EUROPE - Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry, has completed the acquisition of Syros, a Belgian-based manufacturer of avocado products serving the European food and service industry as well as retail sectors.

For over 30 years, Syros has been producing high-quality avocado-based products for major European supermarkets, restaurant chains, and meal box companies. The company supplies both private label and branded products with a focus on convenient, healthy, and sustainable food solutions.

Across its portfolio, which contains a wide range of guacamole varieties, there is a strong emphasis on the health and nutritional benefits of avocados, a press release stated.

Wim Destoop, Regional President Europe at Westfalia Fruit, commented: “This acquisition strengthens our value-added business in Europe and aligns perfectly with our growth strategy. Syros has been a trusted partner for many years, with Westfalia supplying a high percentage of their raw materials. Their commitment to quality and sustainability mirrors our own values, making this a natural next step for both companies.”

The integration with Syros will enhance Westfalia’s presence in the European market while maintaining the high standards both organizations are known for.

Pieter Casneuf, CEO of Syros, added: “For three decades, Syros has focused on 'making food happen' by providing flavorful, high-quality food in a sustainable way. Joining Westfalia, with whom we have worked together already for many years, will enable us to continue this mission with even greater capabilities and reach.”

Syros's operations and brands, including the professional market brand Syros and consumer market brand Wonky, will now become part of Westfalia. The acquisition also includes a significant private label development enterprise, which revolves around creating innovative concepts and recipes tailored to client requirements.

Westfalia operates in 17 countries across five continents. This latest development is part of an ongoing strategy to expand the company’s global presence while maintaining its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and responsible corporate citizenship.

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DENVER, CO - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 11 members to Potatoes USA’s Board of Directors. The appointees include nine producer members and one public member, who will serve three-year terms that expire Feb. 28, 2028. One producer member will serve a two-year term that expires on February 28, 2027.

The nomination process for board members is conducted annually. Candidates are proposed by the industry and are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture after a thorough review.

The Potatoes USA Board of Directors guides the organization’s efforts to promote and support the potato industry. The Board sets strategic goals and objectives for the organization and allocates resources to various marketing, research, and education initiatives. The Board also monitors these programs’ performance and adjusts them as necessary to ensure they are effective and impactful for the potato industry, including growers, processors and other stakeholders.

New Board Members

• Thomas Baker, Bakersfield, California
• Andrew J. Price, Center, Colorado
• Beth Rachut, St. Ansgar, Iowa (two-year term)
• Diane Szawlowski Mullins, Hatfield, Massachusetts
• Ben De Jonge, Manhattan, Montana
• Nathan Bender, Dyer, Nevada

Reappointed Board Members

• Alison Sklarczyk, Johannesburg, Michigan
• Pete Ewing, Big Lake, Minnesota
• Matthew Linehan, Guildhall, Vermont
• Jennifer Bunger, Pasco, Washington
• Norbert Bomm, Chicago, Illinois (Public Member)

More information about Potatoes USA’s board can be found at www.PotatoesUSA.com or on USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) National Potato Promotion Board webpage.

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WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it has invested a total of $119 million in Business Builder grants to support small and mid-sized farm and food businesses by funding projects that increase business viability, develop regional market opportunities, and expand value chain capacity.

The Business Builder grants are being offered through USDA’s 12 Regional Food Business Centers (RFBC) and is a part of their work to support a more resilient, diverse, and competitive food system by providing localized assistance to access local and regional supply chains, including linking producers to wholesalers and distributors.

“The Business Builder grants are enhancing the efforts of the Regional Food Business Centers to strengthen the middle of the supply chain and help small and mid-sized food businesses launch and expand their businesses,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “Business Builder grants further USDA’s goals to create a food system that fosters opportunities for everyone, from regional food businesses to rural economies.”

Recent Business Builder Announcements

Today’s announcement includes $25 million in Business Builder grants announced earlier this week that will be made available through the National Intertribal Food Business Center (NIFBC). The NIFBC’s Business Builder grant program supports small and mid-sized farm and food businesses across Indian Country. NIFBC, led by the Intertribal Agriculture Council, works to create new markets and expand current linkages throughout the supply chain, directing resources to food system revitalization efforts among American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The Center’s Business Builder program provides strategic investment to enhance economic opportunities in rural and remote areas not functionally reached by the other Regional Food Business Centers.

“The Intertribal Agriculture Council is proud to partner with USDA in bringing these critical resources to Tribal Nations and individual Native producers,” said Kari Jo Lawrence, Intertribal Agriculture Council CEO. “This opportunity not only supports economic growth but also strengthens Tribal sovereignty. It reinforces our commitment to preserving Tribal food systems and ensuring their vitality for generations to come."

Additionally, earlier this month, USDA announced $4 million in Business Builder grants to be made available through the Southwest Regional Food Business Center for businesses in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and California, a press release explained.

Upcoming Regional Food Business Center Announcements

Over the coming months, USDA will finalize Business Builder programs with six Regional Food Business Centers, adding to the six Business Builder Programs already launched in 2024. To date, $7.8 million has been made available through the RFBC Business Builder program, with $112 million in remaining funding to be awarded by December 2027 across the country.

Launching in 2025:

• Delta RFBC, Total Award Amount: $9.9 million
• Great Lakes Midwest RFBC, Total Award Amount: $6.8 million
• Islands and Remote Areas RFBC, Total Award Amount: $8.1 million
• Northeast RFBC, Total Award Amount: $15.9 million
• Rio Grande Colonias RFBC, Total Award Amount: $6.6 million
• Southeast RFBC, Total Award Amount: $6.1 million

To see the programs launched in 2024, click here.

In May 2023, USDA awarded $360 million to finalists to establish 12 USDA Regional Food Business Centers, including a National Intertribal Food Business Center, to provide essential local and regional food systems coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building. The 12 USDA Regional Food Business Centers provide financial assistance through their unique Business Builder programs to support farm and food businesses producing in, sourcing from, and focused on local and regional markets. Business Builder grants are for small and mid-sized food and farm businesses, including agricultural producers, processors, aggregators, distributors, and other businesses within each center’s region.

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