PPC Flexible Packaging LLC, a leading provider of custom flexible packaging, announced the acquisition of Kansas City, KS-based Plastic Packaging Technologies LLC.

PPC, headquartered in Buffalo Grove, IL, is a leader in printing and converting of flexible films, pouches and other innovative packaging designs, including prototypes. It is a recognized pioneer in consumer snack and organic brands, specialty produce and horticulture markets. With the addition of PPT, the firm now operates 13 manufacturing facilities that are AIB, SQF level II and ISO-9001 certified.

Founded in the early 1970s

SiCar Farms recently acquired 4,000 acres and is building a state-of-the-art packinghouse facility in the southeast region of Mexico. With this addition, now the (Gudino Ochoa) GO Group has secured land in all the main production zones of Mexico. This investment will result in meeting consumer demand year-round and specifically during the winter season.

In this project, 40 percent of the land purchased will be preserved as a natural preservation area.  “Greater control of growing, logistics and the cold chain enables us to yield quality assurance and uphold long-term relationships and demand

We have all heard the phrase “knowledge is power.” The truth is knowledge without someone to share it with and make grow is simply information.

For food-safety professionals we have witnessed the value of active and continuous knowledge exchange among members. In the produce industry, connecting with members within a trade association provides that exponential growth to make individuals, companies, and the industry stronger.  That’s because knowledge shared is power toward achieving common public health goals. The value of knowledge exchange in food safety, especially in the non-competitive

Between storms, higher inflation prices and seasonal crop transitions, the produce industry is lumbering in a mix of challenges for directors in developing desired ad programs. Quality, shortages, crop issues, winding up of local produce, predicted freezing temperatures in the east and other weather-related problems have prices on the high side. What can produce directors turn to in promoting produce under these adverse times?

Apples: There are plenty of excellent quality apples coming out of the Northwest, Midwest and the orchards in the East. The new crop is always a good tonnage item

Produce Alliance and Copia have partnered to donate pallets of fresh produce and prepared food to community members in need.

Food is the single largest component taking up space inside U.S. landfills, making up 24 percent of municipal solid waste. At the same time, over 38 million people in America are struggling with food insecurity. Food waste and hunger are inextricably linked issues and can be solved through technology and logistics. Copia has built the first end-to-end solution that directly addresses both.

By donating through Copia, Produce Alliance is providing equitable access to

While food and beverage prices remain elevated, — about 13.3 percent higher year-over-year through the five weeks ended Oct. 2, — overall year-over-year inflation was relatively flat from August to September, showing a moderating trend after months of steady increases, according to the September 2022 Price Check: Tracking Retail Food and Beverage Inflation report, released by Information Resources.

The latest data show that food and beverage prices in September 2022 increased by just 1 percent compared to August. While food and beverage prices remain significantly elevated the moderating