WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it has imposed sanctions on Miami, Florida-based American Fruit & Produce Corp. for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The sanctions include barring the company and its principal operator from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

American Fruit & Produce Corp. failed to pay $1,034,745 to 18 sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from March 2018 to October 2022. This is in violation of the PACA. American Fruit & Produce Corp. cannot operate in the produce industry until September 6, 2026, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principals, Hugo Acosta Jr. and David Acosta, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until September 6, 2025, 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 prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

To read the release in its entirety, click here.

BANCROFT, WI - In a strategic move to address food insecurity, RPE launched an initiative in October 2024, donating $10,000 to support five food banks nationwide, with a focus on enhancing community engagement and retail partnerships.

"Food insecurity continues to be a pressing concern, particularly as the holiday season nears," stated Rachel Atkinson-Leach, Vice President of Brand and Category Excellence. "We are thrilled to foster meaningful engagement with our community, empowering them to nominate and vote for the food banks closest to their hearts, ensuring that support reaches the communities in greatest need."

Through the Farmer’s Promise fresh potato brand, RPE aimed to create a direct impact by allowing consumers to nominate and vote for their preferred local food banks. The top five selected organizations received financial contributions, with $5,000 allocated to first place, $3,000 to second, $1,000 to third, and $500 each for fourth and fifth places.

The urgency of this initiative was underscored by alarming statistics. According to a press release from FeedingAmerica.com, 47 million people, including 14 million children, faced food insecurity in the U.S. This initiative reflected RPE’s commitment to addressing such challenges and ensuring vital resources reached those in need.

As the holiday season approached, RPE encouraged consumers to participate by voting and sharing information through social media and email. The campaign aimed not only to provide essential support to food banks but also to inspire community involvement.

By taking action against food insecurity, RPE sought to ensure that everyone had a seat at the table, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in tackling critical social issues.

As always, keep reading ANUK for more ways to support your community and beyond.

NOGALES, AZ - Divine Flavor has made moves in its Sales and Procurement departments. The grower has announced it recently hired produce veterans: David Reyes who will be joining the vegetable sales team and business development, and Erendira Lara who will oversee all procurement in Mexico.

“We’re very excited about the latest additions of Erendira and David joining the Divine Flavor team, and both will play a pivotal role in helping elevate our sales programs to the next level,” said Carlos Bon, Senior Vice President of Sales. “Erendira has extensive experience within the industry, especially in grower relations in Mexico. We’re proud to have her be the face of our company with our growers as she works closely to promote better planning, teamwork, and enforcing our 6-pillar requirements to propel a more consistent supply of high-quality produce for our customers.”

Lara has spent the past 15 years working in produce and currently sits on the Board of Directors for IFPA Mexico. Lara joins the team to spearhead procurement and will assist the company to help promote better planning and consistent production within Divine Flavor’s supply chain, a press release shared. Lara previously worked with NatureSweet for five years managing grower relations and securing vegetable programs for the company.

“David brings a lot of energy and new perspectives, which are highly valued at our company,” continued Bon. “From our initial conversations, our team has felt that David is the perfect fit for Divine Flavor, as his demeanor and honesty mirror the values that we want to have toward our customers and growers.”

Reyes has been working in the produce industry for the past eight years as a sales executive and leading business development. Bringing a wealth of knowledge, Reyes’ role will be helping to expand vegetable programs. Reyes also spent five years working with the Oppy Group and has experience in produce sales management at World Fresh Produce and South Mill Champs.

Divine Flavor also announced Elizabeth Smart has rejoined the sales team after a brief departure from the produce industry, and 15-year company veteran Clarisa Batiz has been promoted to Vegetable Category Manager.

“With both the recent additions of David and Erendira, and Elizabeth Smart rejoining the team, and Clarisa Batiz being promoted into her new role, there’s a lot to be excited about at Divine Flavor moving forward,” Bon concluded.

ANUK will continue to provide updates on all your favorite suppliers, so keep clicking back for more.

SALINAS, CA - As we approach the end of this month, berry-loving consumers certainly have something to look forward to. Blazer Wilkinson Gee (BWG) recently kicked off its South American import season for its Foxy™ brand blueberries, announcing that the berries will begin arriving on the East Coast at the end of September.

“BWG is known for quality and flavor in our strawberries, and that is our intention for blueberries as well,” said Jack Wilkinson, Head of Sales at BWG. “Our retail partners can benefit from our berry expertise and trust that our growing supply of year-round, high-quality blueberries will help to satisfy consumer demand.”

Backed by this expanded offering from South America, the berry behemoth will now be able to provide its customers with premium blueberries on a nearly year-round basis.

As a press release assured, BWG retail partners can expect the same level of service and high-quality product that has established the company as one of the leading suppliers of fresh strawberries in the United States.

BWG’s Foxy blueberries will be available to consumers 365 days a year, complementing the brand’s delicious strawberry portfolio.

For more updates on produce availability and opportunities, be sure to leave a tab open to AndNowUKnow.

WASHINGTON, DC - This month, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) brought together volunteer leaders serving on the U.S. Government Relations Council and Political Advisory Committee, diving into a Policy Retreat to help chart the course for 2025 Advocacy Priorities.

“This is an incredibly important time for our industry as we work to finalize the Farm Bill and approach the U.S. elections,” said Rebeckah Adcock, Vice President of U.S. Government Relations, IFPA. “We have spent time at the RNC and the DNC this summer, in addition to countless hours engaging with our elected officials and regulatory partners. I can say that the most impactful information they hear is directly from our members who can share exactly how their policies impact them. This Policy Retreat is about educating ourselves on those issues and setting the agenda so we have focused advocacy efforts next year.”

The program included a joint session between the two volunteer groups, featuring a look at the upcoming IFPA Strategic Plan, research on the headwinds and currents that may impact the industry.

The retreat even offered an opportunity to hear from industry experts Bret Erickson and Tony Freytag.

“Government actions and legislation has an immense impact on the industry,” said Tony Freytag, Political Advisory Committee Chair and Executive Vice President, Crunch Pak. “Building relationships and sharing our stories with lawmakers goes a long way in ensuring our voices are heard. I appreciate all who attended the retreat and took the time to look forward. The more we engage and speak about the issues that impact our work, the more policymakers can learn about the challenges of our own industry and the entire produce world and use that knowledge as they make decisions.”

The Political Advisory Committee focused on the FreshPAC and grassroots efforts, explained a press release.

“The success of the IFPA Policy Retreat underscores the critical role that our collective advocacy efforts play in shaping the future of our industry,” said Bret Erickson, US GR Council Chair and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, Little Bear Produce. “This event provided a unique platform for industry leaders to engage in meaningful and substantive policy discussions that will steer us into the future. I want to thank all who participated, our advocacy work is essential in ensuring that local and regional suppliers in the U.S. and around the globe can be economically sustainable and continue to provide healthy fresh produce to the family dinner table.”

ANUK will continue to report on the International Fresh Produce Association, so keep clicking back to stay in the know.

CALIFORNIA, MEXICO, & PERU - Exclusive insights have arrived, and today they hail from the ever-popular avocado sector. With high-quality fruit from Mexico currently hitting the market, Freska Produce International’s Gary Clevenger and Giumarra Companies’ Gary Caloroso shared some updates regarding volume, pricing, and much more.

“Current volume out of Mexico has come down a bit over the past week,” shared Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner at Freska Produce. “Quality has been very good with ‘crazy flower’ avocados—these are the harvest that comes early before the main crop in Mexico. Quality has been very good, with good oil content and green avocados. Last week, Mexico sent around 1,050 shipments to the U.S., which is about the highest for this season so far.”

With good quality coming in from Mexico, Freska Produce International advises retailers to promote ripe fruit mixed with green fruit, supported by year-round, permanent large displays.

Other successful strategies include cross-merchandising avocados with tomatoes, mangos, guacamole mixes, or ingredients for salads.

“Pricing is at a very good level,” Gary went on to note. “Large fruit is low volume and the highest pricing while 48’ and smaller seem to be the volume they have at the moment. Prices have been adjusting according to demand for each size with 48’s falling the most over the past week, 60’s remaining relatively stable, and 70’s and 84’s remaining strong demand.”

Giumarra Companies’ Gary Caloroso also shared some insight, noting some trends in consumer demand.

“In the fall, avocado supplies from Mexico increase, while those from California and Peru decrease,” Gary, Giumarra’s Regional Business Development Director, shared. “Nationwide consumer demand for avocados continues to grow. Despite the higher overall market volume in 2024, the industry saw rising prices. This year, California avocado production rose to over 340 million pounds, up from more than 225 million pounds the previous year.”

Giumarra Companies’ portfolio includes a 52-week avocado program for its North American customers, with both conventional and organic avocados available.

“For supermarket retailers, we tailor our program to include bulk, bagged, and pre-conditioned avocados that meet their specific needs and exceed shopper expectations,” Gary added, spotlighting the grower’s commitment to its customers. “For our foodservice clients, we precisely ripen avocados to their desired specifications to ensure a successful program. We are also incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with Fair Trade USA. We continue to expand our Fair Trade Certified™ avocado program from Mexico.”

Leave a tab open to ANUK as we continue to seek out the latest market insights and category updates.