As a broker, Bernardi & Associates has one goal in mind: providing its customers with the best tomatoes possible day in and day out, 365 days a year.

This time of year, that means sourcing largely from the Baja Peninsula in western Mexico. Joe Bernardi, who has been president of the family-run operation for more than two decades, said that adding value for its customers is the key to the company’s success. “Things are status quo around here,” he said. “We’re just supplying our customers 52 weeks a year.”

Arroyo Grande, CA-based Talley Farms Inc. welcomed BRENNAN HARRELL to its sales team on June 4.

The bankruptcy case involving Adams Produce Co. in Birmingham, AL, has been continued until July 9, though a proposed PACA Trust settlement plan was expected to be filed with the court by the end of the day June 19, according to two attorneys involved in the proceedings.  

Safeway Inc. announced that it has transitioned to using reusable product containers rather than corrugated boxes to ship many types of produce from the farm fields, through the distribution channel and to final store destination. This transition eliminated the use of over 17 million pounds of corrugated boxes.

Bill Marler, the Seattle attorney who has become renowned for handling litigation related to foodborne illnesses, told a webinar audience that included many other lawyers that he turns down many more cases than he files.

Gary Margolis, owner and president of Gem Tomato & Vegetable Sales Inc., headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, said that the Arkansas tomato crop is about 10 days ahead of schedule, and with excellent quality and yields.