Category: Uncategorized

Summary: Membership Update

The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) welcomed nineteen new members in March 2026. Additionally, some existing members have changed their membership status. Scroll below for more information.

Welcome New Members

2478339 ONTARIO INC.	ON	Canada
AKM IMPORT EXPORT / LE VILLAGE KAFE (Faisant également affaire sous 9231-8526 Quebec Inc.)	QC	Canada
AKSHAR TRADE GLOBAL INC.	ON	Canada
ALGCAN IMPORT INC.	QC	Canada
DELINOIS DISTRIBUTION (A d/b/a of Steeve Picard Delinois)	ON	Canada
EAST COAST WILD BLUEBERRY LTD.	NS	Canada
FIRST MATE TRADING CORP.	AB	Canada
FRESH GARLIC CANADA ULC	ON	Canada
FRUTICOLA VILLAMANGOS SPR DE RL	Chiapas	Mexico
GREEN SUPERFOOD GLOBAL SAS	Quindio	Colombia
LES FERMES DU SOLEIL INC.	QC	Canada
OCEAN HARVEST SEAFOODS INC.	BC	Canada
Q&Q FOOD PROCESSING INC.	BC	Canada
RACINE PETITS FRUITS 2025 INC.	QC	Canada
SIMILIEN PRODUITS FRAIS INC.	QC	Canada
SKINNER PRODUCE INC. (Also d/b/a WYCO Produce Inc.)	FL	United States
TRANSYC FREIGHT SOLUTION LTD.	ON	Canada
UNI-ONE FOOD GROUP INC.	BC	Canada
VANCO FARMS LTD.	PE	Canada

DRC Membership Change in Status

As of March 31, 2026, the following organizations no longer hold a DRC membership:

9530-2576 QUEBEC INC.	QC	Canada
AVOCATS M. AGUSTIN INC.	QC	Canada
CANADA GARLIC IMPORTING INC.	ON	Canada
CAN-AM PRODUCE & TRADING LTD.	BC	Canada
COMMERCE INTERNATIONAL SILA INC. / SILA INTERNATIONAL TRADE	ON	Canada
DIAZTECA COMPANY	AZ	United States
FRASER VALLEY FARM MARKET INC.	BC	Canada
FRESH DIRECT, INC.	AZ	United States
FRUITBREEZE LLC.	FL	United States
GAIA PRODUCE LLC.	NY	United States
GLOBAL BIO INC.	QC	Canada
MIKE AND MIKE’S INC.	ON	Canada
MIRAGE FOODS INC.	NB	Canada
NEXATECH INC.	ON	Canada
RACINE PETITS FRUITS 2014 INC.	QC	Canada
RAMSUN CANADA INC. (Also d/b/a Ramsun)	ON	Canada
TRANSPORT JUSTINT IMPORT-EXPORT INC.	QC	Canada
TRINITY FRUIT COMPANY, INC.	CA	United States
VANCO PRODUCE LTD.	PE	Canada

For questions about membership changes, contact our Help Desk.

About the DRC

The DRC is a non-profit membership-based organization whose core work is business-to-business commercial dispute resolution for the fresh produce industry. The DRC serves as a referee between parties when a purchase and sale do not go according to plan. Members adhere to a common set of trading standards and member responsibilities that promote fair and ethical trading for produce entering the North American marketplace. In Canada, membership in the DRC is a regulatory requirement to trade fresh fruits and vegetables (i.e., buy, sell, import, export) unless accepted by the regulations. Today, the DRC has members in 16 countries outside North America, and membership continues to grow annually. Anyone exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to Canada must sell to a member of the DRC.

In addition to its Operating Rules and Trading Standards, the DRC offers a comprehensive, tailored suite of tools to build members’ knowledge and capacity to avoid or resolve disputes. The DRC provides education, mediation, and arbitration services, and can impose sanctions and disciplinary actions on members who fail to conduct business in accordance with the terms of their membership agreement.

The DRC has resolved claims worth more than $105 million to date. Although arbitration is available, 80% of these claims have been settled in an average of 26 days through our informal consultation and mediation services. Arbitration awards are court-enforceable in countries that are signatories to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards or subsequent conventions.

For more information about memberships, click here or contact our Helpdesk.

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The fresh produce industry operates on a truly international scale, linking growers, shippers, buyers, and sellers across multiple regions. As supply chains stretch and trading relationships expand, the need for dependable, transparent business practices becomes even more critical. The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) supports this evolving landscape by serving as a global reference point for ethical, reliable commerce in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.

To meet the needs of a complex marketplace, the DRC, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization, provides harmonized trading practices, promotes responsible business conduct, and delivers trusted dispute prevention and resolution services. Together, these elements help companies work with predictable standards and reduce the uncertainties that can arise in perishable‑goods transactions.

Why Members Worldwide Trust the DRC

Membership in the DRC offers practical, day‑to‑day value for exporters, importers, growers, shippers, packers, brokers, wholesalers, and retailers. Joining gives you:

The Four Pillars of DRC Trade Standards

Our framework is built on four core components that guide every stage of a fresh produce transaction. These standards are widely recognized and help simplify trade from origin to destination.

1. Trading Standards

These standards outline contract expectations, responsibilities, timelines, payment terms, and business integrity requirements. They ensure each party enters the transaction with a clear and consistent understanding of its obligations. 

2. Transportation Standards

Because produce quality can be greatly affected by logistics, our transportation standards define best practices for loading, temperature control, carrier responsibilities, and documentation. They help prevent issues related to handling and transit conditions.

3. Good Arrival Guidelines

These guidelines describe what constitutes an acceptable arrival condition, taking into account commodity type, transit duration, and normal deterioration. They provide a practical benchmark that protects both buyers and sellers.

4. Good Inspection Guidelines

When concerns arise, inspections must be objective and reliable. To protect themselves, companies should follow our guidelines to ensure that inspection reports have appropriate evidentiary value regarding the product’s condition at the destination.

Building a Fair, Reliable Global Marketplace

As produce continues to flow through increasingly complex supply chains, the DRC equips companies with the structure, knowledge, and confidence they need to operate successfully. Whether you’re entering new markets, strengthening existing relationships, or looking to reduce risk, the DRC supports a trading environment defined by predictability and professionalism.

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Growers and shippers exporting to both the United States and Canada often use quality destination inspection services offered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The inspection reports from these agencies are considered prima facie evidence. This means their findings are accepted at face value when determining the quality and condition of produce at the destination.

At the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC), we frequently receive questions from exporters and shippers about how to interpret these reports, especially when selling into both markets. To add clarity, the major differences between USDA and CFIA inspection practices are outlined below.

1. Grade Standards

• USDA inspectors evaluate product strictly according to U.S. Grade Standards.
• CFIA inspectors use Canadian Grade Standards, and when no Canadian standard is available for a particular commodity, then U.S. Grade Standards apply as the default.

A key distinction:

• USDA reports explicitly state whether the commodity meets or fails to meet the requested grade.
• CFIA reports do not indicate a pass or fail status for the referenced grade standard.

2. Permanent/Quality vs. Condition Defects

CFIA clearly distinguishes defect types using acronyms:

• (C) – Condition defect
• (C/K) – Condition defect on a cut specimen
• (P) – Permanent/quality defect (interior)
• (P/K) – Permanent/quality defect on a cut specimen (interior)

USDA reports differentiate by listing quality/permanent defects first, usually noting the word “quality” in the description. Condition defects follow afterward.

3. Type of Defects

• USDA identifies the severity of each defect—injury, damage, serious damage, or very serious damage—in designated columns.
• CFIA scores damage only.
  • Severity (serious or very serious) must be inferred from the description, often based on the surface area affected.
  • If no surface area is noted, the defect is considered “damage” unless it is inherently serious, such as decay.

4. Temperature Reporting

• CFIA reports temperatures in Celsius.
• USDA reports temperatures in Fahrenheit.

5. Carrier Information

• USDA reports include a dedicated section for carrier information when the carrier is still present at the receiver’s location.
• CFIA includes carrier details within the “Where Inspected” section and may add further notes in “Remarks.”

6. Range/Variant of Defects

• CFIA reports include a “range” column showing the lowest and highest percentage of each defect found in the sampled product.
• USDA reports include this range within the defect description rather than in a separate column.

Narrative Information

Inspectors from both agencies use descriptive terms that correspond to percentage ranges. While similar, the ranges differ slightly:

Term	CFIA	USDA
Occasional	1 to 5%	5% or less
Few	6 to 10%	5 to 10%
Some	11 to 25%	10 to 25%
Many	26 to 45%	25 to 45%
Approximately Half	46 to 55%	45 to 55%
Most, Mostly	56 to 89%	55 to 90%
Generally	90 to 94%	90%
Nearly All	95% or More	95%

Why Understanding These Differences Matters

Under the DRC Good Inspection Guidelines, always use government agency quality destination inspection services as the primary source of evidence when available. For this reason, it’s essential for members to understand how to interpret USDA and CFIA reports accurately.

Equally important is considering the terms of the transaction, which can influence how inspection results should be applied.

If you are unsure how to interpret an inspection report or need guidance, contact DRC’s Trading Assistance staff or Help Desk for expert support. Don’t hesitate, as getting accurate advice can make a significant difference in your transaction outcomes.

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Why is the Bill of Lading (BoL) particularly important in the ground transportation of produce?

The Bill of Lading (BoL) plays a crucial role in the transportation of commodities, but in the ground transportation of the fresh produce industry, it becomes more significant.

Produce sellers and buyers with years of experience in produce transportation know that the BoL serves as the legally binding contract of carriage between the carrier and their principal—whether that principal is the shipper or the receiver.

What makes a produce BoL particularly important, and distinct from BoLs used in other industries, is that in the fresh fruit and vegetable trade, the shipper is the one who issues the BoL. It is not created by the carrier or freight forwarder.

In transactions where the carrier is hired by the buyer or receiver—such as Free on Board (FOB) sales—the buyer provides the carrier with all necessary transportation instructions and requirements but, it not the carrier who prepares the BoL nor do they have any say over the information that goes on it, until they receive it from the shipper. This means the carrier must ensure that the buyer’s instructions align with the BoL issued by the shipper.

The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) has extensive experience handling produce disputes, including transportation claims. Sporadically, we find discrepancies between the BoL and the transportation instructions provided by the shipper or the receiver. These conflicts often involve differences in carton counts, inconsistent temperature requirements, or other critical handling details.

So, what should be done when conflicting information appears on these documents?

If a driver fails to compare the BoL with the instructions received, the carrier will likely default to the BoL, since it is the binding contract of carriage. However, relying solely on the BoL may not lead to the best outcome. Any inconsistency between documents should immediately prompt communication—either with the shipper or, in the case of an FOB transaction, with the receiver who hired the carrier.

Clarifying differences early is essential.  It helps prevent disputes, protects the carrier, and ensures the shipment is handled in accordance with the correct requirements.

If you have any questions about the article and would like to learn more, our team at the DRC is here to assist you. We value your inquiries and are eager to provide support. Click here to proceed.

Dispute over reduced payments on several invoices due to the produce being incorrect in size, count, or in deteriorated condition.

The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) has developed a series of articles summarizing past arbitration decisions. These articles will help members understand how the DRC Dispute Rules and Standards (R&S) apply in a dispute.

The DRC Dispute R&S states that all DRC arbitrations are private and confidential. As such, the names of all parties, including arbitrators and companies, are not included. A reminder that the DRC’s sole role is to administer the arbitration process; the DRC does not participate in any hearings. Therefore, this summary is based solely on the arbitrator’s written decision and may not reflect important information shared with the arbitrator through written briefs or verbal testimony.

ABSTRACT

The arbitration decision addresses a dispute between parties from Mexico and Canada. The dispute began when Respondent issued short payments for various transactions, claiming that some shipments related to those transactions had problems, such as poor quality, incorrect product sizes, or incorrect quantities. The Claimant disagreed with these claims.

The arbitrator concluded that there was not enough evidence to support the Respondent’s arguments for reducing payments on certain transactions.

This summary provides an essential overview of the arbitration decision and its implications for international commercial disputes.

CASE: DRC File #18232 – Parties Domiciled – Mexico and Canada

SUMMARY OF FACTS

From June 2005 to August 2005, the Claimant sold a series of loads of mangoes to the Respondent.

The Claimant initiated this arbitration case because he believes the Respondent had not fully paid for these loads as outlined in the invoices and still owes him a total of US$9,544.00. Additionally, he claims the payments he received were late, which entitles him to interest. He is also seeking reimbursement of US$600.00 for the costs associated with filing this claim.

The Respondent disputes these allegations. In his Statement of Defence, he asserts that two of the loads were short in quantity, that the wrong sizes were shipped for two other loads, and that one load was compromised by excessive heat, leading to quality loss. As a result, he has made payments to the Claimant that reflect the actual value of what he received.

It seems that the two parties have engaged in extensive telephone conversations about the various loads at different times. However, neither party has documented any verbal agreements with written evidence, such as signed faxes, resulting in confusion about what was discussed and when.

Need Help Navigating Fresh Produce Trade Disputes?

Contact the DRC for information on memberships and expert guidance on preventing and resolving disputes. 

Reach out to us today at info@fvdrc.com or visit www.fvdrc.com/contact to discover how we can help you 
trade with confidence anywhere in the world.

Summary: Membership Update

The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) welcomed eleven new members in February 2026. Additionally, some existing members have changed their membership status. Scroll below for more information.

Welcome New Members

ACH DISTRIBUTION INC. / DISTRIBUTION ACH INC., QC, Canada
BERRYHILL FARM INC., ON, Canada
Damen Service Alimentaire (A d/b/a of 9427-9734 Quebec Inc.), QC, Canada
DESARROLLADORA Y PROMOTORA AGROPECUARIA SA DE CV Estado de Mexico, Mexico
FERME J.E. BARBEAU (Faisant également affaire sous 9208, QC, Canada
FRESH AND NUTS SPA, Cachapoal, Chile
KMAX INCORPORATED, ON, Canada
MMK GROUP INC., ON, Canada
NOSTALGIA INC., AB, Canada
PARADIS DES FRUITS DE LA PASSION INC. (Also d/b/a Passion Fruits Paradise Inc.), QC, Canada
UPNORTH FRUIT SERVICES LTD., BC, Canada

DRC Membership Change in Status

As of February 28th, 2026, the following organizations no longer hold a DRC membership:

BERRYHILL FARM, ON, Canada
CONNORS TRANSFER LIMITED, NS, Canada
COSTA’S WINE COUNTRY (A d/b/a of 2638186 Ontario Inc.), ON, Canada
DASAM FOODS INC., QC, Canada
DIMARE RUSKIN, INC., FL, United States
DISTRIBUTION CARELO INC., QC, Canada
EZ GROW FARMS LTD., ON, Canada
FRESH PLUS PRODUCE LTD., BC, Canada
FRESHWAY FOODS (A d/b/a of Fresh Unlimited, Inc.), OH, United States
GROUPE ADONIS INC (Faisant également affaire sous Marché Adonis), QC, Canada
INTIFRESH DEL SUR SAC (También haciendo negocios como Intifresh Del Sur), Piura, Peru
JOSEPH QUATTROCCHI & COMPANY LTD. (Quattrocchi Food Services), ON, Canada
LES FERMES DU SOLEIL INC., QC, Canada
LIMONEIRA COMPANY, CA, United States
MAGNOLIA PACKING INC., GA, United States
ORLEANS FRESH FRUIT (A d/b/a of 927912 Ontario Ltd.), ON, Canada
PRIMLAND CANADA ENTERPRISES INC. / ENTREPRISES PRIMLAND CANA, QC, Canada
QUEEN OF JACA LTDA, Brazil
RLE LOGISTICS INC., AB, Canada
TEJA GLOBAL LTD. (Also d/b/a Prep Culinary), ON, Canada
WESTSHORE TRADING (1988) LTD., BC, Canada

For questions about membership changes, contact our Help Desk.

About the DRC

The DRC is a non-profit membership-based organization whose core work is business-to-business commercial dispute resolution for the fresh produce industry. The DRC serves as a referee between parties when a purchase and sale do not go according to plan. Members adhere to a common set of trading standards and member responsibilities that promote fair and ethical trading for produce entering the North American marketplace. In Canada, membership in the DRC is a regulatory requirement to trade fresh fruits and vegetables (i.e., buy, sell, import, export) unless accepted by the regulations. Today, the DRC has members in 16 countries outside North America, and membership continues to grow annually. Anyone exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to Canada must sell to a member of the DRC.

In addition to its Operating Rules and Trading Standards, the DRC offers a comprehensive, tailored suite of tools to build members’ knowledge and capacity to avoid or resolve disputes. The DRC provides education, mediation, and arbitration services, and can impose sanctions and disciplinary actions on members who fail to conduct business in accordance with the terms of their membership agreement.

The DRC has resolved claims worth more than $105 million to date. Although arbitration is available, 80% of these claims have been settled in an average of 26 days through our informal consultation and mediation services. Arbitration awards are court-enforceable in countries that are signatories to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards or subsequent conventions.

For more information about memberships, click here or contact our Helpdesk.

Summary

The DRC welcomed ten new members in January 2026. Additionally, some existing members have changed their status, and one was terminated with cause. Scroll below for more information.

Welcome New Members

9472-0497 QUÉBEC INC., QC, Canada
BRIGHT FARM STOUFFVILLE (A d/b/a of 2621990 Ontario Ltd.), ON, Canada
ECO FARMS TRADING OPERATIONS LLC., CA, United States
FRIENDSHIP SPECIALTY MUSHROOM FARM LTD., BC, Canada
JADE FINE FOODS LTD. (Also d/b/a Arbutus Foods), BC, Canada
MING WEI SUPERMARKET LTD., AB, Canada
NOVATERRA COMPANY INC. (Also d/b/a Novaterra Produce), ON, Canada
OCEAN FRESH SEAFOOD (A d/b/a of Shanmugarajah Ravindran), ON, Canada
SHORELAND TRANSPORT INC., NB, Canada
UNITED EXPORTS AMERICAS LLC., FL, United States

DRC Membership Change in Status

As of January 31st, 2026, the following organizations no longer hold a DRC membership:

16477411 CANADA INC., ON, Canada
A. LASSONDE INC. (Faisant également affaire sous Golden Town, QC, Canada
AREL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE INC., ON, Canada
ATLAS DEAL (A d/b/a of Ahmed Abousaboun), MB, Canada
BASIL KING IMPORT, BC, Canada
BLUERIDGE PRODUCE INC., BC, Canada
DAN AVILA & SONS PACKING INC., CA, United States
DIAMANT COMPANY (A d/b/a of Peter Wambui), ON, Canada
DOCK CORNER FARMS LTD., PE, Canada
DOLE DIVERSIFIED NORTH AMERICA, INC., PA, United States
DRK IMPEX INC. (Also d/b/a DRK Impex), ON, Canada
FERNDALE BERRY (A d/b/a of J & N Transport LLC), WA, United States
FLAVOR & PRODUCE IMPORT CORP., ON, Canada
FORMOSA PRODUCE LTD., BC, Canada
G MEX INCORPORATED, ON, Canada
GLEN A. LEA INC., PE, Canada
HONEY BEAR TREE FRUIT CO LLC, WA, United States
HUGH H. BRANCH, INC., FL, United States
IVAN BIG TREE LLC TX, United States
JAG WORLDWIDE IMPORTS (A d/b/a of 1552955 Ontario Inc.), ON, Canada
JL UNITED TRADING (A d/b/a of 1816101 Ontario Inc.), ON, Canada
LANGE COMPANIES, INC., MO, United States
LÉON DELORME LTÉE., ON, Canada
LES SERRES BIOLOGICO INC., QC, Canada
LES SERRES SAVOURA ST-ÉTIENNE INC., QC, Canada
MIG HOLDINGS INC. (dba Montrose International Group), ON, Canada
ONEEL CORPORATION LTD., ON, Canada
P.S.I. (A d/b/a of PSI Procurement Solutions International, BC, Canada
PRAIRIE PRIDE ORGANICS INC., SK, Canada
PRODUCTORA Y COMERCIALIZADORA AGRICOLA VALENCIA S.A. DE C.V., Michoacan, Mexico
RANA WHOLESALE LTD., AB, Canada
THE PRODUCE GUYS, ON, Canada

Termination with Cause

G MEX INCORPORATED was expelled from the DRC membership effective January 29, 2026, for not meeting its debts as they come due and failing to provide information requested.

Important note: Following membership termination, the former member remains liable for claims arising prior to their termination if the claim is submitted to DRC by way of a Notice of Dispute within nine (9) months from when the claim arose or within nine (9) months from when the claimant ought reasonably to have known of its existence.

For questions about membership changes, contact our Help Desk.

About the DRC

The DRC is a non-profit membership-based organization whose core work is business-to-business commercial dispute resolution for the fresh produce industry. The DRC serves as a referee between parties when a purchase and sale do not go according to plan. Members adhere to a common set of trading standards and member responsibilities that promote fair and ethical trading for produce entering the North American marketplace. In Canada, membership in the DRC is a regulatory requirement to trade fresh fruits and vegetables (i.e., buy, sell, import, export) unless accepted by the regulations. Today, the DRC has members in 16 countries outside North America, and membership continues to grow annually. Anyone exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to Canada must sell to a member of the DRC.

In addition to its Operating Rules and Trading Standards, the DRC offers a comprehensive, tailored suite of tools to build members’ knowledge and capacity to avoid or resolve disputes. The DRC provides education, mediation, and arbitration services, and can impose sanctions and disciplinary actions on members who fail to conduct business in accordance with the terms of their membership agreement.

The DRC has resolved claims worth more than $105 million to date. Although arbitration is available, 80% of these claims have been settled in an average of 26 days through our informal consultation and mediation services. Arbitration awards are court-enforceable in countries that are signatories to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards or subsequent conventions.

For more information about memberships, click here or contact our Helpdesk.

As we enter 2026, the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) celebrates a year of transformative progress—strengthening fair and ethical trade, promoting trade standards, and expanding our global influence across the fresh produce industry.

2025: A Year of Progress and Collaboration

Industry Highlights

• Advisory Role in the Grocery Code of Conduct (Code): The DRC contributed to shaping Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct mediation process, reinforcing ethical trade practices and the integrity of fresh produce at both the retail and supplier levels. Learn about the differences between the DRC and the Code.
• Bill C-280 Advocacy: The bill, also known as the Financial Protection Act, became law in December 2024, creating a deemed trust to protect fresh fruit and vegetable farmers and suppliers. The DRC supported this legislation and continues to advise the government on its implementation. Learn more
• International Engagement: Our participation in the 23rd meeting of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) underscored DRC’s growing global presence and influence. Learn more
• Strengthening Partnerships: The DRC collaborates with various industry organizations, including industry-government committees and the North American Trade Working Group, to benefit the sector. Participation in these activities highlights the DRC’s role as a knowledgeable and respected industry partner, which benefits our members.

DRC Milestones

2025 marked several key accomplishments:

• Transfer of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grade Requirements: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) passed regulations allowing for the transfer of fresh fruit and vegetable (FFV) grade requirements to the DRC. This positive change will enable faster updates to meet industry needs, promote innovation, and enhance flexibility and competitiveness. Learn more
• 25th Anniversary Celebration: We honoured 25 years of supporting the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, reflecting on our enduring commitment to ensure fair and ethical trade for all our members. Learn more
• Fraud Prevention Guide: Developed in partnership with leading industry organizations, this guide equips members to combat rising fraud schemes and is available on the DRC website. Learn more
• Member Engagement: The DRC continued to prevent and resolve disputes efficiently through coaching and consultation—primarily conducted virtually or by phone. Our customized presentations have helped prevent disputes from ever occurring, and if they do, most have been resolved at an early stage. Learn more
• Industry Presence: The DRC has participated in numerous trade shows and conferences, providing valuable opportunities to connect with our members and industry personnel. In 2025, we exhibited at major events such as Fruit Logistica, CPMA, the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, the IFPA Mexico Conference, and Fruit Attraction. See where we’re heading next!

Looking Ahead to 2026

As 2026 begins, we are excited to announce that the DRC will attend and exhibit at a variety of national and international trade shows and conferences throughout the year. These events provide excellent opportunities for industry professionals to connect with our team, learn more about our services, and explore ways to strengthen the fresh produce community.
The DRC will continue to advocate for and provide a supportive business environment through collaboration with industry organizations, consultations and governments.

The upcoming transfer of most Canadian FF&V Grade Requirements exemplifies our ongoing commitment to excellence and member support. Keep an eye on the DRC website, where the grades will be available soon.

We look forward to strengthening and expanding our international presence across the produce supply chain and serving businesses globally. Members can use DRC’s harmonized trading standards and practices anywhere in the world. With increasing global interest and over 1700 members spread across 20 countries, the DRC offers opportunities to connect and grow your supply chain with confidence from anywhere in the world.

Thank you to our members and the fresh produce community for making 2025 remarkable. We look forward to building on these successes in 2026. For updates and resources, visit our website, follow us on social media, or connect with us at upcoming events.

As of January 1, 2026, the Canada Grocery Code of Conduct (Code) is now fully operational. The membership is open to retailers and suppliers, including primary producers, wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers, who are directly engaged in the grocery supply chain in Canada.

If you are a member of the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC), you may be questioning: What are the differences between the Code and the DRC? And if you belong to both frameworks, which one should you use for dispute resolution purposes?

Let’s begin with the reminder that Canadian companies that buy and sell interprovincially or import fresh fruits and vegetables are governed by the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations (SFCR), which, by law, requires a DRC membership. The DRC membership is voluntary for companies in the fresh produce industry outside of Canada. The Code is a voluntary framework designed to promote fairness and transparency in retailer-supplier relationships. It covers all grocery categories such as produce, dairy, meat, packaged goods, beverages, household items, etc.

Both systems offer dispute resolution mechanisms. However, the Code recognizes that DRC rules take precedence in cases of a conflict in fresh fruits and vegetables transactions. In other words, where the DRC has jurisdiction over a dispute, the dispute must be resolved through the DRC’s Dispute Resolution Rules unless otherwise agreed.

DRC has jurisdiction over any conflict between two members when the dispute concerns a breach of contract, short payment or non-payment, unfounded price adjustments, unjustified liquidations or returns, and quality or condition problems connected to the trade of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Code was designed to deal more with retailer-supplier practices related to delisting, forecasting, good faith negotiations, and other contractual obligations in which damages are not linked or deducted from a particular transaction.

One important distinction between these two mechanisms is that DRC’s arbitration decisions and awards are mandatory and court enforceable. Furthermore, failing to comply with an arbitration decision or failing to maintain membership requirements can result in termination or expulsion from membership, respectively.

The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC) and the DRC are working closely to ensure smooth alignment between these frameworks. Code Members can contact the OGSCC for guidance on Code matters, and the DRC Help Desk for questions about DRC jurisdiction.

Summary

The DRC welcomed seven new members in December 2025. Additionally, some existing members have changed their status, and one was terminated with cause. Scroll below for more information.

Welcome New Members

ALFEZZAN TUMR LTD., MB, Canada

ANC TRADING GROUP, ON, Canada

ENTREPRISE SUD INC. (Also d/b/a Quartier Japonais 808), QC, Canada

FRESH FLEET LTD., ON, Canada

KIND-HEARTED FARM LTD. (Also d/b/a Kind-Hearted Farm), BC, Canada

MAISON DES SAVEURS DE LA MEDITERRANEE INC. (Faisant également affaire sous Maison Des Saveurs Med), QC, Canada

MARSFIELD TRADING INC., ON, Canada

DRC Membership Change in Status

As of December 31st, 2025, the following organizations no longer hold a DRC membership:

CONAGRA BRANDS CANADA INC., ON, Canada

GRACE’S CHOICE INC., ON, Canada

KAPI KAPI GROWERS INC., FL, United States

LA TERRE CULTIVÉE DISCREET INC. / DISCREET FARMLAND INC., QC, Canada

MARCHÉ MOKOLO (Faisant également affaire sous 11540467 Canada Inc.), QC, Canada

SUN BRIDGE IMPORT EXPORT INC., ON, Canada

VIVAFRESH IMPORTS INC. (Also d/b/a Vivafresh Imports), ON, Canada

Termination with Cause

VIVAFRESH IMPORTS INC. (Also d/b/a Vivafresh Imports) was automatically terminated from the DRC membership effective December 31, 2025, for failing to comply with an arbitration award. 

Important note: Following membership termination, the former member remains liable for claims arising prior to their termination if the claim is submitted to DRC by way of a Notice of Dispute within nine (9) months from when the claim arose or within nine (9) months from when the claimant ought reasonably to have known of its existence.

For questions about membership changes, contact our Help Desk.

About the DRC

The DRC is a non-profit membership-based organization whose core work is business-to-business commercial dispute resolution for the fresh produce industry. The DRC serves as a referee between parties when a purchase and sale do not go according to plan. Members adhere to a common set of trading standards and member responsibilities that promote fair and ethical trading for produce entering the North American marketplace. In Canada, membership in the DRC is a regulatory requirement to trade fresh fruits and vegetables (i.e., buy, sell, import, export) unless accepted by the regulations. Today, the DRC has members in 16 countries outside North America, and membership continues to grow annually. Anyone exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to Canada must sell to a member of the DRC.

In addition to its Operating Rules and Trading Standards, the DRC offers a comprehensive, tailored suite of tools to build members’ knowledge and capacity to avoid or resolve disputes. The DRC provides education, mediation, and arbitration services, and can impose sanctions and disciplinary actions on members who fail to conduct business in accordance with the terms of their membership agreement.

The DRC has resolved claims worth more than $105 million to date. Although arbitration is available, 80% of these claims have been settled in an average of 26 days through our informal consultation and mediation services. Arbitration awards are court-enforceable in countries that are signatories to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards or subsequent conventions.

For more information about memberships, click here or contact our Helpdesk.