The survey is a follow-up of the survey conducted by the coalition in March 2023, when producers and traders the world over were facing unprecedented cost hikes.

The office focuses on produce transportation and timely deliveries of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Gold Coast Packing has promoted two employees and added one member to its team. The business has always been family owned and operated since its inception in 1978 by long-time friends Ron Burk and Bob Espinola. And it will continue that way as Burk’s son Gary has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Prior to the promotion, Gary was Gold Coast’s general manager. He had held that position since 2019. Gary will now oversee all daily operating duties at Gold Coast Packing and the company’s processing facility, Fresh Venture Foods.

Markon welcomes Kate Burr as its new Food Safety Director. In her new role, Burr will use her proficiency of field and processing practices, product recall expertise, and sustainability knowledge to enhance Markon’s food safety initiatives. She will be responsible for compliance with Markon’s 5-Star Food Safety Program standards throughout Markon’s supply chain; ensure all Markon First Crop, Ready-Set-Serve, and Markon Essentials products meet or exceed its stringent food safety standards; and serve as the voice of Markon for all food safety-related matters. She will also deliver relevant industry information to members, alert customers about food safety concerns, and conduct ongoing research in the field. 

Nature Fresh Farms has expanded operations with a new Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas, with future developments planned for next year. The new 61,000 square foot Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas, provides a new major hub of fresh produce. Since the opening of the facility, they have employed over 30 team members with more positions available for hire.

Fresh Del Monte Produce has added six new energy-efficient reefer container vessels to its fleet. The addition of the new vessels named – Del Monte Gold, Del Monte Rose, Del Monte Harvester, Del Monte Spirit, Del Monte Valiant andDel Monte Pride – marks a new chapter in environmental sustainability for the company. 

Hitchcock Farms of Salinas, California, a premier and innovative grower/shipper has acquired Pfyffer Associates, a grower, packer and shipper of premium Brussels sprouts in Santa Cruz, California. Pfyffer has been a leading supplier of Brussels sprouts for over 45 years with their well-known Ernie’s Pride and Pfyffer labels.