LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - Celebrating half a century in the transportation and logistics arena is no small feat, and Kenny Lund, the Executive Vice President of Allen Lund Company (ALC), is marking the occasion with gratitude, momentum, and a clear vision for the road ahead. As he reflects on the history and heart behind the organization, he places people and purpose at the center.

“We're turning 50 years old. What an amazing 50 years it's been,” Lund says. “We are so blessed with so many great employees, [a] great system, fabulous customers and carriers, and we are really going strong with our Acts of Kindness.”

Those Acts of Kindness, he explains, have become an integral part of the company’s culture. What began as individual efforts within departments has grown into a company-wide movement.

The year ahead will include visits to offices nationwide, celebrations with teams, and a deeper focus on delivering exceptional service. Kenny emphasizes that the best way to honor the past is through meaningful action in the present.

“We're going to be around to all of our offices. We're going to do some celebration, but we really want to celebrate by just providing tremendous service to all our customers through expanding our business and to helping you move product all over this great land.”

Watch the full video above for the complete message.

TUBAC, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) held its Annual Membership Meeting the first Tuesday of November, bringing members together to reflect on a year marked by active advocacy, strong industry engagement, and continued growth. The meeting offered FPAA members the opportunity to review accomplishments, discuss strategic priorities, and elect new leadership for the upcoming term.

The agenda opened with an in-depth review of FPAA’s work across Arizona, Washington, and Mexico, highlighting the association’s efforts to safeguard produce trade, advance key policy initiatives, and strengthen collaboration with government agencies and industry partners. Members received updates on FPAA’s Arizona legislative activity, federal engagement, cross-border trade issues, and the association’s role in shaping major regulatory discussions throughout the year.

FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer presented his annual report, covering recent FPAA accomplishments across the border and updates on planning for SWIPE 2026. Members also received reports on operational initiatives and the association’s priorities heading into the next year.

Board Elections

Members elected the following Distributor Board Members, who will serve new two-year terms:

• Jorge Donnadieu of Fresh Farms
• Matt Mandel of SunFed
• Juan Manuel Ibarra of Marengo Foods
• Leonardo Tarriba of Farmer’s Best International
• Walter Ram of The Giumarra Companies
• Rafael Roiz of TruFresh
• Atanasio Panousopoulos of Delta Fresh Sales
• James Martin of Wilson Produce

The following Directors will continue to serve with one-year remaining in their terms:

• Jose Antonio Martinez of Divine Flavor
• Gonzalo Avila of Malena Produce
• Kyle McGrath of Tricar Sales
• Scott Vandervoet of Vandervoet & Associates
• Lesley Sykes of The Sykes Co.
• Griselt Cerezo of Flavor King
• Luis Mario Morales of Chucho Produce

For the Associate Member seats, the following individuals were elected to one-year terms:

• Jorge Ruiz of Agri-Packing Distributors
• Ana Maria Cota of Ahern Seeds

Additionally, Santiago Suarez of MAS Melons & Grapes was elected to serve a one-year term on the FPAA Board of Directors.

FPAA Chairwoman Raquel Espinoza of Produce House expressed her gratitude to the board and the membership, highlighting the collective commitment that drives the association’s success in the recent release. “Our progress this year reflects the strength and unity of this industry,” stated Chairwoman Espinoza. “I want to thank our members, volunteers, and leadership team for their hard work and dedication to FPAA and the produce community.”

The annual meeting offered a chance to recognize two industry leaders, added Jungmeyer. “Both the Pillar of the FPAA this year, Pedro Batiz, and Member of the Year, Gonzalo Avila, exemplify entrepreneurship, innovation and, above all for the FPAA, service for the association and the industry to keep FPAA members’ interests alive and imports flowing.”

With key policy discussions underway, major industry issues on the horizon, and planning for SWIPE 2026 progressing, FPAA remains focused on strengthening cross-border produce trade, supporting members with timely information, and amplifying the industry’s voice at the state, federal, and international levels.

SHELBY, MI - Peterson Brands, LLC, a leading provider of high-quality fruit and vegetable beverages, part of the Peterson Farms Family of Companies, announced the acquisition of Country Pure Foods, a leading U.S. producer of portioned and multi-serve juices, plant-based beverages, and frozen novelties. This acquisition strengthens Peterson Brands’ position in key beverage categories and expands its presence across both retail and foodservice markets.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Country Pure Foods operates multiple manufacturing facilities across the United States, including locations in Akron, OH; Howey-In-The-Hills, FL; Ellington, CT; and DeLand, FL. The company brings a broad portfolio of trusted brands—such as Ardmore Farms, SideKicks, VBlend, FUN!, VitaMost, and Glacier Valley—along with extensive private label and co-manufacturing capabilities. Country Pure Foods serves a diverse customer base in K-12 schools, healthcare, restaurants, and retail, providing beverage solutions that meet evolving nutritional and menu needs.

“We are excited to welcome Country Pure Foods into Peterson Brands,” said Aaron Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of the Peterson Farms Family of Companies. “Country Pure Foods’ product expertise, channel strength, and long-standing customer relationships make them a natural addition to our organization. Together, we will expand our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative beverage solutions to customers nationwide.”

Peterson Brands, LLC operates within the broader Peterson Farms Family of Companies, headquartered in Shelby, Michigan, which also includes Peterson Farms Inc., Peterson Farms Fresh, Lakewood Organic, and Fresh Innovations California. Collectively, the family of companies serves retail, foodservice, K-12, and industrial markets across processed fruit, fresh cut produce, branded beverages, organic juices, and functional nutrition.

The acquisition of Country Pure Foods meaningfully enhances Peterson Brands’ manufacturing and distribution capabilities. During the initial integration period, day-to-day operations at Country Pure Foods will continue without immediate changes. Both organizations will work together to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition for employees, customers, and partners.

“This acquisition represents a long-term investment in people, capabilities, and innovation,” added Peterson in the recent release. “We look forward to combining the strengths of both companies to create new opportunities for the customers and communities we serve.”

MISSION VIEJO, CA - The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) announced that total avocado volume in the U.S. market is on track to exceed 3 billion pounds in 2025—a historic milestone that underscores the fruit’s growing popularity and the strength of the avocado industry’s supply chain.

“This is a landmark moment for the avocado industry,” said Emiliano Escobedo, Executive Director of the Hass Avocado Board, in the recent release. “Surpassing 3 billion pounds is not just a number — it’s a testament to the tireless efforts of producers, importers, and marketers who have worked together to meet the growing demand for avocados in the U.S. market.”

The projected volume represents a four percent increase from the previous year and reflects sustained consumer interest in avocados as a versatile, nutrient-dense food. It also highlights the success of industry-wide initiatives to promote year-round availability, enhance quality, and educate consumers on the benefits of avocados.

There has been tremendous amounts of hard work and collaboration across the industry to transform avocados from being a misunderstood specialty fruit to today’s produce aisle powerhouse. Avocado Nation: An American Success Story, now streaming at HassAvocadoBoard.com/HAPRIOImpact, looks at how the business opportunity for avocado producers and importers has transformed since the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research and Information Order (HAPRIO) created the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) in 2002.

“Avocados have become a staple in American households, and this milestone reflects how deeply they’re woven into our food culture,” Escobedo added. “As we look ahead, HAB remains committed to supporting the industry through data-driven insights, strategic marketing, and collaborative innovation.”

The Hass Avocado Board, which represents domestic producers and importers, continues to invest in research, nutrition education, and promotional programs that drive category growth and support a resilient, sustainable avocado supply chain.

ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $23.64 billion for the retail month of November, the four weeks ended November 30, 2025, an increase of 8.1 percent from $21.87 billion last year, according to the recent release.

For the twelve-week first quarter ended November 23, 2025, the Company reported net sales of $65.98 billion, an increase of 8.2 percent from $60.99 billion last year.

Net sales for the first thirteen weeks were $71.97 billion, an increase of 8.2 percent from $66.52 billion last year.

Additional discussion of these results is available in a pre-recorded message. It can be accessed by visiting investor.costco.com (click on “Events & Presentations”). This message will be available through 4:00 p.m. (PT) on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Costco currently operates 921 warehouses, including 633 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 112 in Canada, 42 in Mexico, 37 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 20 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, three in France, two in Sweden, and one each in Iceland, and New Zealand. We also operate e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.

See the full release here.