Zespri recently announced that its Chief Executive Dan Mathieson has been appointed to the Produce Marketing Association Board.

The PMA is a trade organisation representing the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. Based in North America, it seeks to bring together the global produce community to help grow a healthier world, and attract, develop and retain talent.

Big Y will close all of its stores, including Big Y World Class Markets, Table & Vine and Fresh Acres specialty market, on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, as well as Nov. 27. Big Y Express Gas & Convenience locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day as well.

Wonderful Pistachios announced plans to donate a bag of Wonderful Pistachios to all residents in Pattada, Sardinia, Italy, to celebrate the birth of the world’s first green puppy named “Pistachio.” The company will also donate a lifetime supply of Wonderful Pistachios to Cristian Mallocci, the dog’s proud owner who runs a small farm in Pattada.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on National Produce Sales Inc. in Lake Zurich, IL, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

NPS failed to pay $820,456 to seven sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from January 2016 to February 2018. This is in violation of the PACA. NPS cannot operate in the produce industry until Oct. 21, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.

Looking to revolutionize the stagnant in-shell sunflower seed category, South 40 Snacks is partnering with retailers to uniquely position its giant-sized, premium seeds in the produce aisle. The company seeks to emulate the success of pistachio category, driven in large part by innovation on the part of The Wonderful Co.

Farm Fresh Produce considers itself an evolving company and not afraid of change.

Johnnie Herring, chief production officer of the Faison, NC-based company, said the company’s success comes from not saying “no” to customers and knowing how to adapt under any circumstance.