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:

• Godawi Produce, operating out of Los Angeles, California, for failing to pay a $4,947 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Clara Plancarte and Wilfrido Ramos Lopez were listed as the members of the business
• Savannah Seafood Delivery, operating out of Savannah, Georgia, for failing to pay a $92,088 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, An Lin Ruan was listed as the member of the business
• Tabasco Produce, operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $3,008 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Francisco M. Gaspar was listed as the 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.

MONTEREY, CA - PRO*ACT is using a freshly revamped website to communicate its message, services, and company values to current and potential partners, announcing the launch of a brand-new site. As the company focuses on connecting different parts of the supply chain to provide optimal value and convenience to clients, the new website aims to highlight PRO*ACT’s industry expertise, commitment, innovation, reliability, and professionalism.

"We are excited to launch our new website, which reflects our dedication to providing exceptional service and value to our clients and partners in the fresh produce industry," said Chip Walker, Chief Executive Officer. "Our revamped website will help showcase our commitment to efficiency, simplicity, and value while delivering consistency, food safety, higher quality, and exceptional service to our customers."

The fresh produce solutions provider’s mission is to deliver industry-leading fresh produce solutions with unparalleled service and expertise to meet the unique needs of its partners, a press release explained. The newly refreshed site aims to appeal to potential clients and global suppliers and distributors that are seeking a streamlined supply chain and access to fresh produce from third-party-inspected distribution centers across North America.

PRO*ACT pursues its mission by creating optimal economic value for foodservice operators, grower/shippers, and distributors, synchronizing their collective needs in a streamlined supply chain system, the release stated.

Explore the new site for yourself here!

As more industry updates come to light, ANUK will relay the latest.

VERO BEACH, FL - A new wealth of experience is being added to Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet’s deciduous category development. The citrus savant recently named Justin Ruta as its new Deciduous Commodity Manager, boasting an extensive background in the produce sector that will be instrumental in elevating Seald Sweet's growth strategy.

"I am honored to be part of Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet, a company with a rich history and a strong reputation in the global produce industry. The opportunity to leverage my experience and contribute to the growth of the company is incredibly exciting. I look forward to working with the talented team at Seald Sweet to drive our go-to-market and sourcing strategies and deliver exceptional value to our customers," said Ruta.

According to a press release, Ruta’s career in the produce industry spans several years, and his deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic vision will be pivotal as Seald Sweet continues to enhance its deciduous program. In his role as the Commodity Manager, Ruta will be responsible for overseeing the entire category, from sourcing and procurement to marketing and sales.

The new Commodity Manager will work closely with growers to ensure the highest quality produce and maintain strong, collaborative relationships. Additionally, Ruta will engage with retail partners to develop tailored programs that meet market demands and drive sales growth. His strategic approach will help Seald Sweet continue to deliver exceptional value and service to both growers and retail partners, while strengthening its position in the market.

"We are thrilled to welcome Justin Ruta to our team, his expertise will play a critical role in advancing our programs. We are confident that his leadership will bring new energy and direction, his appointment illustrates our commitment to fostering innovation and growth in this vital category," stated Mayda Sotomayor, Chief Executive Officer.

Congratulations to Justin Ruta!

OXNARD, CA - Most of the times I’ve tried new foods have been sitting at a restaurant, fully trusting the chef, and letting them lead the way to deliciousness. This is a trait Mission Produce™ knows well of its consumers too, as the avocado and mango grower prepares to showcase perfectly ripened avocados and mangos, with samples of Peruvian Avocado Toast and Mango Panna Cotta, at the International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA) Foodservice Conference.

"The foodservice sector is a catalyst to food innovation, often introducing consumers to their first taste of new flavors and ingredients—and at Mission Produce, we know the quality of those ingredients is the foundation of creating a positive dining experience,” said Galen Johnson, Senior Director of Sales, Foodservice and Wholesale. “That’s why we're committed to delivering the world’s finest avocados and mangos, expertly ripened and ready for preparation. As masters in the art of ripening, our partners count on our custom ripe programs for fresh fruit delivered seven days a week. And at this year’s Foodservice Conference, we’re looking forward to sharing our insights on the value that both avocados and mangos can bring to the menu, as well as look at ripe program opportunities for restaurants, hospitality, business dining, and schools.”

Did you know that a majority of consumers, 97.2 percent according to a release, will pay more to include avocados in their dish? And when it comes to mangos, the mention of “mango” on menus in the United States has grown by 7 percent in the last four years, now mentioned on 42 percent of U.S. menus.

“Avocados and mangos are versatile ingredients with significant opportunities to be incorporated across more of the menu,” added Johnson. “Both offer unique textures and flavors, as well as important health benefits. So, we’ll be sampling both expertly ripened avocados and mangos to showcase the quality of our fruit and to inspire more avocado and mango culinary creations.”

With Mission’s focus on ripened avos and mangos to the right stage, a customer-tailored ripening program is available and provides order flexibility. This includes daily deliveries, last-minute order changes, and multi-stage shipments.

Visit Mission Produce at the Foodservice Conference to sample the Peruvian Avocado Toast and Mango Panna Cotta at booth #218!