OTTAWA, ON - Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is calling on the Government of Canada to consult with the industry on future plans to regulate packaging following a Federal Court of Appeal decision, which ruled in favour of the Government of Canada’s listing of plastic manufactured items under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

The Government’s previously proposed 2023 recycled content regulations and the Pollution Prevention Plan (P2P) Notice, published in 2023, were both enabled through the designation of plastic manufactured items (PMI) as “toxic” under CEPA. As such, today’s ruling raises the risk that the federal government may return to the regulatory intentions it set out in 2023 – regulations which would significantly harm fresh produce supply chains in Canada.

“CPMA urges the government to fully consider the extensive industry engagement and consultations that have taken place over the past 20 months since the Federal Court of Appeal hearing in June 2024,” said CPMA President Ron Lemaire in the recent release.

“The Government must also take into account the findings of its own commissioned research, when determining next steps. Its 2024 and 2025 studies highlighted the essential role that functional, safe, and efficient packaging plays in protecting fresh produce, reducing food loss and waste, and maintaining affordability for consumers.”

CPMA strongly encourages the federal government to provide clarity as soon as possible on its intentions following today’s decision, and to engage closely with the industry to ensure that any regulatory actions arising from today’s decision do not impose undue harm on the fresh produce sector.

“Given the current North American and global trade environment, it is critical that today’s decision does not contribute to trade disruptions or result in negative impacts on food availability, affordability, and the reliability of fresh produce supply chains,” said Lemaire. “Ongoing uncertainty has already hindered investments in innovative packaging solutions, waste mitigation strategies, and other essential infrastructure, largely due to concerns that future federal plastics regulations could become overly restrictive or harmful to the fresh produce industry. Today’s decision must not exacerbate this uncertainty.”

CPMA will engage actively with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and federal officials to understand the government’s intentions following today’s ruling and will work closely with industry partners to help mitigate risks to the fresh produce supply chains arising from today’s Federal Court of Appeal decision.

SALINAS, CA - Church Brothers Farms announced that Omar Bobadilla has joined the company as Chief Strategy & Operations Officer (CSOO). Bobadilla brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the fresh produce supply chain, including manufacturing, agricultural sourcing, distribution, and engineering.

In this role, Bobadilla will focus on translating company strategy into disciplined execution across manufacturing operations and high-impact, cross-functional initiatives. He will partner closely with executive leadership and facility teams to align capital deployment, labor planning, and operational capacity in support of both retail and foodservice demand.

Bobadilla will lead the integration of the recently acquired Mann Packing retail operations in Gonzales, California while also driving enterprise-wide special projects and cross-facility initiatives critical to Church Brothers’ continued growth. This role is intentionally designed to evolve as initiatives mature and organizational needs develop.

Most recently, Bobadilla served as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Agricultural Operations at Bonduelle Americas, where he held full P&L responsibility for a large, multi-site organization spanning agricultural sourcing across the U.S., Mexico, and South America, as well as manufacturing operations in California, New Jersey, and Georgia. During his tenure, he delivered sustained operational improvements across manufacturing efficiency, labor planning, agricultural sourcing, plant performance, and logistics—resulting in meaningful cost reductions, improved service levels, and stronger execution across the enterprise.

Prior to Bonduelle, Bobadilla held senior leadership roles at Dole Fresh Vegetables, including Plants Site Director and Director of Cooling Operations, where he led multi-state operations, workforce management, capital investment programs, and safety and performance improvement initiatives. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Young’s Market Company, Dole Berry West, and Granite Construction, building a strong foundation in operations, engineering, and supply chain execution.

“This industry has been a passion of mine for more than two decades, and Church Brothers Farms represents the kind of values-driven organization I’m proud to be part of,” said Bobadilla in the recent release. “I’m looking forward to helping shape the company’s next phase of growth and working with the team to realize potential across operations, people, and Church Brothers as a whole.”

Bobadilla will report directly to Brian Church, Chief Executive Officer, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to Vince Brigantino, President of True Leaf Farms, who will serve as a mentor as Bobadilla assumes expanded responsibility across manufacturing operations and key operational initiatives. This role carries broad enterprise accountability and is designed to strengthen execution discipline, operational alignment, and scalable growth across the company.

“Omar’s role is intentionally enterprise-focused,” said Vince Brigantino, President of True Leaf Farms, a subsidiary of Church Brothers. “I’ll be working closely with him to provide perspective and continuity as he leads cross-facility initiatives, supports key integrations, and drives operational alignment across the business. This mentorship is designed to strengthen execution today and build leadership capacity for the future.”

“Omar brings the operational discipline and breadth of experience needed at this stage of our growth,” said Brian Church, CEO of Church Brothers Farms. “This role is designed to evolve, and Omar will play a key role in advancing execution, alignment, and long-term capability across the organization.”

Bobadilla holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is fluent in English and Spanish.

For more information about the company and its products, visit ChurchBrothers.com.

MUNICH, GERMANY - IFCO has launched Thriving with Purpose, its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy through 2030, outlining how the company is embedding sustainability, innovation, and accountability into every part of its global business.

Building on IFCO’s long-standing circular foundation, Thriving with Purpose translates environmental, social, and governance priorities into long-term value creation. At IFCO, sustainability is not a standalone initiative—it is built directly into the company’s business model and operational approach.

The 2030 strategy reflects the evolution of IFCO’s ESG journey, moving from establishing strong circular systems to embedding purpose, impact, and accountability across the organization. This includes how the company reduces carbon emissions, manages waste, supports responsible resource use, and strengthens resilience across the supply chain.

As part of the strategy’s rollout, IFCO is highlighting how Thriving with Purpose is already taking shape across the business. This includes expanded thought leadership, deeper collaboration with customers, continued digital transformation, and a clear set of ESG goals guiding decision-making and action through 2030.

IFCO’s Thriving with Purpose strategy represents the next phase of its sustainability journey, focused on scaling what works, deepening measurable impact, and creating shared value for customers, communities, and the planet.

Read more about the company's ESG strategy here.

UNITED STATES & MEXICO - The watermelon market is firming as supplies remain limited through Mexico crossings at Nogales, Arizona, and Texas, according to the USDA’s National FOB Review on January 28, 2026. Demand continues to exceed available supply in key shipping points, supporting steady-to-higher pricing across several pack sizes, particularly for seedless and miniature varieties.

At Nogales, Arizona, supplies of 4s and 5s cartons are reported as very light, with harvest activity curtailed due to wet field conditions. Miniature watermelons are seeing moderate demand, while pricing has moved slightly higher as availability tightens. Quality and condition vary across lots, and supplies are held by relatively few shippers.

Red flesh seedless miniature watermelons through Nogales are reported at $12.00–$14.95 for 6-count cartons, mostly $12.00–$14.00. Eight-count cartons are priced at $12.00–$14.95, mostly $12.00–$14.00, while 9-count cartons are trading at $10.00–$12.00. Red flesh seedless type cartons are moving at higher levels, with 4s and 5s reported at $33.95–$36.95, mostly $33.95–$35.95. Supplies of 24-inch bins across approximately 36-, 45-, and 60-count packs remain insufficient to establish a consistent market.

Through Texas crossings, demand continues to outpace supply, keeping the market steady. Red flesh seedless watermelons packed in 24-inch bins are reported at $287.00–$322.00, mostly $308.00–$322.00, across approximate 36-, 45-, and 60-count sizes, with occasional higher prices noted. Limited availability continues to support current pricing levels despite a wide range in quality and condition.

Check ANUK for continued updates on pricing and movement across key shipping points.

DALLAS, TX - Monterey Mushrooms, the premier vertically integrated mushroom grower in the United States, is excited to announce its newest brand ambassadors: a trio of mushroom mascots designed to make it easier—and more fun—for consumers and employees alike to connect with recipes, nutrition, sustainability, and company culture.

With the launch of the Monterey Mushrooms Fungi Family, the company is embracing a more playful way to share what it does best: grow delicious, nutritious, and sustainable mushrooms—without taking itself too seriously.

“We take our mushrooms seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” said Lindsey Occhipinti, Monterey Mushrooms, Marketing Manager, in the recent release. “After years of growing fresh, quality produce, we decided it was time to give the mushrooms a voice. Three voices, actually.”

Meet the Fungi Family

Monty — The Brains

Occupation: Chief Fungi. Practical, cheerful, and full of wisdom, Monty is the grounded leader of the group. He’s all about facts without the fuss—sharing nutrition insights, cooking tips, and the fundamentals of mushroom quality. If you want dinner done right, Monty’s your guy.

Bellamina — The Energy

Occupation: Head Recipe Developer. Fast, flavorful, and always experimenting, Bellamina embodies the versatility of the Baby Bella. She believes mushrooms aren’t just a side dish—they’re the main event. From weeknight meals to bold culinary ideas, she brings the recipes, the heat, and the hustle.

Pattibella — The Star

Occupation: Sustainability Diva. A grand Portabella with a flair for drama and a deep love for the planet, Pattibella oversees sustainability. She may demand perfect lighting, but she delivers impeccable results—championing responsible growing practices, environmental stewardship, and food safety standards.

One big family. Three massive personalities.

They don’t always agree on how to run the show, but they all agree on one thing: mushrooms belong on every plate.

More Than Mascots

The Fungi Family isn’t just about fun visuals. These mascots will help Monterey Mushrooms:

• Create a more engaging way to talk about recipes, nutrition, and sustainability with consumers
• Build brand connection across social media and digital platforms
• Strengthen internal culture through employee recognition, internal awards programs, town hall meetings, and company events
• Promote people safety and food safety with memorable, approachable messaging
• Foster morale, teamwork, and a sense of shared identity across farms, facilities, and offices

To celebrate the launch, Monterey Mushrooms is also introducing mascot plushies, reinforcing the family-friendly spirit of the brand and creating new ways to engage both employees and fans.

Coming to a Feed (and a Plate) Near You

The Fungi Family is officially rolling out across Monterey Mushrooms’ social channels, internal communications, and brand experiences starting now. Consumers are invited to meet the characters, pick a favorite, and follow along as the family brings a little chaos—and a lot of mushrooms—to the conversation.

Think Mushrooms, Think Monterey.

Come say hello and join the family.

• https://www.facebook.com/montereymushrooms/
• https://www.instagram.com/montereymushrooms/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/monterey-mushrooms