Equifruit named one of Canada’s Top Growing Women-Led Companies by The Globe and Mail
Equifruit, a leader in Fairtrade-certified bananas in North America, has achieved a spot on The Globe and Mail’s brand new ranking, Canada’s Top Growing Women-Led Companies. This ranking celebrates successful female entrepreneurship and trail blazing companies that are shaping Canada’s business landscape.
Exp. Group settling in nicely to Rio Grande Valley
Having recently expanded to McAllen, TX, Exp. Group, a noted importer and distributor of tropical fruits, is thrilled to be heading to Viva Fresh.
Maglio ReadyRipe watermelon pouch a boon to industry and consumers
Watermelon is a staple for many households, especially during the summertime in North America. For those looking to capitalize on this demand, Maglio Cos. has a solution: the company’s proprietary ReadyRipe offering is a reusable and resealable watermelon pouch that naturally keeps watermelon fresh and sweeter for an extended period of time.
Market Minute: Mushroom volume, quality great for promotions
Porcini, Oyster, Chanterelles, Morels, Matsutake, Enoki — What are they? They are the fleshy, spore-bearing bodies of a fungus simply known as mushrooms.
According to a recent study, the first mushroom on Earth grew between 715 and 810 million years ago. Edible mushrooms go far back in ancient times, dating 13,000 years ago — they were first cultivated in China.
Ben B looking forward to connections at Viva Fresh
With 119 years of providing outstanding service and now led by fourth-generation owners Jake and Drew Billmeyer, Ben B. Schwartz & Sons continues to be a go-to company for produce.
Working from the Michigan Produce Terminal in Detroit, the company’s distribution network reaches most of the United States and into Canada, with an increased presence in Toronto in recent years.
Soon, the company will be heading to the Viva Fresh show where it expects a lot of great things to happen.
USDA restricts PACA violators in four states
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.
Paul Divis joins Grant J. Hunt Co.
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
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
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
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.