UNITED STATES - We’ve been following the updates regarding Kroger and Albertsons since the two first announced the merger. The most recent update came Thursday after both companies agreed to temporarily pause the proposed $25 billion merger.

According to a report from FOX Business, Kroger and Albertsons agreed to a temporary injunction that puts the merger on hold while a lawsuit filed by Colorado plays out. The move negates the need for a preliminary injunction hearing that had been scheduled to occur next month.

A Kroger spokesperson speaking with FOX Business issued the following on behalf of the two companies.

“Today's decision is welcome news as it eliminates the need for a preliminary injunction hearing in Colorado that was previously scheduled to begin August,” the statement reads. “We look forward to defending in court how the combination of Kroger and Albertsons will provide meaningful, measurable benefits, including lower prices, and more choices for families across the country, and more opportunities for stable, well-paying union jobs.”

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued a statement regarding the decision.

“The trial is set to begin on September 30 and my office looks forward to making the case that this merger will eliminate competition and impact food prices, jobs, and consumer choice,” Weiser commented. 

As the story develops, ANUK will continue to cover. 

CARMEL, IN - Bringing over 60 years of combined industry experience, Forza Logistics Group eagerly announced the addition of four seasoned professionals to its executive team, further strengthening its strategic expansion plans.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ben, Chris, Tyler, and Sorav to our team,” said Nick Mascari, Founder. “Their combined expertise and innovative approach align perfectly with our vision to transform the logistics industry. Having spent my entire career on the produce distribution and grower-shipper side, I recognized a gap in the industry that needed filling.”

These appointments will further strengthen Forza Logistics Group’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and reliability, mentioned a press release.

Here are the key appointments:

• Ben Kowalski - Joined as President and brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the freight industry
• Chris Jacobs - Appointed as Vice President of Sales. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Jacobs will spearhead the company’s sales strategy
• Tyler Grube - Stepped in as Director of Operations, adding operational acumen and industry insights pivotal in streamlining Forza’s logistics processes
• Sorav Singh - Joined in a Sales and Operations role adding significant experience and strategic perspective. Singh’s focus will play a critical role in both customer acquisition and operational excellence

“We yearned for a logistics partner who didn’t just understand the complexities of our business but elevated it to new heights,” Mascari added. “With this team, we are confident in our ability to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.”

With a focus on ensuring robust growth, customer satisfaction, and overall efficiency, this team is poised to take Forza Logistics Group to the next stage of success and innovation.

Big congrats to the new execs from ANUK!

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it has imposed sanctions on United Vegetable Produce of Brooklyn, New York, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions include barring the company and its principal operator from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

United Vegetable Produce failed to pay $100,025 to two sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from September 2017 to February 2020. This is in violation of the PACA. United Vegetable Produce cannot operate in the produce industry until June 21, 2026, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Yu Xian Miao, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until June 21, 2025, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For contact information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

WASCO, CA - What’s next in the world of table grapes? Industry members got a sneak peek on July 11, 2024, during Sun World International’s Early Season Table Grape Field Day at its Center for Innovation in Wasco, California. The Sun World team unveiled “What’s Next” in varietal/cultivar development and introduced the corporate brand's refreshed identity.

“Sun World International is making significant investments in our partnership with growers and retailers to bring higher-yield, easier to grow, and more sustainable varieties to growers’ vineyards while focusing on the characteristics, quality, and brands that consumers are searching for,” said Jennifer Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing. “As a breeder and former grower, Sun World brings a grower’s perspective to new varietal development, understanding that we must combine grower benefits with consumers’ preferences to successfully bring a new variety or brand to market.”

The Early Season Field Day offered a behind-the-scenes look at the work taking place to develop and introduce consumer-inspired and grower-friendly table grape varieties. The primary goal is to enable producers, marketers, and retailers to increase sales by delivering retailers and consumers a high-quality, delicious, and consistent eating experience. The annual event hosted over 200 grower licensees, retailers, and media partners, according to a press release.

Sun World’s licensed partners were given an opportunity to see current commercial varieties along with new varieties being evaluated as part of the product pipeline in both commercial vineyards and in Sun World’s test block.

“Attending the Sun World Late Season Field Day allows me to build relationships with other growers and licensees as well as learn practical and technical information vital to my business,” said Lara Kirsten, Sustainability and Compliance Manager at JD Kirsten (Pty) Ltd.

The marketing team also offered insights into the recent corporate brand refresh and how it is interwoven into their strategic plans for the future. The updated website highlights the team’s commitment to helping licensees and growers stay ahead of the curve. Sun World is also launching a new way to easily access all materials through an information-sharing platform.

The Sun World team also shared an update on the planting growth plans for the Sugrafiftythree variety, the first variety to be sold under the RUBY RUSH® brand.

Sun World will host its Late Season Field Day on August 21. Stay tuned for more updates!

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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 (PACA).

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

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.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Villalobos Produce Distributors, operating out of Chula Vista, California, for failing to pay a $16,910 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Andrea Villalobos and Rogelio Chavez-Borbon were listed as the officers, directors, and major shareholders of the business
• Hialeah Tomatoes & Fresh Produce, operating out of Miami, Florida, for failing to pay a $95,610 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Helen Oliveira and Jorge Gonzalez were listed as the officers, directors, and major shareholders of the business
• Go Fresh, operating out of Dallas, Texas, for failing to pay a $3,000 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, George Carbajal was listed as the sole member of the business

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For contact information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.