Israeli startup Better Juice and GEA Group AG, Germany, have established a new pilot facility for juice manufacturers to test their sugar-reduction technology. The GEA Better Juice Sugar Converter Skid is included in GEA’s innovation center in Ahaus, Germany, and is completed with all the required processing equipment supplied by the global food system suppliers and incorporates Better Juice sugar reduction technology. The center will be fully operational by mid-July of this year.

JBT Corporation has acquired Alco-food-machines GmbH & Co. KG (Alco), a leading provider of further food processing solutions and production lines.

Joe Pezzini, senior director of agricultural operations for Taylor Farms, was elected Center for Produce Safety Board of Directors chair at the CPS board directors’ annual business meeting June 23. Pezzini reports his first priority as CPS board chair will be to guide the board’s update of the center’s strategic plan.

Fresh Express is not letting global supply chain woes stand in the way of achieving its North American sustainability goals. According to Vice President Fabian Pereria, who directs sustainability efforts, the company has recently adopted the use of reduced gauge corrugate to circumvent shortages and also contribute to increased sustainability. “At Fresh Express, we are always seeking new and inventive ways to address our ongoing sustainability priorities,” he said.  “And given the amount of corrugate required for our operations over time, even moderate reductions can have significant impact.”

GrubMarket expands into New Mexico and West Texas by acquiring Albuquerque, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas-based Quality Fruit & Vegetable Co. (QF&V), one of the largest foodservice distributors in the Southwest.

Jean Dodson Peterson will join Washington State University this fall as founding chair of the newly created Department of Viticulture and Enology.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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 (PACA). 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 approval from USDA.

A state-of-the-art apple receiving, washing, grading and packaging plant is holding an equipment sale in Comstock Park, Michigan.