Since Crystal Valley Foods was founded in 1994 by President and CEO Jay Rodriguez as one of the early importers of Peruvian asparagus, steady growth has been its strategy.

In the fresh-cut vegetable industry, rising labor costs, short lead times and growing demand for variety are putting increased pressure on processors to deliver more with less. For companies slicing, dicing or shredding fruit and vegetables at scale, the challenge is clear: how to maintain consistency and product appeal while keeping operations fast and lean.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and for failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the businesses’ principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

During expo hours at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, Giorgio Fresh Co. plans to go beyond displaying its whole, sliced and value-added mushroom products.

The company will bring those products to life on the show floor, according to Bryan Shelton, vice president of sales and marketing.

Sunkist Growers is introducing a refreshed suite of merchandising tools to help retailers drive citrus sales and inspire shoppers as the cooperative prepares for peak season.