In a landmark decision, the court of Bari issued a first-of-its-kind injunction forbidding an Italian grape producer from harvesting or selling any table grapes from unauthorized plantings of Sugrathirtyfive variety (Autumncrisp brand) grapevines. The Sugrathirtyfive grape variety is owned by Sun World International LLC. Under the court’s order, until the infringing vines are removed and replaced, the vineyards are effectively worthless.

Over the last 15 to 20 years, dates have become a fruit that people want year-round, while in the past, they were purchased during holidays. That growing demand for dates has kept the people at SunDate busy as the company provides dates for consumers 12 months a year.

In talking with California orange growers, the transition from Valencias to Navels has already begun — as well as plenty of good-quality imported clementines. There is still a light supply of imported Navel oranges arriving in Philadelphia ports.

The two Henry Avocado distribution centers in Texas are a clear indication of the company’s high regard for avocados from Mexico and an affirmation that the location of Henry’s centers is motivated by its freshness mantra “Always on time, always just ripe!”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on two 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:

Avocado production is vital to the economy of Mexico with the country being the world’s largest producer of the crop, supplying as much as 45 percent of the international avocado market. 

The avocado industry has been growing steadily through the years with the U.S. industry set to sell more than 2.6 billion pounds of avocados imported from Mexico in 2022.