North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Tesco launches new lines as chopped salad ‘craze’ takes off
Retailer has developed three new chopped salads based around crunch and colour as social media trend drives interest in ’big flavour’
Guatemalan avocado exports keep on growing
Export volume could increase by 20,000 tonnes by 2028, but sector faces major structural challenges
California Avocado Month provides peak season spotlight
In June, the California Avocado Commission (CAC) will celebrate the fourteenth year of its California Avocado Month programme.
South African citrus shipments to US delayed
While export volumes will probably not be affected by recent extreme weather, the bulk shipment programme will start later than planned
Driscoll’s hits back at critics of its food safety record
Berry giant responds to pesticide concerns by highlighting food safety efforts, and calls for constructive, fact-based dialogue
Chiquita marks 30 years at Port Freeport
Recent arrival of the new Chiquita Horizon vessel highlights continued investment in modern cold-chain logistics capabilities
Have A Plant partners with WICShopper App in US
The Foundation for Fresh Produce has partnered with the WICShopper App to create a dedicated Fruit & Veggie Hub
Driscoll’s defends compliance record after pesticide testing report
Berry supplier responds to consumer group report and says its production remains in ‘full compliance’ with US food safety laws
Albertsons builds AI quality control tool for fruit and veg
Retailer welcomes next step towards ‘future of agentic commerce’ as it works with Google to roll out system for berries and grapes
US imposes duties on subsidised Canadian mushroom imports
The US Department of Commerce has determined that Canadian mushroom producers benefitted from unfair government subsidies
‘Lots of demand, not enough of the right supply’ in mangoes
Lewey Hook, the technical director at SHP Tropical, gives FPJ a brief round-up of some of the key developments affecting mango supply to the UK
Chiquita joins Fresh Express and Planet Harvest on Fresh Communities Tour
US-based initiative expands access to fresh, nutritious food and has already distributed 10,000 fresh food boxes
Oppy celebrates 25 years as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies
Recognition comes as Oppy continues to expand its global operations following its strategic integration with Dole Diversified North America
Robinson Fresh opens major Texas cross-border logistics facility
New logistics centre in South Texas enhances cross-border capabilities and accelerates fresh produce movement from farm to fork
Oishii ready to expand vertical strawberry production
Company says it will increase its use of robotics and invest in R&D as it develops distribution across US and Canada
Orchard View lands cherry export honour
As the Oregon-based grower gears up for its domestic campaign, it is recognised for contribution to Asian exports
Mexico’s new Japanese milestone
First shipment of bell peppers is exported following years of negotiations
Sunkist Growers appoints Anuj Girdhar as CFO
Anuj Girdhar will oversee finance, accounting, strategy and innovation, and information technology teams at the citrus cooperative
CMI Orchards marks sustainability progress
US-based fresh produce company publishes first annual impact report
Dole pleased with ’solid start’ to 2026
Group reports year-on-year revenue growth for the opening quarter, although net income is down on 2025
Planasa hosts first Meet & Greet in Watsonville, California
Event brought together more than 50 attendees including shippers, retailers, and growers from across the US, Mexico and Spain
California to destroy around 420,000 peach trees after collapse of Del Monte Foods
Closure on two canneries following company’s bankruptcy leave farmers without a buyer for their crop
Comment: The £74 banana is a good look for fresh produce
A new campaign designed to expose over-priced cosmetics offers plenty of hope for the fruit and veg business
Europe prepares for new US cold treatment requirements
Italy, Spain, Greece, France and Portugal have prepared inspectors for new US import rules, due to take effect in June
CPMA hosts largest ever Convention and Trade Show
Association’s annual event drew record crowd and highlighted country’s growing importance on global fresh produce stage
The Fresh Ideas Show: When will people eat more fruit and veg?
Mike Knowles and Maura Maxwell are joined by Chris White as they discuss a major challenge facing the fresh produce business
California Table Grape Commission elects new chairman
Justin Parnagian of Fowler Packing Company has been elected chairman of the CTGC, taking over from Marko Zaninovich
Taiwan government quells US import fears
US citrus imports not expected to impact the domestic industry following tariff cuts
Pink Lady Alliance closes after 25 years of stewardship
The non-profit organisation brought together growers, marketers and licensees from major production regions worldwide
Fresh Del Monte reports lower Q1 sales and income
The produce giant’s Q1 net sales fell 4.9 per cent to US$1.04bn, while net income dropped to US$10mn from US$31.1mn year-on-year
Sun World mango programme gains momentum
Extended seasonaility is a key point of differentiation of the programme
World Fresh launches new Canadian dark sweet cherry varieties
British Columbia-based company has been authorised to market five new Canadian-bred cherry varieties to global markets
Syngenta launches high INSV-resistant romaine lettuce Renegade
New variety joins Stampede in offering enhanced protection against thrips-transmitted virus that has significantly impacted Salinas Valley production
IFPA reacts to passing of 2026 Farm Bill
Cathy Burns has hailed the passing of America’s first Farm Bill in eight years as delivering ”certainty and stability” for specialty crop growers
US stonefruit leader welcomes ‘7 Months of Summer’
The largest stonefruit grower in the US is doubling down on its multi-region production strategy
Driscoll’s appoints Wyard Stomp as COO
Berry giant creates new chief operating officer position for Wyard Stomp, while Shaily Sanghvi’s role expands