USDA restricts PACA violators in Arizona and California
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and for 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:
Mamey from Tierra Suelta brings Latin favorite to tropicals department
Tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta announced a strong start to mamey sapote season with promotable volumes of high-quality product. The Latin American specialty fruit, long cherished by shoppers of Caribbean descent, is growing in popularity across the United States.
Texas produce industry celebrates legacy and leadership at 2026 Hall of Fame
The Texas International Produce Association recently hosted the 2026 Texas Produce Hall of Fame at the Mission Events Center, drawing nearly 300 industry members, partners and guests.Held every two years, the Texas Produce Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, service and vision have left a lasting mark on Texas agriculture and the broader produce community.
New York firm obtains PACA license following bankruptcy
Smallhold Inc., operating out of Brooklyn, NY, has posted a $50,000 surety bond with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The company was required to post the bond under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act following its involvement in a bankruptcy. The company posted the bond as a prerequisite for obtaining a new license to operate in the produce industry.
Tops Friendly Markets celebrates Supermarket Employee Appreciation Day
Tops Friendly Markets is eager to celebrate Supermarket Employee Appreciation Day, observed annually on Feb. 22. This day recognizes the dedication, professionalism, and lasting impact of supermarket associates, whose work not only supports local economies but also provides meaningful, long-term career opportunities across the communities Tops serves.For decades, Tops associates have been the driving force behind the company’s success. Their commitment to service, teamwork, and care for customers has shaped the welcoming shopping experience guests rely on every day.
Chair Rob Yraceburu leads Western Growers into its 100th anniversary
Great leaders take many forms, but in agriculture, one could argue the best fit is someone who has lived and breathed the industry their entire life. They don’t just understand it—they are deeply passionate about it. Rob Yraceburu, president of Wonderful Orchards at The Wonderful Company, embodies this ideal, bringing expertise and unwavering dedication to his new role as chair of the Western Growers board of directors.
Steady improvement for offshore melons
With the offshore melon season in full force, the Melon Alliance consisting of Westside Produce and Classic Fruit reports steady improvement as production stabilizes following early seasonal challenges. During this season, the Alliance has continued to deliver consistent, high-quality melons while also reinforcing its commitment to its farms, partners and Fair Trade Certified practices.
Big Y donates 1 million meals
Big Y’s annual Sack Hunger campaign once again delivered a powerful show of community support, providing 1 million meals to food banks serving families across Massachusetts and Connecticut. The milestone reflects the collective generosity of customers, employees and partners who stepped up during the critical holiday season to help address food insecurity close to home.
Allen Lund Co. celebrates 50 years of business
The Allen Lund Co. celebrated its 50th anniversary as a transportation broker in the logistics industry Jan. 29.Since its founding in 1976, ALC has grown from a single-office operation to a global company with more than 40 branches moving freight worldwide."Allen Lund Co. was started so that our mom and dad could feed their kids," said Eddie Lund, president of ALC. "50 years later, it is a billion-dollar company that still has that family feel. It's a great accomplishment, and we are so proud of our people who have taken mom and dad's dream and made it a reality."
Company satisfies terms for alleged PACA violations
Last year the U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint alleging that Palumbo Foods LLC of Avondale, PA, failed to make full payment promptly in the amount of $1.18 million to nine sellers for multiple lots of produce purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.