John Strickland joins Collins Family Farms as COO
John Strickland has joined Collins Family Farms - Vidalia Sweet Produce as chief operating officer, supporting operations, logistics and business development.Strickland’s background combines hands-on experience in the produce industry with experience in project management, bringing a structured, systems-driven approach to operations and team leadership.
Babé Farms celebrates 40 years of specialty vegetable innovation
Babé Farms, a grower of specialty vegetables and greens, traces its roots from a humble beginning 40 years ago to a mainstay in the category that ships more than 70 items across the country and to Canada.The family-owned Santa Maria, CA, grower celebrates its 40th anniversary this year by highlighting the innovation that drives the company’s growth, and recognizing the work of its founders, current leadership and generations of employees.
Walmart names new chief legal officer
Erin Nealy Cox has been named Walmart’s next executive vice president of global governance, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Cox will assume responsibilities on April 13.
Andy Boy launches true baby Romaine hearts
D’Arrigo California launched Andy Boy Baby Romaine Hearts, naturally compact, non-hybrid Romaine hearts.As one of the premier grower-packer-shippers of Romaine hearts in North America, D’Arrigo California has built its reputation on disciplined growing practices, premium quality standards and dependable year-round supply. The introduction of baby Romaine hearts expands the company’s romaine portfolio while maintaining its premium hearts program.
USDA restricts PACA violators in Arizona, California and New York
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 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:
Bella Vista Produce ready to start spring sales with lettuce, celery
Bella Vista Produce, a grower, packer and shipper in Santa Maria, CA, is preparing for the start of its spring line-up of high-quality crops in late March.Bella Vista Produce offers lettuce, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, romaine, romaine hearts, leaf lettuce, Brussels sprouts and green cabbage.
Happy Yellow Day: A global floral celebration by Danziger
In the Northern Hemisphere, March 21 marks the official arrival of spring.In several South American countries, however, the date has already gained another meaning. It is widely celebrated as Yellow Flowers Day — a joyful tradition where people welcome the season of renewal by sharing yellow flowers with friends, partners and loved ones.At Danziger, a global breeder and producer of floral varieties, the company believes this uplifting tradition deserves to travel beyond its regional roots.
Windset Farms featured in mini-doc series
Windset Farms is featured in the Power Smart Champions Mini-Doc Series airing on Global TV this March. In 2025, Windset Farms received the Power Smart Champion Award for its commitment to energy conservation and innovation. In conjunction, BC Hydro released a doc-series showcasing innovative British Columbia businesses advancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
Calavo’s promotes value-driven avocado season
The 2026 California avocado season is underway and Calavo is optimistic about the outlook for the crop and retailing opportunities. The company reports that the season is shaping up quite well, with favorable growing conditions and solid demand expected to support the market through the spring and summer months.
AWG kickstarts 2026 with new products
AWG Brands, the private brands program of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., is adding 63 new items to its product portfolio in the first quarter of 2026. The curated rollout across the Best Choice, Superior Selections by Best Choice, Tippy Toes, TopCare and Simply Done brands reinforces the company’s commitment to providing independent retailers with quality, on-trend products that provide exceptional value.