Company says its plant-based postharvest treatments buy time for producers dealing with complex trading scenario
Fresh Formulaics says its next-generation, plant-based postharvest treatments offer a timely solution to help produce exporters facing mounting uncertainty from sweeping US tariffs respond to market disruptions by improving quality, reducing shrink, and unlocking new export opportunities.
In April, the US introduced a 10 per cent universal tariff on most imports. While this rate currently applies to most countries, higher, country-specific tariffs were also announced for several nations. However, enforcement of those increases has been suspended until 9 July, 2025, while trade negotiations continue.
While Mexican avocados remain exempt from new tariffs under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), recent trade policy changes have caused shipment delays and operational uncertainty. Citrus, meanwhile, continues to face price volatility and changing trade conditions, prompting many produce suppliers to reassess their export strategies. Producers are adjusting in real time, looking for practical ways to protect their margins.
“When your margins are already tight and followed by a tariff increase, every bit of sellable product counts,” said Denise Junqueiro, Fresh Formulaics’ vice president of marketing. “With our products, suppliers are seeing 10 to 15 per cent more fruit make it to market. That’s fruit that would’ve typically been rejected or lost along the way due to shrink.”
Many Latin American exporters are also looking beyond the US market, redirecting shipments to Europe and Asia. But entering new markets often means longer travel times and tougher arrival standards. Flair S1™ extends shelf life, enhances appearance, and provides consistency that helps exporters succeed with longer routes and unfamiliar buyers.
“If you’re entering a market you haven’t shipped to before, it usually takes at least a season or two to get your systems in order,” Junqueiro added. “Our product acts like an added layer of insurance that gives you more confidence right from the start. It buys you time to get the rest of your process dialed in.”
Fresh Formulaics is already working with growers and packers who are adapting their export strategies in light of these trade developments. With the company’s drop-ship model, getting started is simple and fast, even for first-time exporters or those testing new markets.
