Sev-Rend is pleased to announce the addition of James (JC) Nyssen as its new Pacific Northwest Sales Manager

Bringing JC Nyssen on as the Pacific Northwest Sales Manager lines up with Sev-Rend’s goals to further service its clients in the produce industry with high-performance packaging. This move allows Sev-Rend to further support the ever-growing fresh produce industry.

“JC brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Sev-Rend team that will allow us to grow in some key areas within the fresh produce packaging world” stated Rob Williams, chief executive officer of Sev-Rend.  “His

MountainKing Potatoes is doubling down on efforts to fill orders of its smaller-sized varieties as retailers brace for packing capacity issues due to a recently authorized fourth round of purchases for the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program, continued consumer stockpiling during COVID and an increased demand for in-home cooking during the holidays.

Most notably, the Colorado grower, packager and shipper of small-sized Steakhouse Roasters, Baby Golds and Baby Reds has ramped up operations at its Alpine, CO, packing facility dedicated exclusively to the company’s smaller-sized potatoes. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge and World Trade Bridge seized methamphetamine valued at nearly $21 million in a shipment of vegetables.

“The trafficking and production of methamphetamine has increased substantially over the past year, causing drug traffickers to become more creative in their methods of smuggling their product into America,” said Acting Port Director Andrew Douglas, Laredo Port of Entry.

The seizure occurred on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the World Trade Bridge when CBP officers assigned to the cargo facility

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on First Fruits Holdings LLC, doing business as Four Rivers Onion Packing, in Wake Forest, 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.

First Fruits failed to pay $363,070 to five sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from November 2016 to July 2018. This is in violation of the PACA

The sales of bagged avocados have been on an upward trend for the past couple of years and they received an extra boost because of the novel coronavirus as the sale of almost all packaged or bagged produce registered gains. Seemingly, consumers are attracted to product that is insulated against repeated touching by other shoppers.

Rob Wedin, executive vice president of fresh sales for Calavo Growers, Inc. Santa Paula, CA, told The Produce News on Oct. 23 that just slightly less than 25 percent of the company’s 2020 avocado sales volume in bags. A look back just a few years would see that

¡Yo Quiero!, a Texas-based brand specializing in guacamole, queso and salsa, is spicing up football season with Homegating HQ, a newly launched virtual resource for tailgating from home. With limited game attendance, fans must find fun and creative ways to watch their favorite sports from the comfort of their couch.

YoHomegatingHQ.com was created to share ideas on throwing great tailgating parties from home — whether it’s outdoor kitchen inspiration, tailgating recipes or party planning tips. The site also provides games, printables and tips on creating individual servings and contact-free