WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four 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:

• Mexia RB Produce, operating out of Houston, Texas, for failing to pay a $27,409 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Roger Muartua Mejia was listed as the sole member of the business
• Three D Food Service, operating out of Secaucus, New Jersey, for failing to pay a $25,465 award in favor of a New York seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Daniel Rojas Perez was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business
• Triple H Produce, operating out of Pharr, Texas, for failing to pay a $27,987 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Heriberto Vlaminck Ley, Rosa Ley Lopez, Hugo Vlaminck Ley, and Heriberto Vlaminck Seidel were listed as the members of the business
• Consorcio De La Cruz, operating out of Miami, Florida, for failing to pay a $27,307 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Leonardo Radibelkys and Luz Maria De La Cruz were listed as the members 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 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.

OVIEDO, FL - Changes have recently taken place at Duda Farm Fresh Foods. The grower has announced changes to key positions in its Sales and Marketing team, tapping Jeff Goodale as Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, and Alan Ediger as Vice President of Sales.

“Alan is an excellent addition to our team,” shared Goodale. “He brings a tremendous amount of experience, a fresh perspective, and a disciplined approach that is already making Duda a better partner to our retail and foodservice customers. We are thrilled to have him join the team.”

Prior to this promotion, Goodale held several positions in his 19-year career with Duda Farm Fresh Foods, most recently as Director of Sales and Senior Director of Sales, Strategy, and Analysis, shared a press release.

As Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, Goodale will be responsible for managing the Duda Farm Fresh Foods leadership team’s collaboration in developing and implementing strategies that enhance market position, drive business expansion, and foster innovation.

“We are proud to have Jeff transition into his new role as Senior Vice President and look forward to his leadership in the areas of sales, marketing, and business development,” said Mark Bassetti, President. “Jeff has played an instrumental role in Duda’s success over these last two decades and will no doubt continue to be a huge asset.”

Stepping into his new role in sales leadership, Alan Ediger will report to Goodale. Nichole Towell will continue to lead marketing and e-commerce and take on additional responsibilities for new products.
 

Alan Ediger joined Duda in May as Vice President of Sales and has been working with Rick Alcocer over the last few months to ensure a smooth transition. Ediger came to Duda with extensive sales and business development experience in both the value-added and commodity sectors. Beginning his produce career with Fresh Express, Ediger later moved on to roles with Ready Pac Foods, Dole Fresh, and Dole Berry Company. Most recently, Ediger has held the position of Vice President of Sales for California Giant Berry Farms.

Responsible for leading Duda’s sales strategy for both commodity and value-added product lines, Ediger will work closely with the entire management team to align sales efforts to achieve company priorities, goals, and pipeline growth targets.

Congratulations to these leaders on their new roles!