WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Lucero Produce LLC, of Denver, Colo., for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include barring the business, the principal operator of the business, and any ‘responsibly connected’ persons, as defined in the PACA, from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

Lucero Produce failed to pay $126,626.50 to 14 sellers for produce purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from June 2022 to Sept. 2022, in violation of the PACA. Lucero Produce has been barred from operating in the produce industry until July 8, 2027, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA, along with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

The company’s principals, Jose Silvestre and Kristen Waller, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 8, 2026, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

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

SALINAS, CA - The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) announced the release of its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the organization’s continued work to strengthen food safety standards for leafy greens.

Guided by its mantra, Always Advancing, Always Improving, the report reflects the latest evolutions within the LGMA program and outlines steps being taken to further protect public health.

“We know the best way to advance food safety is through collaboration with industry, regulators, and buyers,” said Tim York, CEO of the California LGMA, in the recent release. “This report is not only a record of progress—it is also an invitation to continue an open, two-way dialogue with all of our partners and stakeholders.”

The annual report highlights key initiatives over the past year, including updates to science-based food safety practices, enhanced audit systems, and expanded opportunities for industry training and engagement.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the report and see how ongoing engagement and collaboration help drive meaningful improvement across the leafy greens industry.

The full report is available here.

SANTA CLARA, CA & SEATTLE, WA - RedLine Solutions, a leader in produce traceability and inventory management systems, and iFoodDS, a pioneer in food traceability quality and food safety software, announced a strategic integration between MyProduce™ and iFoodDS Trace Exchange™.

This collaboration enables produce suppliers to easily collect, manage, and share Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) across the supply chain – meeting both customer requirements and the FDA’s Final Food Traceability Rule – while increasing operational efficiency.

Transforming Traceability Through Collaboration

The integration links the robust data capture and labeling capabilities of RedLine’s MyProduce™ with iFoodDS Trace Exchange’s secure data-sharing platform. Together, they eliminate the need for manual data re-entry, reduce the risk of human error, and provide real-time access to essential traceability records.

Key benefits include:

• Automated Data Flow: Seamlessly transfer traceability data from MyProduce™ to iFoodDS Trace Exchange without duplication of work.
• Regulatory Compliance: Simplify Food Traceability Rule compliance with accurate, complete, and timely data sharing.
• Enhanced Visibility: Gain instant access to traceability records for faster investigations and better decision-making.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamline workflows with validated data entry, reducing administrative burdens and accelerating reporting.

“This partnership is a significant step forward for the produce industry”, said Todd Baggett, CEO of RedLine Solutions, in the recent release. “By combining RedLine’s MyProduce™ data collection capabilities with iFoodDS’s advanced traceability platform, we’re giving our customers a faster, easier, and more reliable way to meet regulatory requirements and strengthen food safety.”

“Together, iFoodDS and RedLine Solutions are simplifying the data-sharing requirements of the Food Traceability Rule,” said Andrew Kennedy, Chief Traceability Officer for iFoodDS. “This partnership provides produce suppliers with a seamless, automated traceability solution that meets the requirements of the rule and downstream customers.”

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - Attendees of the 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show will get an up-close look at a range of new product innovations, revamped packaging, and so much more at the Mastronardi Produce® booth. With an expansive, premium lineup in tow, the greenhouse innovator is taking to the event with much to share.

“Mastronardi™ is thrilled to be spotlighting a variety of new and exciting product innovations driven by consumer trends at this year's GPFS. From new innovations in snacking to premium organic products and sustainable packaging, there's something for everyone,” explains Geoff Kosar, Vice President of Marketing, ahead of the event. “It's always great to connect with our customers, partners, and friends in person at the show, and to see all the innovation, creativity, and growth on display. We also love the opportunity to get creative with our marketing and showcase new and exciting ideas and initiatives.”

Mastronardi Produce will feature its new Summer Blast™ Blueberry Snacking Cup, the Organic WOW® Joyberry Blueberry, the new Backyard Farms® Green Leaf Lettuce Paper Bag, and the exciting new redesign of its Angel Sweet® tomato packaging.

“In addition to the new and exciting showcase lineup, we'll also have the unique Mastronardi™ Tomato Branch on display, perfect for adding something special to any charcuterie board or tablescape,” Geoff adds. “The recently launched Secilia® tomato will be ready to transport visitors to the Mediterranean with its sweet summer flavor, and our newest addition to the popular BOMBS® lineup, BOMB Squad®, will also be on display. There's so much to see and taste!”

The greenhouse grower is launching an exclusive LinkedIn video series ahead of the GPFS to build excitement. Be on the lookout for 'Next Stop Flavor' on LinkedIn in the coming weeks!

“Mastronardi is always pushing the envelope on flavor, quality, and innovation. As pioneers of the industry, we continue to harness this spirit in everything we do,” Geoff shares before diving into today’s most prominent consumer trends.

Transformations in the produce department are being driven by health-conscious consumers, sustainability, and convenience, Geoff tells me. With consumers seeking simple, real ingredients that deliver on flavor and freshness, retailers can highlight SUNSET products with in-store displays focused on healthy eating and viral social media recipe trends.

“When it comes to healthy eating, people are also looking for convenience. Grab-and-go products are growing in popularity, and retailers can capitalize on both these trends with the SUNSET Summer Blast Blueberry Cup,” he notes. “These individual portions of blueberries are ready to toss in a bag or lunchbox for on-the-go healthy snacking, and feature the flavorful blueberry varietals consumers crave.”

Items like the brand’s new Backyard Farms® Green Leaf Lettuce Paper Bag are also great for retailers who want to meet consumer demands for more sustainable products. The new paper bag format uses 65 percent less plastic than a traditional PET tray, while keeping the lettuce crisp and delicious just as long as a plastic tray.

“Health-conscious, sustainability-driven consumers are also driving increased consideration for organic products, and we're excited to help meet this demand with the launch of our Organic WOW Joyberry Blueberries. These berries offer a standout flavor experience for consumers seeking something special,” Geoff continues. “Demand for premium products remains strong, and we're excited to provide this deliciously premium blueberry option throughout the winter months.”

Get a closer look at all the greenhouse provider has to offer with a stop by booth #4157 at the show. For more event updates and highlights, keep clicking back to AndNowUKnow.

OXNARD, CA - Gear up for an exciting multi-category spotlight at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show! Freska Produce International is bringing its avocado, mango, dragon fruit, and dried mango programs into the spotlight at this year’s event, along with high-quality strawberries from Bobalu. Showcasing together, the two brands will highlight a broad portfolio of fresh fruit offerings, giving buyers access to two category leaders in one place.

“Consumers are looking for health-forward, functional, and flavorful produce items. Avocados remain a staple, while mangos have gained momentum across both retail and foodservice, especially with larger fruit sizing during peak season,” explains Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, Freska Produce. “Dried mango is trending as a better-for-you snack, offering convenience and natural sweetness. Dragon fruit is growing quickly, fueled by its Instagram-worthy appearance and reputation as a superfruit.”

With deep grower partnerships and a vertically integrated supply chain across Mexico, Peru, and other origins, Freska provides its partners with reliable year-round availability across multiple categories.

With its avocado program, Freska delivers consistent quality, strong size distribution, and flexibility across regions. In the mango sector, Freska is a leading importer with extensive logistics and marketing capabilities. Further elevating its presence in the category, the company has expanded into dried mango as a healthy, value-added snack.

Dragon fruit rounds out Freska’s tropical offerings, adding a visually striking, nutrient-rich item that continues to gain traction with consumers.

“Retailers and operators can leverage Freska’s programs by promoting avocados and mangos around major events, cross-merchandising tropicals together, and featuring dragon fruit as a destination item,” Gary adds. “Dried mango extends the fresh category into the snack aisle, while strawberries from Bobalu provide a year-round household favorite that complements Freska’s tropical lineup.”

During the show, Freska Produce International and Bobalu will be together at booth #1481.

“By exhibiting together, Freska and Bobalu bring buyers a comprehensive produce solution—from tropicals and avocados to strawberries and value-added products. Both companies are focused on quality, consistency, and innovation, and are excited to share how their programs can help customers build profitable, consumer-driven produce categories,” notes Gary.”

“The GPFS provides a premier platform to highlight category leadership, new products, and innovative marketing programs,” Gary continues. “For Freska and Bobalu, it’s a valuable opportunity to connect with buyers, strengthen partnerships, and showcase a combined fresh fruit portfolio that supports retailers and foodservice operators in meeting consumer demand year-round.”

Booth #1481 is a can’t-miss stop on this year’s GPFS show floor, so be sure to stop by and explore all the category opportunities that await!