh Foods is reimagining how fresh produce and carrot products are grown, packaged, delivered and marketed to meet evolving consumer needs.
USDA restricts PACA violators in Florida, New Jersey and Texas
2025-03-20
The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on three produce businesses — Breadberry Lakewood, RC Pro Corp. and Indita Produce — 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.
