WASHINGTON, DC - On Sept. 10, 2025, PDLA Inc, operating out of Commerce, Calif. and doing business as Primo Growers & Distributors, posted a $100,000 surety bond to employ Miriam Marquez, as required by the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). Ms. Marquez was an officer of LMS Distributors LLC in Los Angeles, Calif. when the company failed to pay multiple reparation awards issued against it.

Pursuant to the PACA, any PACA licensee wishing to employ an individual who failed to pay a reparation award or has been subject to a USDA disciplinary action must post a USDA-approved surety bond. USDA will hold the bond to provide assurance the licensee will conduct business according to the PACA and will pay any reparation awards that may be issued against it. If, at the end of a four-year period, there are no reparation complaints pending against the licensee, the bond can be terminated; if any reparations complaints are substantiated, they can be satisfied by the bond.

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

VINELAND, NJ - Consalo Family Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned grower, packer, shipper, importer, and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables, is proud to announce the addition of Morgan DiMartino and Jose N. Garcete to its leadership team as the company continues to expand its national footprint and diversify its operations.

Morgan DiMartino returns to Consalo Family Farms, where she began her career in logistics. For 4 years, DiMartino served as Logistics Manager for Consalo Family Farms, helping build the transportation department from a one-person operation into a fully structured, high-performing team. Her efforts were instrumental in establishing the logistics processes that continue to support the company’s growing supply chain today.

After her initial tenure at Consalo, DiMartino joined Effy Jewelry in New York City, managing high-value global shipments across the brand’s luxury cruise retail division. Her experience overseeing armored transport for fine jewelry and coordinating logistics for a constantly moving retail network strengthened her ability to lead under pressure — an asset she now brings back to the fast-paced world of produce.

In her new role as Vice President of Marketing, DiMartino will blend her operational expertise with her creative vision and deep understanding of the Consalo brand.

“There’s something very special in the works that we’re eager to share soon,” DiMartino said. “Consalo Family Farms has always been about innovation and relationships — and I’m thrilled to contribute to that legacy once again.”

Joining DiMartino is Jose N. Garcete, who has been appointed Logistics Manager. Garcete previously served as Import & Operations Manager at ICER Brands in New York City, overseeing large-scale import programs for licensed fashion brands including the NFL and NBA. He managed international supply chains from manufacturing to retail delivery, with a strong focus on compliance, timing, and efficiency.

At Consalo Family Farms, Garcete will oversee and manage the logistics operations. His background in international freight and process optimization will play a key role in driving the company’s continued operational excellence.

“Jose brings a fresh perspective and a data-driven mindset to our logistics operations,” said Skip Consalo, Owner and CEO of Consalo Family Farms, in the recent release. “His large-scale importing experience and precision in execution align perfectly with our mission to deliver quality, consistency, and service at every level.”

As Consalo Family Farms continues to scale as a vertically integrated leader in produce, these new appointments reinforce the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth.

LEAMINGTON, ON - Though the weather outside is frightful, the fresh produce is still delightful! With a full portfolio of greenhouse-grown offerings, Pure Flavor® provides its retail partners with dependable quality and consistency throughout the winter months.

“Our Pure Flavor® greenhouse-grown portfolio gives retailers a reliable edge during winter, when fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables are often limited,” shares Mike Glass, Director of Sales. “Controlled growing environments ensure consistent taste, vibrant color, and long shelf life, even in colder months. This consistency allows retailers to offer premium produce year-round, keeping shoppers engaged and confident in their purchases while driving repeat sales during a season when produce options are usually restricted.”

The winter season also presents an opportunity for retailers to shift consumer perception away from the idea that fresh, flavorful produce is a summer-only experience. Highlighting greenhouse-grown options through in-store displays, signage, and recipe ideas can help consumers see that winter meals can be just as vibrant and satisfying.

Demonstrations, sampling, and pairing suggestions can also play a role in reinforcing the quality and flavor found in the produce department year-round.

“Retailers can spotlight a variety of visually appealing and versatile items to drive engagement through early spring,” Mike advises. “Key options include Cherry Picked™— a premium medley of three hand-picked specialty tomatoes: Azuca, Tiki Tomatoes®, and OMG Tomatoes™— ideal for snacking, grazing boards, or quick meal prep. RedRoyals® cherry tomatoes on-the-Vine add vibrant color and flavor to salads, roasting, and platter presentations. Cloud 9® tomatoes are sweet, bite-sized grape tomatoes perfect for snacking, salads, appetizers, and adding bursts of flavor to dishes. Rocco Reds™ are a natural fit for comforting winter meals, bringing rich flavor to a warm soup night or adding a fresh, flavorful twist to a fun pizza night at home.”

One example is a seasonal display centered on “easy winter meals” or “weeknight favorites,” cross-merchandising tomatoes alongside other items like soup bases, pizza dough, cheeses, or fresh herbs. Retailers can further enhance the visual appeal by using color blocking to draw attention to vibrant reds and mixed varieties.

“The greenhouse-grown portfolio from Pure Flavor doesn’t just fill gaps in winter produce availability; it elevates everyday meals. Featuring simple meal callouts, such as soup night, pizza night, or grazing boards, helps shoppers visualize usage, while secondary placements near deli, bakery, or prepared foods reinforce convenience,” Mike continues. “Rotating featured items, adding recipe cards or QR codes with quick meal ideas, and incorporating signage that highlights consistency and flavor through winter can further encourage trial and repeat purchases.”

A symbol of the company’s consistent greenhouse-grown quality, Pure Flavor recently rolled out a refreshed brand identity designed to connect more clearly with today’s shopper. The recent rebrand includes clean, modern packaging that enhances shelf presence and makes it easier for consumers to quickly understand product benefits and usage.

“Paired with reliable flavor, vibrant color, and year-round availability, the updated look reinforces trust and premium positioning at shelf,” says Mike of the recent rebrand. “For retailers, this means stronger visual impact, clearer navigation within the produce department, and packaging that supports both discovery and repeat purchase, helping elevate the overall produce experience.”

With Pure Flavor’s premium greenhouse portfolio, retailers have the opportunity to positively influence consumers’ perceptions and reinforce produce as a fresh, year-round staple. For more industry news, leave a tab open to AndNowUKnow.

CINCINNATI, OH - What better way to venture into 2026 than with an in-depth view of the consumer trends and shopping behaviors expected to shape the year? With the release of the 2025 Consumer Digest from Kroger Precision Marketing powered by 84.51°, we gain a glimpse into consumers’ plans for 2026—and what advantages are being sparked for fresh produce.

As they set their goals for 2026 and beyond, 62 percent of consumers have revealed a desire to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, leading to obvious advantages in the fresh produce department. Other lifestyle changes that could be driving more department traffic include:

• 51 percent want to maintain a balanced diet in 2026
• 58 percent want to limit processed foods
• 59 percent want to limit added sugar

In making their nutritional choices, consumers noted the biggest factors are weight management (79 percent), heart health (74 percent), gut health (70 percent), and immune health (60 percent). This supports the idea that merchandising strategies that call out the numerous health benefits provided by fresh produce can be a key sales driver this year.

Food costs and lack of time are two of the main factors limiting shoppers from consuming a healthy diet, the report revealed. With effective promotions, time-saving recipes, and value-added solutions, retailers can keep fresh produce top of mind despite these shopper limitations.

Overall, one idea is predicted to ring true for 2026: “This year, consumers are investing in self-care and plan to back their resolutions with real spending.” With a clear competitive edge in the nutrition landscape, retailers and fresh produce providers have the opportunity to further increase demand as health and wellness reign supreme this year.

To view the full report, click here.

More industry news is on the way, so leave a tab open to ANUK!