North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Hort left out of energy exemption list as government says it’s ‘watching closely’
Fresh produce businesses will be left to face soaring energy costs alone after further expansion to industrial protection scheme excludes sector
USDA reveals AFTPP funding awardees
Washington Apple Commission, California Table Grape Commission and Pear Bureau Northwest among beneficiaries
Chiquita AI video shows Times Square takeover for National Banana Day
The banana brand leveraged its ‘Pop by Nature’ platform to virtually transform New York’s Times Square on 15 April
T&G’s Envy becomes New Zealand’s first billion-dollar apple brand
Major milestone reflects sustained global demand and years of investment in the marketer’s integrated end-to-end apples system
Stemilt signs licensing agreement for premium cherries
US grower partners with LFP and Brandt’s Fruit Trees to extend season into September with premium, late-summer varieties
Canada’s produce sector prioritises tariff-free trade amid pressures
CPMA survey identifies policymaking as most important factor in country’s produce business, ahead of crucial trade review
Convenience and high-protein trends fuel US avocado demand
Mission Produce says the green fruit has evolved from a cultural trend into a category powerhouse
Michoacán breaks Guinness world record with world’s biggest guacamole
The 6.8 tonne guacamole was prepared during the state’s 2026 Avocado Fair
Florida citrus forecast rises across multiple categories
The USDA has raised its April forecast for Florida citrus production, with increases noted across oranges, grapefruit and lemons
CMI Orchards’ anniversary update to American Dream offering
Fresh packaging and display material to commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted
Sun World and Mission Produce join forces to advance innovation in mangoes
Two industry leaders align to explore new commercial opportunities in the growing mango category
Florida citrus industry likely to export less in future, admits FCC chairman
Packers remain concerned about future of USDA’s market access programme, as state contends with huge challenges at home and abroad
GreenTech Americas delivers vibrant 2026 edition
Visitor numbers up 19 per cent for sixth edition of the fair
Mastronardi promotes snack-sized tomatoes and cucumbers at CPMA
Leading North American grower-supplier will debut new lines of micro-grape tomatoes and mini snack cucumbers in Toronto
Warm winter hits Sinaloa mango producers hard
Southern Sinaloa faces a 50 per cent drop in its harvest, with producers warning of significant job losses
Sunkist introduces fresh digital series
Peel Talk digital initiative aims to position citrus as both a wellness food and a catalyst for everyday connections
India gains market access to Canada for certain fresh produce items
Export authority Apeda encourages interested exporters to heed phytosanitary requirements as new market opportunity opens
Hazera promotes seedless watermelon approach
Breeding specialist emphasises how seedless varieties are reshaping the category through consistency, convenience and reliable quality
Fall Creek launches Apex blueberry variety
Latest addition to Fall Creek Collection has 45-day shelf-life, and yield potential exceeding 20 tonnes per hectare
Study looks at factors driving Colorado potato beetle outbreaks
A comprehensive Michigan State University has revealed new insights into the environmental factors driving Colorado potato beetle populations
USDA offers boost to specialty crop exports
Three programmes award funding to help US farmers and producers overcome trade barriers and expand into new markets
Hortgro launches South African plum promotion in US
April sweepstake offers participants a chance to win a gift card while showcasing the country’s plum quality and growing characteristics
So far, so good, for Greek stonefruit
Greek stonefruit growers hope for a continuation of the current favourable weather conditions, as the crucial flowering period gets underway
Owain Hoefle joins Equifruit as sales manager, Western North America
Hoefle brings extensive experience in produce, floral and grocery to his new role
Unilever merges food business with McCormick
Merger will create ‘scaled, global powerhouse of flavour’ with revenues of $20 billion and portfolio of household food brands with vast produce buying power
Easter 4p veg deals criticised as growers face sharp cost increases
Retailer promotions will ‘warp’ price of food in consumer minds, say growers, who face millions in additional standing charges as of today
Wadih J Khayat named CFO of Driscoll’s
Khayat previously held senior leadership roles with The Coca-Cola Co
California Valencia orange crop pegged at 17mn cartons
Production survey records higher fruit set and bigger sizes for 2025/26
Mexico exports first mamey sapote to the UK
The two-tonne consignment was shipped by Yucatán grower Huertas Magaña
Honduran banana production on the rise
Another 1,000ha of production to be added this year, says national banana association
CH Robinson profits rise despite revenue fall amid AI investment
Robinson Fresh owner secures bigger profit thanks to continued restructuring, but warns of uncertainty ahead
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