Walmart opens high-tech perishable distribution center
Walmart has opened a new 725,000-square-foot perishable distribution center in South Carolina. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to receive and process fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat and frozen goods for delivery to 180 Walmart stores.
“The opening of our new high-tech perishable distribution center, marks a major step forward in how we get fresher products to customers faster — whether that’s in-store, delivered to their home, or even restocking their refrigerator,” said Rob Montgomery, executive vice president, supply chain, Walmart U.S.
Steamed broccoli and meth smuggler left raw from $13M bust
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $13.2 million worth of alleged methamphetamine concealed in a trailer hauling a commercial shipment of broccoli.
“This massive load of narcotics will not reach American streets thanks to the tireless inspection work undertaken by our CBP officers on the front lines,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry.
Tips to boost early apple sales
Apple season is kicking off with a bang as Stemilt begins to ship Rave apples, up 40 percent in volume over last year. With harvest already complete across Washington, Michigan and New York, Rave is perfectly timed to help retailers jumpstart apple category sales before traditional shelf resets hit in the fall.
BJ’s Wholesale Club looks to beat grocery store prices
As consumers continue to feel challenged by high grocery store prices, BJ’s Wholesale Club said it is reinforcing its foundation of unbeatable value. BJ’s said its members can save 25 percent or more over grocery store prices on everything from the freshest produce to meat to deli items.
USDA restricts PACA violators in California and Florida
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three 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:
GLC Cerritos publishes inaugural sustainability report
Grupo Los Cerritos has released its inaugural Sustainability Report, which discloses the impacts stemming from its operations and establishes baseline metrics.
Southern Specialties thrives on consistency and reputation
Operating a consistent business model for almost 35 years and building a solid reputation with customers can go a long way in the produce industry.
Market Minute: Produce aces Baldor and Turlock Fruit love serving up the Honey Deuce
It sure seems that everything Taylor Swift touches turns to gold — or should I say platinum — though not everything needs her help becoming a hit.
Last year the mega star was seen at the U.S. Open enjoying the tournament’s official drink, the Honey Deuce. According to The New York Times, during last year’s two-week event the iconic drink generated $12.8 million — not too shabby.
USDA reaches decision on $457K PACA violation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Roberson Onion Corp. of Hazlehurst, GA, entered into a Consent Decision and Order finding that Roberson Produce committed repeated and flagrant PACA violations by failing to pay $457,171.80 to multiple produce sellers. The Consent Decision and Order took effect Aug. 15.
Earlier this year the USDA alleged that Roberson Produce failed to make full payment promptly in the total amount of $889,309.48, to 12 sellers for multiple lots of produce, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Mission Produce expands distribution to Miami to serve high-growth Southeast market
John Pawlowski