Spreading produce news at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture
As usual, it is a busy time of the year at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
With summer crops in full swing and farmers getting ready to start harvesting their fall offerings, officials at the department are aggressively helping to get the word out about what is happening with farmers across the entire state of New Jersey.
OASIS Forage Products launched exclusively at Walmart
OASIS Forage Products, a pioneer brand behind foraged floral design, announced its launch in Walmart stores nationwide in August 2025.
Cranberries and blueberries on the way from Sunny Valley International
Sunny Valley International has been working with New Jersey fruit for more than 25 years and the fall marks the transition from its summer domestic programs to its fall programs that include a mix of domestic and imported fruit.
Walmart opens high-tech perishable distribution center
Walmart has opened a new 725,000-square-foot perishable distribution center in South Carolina. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to receive and process fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat and frozen goods for delivery to 180 Walmart stores.
“The opening of our new high-tech perishable distribution center, marks a major step forward in how we get fresher products to customers faster — whether that’s in-store, delivered to their home, or even restocking their refrigerator,” said Rob Montgomery, executive vice president, supply chain, Walmart U.S.
Steamed broccoli and meth smuggler left raw from $13M bust
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $13.2 million worth of alleged methamphetamine concealed in a trailer hauling a commercial shipment of broccoli.
“This massive load of narcotics will not reach American streets thanks to the tireless inspection work undertaken by our CBP officers on the front lines,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry.
Tips to boost early apple sales
Apple season is kicking off with a bang as Stemilt begins to ship Rave apples, up 40 percent in volume over last year. With harvest already complete across Washington, Michigan and New York, Rave is perfectly timed to help retailers jumpstart apple category sales before traditional shelf resets hit in the fall.
BJ’s Wholesale Club looks to beat grocery store prices
As consumers continue to feel challenged by high grocery store prices, BJ’s Wholesale Club said it is reinforcing its foundation of unbeatable value. BJ’s said its members can save 25 percent or more over grocery store prices on everything from the freshest produce to meat to deli items.
USDA restricts PACA violators in California and Florida
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three 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 USDA approval.
The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
GLC Cerritos publishes inaugural sustainability report
Grupo Los Cerritos has released its inaugural Sustainability Report, which discloses the impacts stemming from its operations and establishes baseline metrics.
Southern Specialties thrives on consistency and reputation
Operating a consistent business model for almost 35 years and building a solid reputation with customers can go a long way in the produce industry.