WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed an administrative complaint against California-based Berry People for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 19 produce sellers in the amount of $3,519,748 from December 2022 through August 2023.

Berry People will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

For contact information and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

OXNARD, CA - The Mission Produce™ leadership team just got even stronger following the promotion of Brooke Becker to Senior Vice President of Sales. After contributing to the brand for over 13 years in a variety of crucial roles, the industry expert will now step up to guide the supplier’s North American sales team as it seeks to meet strong demand for avocados and mangos.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead Mission Produce’s sales team as the new Senior Vice President of Sales,” said Becker. “Together, we will continue to provide top-tier service, create innovative programs, and deliver outstanding results for our customers and stakeholders.”

In this new role, Becker will play a key role in generating profitable results for Mission Produce and its customers. During her 13-year tenure, she has held a variety of leadership positions, including her most recent role as Vice President of Sales.

As a press release shared, Becker has built key customer relationships, successfully navigated complex situations, and embodied Mission’s core values—Fun, Innovative, Reliable, Successful, and Trustworthy—all throughout her time with the company.

“Brooke exemplifies Mission Produce’s unwavering commitment to elite customer service, and I am confident her leadership will result in continued growth and success for the company,” commented John Pawlowski, President and Chief Operating Officer. “At Mission Produce, we pride ourselves on delivering the World’s Finest Avocados and Mangos, and we couldn’t do so without our world-class team. Brooke’s ability to deliver results, exceed customer expectations, and build successful teams reflects the passion and excellence that drives our business forward.”

Congratulations to Brooke Becker on this exciting new role! We can’t wait to see what future growth is to come from Mission Produce.

GREENSBORO, NC - Retail expansions are popping up left and right, and the latest to make it happen is The Fresh Market. The chain has opened a new store in Lincoln Park—its first store in the city of Chicago. The 17,000-square-foot food store aims to be a place where the community can convene and experience a delicious shopping journey.

“We are so excited to be a part of the community here in Lincoln Park,” said Jason Potter, Chief Executive Officer. “It’s not just a store to pick up your groceries, but a place where people can come to meet up with friends and family to enjoy delicious, fresh food.”

The Lincoln Park store has been long awaited by the local community, a press release stated. With a consummate sensory experience and the cachet of fresh and specialty products The Fresh Market is known for, Lincoln Park offers restaurant meals that can be enjoyed both in store or taken home after shopping.

Guests can choose from options such as:

• Neapolitan-style Hot and Fresh Pizza, made with artisanal crust, a sauce comprised of Italian-grown crushed tomatoes and salt, topped with BelGioioso mozzarella cheese
• Signature hummus bowls with a choice of protein-rich salmon, chicken, or falafel
• Large variety of scooping salads, olive bar, and soup station

When browsing the store, guests will find a selection of fresh and curated foods that include:

• Specially sourced produce, both locally and from around the world, picked at its peak to deliver the best-tasting and freshest fruits and vegetables
• Fresh grab-and-go breakfast and pastry options in the coffee area
• An array of catering options available for online ordering on The Fresh Market website

Keep reading ANUK as we uncover more retail expansions.

CALIFORNIA & GEORGIA - It was just a few days ago that we reported Trader Joe’s had opened eight new stores in several different states. Today, we bring you news of even more store openings across California and Georgia. 

In the first of three store openings this week, Trader Joe’s announced the grand opening of a new location in Poway, California, on Wednesday, October 30. The very next day, Trader Joe’s opened another new store in Roseville, California—not too far from the ANUK headquarters!

A third new store is opening its doors today in Sandy Springs, Georgia. At 9 a.m., the store will welcome new customers to its grand opening. All three of the stores are opening during the week of Halloween—a time when Trader Joe’s is known to offer some exclusive seasonal treats.

This string of store openings nationwide has left us to wonder whether the expansion streak will continue next week. Stay tuned to ANUK to find out.

NEWARK, DE - The Foundation for Fresh Produce announced its 2025 Board members. Dwight Ferguson, President and Chief Executive Officer of California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), will chair the board. Alex DiNovo, President and Chief Operational Officer of DNO Produce, will continue to serve on the board and executive committee as Past Chair.

“I am honored and excited to become chair of The Foundation for Fresh Produce and do my part, along with the very talented board and staff, to advance its mission to grow a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health,” said Dwight Ferguson. “All of us involved with produce and health know that growing consumption of fruits and vegetables is the single most simple thing every person can do for the health of themselves and the planet. Thanks to the work of my predecessor, Alex DiNovo, along with prior board members, The Foundation is now well-positioned to expand and increase consumption globally.”

A press release shared the additional members of the executive committee are: Chair-Elect Jin Ju Wilder, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Vesta Foods as the Chair-Elect, and April Porter as Secretary/Treasurer.

“Serving as Chair of The Foundation has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Over the past year, it’s been inspiring to see The Foundation’s mission to transform human health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables take root,” said Alex DiNovo. “During my tenure, building on The Foundation’s growth and witnessing the tangible impact of our initiatives has been remarkable. As Dwight steps into this role, his commitment to increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and growing a healthier world will surely drive The Foundation to new milestones, and I look forward to seeing the impactful strides he and the Board will accomplish together.”

Some of the at-large members include:

• CarrieAnn Arias, Pear Bureau Northwest
• Bil Goldfield, Dole Food Company
• Eileen Hyde, Walmart
• Jason Osborn, The Wonderful Company
• Cedric Pauwels, Greenyard

The organization plans to expand its reach and impact to boost the appeal of fruits and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets, improve access, nurture passionate fruit and vegetable professionals, and scale partner programs that strengthen our collective global impact.

Check back with AndNowUKnow anytime you’re hungry for an update!