PRO*ACT expanded its agreement with Vizient, a healthcare performance improvement company, and Provista, a Vizient company, that will change how clients manage their foodservice purchasing and supply chains.

The expanded agreement will enable clients to optimize their produce purchases while leveraging a broad selection of center-of-plate protein providers across PRO*ACT’s extensive distribution network.

“Working with Vizient and Provista aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative solutions that optimize supply chains and improve the overall foodservice experience,” said Rich

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on five produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

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:

• A & P Produce LLC

Fresh Express Inc. has acquired McEntire Produce Inc., a fresh-cut processor, repacker and wholesaler supplying the foodservice industry since 1938. This strategic acquisition, confirmed by John P. Olivo, president of Fresh Express, and Carter McEntire, president and CEO of McEntire Produce, combines McEntire Produce’s strong foodservice capabilities with Fresh Express’s national retail supply footprint, unlocking exciting growth opportunities across the foodservice sector. 

This transaction will allow the newly formed Foodservice Division of Fresh Express under the McEntire Produce name, to

JOH, a leading independent food broker based in Billerica, MA, launched its Integrated Commerce Marketing services, a new offering led by an internal team dedicated to helping clients create best-in-class marketing across physical and digital channels. 

This expansion reflects JOH’s unwavering commitment to driving growth for its clients. 

Building on its industry-leading brokerage services and innovative KartSmartr e-commerce offering, JOH’s new Integrated Commerce Marketing team will collaborate closely with its brokerage teams to deliver integrated marketing solutions that complement

Produce is the ultimate health food — and health food consumers are an extremely attractive demographic. This according to a recent report from dunnhumby, which revealed the rising importance of health-focused consumers in the U.S. grocery market. The key finding of the Better for You (Customer), You (Brand), and You (Retailer) report is that health-conscious shoppers represent a $285 billion annual opportunity, comprising 33 percent of the population and driving significant market trends.

Natural Grocers, Amazon Fresh and The Fresh Market emerged in the report as the leading retailers for

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., through its vegetable division, Mann Packing, introduced Newman’s Own Salad Kits, the first-ever packaged salad kits from the philanthropic food brand. This new product line combines Fresh Del Monte’s dedication to providing fresh, quality products and supporting communities with Newman's Own’s mission of giving back through its one-of-a-kind business model. Newman’s Own Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all the money it receives from the sales of these products to nourish and transform the lives of children facing adversity.

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