WASHINGTON - On Oct. 3, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed an administrative complaint against Berry People, LLC, of Hollister, Calif., alleging Berry People failed to make full payment promptly in the total amount of $3,519,748.79 to 19 produce sellers for multiple lots of produce purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

USDA and Berry People have since entered into a Consent Decision and Order finding that Berry People committed repeated and flagrant PACA violations by failing to pay the remaining $1,005,288.56 to multiple produce sellers. The Consent Decision and Order took effect on Aug. 1, 2025.

Pursuant to the PACA, Jerald and Lyndsey Downs, the company’s principals, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Aug. 1, 2026, and then only with USDA approval and with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. All responsibly connected parties, including Jerald Downs, Lyndsey Downs and J&L Downs, LLC, are also ineligible to be licensed under PACA until Aug. 1, 2027, and then only with USDA approval and with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish a finding that a business has committed willful, repeated and flagrant PACA violations, and 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 more information, contact the Investigative Enforcement Branch at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

EMMAUS, PA - While some might call a SweeTango® apple “indescribably good,” the truth is that every bite inspires new ways to explain its layered, complex flavor. At this year’s IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 16–18, the brand is helping attendees find the words to describe their unique experience.

SweeTango invites IFPA Global Show attendees to discover their own words by taking a crisp, sweet, and zesty bite at its on-site sampling station.

Located just outside of the entrance of the Anaheim Convention Center’s North Halls, attendees can taste the apple that’s redefining the category. With its explosive crunch, juicy sweetness, and signature tangy finish, SweeTango is one of the most craveable apples available this fall.

Limited Time. High Demand.

Harvested in early fall, each SweeTango season is anticipated by loyal shoppers who look forward to its arrival, year after year.

As one of the most awaited fall specialty items in produce, and with a limited-time window of availability this fall, the opportunity for retailers is to go to market early, build excitement and encourage shoppers to get SweeTango apples while they can.

“For over a decade, retailers and shoppers have been seeking the next Honeycrisp,” said Jennifer Miller, Executive Director of Next Big Thing, in the recent release. “SweeTango delivers that wow factor with a flavor experience shoppers can’t stop talking about, but only if they can get it while it’s here.”

Limited-time availability gives retailers a powerful sales opportunity with a premium apple that’s fresh, limited and worth seeking out. When SweeTango hits shelves, it sparks curiosity and trial while its outstanding flavor drives repeat visits.

Where to Buy SweeTango at IFPA

According to a press release, SweeTango is available through several authorized sales desk partners that also have booths at the IFPA Global Show. This gives buyers multiple opportunities to connect with SweeTango sales representatives and secure programs for the season.

• Stemilt Growers LLC – Booth 2847 (stemilt.com)
• Applewood Fresh Growers – Booth 1897 (applewoodfresh.com)
• Fowler Farms – Booth 3367 (fowlerfarms.com)
• New York Apple Sales – Booth 969 (yesapples.com)

Taste SweeTango at the Global Show

From its explosive crunch to its layered flavor notes of citrus, honey and spice, SweeTango is an experience that’s made to inspire your own personal expression. One bite will get you talking. IFPA Global Show attendees are invited to visit the SweeTango sampling station and taste why this limited-season variety is a proven driver of retail excitement and repeat sales.

Visit the SweeTango sampling station, located outside the North Halls of Anaheim Convention Center during IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.

For more information, visit SweeTango.com.

IMMOKALEE, FL - Lipman Family Farms, the nation’s largest open-field tomato grower and a trusted partner across the produce supply chain, will spotlight its expanding fresh-cut program and signature Crimson tomato variety at this year’s International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 16–18 in Anaheim, CA. Attendees can connect with the Lipman team at Booth 2861.

This year, Lipman brings its “grower at heart” story to life with an updated booth design that highlights the company’s vertically integrated model. From field growing and greenhouse operations to fresh-cut processing and distribution, Lipman has the mindset of a grower, which is central to its ability to deliver fresh, flavorful produce with consistency and scale.

“We’re excited to show customers how Lipman’s vertical integration delivers on its promise of reliability, freshness, and quality,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms, in the recent release. “At IFPA, we’ll celebrate our grower identity that leads us to innovative new directions, like our convenient fresh-cut line.”

Lipman’s fresh-cut program will be a display highlight, with expanded product offerings and recipe samples showing how convenience and quality can come together for foodservice and retail partners.

Visitors will also get a close look at their Crimson tomato, a proprietary variety prized for its deep color and intense, juicy flavor. Lipman’s Research & Development department celebrates 22 years of continuous varietal innovation and growth for the Crimson brand.

The booth experience gives buyers and partners a taste of Lipman’s full story: a family-owned, vertically integrated company that grows good from the ground up.

Attendees can explore Lipman’s fresh-cut line and Crimson tomatoes at Booth 2861, Oct. 16-18 in Anaheim at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show, and learn more about the company’s full selection of vertically integrated solutions at LipmanFamilyFarms.com