North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Finding the right technology in the berry business
Expert speakers at Fruitnet Berry Congress, which took place in London on 19 March, highlighted the potential of various technological solutions to address issues surrounding labour, energy, quality and waste in the berry category
Tevel secures funding for flying robot harvesters
Israel-based agritech company raises US$18m in Series C funding as it works to address labour shortages in fruit supply chains
AgroFresh raises prices as conflict drives up costs
Shelf-life extension specialist implements ‘global price adjustment’ to cope with increasing input inflation
Driscoll’s launches The Berry Patch Book Club
The berry company has introduced four original digital books for early readers, building on its brand focus on shared family moments
Michoacán avocado producers unite to create Pro Aguacate Michoacán
New organisation will focus on opening new markets for the state’s avocados
Comment: The quiet recalibration of India’s fruit imports
Soma Sengputa, trade advisor at Flanders Investment & Trade, unpacks the true impact of India’s recent free trade deal ‘blitz’
US trade mission takes produce bodies to Vietnam
California Fresh Fruit Association, California Prune Board, Potatoes USA and Washington Apple Commission head to Vietnam
Sunkist Growers appoints two new directors to leadership team
The citrus cooperative has appointed Joshua Carr as director of procurement and Stephen Sheldon as director of global business development
Berry business faces up to new challenges as growth continues
Investment in varieties, segmentation, marketing and technology will help build more profitable berry business, delegates heard at Fruitnet Berry Congress
Fresh Del Monte completes acquisition of select Del Monte Foods assets
US$285mn deal marks “historic milestone” that brings the Del Monte brand under single ownership for the first time in nearly four decades
Hass Avocado Board elects first female chairperson
Gwen Jackimek heads a new executive committee tasked with guiding the organisation through what it describes as a critical period for the industry
Zespri launches RubyRed kiwifruit in Australia, Vietnam and Canada
Boost in volume to 18,000 tonnes this season expands export opportunities for the global marketer
The real reasons behind the rise of blueberries
Fruitnet’s Mike Knowles speaks exclusively to Cort Brazelton, CEO of Fall Creek, about the product’s recent impressive growth
CFFA honours Sun World’s David Marguleas with Lifetime Achievement Award
Marguleas recognised for his ongoing service to the California fresh fruit industry at CFFA’s 90th annual meeting
Chiquita gradually resumes operations in Panama
The multinational is testing banana packing plants as part of reactivation process in Panama
‘Resilience is about more than just multiple origins’
Wealmoor CEO Avnish Malde tells Fred Searle about the grower-importer’s rich history, his journey into fresh produce, and why supply resilience is in the firm’s DNA
USDA-funded IFPA initiative supports regenerative farming
Eligible crops Include strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, onions, broccoli, kale, specialty greens, sweet potatoes and blueberries
Mission Produce reports Q1 loss amid avocado pricing pressure
Integration planning continues for the pending Calavo Growers acquisition, expected to close in the fiscal third quarter
Tropic secures US$105mn to scale gene-edited banana production
Company plans to scale production of climate-resilient and non-browning varieties, with commercial launches due in 2027
Trump tees up new tariffs as importers including Dole demand refunds
Three weeks after US Supreme Court ruled out the use of IEEPA, government digs foundation to erect new barriers
‘Some fruit supply chains may no longer be viable’
Reefer shipping expert and former Maersk Line executive Thomas Eskesen explains what conflict in the Middle East means for the fresh produce business
Cathy Burns urges Congress to boost US produce consumption
IFPA chief executive champions policies that increase fruit and vegetable consumption while supporting domestic growers
The Middle East, resilience and the future of UK fresh produce
In the latest FPJ podcast, Nina is joined by Tom Joyce and the NFU’s Martin Emmett to discuss current and future challenges.
Fruitnet Berry Congress still the best place to track innovation in berries
Conference and networking event brings business leaders together to discuss better products, stronger supply chains, and new market trends
Agri-food is the top sector for seasonal worker abuse, report finds
New analysis has found the global agri-food sector saw most alleged instances of abuse against seasonal workers with UK retailers among 600 major employers linked to cases
Oppy mourns long-serving Gerry Gaston
Vancouver-based group has announced the death of Canadian industry veteran Gerry Gaston, who died on 18 February at the age of 83
US access on the horizon for Taiwanese pineapples
Authorities have recommended allowing imports pending pest risk consultation
Washington apple exports to Asia rebound
Exports to Taiwan rise 19 per cent, Hong Kong is up 27 per cent, Indonesia increses by 17 per cent and India is up 14 per cent
MAF Roda cracks date challenge
Sticky and delicate, Medjool dates have long been a headache for automation specialists, but France’s MAF Roda says its new sorter ticks all the boxes
Iran conflict could raise fertiliser prices as growers prepare for planting
Gas price volatility and restriction of key fertiliser inputs through Strait of Hormuz could impact UK growing season for key salad and veg crops
Comment: Middle East conflict threatens European exports
Philippe Binard of Freshfel Europe considers the potential fallout for fresh produce suppliers after military action escalated in the Middle East
The Fresh Ideas Show: Are fruit and veg trendy at last?
Hear about the latest fresh produce business trends in the latest episode of Fruitnet’s video podcast, sponsored by Kanzi apples
IFPA appoints Dr Eric Stevens as food safety VP
Stevens will lead IFPA’s global efforts to shape food safety and regulatory policy, strengthening engagement with international bodies
Washington Fruit Growers and Sinclair celebrate 30+ years of partnership
Long-term collaboration delivers precision-driven labelling solutions
Shipping lines reroute services amid ‘deteriorating security situation’
Several services rerouted around Africa as vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz are suspended
Daily avocado and mango consumption good for heart health, study finds
Eating a portion of both fruits each day improved vascular health markers in adults with prediabetes after eight weeks