WASHINGTON, DC - Mission Driven Distributors LLC, operating out of Houston, Texas, has posted a $50,000 surety bond with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Pursuant to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) regulations, the company was required to post the bond following its principals’ involvement in bankruptcy. The company posted the bond as a prerequisite to obtain a new license to operate in the produce industry.

USDA will hold the bond for three years and nine months to provide assurance that the licensee will conduct business according to the PACA and will pay any reparation awards that may be issued against it in connection with the transactions occurring within the period the bond is held.

For further information, contact the PACA Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

WATSONVILLE, CA - California Giant Berry Farms is forecasting a bountiful harvest of California strawberries, signaling a season of high quality and promotable volumes. With production hitting its stride in key growing regions, the berry purveyor is prepared to meet surging consumer demand with a steady supply of both conventional and organic fruit.

The Santa Maria region is currently delivering strong production, characterized by strawberries with great flavor and vibrant color. Retailers should prepare for a significant volume surge as the region reaches its conventional peak between Week 14 and Week 19.

Notably, the organic harvest in Santa Maria is forecasted to hit its peak during Weeks 16 and 20, aligning with the conventional peak. This synchronization provides a unique opportunity for retailers to run simultaneous promotions across both categories, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences during the critical spring window. This sustained output ensures that premium California strawberries remain a centerpiece for spring and summer holidays.

“We are seeing a strong influx of volume as Santa Maria reaches its full potential,” said Brad Peterson, Director of Business Development at California Giant Berry Farms, in the recent release. “With production hitting its stride and yields coming in strong, we are prepared to meet large-scale demand with a very robust and consistent high-quality supply of fresh strawberries.”

To maximize the impact of this peak of season strawberries, California Giant encourages retailers to implement aggressive promotional programs, including:

• Dynamic Merchandising: Utilizing high-visibility displays that showcase a variety of pack sizes to meet diverse household needs.
• Digital Engagement: Leveraging e-commerce and social media to highlight the "craveability" and health benefits of peak-season berries.
• Occasion-Based Marketing: Aligning Santa Maria’s volume with Easter, Mother's Day and other spring holidays. California Giant remains committed to delivering the best berry experience, providing a year-round supply that represents the highest standards of quality, consistency, and flavor.

SALINAS, CA - Too often, I hear “customized” for fresh produce the way I hear “couture” for fashion. As though it’s a luxury where the generic version will do just fine. But operations and ERP are so much more than buying off the rack versus a tailor-made fit.

Recently, Famous Software employed a multi-level scope to its contributions as a partner. The High Cost of Bad Data: Why Fresh Produce Needs a Single Source of Truth, in its simplest form, is about understanding the total cost of day-by-day decisions. Because the company’s ERP is built around and for produce, it can lean into the make-or-break nature of our industry that each day holds.

Can real-time data integrity improve a produce company’s bottom line? Yes, Famous says assuredly.

“Accurate cost inputs captured in real time allow companies to set prices that reflect current market reality rather than waiting for a periodic sync. This level of reliability is critical for protecting margins in an industry that is rapidly consolidating and becoming more complex,” the company wrote.

Evaluating everything from the right market quotes to the variables that can change as produce makes its journey from the field to the shelf, this breakdown of the sustainable business contributions a produce-specific tech partner offers is definitely worth a second read. Especially when seeking how to apply the knowledge that our industry is not one-size-fits-all.

To read the post in its entirety, click here.

SALINAS, CA - Naturipe Farms announced two leadership promotions and a key new hire within its Value Added Fresh division, reflecting the company’s continued investment in experienced leaders who can drive growth, innovation, and customer partnerships across the berry category.

Joe Klick has been promoted to Associate Vice President of Product Management at Naturipe Farms. Klick has been with the company for more than 15 years and has held multiple leadership roles across product and category management.

In his new role, Klick will oversee product strategy and portfolio development across Naturipe’s berry offerings, helping align innovation, supply, and customer needs while continuing to strengthen the company’s product management capabilities.

Brian Vertrees has been promoted to Senior Director of Business Development at Naturipe Farms. Vertrees, who joined Naturipe in 2011, has played a central role in the company’s commercial growth over the past decade, helping expand retail partnerships and strengthen category leadership across North America and Asia.

In his new role, Vertrees will continue to guide strategic retail programs and category initiatives for major national retailers while supporting the company’s broader commercial strategy.

“Joe and Brian have both played critical roles in the growth and success of Naturipe Farms,” said Jim Roberts, President of Naturipe Farms, in the recent release. “They are trusted leaders with deep industry knowledge and strong relationships across the supply chain. These promotions reflect the impact they’ve had on our business and the value they continue to bring to our growers, customers, and partners.”

The company also announced the addition of Samantha Carrico as Director of Business Development, East for Naturipe’s Value Added Fresh division.

In this role, Carrico will focus exclusively on Value Added Fresh products, including washed and ready-to-eat blueberries, and grab-and-go snack solutions. She will lead customer development and sales growth across retail, foodservice, and alternative channels while expanding the division’s customer base.

Carrico brings more than a decade of experience in finance, trade strategy, and customer development.

“We are excited to welcome Samantha to the Value Added Fresh team,” said Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager of Naturipe Value Added Fresh. “Her strong background in data-driven sales strategy and customer development will help us continue building momentum in the value-added snacking category.”

Together, the leadership promotions and new hire reinforce Naturipe’s commitment to strengthening its commercial capabilities while continuing to deliver premium berries and innovative snacking solutions to customers across North America.

SANTA BARBARA, CA - Healthy eating is more fun for kids when they get involved in the selection and preparation of foods that promote good health.

That’s the idea behind California Kids Cook, a new pilot program from CA GROWN and Gelson’s, designed to bring the “farm-to-store-to-fork-to-school” journey to life for local students.

“It is immensely important to educate — and engage with — our future shoppers,” said Cherie Watte, executive director of CA GROWN, in the recent release. “CA GROWN is thrilled to partner with Gelson's and the Ojai Pixie growers — and Franklin Elementary and the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast — to offer this unique experience connecting Santa Barbara youth with the people who produce, sell, and prepare California agricultural products.”

Indeed, California Kids Cook links farmers, grocers, schools/youth organizations, and families through immersive experiences that show kids exactly where their food comes from — and what to do with it once they get home. Students learn how California fruits and vegetables grow, strategies to shop thoughtfully for seasonality, budgets, and how to confidently prepare simple, fresh dishes featuring local produce.

"Supporting our California growers, communities, and healthy eating have always been cornerstones of Gelson's, so we are thrilled to see these pillars come to life through the California Kids Cook program,” said Rich Almanza, director of produce for Gelson’s, a leading Southern California retailer.

Participating students from the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Franklin Elementary School will step into the shoes of an Ojai Pixie grower — a program managed by Melissa’s Produce — before heading into the store for culinary demonstrations, tastings, and a scavenger hunt–style shopping challenge. Armed with a Pixie-inspired recipe — and a Gelson’s gift card — they’ll select their own ingredients, learning firsthand how to navigate the grocery aisles with purpose.

“We are delighted CA GROWN and Gelson’s are giving our Girl Scouts a unique and fun opportunity to earn the Power of Produce badges with the farm tour and store activities,” said Erin Mayo, director of mission delivery for Girls Scouts of California’s Central Coast. “We want our young girls to form positive memories — and lifelong skills and habits — and opportunities like CA Kids Cook are critical for that development.”

Back in the kitchen, Gelson’s in-house chef, Tony Dang, will bring the ingredients to life, preparing the featured recipe plus two additional Ojai Pixie dishes. Along the way, he’ll share practical tips on kitchen safety and ways to make fresh, locally grown ingredients more delicious and exciting.

Students will then take their ingredients and recipe home to recreate the dish with their families, extending the lesson beyond the store. CA GROWN will continue collaborating with Franklin Elementary and the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast to build on the program’s momentum.

"Experiences like this are incredibly important for our students because many children don’t get the opportunity to see where their food comes from or interact with fresh ingredients in a meaningful way,” said Elizabeth Vazquez, culinary program lead at Franklin Elementary.

“When students can touch the soil, see fruits and vegetables growing — and then learn how to cook with them — it creates a powerful connection to their food. Our goal at Franklin is to build on that experience through our school garden and future culinary program, teaching students to ‘eat the rainbow,’ understand sustainable growing practices and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime for them and their families.”

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Produce Moms® announced that its Founder & CEO, Lori Taylor, has been selected as an official judge for the World Food Championships’ elite culinary event, Final Table, taking place April 17-19, 2026, in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Taylor’s selection reflects her long-standing leadership in the fresh food and produce industry, as well as her role as a trusted voice in how consumers experience food, from sourcing and storytelling to everyday meal inspiration.

"I'm excited for the adventure," she said in the recent release. "These are very talented chefs who own the independent restaurants that make our communities great. They are the ones who are enriching people's lives and it's really great to see them celebrated on a national stage."

Taylor's participation underscores the growing connection between competitive culinary excellence and consumer-driven food movements, particularly the increasing demand for fresh, accessible, and produce-forward meals.

Through her work with The Produce Moms®, Taylor has consistently championed fresh fruits and vegetables as the foundation of everyday meals, working alongside growers, retailers, and industry partners to make produce more approachable and accessible for families. Her mission to get more fruits and vegetables on every table continues to guide her efforts, from consumer education and brand partnerships to national media appearances and advocacy initiatives.

“No chef wants to walk into a kitchen without fresh produce,” said Mike McCloud, Founder and CEO of World Food Championships. “Fresh ingredients bring depth of flavor, vibrant color, and give chefs more options to build balanced, award-winning dishes. At the highest level of Food Sport competition, that versatility matters, allowing chefs to showcase creativity and execute at their best.”

Joining Taylor at the judges table are Chef Casey Higgins, Sr. Director of Brand Experience for Sam’s Club/Member’s Mark; Grand Champion Pitmaster Todd Johns of Yoder Smokers; Chef Marshall Shafkowitz, Executive Director of Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food; Executive Chef Micah Klasky of The Hive Bentonville; Chef Tim Ordway, Associate Director of Culinary Operations at Crystal Bridges Museum.

Final Table represents the highest level of food sport competition, where world champions compete in a three-round culinary gauntlet for a $100,000 grand prize. Taylor will join the judging panel to evaluate dishes through a lens that emphasizes flavor, creativity, and the meaningful integration of fresh ingredient.