In the US, fresh produce distributor Tanimura has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy with over US$10.6m in outstanding debts, The Packer has reported.

David Golubchik, the Los Angeles-based attorney representing the group, told The Packer that Tanimura Distributing ceased operations shortly before filing for bankruptcy on 13 August.

According to court documents, the company had a net loss of US$250,000 for 2007, while the first three months of 2008 had resulted in a loss of over US$360,000.

Of Tanimura's debts, US$1.39m is in secured debt owed to Agricap Financial Corporation, with unsecured debt owed to around 150 different parties.

A meeting of creditors for the case will be heard at the US Bankruptcy Court in the Central District of California on 10 September.