North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Tierra Suelta enters peak dragon fruit season
Miami-based tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta has reported that plentiful volumes of premium dragon fruit are now available
Lunar New Year edition of Asiafruit out now
Lunar New Year preview, Australia export focus and a keynote interview with Rockit Global CEO Grant McBeath headline this issue
Mission Produce reveals leadership succession plan
President John Pawlowski will replace founder Steve Barnard as chief executive officer in April next year
Marketing to Gen Z: Premium pineapple packs a punch
Xavier Roussel of Dole explains why the world’s largest fruit company has introduced another premium pineapple variety
Marketing to Gen Z: It’s all about fun and enjoyment
West Mathison introduces Stemilt’s new pear variety, which he says offers consumers and growers something altogether more modern
Marketing to Gen Z: Social media is the new grapevine
Jennifer Sanchez of Sun World shares how the brand has reimagined table grapes for younger consumers and connected with them online
Marketing to Gen Z: How to bring fresh appeal to pears
The president and CEO of USA Pears reveals how the marketing organisation is repositioning itself with its first new visual identity in several decades
Marketing to Gen Z: The avocado advantage
Avocados from Mexico president Alvaro Luque explains why the fruit is so popular among younger generations, and why authenticity is key to connecting with them
Oppy launches Dole-branded Florida strawberry programme
The company’s inaugural Florida strawberry programme under the Dole brand spans over 300 acres across four growing regions
China matches Peru as world’s leading table grape exporter
Country’s production expands for seventh consecutive year, as global production is forecast to rise by 545,000 tonnes
Maersk inaugurates new Manzanillo depot
Mexico expansion boosts Maersk’s connectivity and offers faster, more efficient solutions for regional trade
Anrin Logistics boosts customs operations
Anrin Logistics is increasing customs work against a backdrop of lower consumption and market risk aversion
USA Pears launches World Pear Day campaign
Fresh campaign sees pears rain down animated Times Square billboards and across Manhattan buses
Ninety per cent of Mexican avocado exports certified free from deforestation
According to Secma, 37 packhouses in Michoacán and Jalisco have obtained Pro Forest Avocado certification to date
Moroccan avocado exporters seize on new opportunity in Canada
Fall in Mexican supply created a window for Moroccan fruit at the beginning of this year
FDP Group acquires UNFI Produce
Move will see the Canadian fresh produce distributor provide a broader selection of fruits and vegetables while strengthening its position within the organic market
Increased 2025 grower returns reflect momentum in T&G’s Apples business
New Zealand marketer set to pay a total of NZ$172mn in returns to its grower network, up 25 per cent on last season
Maersk appoints Robert Erni as new chief financial officer
The logistics group has also announced a series of regional leadership appointments as part of a broader restructure
Primland primed for growth of gold kiwi
With production on the rise in France, Portugal and Greece, kiwifruit marketer Primland is ready to respond to increasing consumer demand
New Zealand apple exporters look for US alternatives as tariffs bite
One Hawke’s Bay grower will divert volume away from the US as he readies for significant crop of large apples this season
Breeders respond to EU proposal on gene edited crops
Some of the world’s leading plant breeders share their thoughts on this week’s landmark EU agreement to allow gene-edited fruits and vegetables
GWF appoints Danitza Sánchez as president of its European chapter
Sánchez will lead the expansion of GWF initiatives throughout Europe
Big Four unite to ‘re-energise’ North American banana category
Association aims to revive consumer excitement, tackle industry threats, and tell clearer story about true value of world’s most-eaten fruit
Australian fresh produce industry’s Wiggles campaign takes out global marketing award
Award recognises programs that “galvanise industry to work together through partnership to effect meaningful change
Video: How will AI shape the future of fresh produce?
AI is transforming how fruit and vegetables are bred, grown, distributed and marketed. But where will the technology have the greatest potential impact?
Orsero Group considers expansion into North America
Italian company eyes potential investments in the US, according to executives speaking at stock exchange event in Milan
Biotalys wins regulatory approval for Evoca biofungicide
US registration of Evoca marks a significant milestone, according to Biotalys, as it is the first protein-based biofungicide of its kind to be approved by the EPA
Pacific Northwest pear crop up 78 per cent as harvest winds down
Pear producers lean into nutrition education to promote sizeable harvest
Video: How to connect with Gen Z
Chris White speaks to a number of leading fresh produce brand marketers to learn about the marketing strategies they believe will resonate with younger consumers
Fall Creek appoints Robert Reiter to board
Former Bayer Crop Science R&D head brings more than 30 years’ experience in plant breeding and biotechnology to support blueberry specialist’s innovation strategy
Sunkist evokes California Navel holiday nostalgia
Sunkist Growers is reintroducing its limited-edition holiday-themed Navel orange carton and quarter bin, capitalising on seasonal demand
Mission Produce seen as ripe for investment
Company’s impressive performance in avocados, as well as its expansion into mangoes and blueberries, gives leading analyst cause for confidence
MSC ramps up Valencia to Canada service for the Spanish citrus season
Weekly departures from Valencia and the Sines will call at the Canadian ports of Halifax and Montreal
US avocado market poised to surpass 3bn lbs for first time ever
HAB said the milestone reflects unprecedented demand and industry collaboration
Frutas de Chile welcomes USDA’s appeal of Systems Approach ban
The recent ruling suspended US imports of Chilean grapes without need for fumigation
Australian fresh produce industry’s Wiggles campaign hits New York
IFPA managing director A-NZ Belinda Wilson and Dorothy the Dinosaur will take the stage at the New York Produce Show and Conference