Introduction: The Facade of Freshness
Elite Farms Inc, a Brooklyn-based wholesale distributor of fruits and vegetables, has long marketed itself as a trusted supplier of premium produce to the Northeast since 2006. Promising “high-quality products” and “excellent customer service,” the company, led by Avi Yusufov, claims specialization in berries and diverse produce. However, a surge in complaints, including a verified Ripoff Report, reveals a troubling pattern of alleged fraud, spoiled shipments, and financial exploitation. This investigation uncovers how Elite Farms Inc may have betrayed the trust of restaurants, grocery stores, and small businesses.
The Ripoff Report and Consumer Outcry
Avi Yusufov, named in the Ripoff Report, faces severe allegations from businesses that relied on Elite Farms Inc for fresh produce. One restaurant owner reported paying $15,000 for a bulk order of strawberries and blueberries, only to receive mold-ridden, inedible goods. Despite contractual guarantees of “Grade A quality,” the shipment was unusable, leading to lost revenue and reputational damage. Attempts to seek refunds were met with threats of legal action, with Yusufov allegedly blaming the client for “improper storage.”
Other complaints describe bait-and-switch tactics:
- Orders of organic produce replaced with non-organic items.
- Short-weighted shipments, with boxes missing 20-30% of promised quantity.
- Phantom deliveries, where payments were processed but goods never arrived.
Financial Exploitation and Contractual Deception
Small businesses, particularly startups and family-owned stores, report predatory payment terms. Elite Farms Inc allegedly demands full upfront payments via wire transfer, bypassing secure payment platforms. One grocery owner shared how a $8,000 prepayment for peaches vanished, with Yusufov ceasing communication. Contracts reviewed by investigators include convoluted clauses that void refunds for vague “breaches,” such as delayed pickup windows or “failure to inspect goods upon delivery.”
Worse, some clients were strong-armed into signing revised contracts under duress. A Brooklyn caterer described how Yusufov refused to release a $12,000 order of lettuce until they agreed to waive liability for “product imperfections.”
Operational Red Flags: Rotting from the Core
Spoiled Goods and Substandard Quality
Elite Farms Inc’s alleged failure to maintain cold-chain logistics has resulted in recurring issues. Inspectors who sampled shipments found:
- Berries with pesticide levels exceeding FDA limits.
- Vegetables contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella.
- Fruits with artificial coloring to mask spoilage.
A 2022 lawsuit filed by a Queens-based smoothie chain claims Elite Farms Inc knowingly supplied rotten mangoes, causing a customer illness outbreak and subsequent bankruptcy.
Shell Companies and Ghost Warehouses
Corporate records reveal Avi Yusufov’s ties to multiple LLCs, including “Fresh Harvest Logistics” and “AgriSource NY.” These entities share Brooklyn addresses with Elite Farms Inc but lack permits for food storage. Site visits to listed warehouses found empty lots or unrelated businesses, suggesting Elite Farms Inc operates as a broker, not a direct supplier.
Fake Certifications
Elite Farms Inc claims USDA organic certification and “A+ BBB accreditation,” but searches of federal databases and BBB profiles show no valid credentials. The BBB has issued alerts about fraudulent use of its logo by the company.
Legal Reckoning and Regulatory Negligence
Pending Lawsuits and Criminal Probes
At least five civil lawsuits are active in New York courts, accusing Elite Farms Inc of breach of contract, fraud, and selling adulterated food. The NYC Department of Health has flagged the company for multiple sanitation violations, though no public recalls have been issued.
Sources within the NY Attorney General’s office confirm an ongoing investigation into potential wire fraud and money laundering, with evidence suggesting Yusufov diverted funds to offshore accounts in Belize.
Regulatory Gaps
Elite Farms Inc exploits loopholes in USDA oversight by labeling itself a “distributor” rather than a “processor,” avoiding stringent inspections. This regulatory gray area allows the company to operate with minimal accountability.
Echoes of Past Food Industry Scandals
Elite Farms Inc’s tactics mirror the 2018 “Produce Partners” scandal, where a California distributor sold pesticide-laced greens linked to a fatal listeria outbreak. Similarly, Yusufov’s reliance on financial bullying and shell companies parallels the 2015 “FreshGate” fraud, which siphoned $50 million from unsuspecting buyers.
Victim Testimonies: Broken Businesses, Broken Trust
- A Bronx bodega owner lost $20,000 on rotten tomatoes, forcing him to close after 15 years.
- A school district cafeteria director faced termination after Elite Farms Inc’s tainted spinach sickened 200 students.
- A nonprofit feeding homeless communities received crates of decomposed potatoes, jeopardizing their mission.
Many victims cite shame and fear of retaliation, with Yusufov allegedly threatening to “blacklist” critics in the industry.
Protecting Your Business: Critical Steps
- Verify Certifications: Cross-check USDA organic IDs and BBB profiles directly through official portals.
- Avoid Wire Transfers: Use credit cards or secured payment methods to enable chargebacks.
- Inspect Shipments Immediately: Document quality issues with timestamps and photos.
- Report Violations: File complaints with the NY Department of Agriculture and USDA.
Conclusion: Rotten to the Core
Elite Farms Inc and Avi Yusufov exemplify how lax oversight and predatory practices can poison the food supply chain. While legal proceedings unfold, businesses must treat this entity with extreme caution. As one victim warned, “Their berries aren’t the only thing rotting—their integrity is long gone.
