WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed an administrative complaint against Fresh Crop Dist., Agritrade Farms, Sunbelt Produce Distributors, and ARR for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). Collectively, the four companies failed to pay a total of $128,399.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

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

• Fresh Crop Dist., operating out of Plant City, Florida, for failing to pay a $16,280 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Justin Daye was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business
• Agritrade Farms, operating out of Deerfield, Florida, for failing to pay a $2,985 award in favor of a Georgia seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Ayal Raz was listed as the sole member of the business
• Sunbelt Produce Distributors, operating out of Forest Park, Georgia, for failing to pay a $85,303 award in favor of a Wisconsin seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Bernard Syme was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business
• ARR, operating out of Nashville, Tennessee, for failing to pay a $23,831 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Carlos Arrendondo was listed as the sole member of the business

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

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Shortly after announcing its acquisition of Western Sky Produce, FreshEdge has continued the streak, welcoming another company to its distribution network. The family of fresh food distribution companies has announced its acquisition of Oklahoma-based Frontier Produce.

“Frontier Produce has established a solid reputation, and we are confident they will continue to build upon our company values centered around people, relationships, integrity, and focus on the customer,” said Steve Grinstead, Chief Executive Officer of FreshEdge. “We are proud to welcome them to our FreshEdge family.”

According to a press release, Frontier Produce has been providing premium-quality fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy, and specialty items to a vast assortment of foodservice establishments throughout the state of Oklahoma and southwest Missouri for the past three decades. This customer network includes restaurants, hotels, school systems, caterers, and more.

The company operates out of three facilities, with two in Tulsa and one in Oklahoma City. Together, the facilities boast over 80,000 feet of warehouse space. With the company joining the FreshEdge network, backed by Wind Point Partners, FreshEdge now operates more than 1.3 million square feet of warehouse space across 35 facilities with a fleet of more than 1,100 trucks.

“We gladly welcome Rob and Robin and their outstanding team to FreshEdge,” said Greg Corsaro, President and Chief Operating Officer of FreshEdge. “With a commitment to customer service at its core, Frontier Produce will be a great addition to our growing family of customer-obsessed companies.”

Through this strategic deal, Frontier aims to add value for its customers by offering unmatched customer service and a selection of the freshest produce on the market, the release stated.

“We are excited for this new opportunity,” said Rob DeWitt, President of Frontier Produce. “We remain committed to offering the same level of top-notch customer service and quality our customers have come to expect from Frontier Produce.”

This marks FreshEdge’s seventh acquisition since its investment from Wind Point Partners.

What will be the distribution company’s next expansion play? ANUK will certainly be here to report.

MONROVIA, CA - As it continues to work in the best interests of the produce industry, DECCO proudly announced that it achieved organic certification by organic certifier Oregon Tilth Organic Certification (OTCO) for its post-harvest coatings.

“We’re excited to achieve organic certification for our coating products,” said Marcus Dunning, Strategic Marketing Lead, DECCO US. “This certification not only confirms our efforts in producing sustainable and effective solutions but also reinforces our commitment to supporting organic agriculture. We look forward to continuing our work in advancing sustainable practices and delivering the highest quality products to our customers.”

According to a press release, this milestone underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and quality assurance in post-harvest solutions.

Due to this certification, DECCO is listed as an organic-certified operation in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic Integrity Database. With this listing, customers can rest assured that the coating from DECCO meets the strict requirements set by USDA.

Keep reading ANUK for the latest in industry happenings.

KINGSVILLE, ON - When Mastronardi Produce® debuted its greenhouse grown lettuce years ago, it took the category by storm, adding a wave of value for its partners and expanding the possibilities of what the SUNSET brand could do. As we approach the 2024 International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Foodservice Conference, the company is leveling up its leadership in the category once again, providing a thriving program for its partners across the buy-side.

“Our vision for the 2024 Foodservice Conference centers around optimal flavor, reliability of supply, and consistent availability,” Dean Taylor, Vice President of Business Development, shares with me. “We are highlighting greenhouse grown lettuce supplied in bags, trays, or in large format bags to fill the varying needs of our foodservice partners. Above all else, Mastronardi Produce wants to inspire people with flavor and provide incredible-tasting, fresh, greenhouse grown vegetables all year long. We want to help provide that WOW flavor experience with innovative and flavorful produce.”

Mastronardi is bringing a host of advantages for foodservice operators, allowing them to build menus and create a flavor experience for their customers that is best in class.

“By growing our produce in a protected and optimal environment, we can make sure we bring people the very best tasting fruits and veggies all year round. With our crops protected from animals, weather, and other conditions, we can focus on pushing the boundaries when it comes to flavor and new flavorful products—and on bringing you the most mind-blowingly tasty produce you’ve ever tried,” Dean details.

The company’s washed and bagged, greenhouse grown lettuce from Kentucky is available through its Backyard Farms® program, which emphasizes the importance of freshness, minimizes food miles, and ensures peak freshness.

"The convenience of washed and ready-to-eat, safe, and reliable supply cannot be overstated,” Dean expresses. “Choosing greenhouse grown products, such as Backyard Farms lettuces, provides our foodservice clients with a culinary solution as well as a dependable and secure supply year-round. The lettuce that we are featuring here at the Foodservice Conference is available in various pack sizes, including larger format bags, allowing each foodservice establishment to select what best suits their requirements and minimizes waste.”

In addition to the surety of quality supply, the ready-to-eat lettuce options also save time and effort for foodservice operators as it eliminates the need for washing, trimming, and preparing the lettuce before use.

“We understand the need not only for convenience but also a flavor that can be counted on so that the end consumer has a great eating experience,” Dean tells me. “Mastronardi Produce has a dedicated team with decades of foodservice experience, ensuring reliable programs delivered nationwide. This expertise underscores our commitment to exceptional customer service and along with an assurance in flavor and quality, sets us apart in the industry.”

To discover more about the Mastronardi Produce foodservice program, please visit booth #204 at the IFPA conference this week!

DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and beyond! Each of these categories is seeing a rise in opportunities as WINDSET FARMS® brings a robust organic portfolio to store shelves. We recently touched base with the greenhouse supplier to learn more.

"We're excited about the expansion of our organic program: a full line of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, all the snacking varieties in between," Matt Modena, Sales Manager, shares. "All 100 percent greenhouse grown, locally grown, brought to your doorstep."

Windset Farms has continued to fuel growth for its organic portfolio, seizing opportunities across a variety of categories. In addition, the supplier continues to capture consumer attention with its innovative, on-trend packaging developments and unwavering commitment to top flavor.

"We have a few new packaging items—eco-friendly, more compostable recyclable friendly packaging that's along with those trends today," Matt says before highlighting a key differentiator for the greenhouse grower. "What really sets us apart is our flavor profile, the varieties that we choose for that high degree brix, that super sweet taste, and just that quality and freshness overall."

Find out more with our exclusive video feature above.

For more exclusive supply-side insights, you know where to click!

DOWNEY, CA - It is an exciting time for the folks at Westlake Produce Company, which is accelerating its growth in terms of both volume and industry talent. As the company welcomes some of its newest sales leaders and celebrates new shipping locations in Texas, New Jersey, and Florida, I touched base with Brian Cook, Managing Director, to learn more about this period of rapid company growth.

“Following our successful launch into the Texas market, Westlake Produce Company's latest regional expansion includes new shipping locations in Vineland, New Jersey, and Miami, Florida,” he shared with me. “Adding these warehouses is crucial for several reasons. They are in strategic locations, reducing transportation time and costs by being closer to customers and key markets. Having additional storage facilities also allows us to control inventory, reduce risk, and ensure a steady supply of the freshest product. Most of all, establishing the new warehouses in these regions helps tap into local markets, expanding our company’s customer base and market reach.”

As Brian goes on to note, these strategic gains—along with increased employee growth—have significantly boosted productivity and extended the supplier’s customer reach, thus solidifying its market presence and operational capabilities.

Westlake Produce’s ongoing commitment to expansion is centered around increasing its market presence, improving distribution efficiency, and ensuring it continues to meet the needs of its customers with high-quality produce year-round.

“In addition to our focus on regional expansion and building out our exceptional team, we are looking to double down on our core business,” Brian adds. “Westlake is extremely excited for the summer with a 30 percent increase of imported citrus volume to supply our new and prospective customers. While we offer a breadth of fruit and vegetable offerings, we love the excitement around our seasonal offerings, like Daisy tangerines which are running from mid-July to mid-August.”

In addition to bolstering its operational capabilities and volume, Westlake Produce is also fortifying its sales team, welcoming multiple new members into the fold.

Mike Wait recently joined the Westlake Produce Company team, playing a significant role in managing and expanding the company's sales operations on the East Coast. With extensive experience in the produce industry, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.

Based in Texas, Amy Johnson has also joined as a sales professional for Westlake. Backed by over 20 years of industry experience, she will play a crucial role in driving sales and maintaining customer relationships.

Cheers to both Amy and Mike on their newest roles, and to Westlake Produce Company for this impressive era of evolution!

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