WASHINGTON, DC - An administrative complaint has been filed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) against Pennsylvania-based Atlantic Frozen Foods. The complaint comes after the company’s alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

According to a release, the company allegedly failed to make payment promptly to six produce sellers in the amount of $1,176,084 from December 2021 through May 2023.

Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

Atlantic Frozen Foods will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

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

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The postharvest solutions space is heating up. AgroFresh Solutions recently announced its acquisition of Pace International, which includes Pace’s domestic and overseas operations.

“This acquisition enables us to take another important step toward our vision—to be regarded by customers as the post-harvest partner of choice. We are excited to bring the combined portfolios, technical expertise, and services of both companies to customers,” said Clint Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of AgroFresh. “Bringing together our two companies allows us to better address the complete needs of customers across a broad array of crops, markets, and at every step in the fresh supply chain, ultimately helping customers produce and deliver an abundant supply of quality fresh produce, sustainably.”

Pace International is known for manufacturing and supplying edible fruit coatings, fungicides, cleaners, and sanitizers, in addition to sustainable storage treatments and application equipment for fresh produce.

According to a press release, the acquisition of Pace bolsters AgroFresh’s presence in key fruit-growing regions in North and South America and further enables the company to support its global customers with quality and freshness solutions for high-value and highly perishable crops.

AgroFresh also noted that the addition of Pace better positions the company to address its customers’ needs through a full portfolio of products and capabilities.

We’ll keep you in the loop on all things produce, so stay tuned to ANUK.

CHARLOTTE, NC - Tax Day is almost here, on April 15, but it is always darkest before the dawn. Following the closure of tax season, Dole Food Company is breathing life back into us all by celebrating National Banana Day on April 17.

“If bananas along with pineapples are the heart and soul of Dole, then National Banana Day is Dole’s biggest chance to celebrate our mission and legacy and honor everyone who continues to make the Musa genus the most popular fruit in the world,” said William Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications for Dole. “And since this year’s holiday is part of the Dole 125^th Banana-versary, we want to make it a banana-lovers’ party for the ages.”

This year, Dole will celebrate the holiday with 10 days of contests, charity engagements, city proclamations, social media activations, employee events, and so much more. According to a release, these giveaways will spread across 13 of the company’s offices throughout the United States.

From April 11–20, the landing page for the Dole 125^th Banana-versary will feature a list of events and activities that will be updated throughout the celebration. It will also host downloadable resources created by Dole specially for the event.

April 17 also marks the in-store launch of the first of three sets of commemorative Dole 125^th Banana-versary stickers—featuring art saluting the people, the journey, the flavors, the earth, and the heritage of Dole—on millions of DOLE® Bananas across the United States and Canada.

The company is working with retailers throughout North America to bring National Banana Day and the Dole 125^th Banana-versary to shoppers through dedicated displays, point-of-purchase materials, and other in-store activations.

To learn more about Dole’s celebration, click here.

It’s time to help your shoppers get their banana celebration on by promoting Dole bananas and these events in your aisles!

WENATCHEE, WA - Dreaming of cherries already? We are too, especially after reading CMI Orchards’ latest news. The supplier announced that this summer it will be adding significant volume and expanded seasonal availability to complement its expansive cherry portfolio.

"By welcoming Starr Ranch into the CMI family, we're set to handle about 20 percent of all cherries grown in the Northwest," began Bob Mast, President of CMI Orchards."This isn't just a small step—it's a giant leap that increases our cherry supply by 70 percent and expands the time we are able to be in the market. We'll be able to start the season earlier and keep going later. This move positions us to become one of the strongest, most significant players in the cherry arena.”

Jim Thomas, Owner of Starr Ranch Growers, echoed these thoughts.

"This alliance brought together two distinguished companies to address market needs," he noted. "Retailers have been seeking earlier cherry availability and an extended season. By merging our strengths, we are now equipped to fulfill these requests, providing our customers with high-quality cherries throughout the entire Northwest cherry season."

With an impressive portfolio that includes hallmark varieties as well as its flagship American Dream® program, CMI has the offerings necessary for key holiday and summer promotions.

“We truly have a cherry for every shopper, every market, and every demographic,” Mast added. “And now, with our expanded seasonal availability, retailers can reap the rewards of cherry season for even longer.”

To speak on the seasonal estimate is Joel Hewitt.

“We had a few prolonged sub-zero days at the tail end of winter which impacted bud development in some regions, but the extent to which this impacted the crop is not yet known,” CMI’s Vice President of Sales explained. “The warmer spring days we’re having could push harvest ahead by a couple of days—time will tell. We’re hopeful for a stellar season ahead and encourage retailers to work with us on summer cherry plans well ahead of time–especially for American Dream July 4 promotions. Cherry season will be here before we know it!”

Hewitt also remarked on the Starr Ranch alliance.

“Having four advanced cherry packing operations means we can be more nimble and responsive to the needs of our customers, allowing us to run specialty packs and varieties in addition to our regular Red and Rainier cherry volume,” he added. “Hydro-cooling, tunnel cooling, next-generation optical sorting, robotic palletizers, automated packing lines—our owners have invested in the latest technology to help us deliver the very best quality we can. This commitment to excellence is what sets CMI apart and allows our delicious Northwest cherries to shine on the produce shelf.”

To learn more about CMI’s cherry program, please click here.

ANUK will be ready for the latest in all things cherry.

YUMA, AZ - A new Chief Executive Officer prepares to step into the role at Natural Delights®. Tim Rooney, the current CEO, has announced he will pursue other opportunities. Taking his place is Hector Altamira, who will assume the position on April 1.

“I am deeply honored to step into this new role,” shared Altamira. “Ensuring our tradition of excellence, I'm looking forward to fostering growth as we continue to grow, pack, and sell the world's finest Medjool dates.”

Throughout his tenure at Natural Delights, Altamira has played a pivotal role in various positions, most recently as the company's Chief Operations Officer. He possesses a deep understanding of the company's operations, and this positions him well to lead the company into its next chapter of success.

According to a press release, he made significant moves as COO. He spearheaded efforts to improve revenue return rates for growers, ensuring a sustainable business model. This allowed growers to reinvest in their operations, fostering continued growth and development in best global growing practices.

Ted Johnson, Chairman of the Bard Valley Date Growers Board, expressed his appreciation for Rooney and his excitement for Altamira.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tim for his invaluable contributions to the growth and success of the Natural Delights brand,” he noted. “With Hector at the helm, we are confident that Natural Delights will continue to thrive, delivering the highest quality Medjool dates to our customers worldwide."

Congratulations to Hector Altamira and a farewell to Tim Rooney. We wish you both the best!