31 Mar 2023
Mastronardi Produce Limited v Rainbow Acres Inc.
The case of Mastronardi Produce Limited v Rainbow Acres Inc., dated March 31, 2023, involved the plaintiff, Mastronardi Produce Limited (MPL), and the defendant, Rainbow Acres Inc. (RAI). MPL had filed a claim seeking a total of $516,686.40 from RAI, which comprised $489,628.11 for seeds and $27,058.29 for packaging materials. These goods had been sold and delivered to RAI. MPL had also sought pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at 18 percent per annum, along with costs of the action.
Initially, RAI contested MPL's claims, asserting that its sole obligation was tied to packaging expenses. However, during the trial, RAI's position underwent a shift. They eventually conceded that all but a portion, totaling $21,321.85, was barred under the Limitations Act. RAI also denied having agreed to the 18 percent per annum interest rate on the invoices.
The trial encompassed various exhibits, including documents related to invoices, credit memos, and correspondence. Following an assessment of the evidence and arguments presented by both parties, the court ruled in favor of MPL. Consequently, Rainbow Acres Inc. was instructed to pay Mastronardi Produce Limited a principal amount of $516,686.40. This sum encompassed the charges for both seeds and packaging materials. Additionally, Rainbow Acres Inc. was directed to pay pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on the owed amount, following the default rates specified in the Courts of Justice Act.