NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Fresh Solutions Network® (FSN) will feature A Cut Above® potato line along with whole potatoes and onions at the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Foodservice Conference. Dedicated to fresh produce in foodservice, this year’s event will take place at the Monterey Conference Center and Portola Hotel and Spa in Monterey, California, at booth #403, Thursday, July 31st, and Friday, August 1st, 2025. More than 2,000 attendees from across the supply chain will be in attendance. FSN is also participating in the Buyer Sourcing Meetings on July 31, 2025—a members-only, speed-dating-style event that allows foodservice suppliers to meet face-to-face with operators and distributors.

“We are looking forward to meeting these buyers and helping them capitalize on side dish and trending meal occasion opportunities with A Cut Above® potato products,” noted Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, in the recent release. “For a decade, we’ve been bringing the foodservice sector premium-quality potatoes in response to a profitable and growing segment for on-premise accounts.”

Basin Gold Cooperative from Washington and Masser Family of Companies of Pennsylvania will attend the conference on behalf of FSN. The products that will be featured in the A Cut Above® potato line are fresh-cut potatoes for foodservice, fresh whole potatoes, and onions.

The A Cut Above® food service product line includes fresh whole potatoes, French fries, fresh-cut wedges, 1/4” sliced potatoes, and diced potatoes available in 5/8”, 3/4”, and 1/2” packed in 30-or 35-lb vacuum-sealed bags. Most products are available with or without the skin.

“At the show, we will share the importance of potatoes to foodservice menus and the value that potatoes bring to chefs and foodservice operators including plate coverage, versatility, and profitability,” commented Bob Meek, Chief Revenue officer, Masser Family of Companies, “These fresh-cut signature potato items help the food service industry respond to consumers’ changing tastes and trends, provide profitability and ensure that patrons happily keep returning.”

The premium potato varieties used in A Cut Above® potato products help chefs and foodservice customers streamline their kitchen workflow, add profit, and cater to the choices customers want for any meal occasion - from breakfast to dinner. According to a recent article on 2025 food trends*, breakfast and brunch continue as key dining occasions, and “Breakfast bowls are here to stay” because of their versatility, profitability, and creativity. Potatoes, diced, mashed, or shredded, make the perfect base for any breakfast bowl, including vegetarian offerings.

“Side Delights responds to trends by offering easy-to-prepare potato products for any occasion,” added Triou. “For brunch menus, diners will love creative recipes such as

30 Minute Breakfast Bowls, Savory Potato Breakfast Bowl, or any number of chef-created bowls.”

Side Delights® offers a variety of nutritious, economical products, including bagged and bulk potatoes, potato kits, convenience potatoes, petite potatoes, fresh-cut potatoes, and organic potatoes. For more information on Side Delights® products and its network of farms, visit SideDelights.com, FreshSolutionsNet.com, and GrownWhereItMatters.com.

MONTEREY, CA - From immersive farm tours to face-to-face conversations, the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) continues to stand out as a gathering where connection and community are front and center.

“OPS is a great show. It feels more intimate, so we can have those touch points with all of our exhibitors, our retailers, our buyers, our distributors, our growers,” said Karen White of Bolthouse Fresh Foods in a recent video recap.

That sense of closeness is what draws many exhibitors year after year. OPS fosters more than casual networking—it cultivates meaningful, face-to-face conversations.

“My favorite part about exhibiting here is really just interacting with the community. And it's more than just exchanging business cards,” shared Liz Mahler, emphasizing the deep, personal interactions that define the event.

For Mike Downey of Military Produce Group, OPS brings together the movers and shakers: “There's a lot of the key players here, obviously, and the growers who are here are the ones who are really driving the industry forward.”

Beyond the event floor, the OPS farm tours offer a unique way to engage with the roots of the industry—literally. These behind-the-scenes experiences leave a lasting impression.

“The farm tours are amazing,” said Hilary Craig of Misfits Market. She explained that having buyers participate in these visits helps deepen connections with growers and reminds everyone of the purpose behind the work.

That shared purpose was echoed on the show floor, where discussions on consumer demand took center stage.

“The exciting thing is the consumer is seeking out organic products, and we're excited to increase our supply to match that demand,” said Marcus Caswell of Wish Farms. “So, we're really excited to be here at the show to showcase that."

As OPS grows, its mission stays strong: bring the industry together, celebrate its people, and build a thriving future for organic produce.

Watch the full video above to hear more insights on this year’s OPS event.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and for failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• JJAE Holdings LLC, operating out of Orcutt, Calif., for failing to pay a $34,802 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Juan Cardenas, Sr. and BBB Cardenas Trust, Juan Cardenas were listed as the members of the business.
• Itamp Inc., operating out of Dallas, Texas for failing to pay a $13,697 award in favor of a Arizona seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Luis Armando Lopez was listed as the sole officer, director and stockholder of the business.
• Marlo Produce Distributor LLC, operating out of Owatonna, Minn., for failing to pay a $77,776 award in favor of a Washington seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Fabiola Martinez and Lizbeth Ferreyra were listed as the members of the business.

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. 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 Penny Robinson-Landrigan, Chief, Dispute Resolution Branch, at (202) 720-2890 or [email protected].

TAMPA, FL - Aglife Media, home of The Produce Industry Network and The Produce Industry Podcast, is thrilled to announce a monumental milestone: a billboard in New York City’s iconic Times Square now features the #1 Podcast on Fruits and Veggies! The Produce Industry Network platform brings it all together to increase fresh produce consumption across the globe.

This electrifying moment represents more than just media visibility. From its first episode in April of 2020 to speaking on Digital Transformation at Fruit Logistica Berlin, it’s a win for the entire fresh produce industry.

“This isn’t just about a podcast or a platform,” says Patrick Kelly, Founder of Aglife Media and host of The Produce Industry Podcast, in the recent release. “This is about putting fruits and vegetables on center stage—literally. Our goal has always been to elevate the voices of growers, shippers, packers, and industry innovators. Seeing fresh produce light up Times Square is a massive step forward in changing the narrative around what we eat, where it comes from, and how it impacts our lives.”

Patrick was also proud to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with his daughter Lillee Kelly, as well as long-time industry friends and collaborators John Paap, Host of The History of Fresh Produce / Jac Vandenberg, Inc., and Max Cutler of Race-West. Together, they stood in the heart of Manhattan while millions of people passed through Times Square that week, witnessing fresh produce take the spotlight it deserves.

“I am so pumped up,” says Max Cutler of Race-West. “We are in the HEART of New York City in Times Square. LET’S EAT FRESH PRODUCE…. LET’S GO…”

The Times Square billboard, seen by millions daily, shines a spotlight on Aglife Media’s mission: to inform, connect, and inspire the produce supply chain—from seed to shelf let’s build together. The message is clear: fresh is the future, and consumers, retailers, and policy-makers all have a role to play.

This campaign reinforces Aglife Media’s commitment to growing the fresh produce and supply chain industry:

• Increasing fresh produce consumption year-round
• Educating the public about supply chain challenges and solutions
• Supporting global and domestic partnerships across the industry

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and listeners who’ve helped make this moment possible. It’s more than a billboard—it’s a beacon of what’s possible when storytelling, innovation, and fresh produce come together.

OVIEDO, FL - Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a leading grower and processor of fresh vegetables and citrus, is proud to welcome Roger Moncada as Director of Sales – West and Steve Bindas as Director of Outside Sales. These key leadership additions underscore Duda’s momentum and long-term commitment to growth, partnership, and excellence as it approaches its centennial in 2026, while continuing to expand its presence and innovation in the fresh produce industry.

Roger Moncada joins the Duda team with more than three decades of produce sales expertise, most recently serving over seven years as Director of Sales at Dole Fresh Vegetables. In his new role, Moncada will lead efforts to deepen customer relationships and drive new business opportunities across the West. “I’m incredibly honored to join a company with such a rich legacy and strong values,” said Moncada in the recent release. “Having grown through every level of the produce business—from working in the fields to leading national sales—I’m excited to contribute to Duda’s next chapter of growth and innovation.”

Steve Bindas, with 16 years of experience spanning Chiquita, Fresh Express, and NatureSweet, will lead Duda’s regional sales team and broker network. His focus will be on driving expansion within the Dandy® fresh-cut product line and delivering enhanced value to retail and foodservice partners. “I’m thrilled and humbled to represent Duda Farm Fresh Foods and our Dandy® brand as we approach our 100th year,” said Bindas. “I’m excited to bring energy, enthusiasm, and a background in value-added produce to help drive category growth for our retail partners—and deliver an exceptional Duda Generations eating experience to their shoppers.”

Both Moncada and Bindas will report to Alan Ediger, Vice President of Sales, who emphasized the importance of these hires in executing Duda’s strategic vision. “Roger and Steve bring a wealth of experience and leadership that will be instrumental as we accelerate growth in the fresh-cut space and continue building on our strong customer relationships,” said Ediger. “Their expertise will help ensure we stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.”

These appointments come at a pivotal moment for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, reinforcing the company’s dedication to talent, innovation, and customer success as it builds toward its next 100 years.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on additional news and product launches, please visit trade.dudafresh.com or follow Dandy Fresh Produce social media platforms for daily inspiration at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

WATSONVILLE, CA - To consider restaurants operating without mushrooms is unthinkable. They impart a depth of flavor that is nearly impossible to replicate, and their numerous health benefits are turning them into superfoods right before our eyes. To get the scoop on how Monterey Mushrooms keeps foodservice operators connected with top-quality mushrooms, I spoke with Marketing Manager Lindsey Occhipinti.

“We’re your go-to source for everything mushrooms, offering a complete range—from white, Baby Bella, and Portabella to a variety of specialty mushrooms. Our selection includes conventional, organic, specialty, and high vitamin D options, available in convenient 24 oz top-sealed packages or bulk boxes,” Lindsey told me.

One of the reasons Monterey Mushrooms is so dedicated to helping its foodservice operators find the right solutions is that it believes mushrooms are a must-have for any menu.

This is due to their versatility and ability to complement a wide range of global cuisines.

“We always look forward to connecting with the foodservice community each year in Monterey, California, and gaining fresh insights from the IFPA General Session—this year’s panel on the evolving role of health in foodservice is especially relevant, as mushrooms are packed with a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,” Lindsey added. “Mushrooms have a high nutritional value, including potassium, selenium, copper, ergothioneine, and the B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. We'd love to see you at booth #221 in the Serra Ballroom—come say hello to both new and familiar faces on our team!”

You won’t want to miss stopping by, so be sure to add Monterey Mushrooms to your list of companies to see at the upcoming Foodservice Conference.