The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Southern Produce Distributors Inc. in Faison, NC, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

SPD failed to pay $3.49 million to 33 sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from April 2017 to June 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. SPD cannot operate in the produce industry until June

Have you ever unexpectedly been summoned to a special meeting while you were out in the field? Did the unknown reason for the hastily called meeting irk you?

One day, our entire staff was suddenly notified to be present at an urgent meeting. Some of us were out visiting stores and were instructed to promptly double back into the office. It sounded like a serious issue.

Once everyone had arrived, there was a chill of the unknown in the air, along with concerned faces. Was corporate restructuring the company again? Were there going to be more cut-backs? Were individual positions being

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States, has entered into a definitive agreement with Piggly Wiggly Midwest with the intent to purchase the Wisconsin-based wholesaler. Piggly Wiggly Midwest operates corporate stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style program. Since 1911, Sheboygan, WI, has been the home to Piggly Wiggly Midwest’s headquarters where it has its corporate offices and two of its distribution centers. A third distribution center is located in Milwaukee.

“With more than 102

Peak availability of California avocados continues in July, and the California Avocado Commission’s summer advertising and trade program is running at full steam. Support includes “The best avocados have California in them” advertising campaign, which increases brand linkage and awareness that the fruit is in season. Consumer public relations activities and customized trade promotions work hand-in-hand with the advertising messaging.

“July is part of peak California avocado season, with advertising and promotional support in full swing,” said Jan DeLyser, vice president marketing of the

Michigan blueberry grower Shelly Hartmann has been named chair of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. Hartmann, who co-owns True Blue Farms with her husband Dennis, succeeds Chris Barnhill of North Carolina. 

Serving on the USHBC board for 10 years, most recently as vice chair, Hartmann is also actively involved in a number of other industry organizations and programs:  Governor-appointed role  of treasurer of the Michigan Blueberry Commission, a member of the board of the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program Advisory Council, and on the planning committee for the National

Total organic fresh produce sales for the second quarter of 2021 saw a continuation of year-over-year growth, increasing by 4 percent from the same period last year and nearing $2.3 billion for the quarter, according to the Q2 2021 Organic Produce Performance Report released exclusively by Organic Produce Network and Category Partners. 

Organic fresh produce sales and volume in the second quarter of 2021 continued to show year-over-year growth despite the fact that the second quarter of last year was when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered most foodservice outlets, causing supermarket sales to