Nardelli creates relationships that build trust, growth
Bill Nardelli Sr. has been in the farming business for too long to not realize it takes a village to create a successful operation.
Christian D’Amour named Big Y's senior director of supermarket operations
Christian P. D’Amour has been named senior director of supermarket operations for Big Y Foods Inc. In this role, D’Amour will be responsible for the oversight of the five supermarket districts ensuring operational excellence across all locations.
D’Amour is a third generation D’Amour family member. He is a grandson of Big Y co-founder Gerald E. D’Amour and son of Executive Chairman Charles L. D’Amour. He reports to Nicole D’Amour Schneider, senior vice president of retail operations and customer experience.
Ark Foods bringing full line of innovative produce to Southern Innovations
Ark Foods is exhibiting at the upcoming SEPC Southern Innovations Conference in booth No. 504.
“We set out to change how people think about fresh food,” said Noah Robbins, CEO and visionary behind Ark Foods. “What started with a single vegetable — the Shishito pepper — has grown into a diverse portfolio we are proud to grow and share. Finding the joy in vegetables should be easy, and that guides our belief that vegetables are the ultimate food every day.”
IFPA ramps up sustainability efforts
On the heels of last month’s Brazil Conference, which brought a record number of fresh fruit and vegetable industry leaders together, the International Fresh Produce Association continued its ongoing efforts to help its member community shape the future of food and climate as part of São Paulo Climate Week.
Market Minute: Promote fall harvest produce
There is a folklore belief that when the temperatures start to drop and create a chill in the autumn air, you should try to catch a falling leaf. Then keep the leaf in a safe spot until spring. When doing so, it is said to avoid catching a cold. And to further experience a lucky year, try to catch a dozen leaves, which superstitiously will bring good fortune a month for each leaf captured.
USDA restricts PACA violators in California, Georgia, New Jersey and New York
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on four 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 USDA approval.
The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
Masser to showcase power of innovation at SEPC Southern Innovations
Masser Family of Cos. will showcase the power of innovation with Side Delights Potato products at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations 2025 trade show and conference in Charlotte, NC, Sept. 10-13.
Spreading produce news at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture
As usual, it is a busy time of the year at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
With summer crops in full swing and farmers getting ready to start harvesting their fall offerings, officials at the department are aggressively helping to get the word out about what is happening with farmers across the entire state of New Jersey.
OASIS Forage Products launched exclusively at Walmart
OASIS Forage Products, a pioneer brand behind foraged floral design, announced its launch in Walmart stores nationwide in August 2025.
Cranberries and blueberries on the way from Sunny Valley International
Sunny Valley International has been working with New Jersey fruit for more than 25 years and the fall marks the transition from its summer domestic programs to its fall programs that include a mix of domestic and imported fruit.