MURRIETA, CA - West Pak Avocado, a global supplier of premium avocados, is excited to announce the launch of its new Nutritional bag. This innovative, slightly whimsical packaging is more than just a way to package fruit; it was developed with today’s health-conscious shopper in mind, bringing educational storytelling directly to the retail shelf.

"Our new Nutritional bag is designed to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices. At West Pak Avocado, we believe that great taste and nutrition can go hand in hand, and this innovative packaging reflects our commitment to promoting the many benefits of avocados for a healthier lifestyle," said West Pak Avocado CEO Mario Pacheco in the recent release.

West Pak’s Nutritional bag features health-forward messaging that highlights the numerous benefits of incorporating avocados into everyday diets. The packaging underscores the impressive nutritional profile of avocados, which contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals that can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. In addition to their delightful taste, avocados are calorie-smart and contribute good fats linked to numerous health benefits. Key highlights of the Nutritional Bag include that avocados are sugar-free, heart-healthy, and support gut health, weight management, and the management of type 2 diabetes.

The Nutritional bag aims to enhance consumer awareness of the benefits of avocados, demonstrating that they offer more than just great taste. With avocado nutritional facts prominently displayed on each bag, shoppers will have quick access to essential nutritional information, making it easier to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

“Avocados are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support a variety of health goals,” added West Pak Senior Marketing Manager George Henderson, who spearheaded the project. “We are proud to offer a fun packaging solution packed with Avo Fresh Facts that educate shoppers on the incredible benefits of avocados. This bag makes it easy for them to incorporate this superfood into their meals.”

For more information about the Nutritional bag and to learn more about West Pak Avocado’s commitment to health and wellness, please visit here.

WASHINGTON, DC - With the recent U.S. Federal Registry publication of the proposed delay in the compliance date for the FSMA Traceability Records Requirements, the date for compliance officially changes to July 20, 2028.

The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) has been active during the period as we collectively waited for this official announcement, and we are pleased to announce that Tim Graas of Associated Wholesale Grocers has stepped into the role of PTI Leadership Council Co-Chair upon the resignation of Tim York. Tim’s leadership and guidance over the past years, along with co-chair Steve Roosdahl, supported the creation of a library of guidance and best practices to support industry compliance with the US FDA FSMA 204 Rule. The Leadership Council and the PTI sponsoring organizations thank Tim York for his contributions and welcome Tim Graas as the industry moves to implementation and compliance with the July 20, 2028, date.

For many shippers, the reality of business means that they are required to comply not just with FSMA 204 but also with the Canadian Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). As with all country-specific federal regulations, differences exist between FSMA 204 and the SFCR, meaning potential complexity for shippers who send product to both the U.S. and Canadian markets. To help navigate the regulations, the PTI has created the PTI Comparison – FSMA 204 & SFCR, a quick checklist of required data for both sets of regulations.

Industry is strongly encouraged to use the comparison document and the suite of other resources available to ensure everyone is ready for July 20, 2028, compliance. All resources are available at the Produce Traceability Initiative website at www.producetraceability.org.

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC, CANADA - Sollum Technologies, the leader in dynamic LED lighting for controlled environment agriculture, is pleased to announce the appointment of Giancarlo Santella as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Giancarlo brings close to 20 years of experience in corporate finance, operations, and strategic growth. He recently served as Chief Financial Officer at Imaflex Inc., where he played a central role in guiding the company’s growth, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term planning. His background also includes finance and advisory roles at BCE Inc. and Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance, where he supported clients on corporate transactions and financial reporting strategies.

As CFO, Giancarlo will oversee Sollum’s finance, legal, and administrative functions, playing a key role in supporting the company’s growth strategy and operational scale-up across North America and beyond.

“I’m thrilled to join a company that’s not only innovating in agtech, but doing so with a real purpose — supporting food autonomy and sustainable production,” said Giancarlo Santella in the recent release. “Sollum’s technology and team are truly world-class, and I look forward to helping drive its next stage of growth.”

“Giancarlo brings deep financial and operational insight, paired with a strong understanding of what it takes to scale a clean technology company,” said Louis Brun, President and CEO of Sollum Technologies. “We’re excited to welcome him to the team as we continue to expand our presence and impact in the horticultural lighting industry.”

This appointment strengthens Sollum’s leadership team as the company expands its dynamic LED lighting footprint across North America and builds new partnerships with forward-thinking growers and CEA innovators worldwide.