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). 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 the USDA.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

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

• FP & H, doing business as Fleischmanns Produce, operating out of Doral, Florida, for failing to pay a $30,345 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jesus Menendez was listed as the sole member of the business
• J.A. Blurr Farms, operating out of Hurlock, Maryland, for failing to pay a $23,588 award in favor of an Arkansas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Shamar T. Hyatt was listed as the manager and member of the business
• H&L Fresh Produce, operating out of South Sioux City, Nebraska, for failing to pay a $4,131 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Lusio Torres was listed as the manager 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.

The 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.

UNITED STATES - Trader Joe’s ambitious expansion blueprint has continued to take root since our last update on the chain’s network at the beginning of this month. The company is further extending its reach with a variety of new locations spanning California, South Carolina, Nevada, Texas, and more.

Trader Joe’s recently celebrated the opening of the following locations:

• Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
• Vancouver, Washington
• Sugar Land, Texas
• Coppell, Texas
• Leesburg, Virginia
• South Pasadena, California
• Sparks, Nevada
• Salt Lake City, Utah

The retailer has more locations slated to open soon, including stores in Northridge, California, according to the company's website.

Stay up to date on the latest retail expansions with updates from ANUK.

FARMINGDALE, NY - Recognized for a 90-year legacy and strong dedication to service, resilience, and its communities, Bushwick Commission is celebrating a prestigious designation. The fourth-generation veg supplier was recently honored as a historic business by the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.

“We are deeply honored to be named to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry,” shared Bushwick Commission Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ken Gray. “This award would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of those who came before us. We carry their legacy with us every day as we continue to serve our customers and community.”

The award—which recognizes businesses with a long-standing history of contributing to their local communities—was recently marked by a Proclamation presented by New York State Assemblyman Steven Stern, a press release shared.

“For nearly nine decades, they have remained committed to being a leader and not only growing and supplying fresh produce but being a pillar in their community with regular donations to communities in need, including the Island Harvest Food Bank and the VA hospital,” Assemblyman Stern wrote in his letter of support.

Bushwick Commission began its legacy as a modest produce stand with pushcarts in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Since then, the company has expanded to be a substantial supplier of potatoes and other vegetables to the entire Atlantic seaboard. While pursuing this growth, the company has remained true to its founding principles and upheld an unwavering commitment to quality produce, exemplary customer service, and community contribution.

As the release went on to note, this recognition not only celebrates Bushwick Commission's rich history but also underscores its ongoing role in shaping New York’s agricultural and business landscape.

Cheers to 90 years of success! Keep reading ANUK as we report on the next 90 more.

LOS ANGELES, CA - I know consumers are hungry for Lemonade™ apples, and that is just what they will get. As the 2024–25 domestic season prepares to kick off, Giumarra Companies announced a joint initiative with Capital City Fruit to offer nationwide online delivery of Lemonade apples. Starting November 1, consumers across the 48 contiguous states will be able to purchase the apples directly through Capital City Fruit's online platform, Fresh Cart Produce.

“Consumers contact us daily asking where they can buy Lemonade, and we are thrilled to offer an online solution if the apple is not available in their local market,” said Jason Bushong, General Manager, Wenatchee for Giumarra. “As we continue to increase our volume, we look forward to delighting Lemonade fans everywhere and expanding the variety’s following with future online promotions.”

The specialty Lemonade packs will be shipped with care to maintain peak freshness, a press release ensured. The collaboration aims to meet growing consumer demand for Lemonade apples—a bright, sweet-tart variety known for its refreshing flavor and satisfying crunch.

Capital City Fruit and Giumarra have maintained a 15-year alliance, working together to supply fresh avocados, tomatoes, and other produce to customers, namely in the Midwest region. This online initiative highlights a shared commitment to delivering high-quality fresh fruit to customers nationwide.

“We are committed to new variety development and innovation, including how we deliver fresh produce to consumers,” said Kristina Lorusso, Vice President, Retail Partner Services for Giumarra. “Our trusted relationship with Capital City Fruit allows us to leverage their expertise and infrastructure to grow our businesses while, most importantly, expanding access to fresh produce for consumers nationwide.”

Giumarra will promote the new offering via its Lemonade apple website and offer a special discount code for website visitors. Both companies look forward to expanding their online offering with specialty products in the future.

“Reaching consumers through online channels is becoming increasingly important to our business,” said Brent Addison, Senior Executive Management Associate and Director of Sales and Marketing for Capital City Fruit. “We are excited to partner with a like-minded company in Giumarra to bring some of its key products to a new customer base while driving growth in our online operations.”

For more industry collaborations, ANUK has you covered.