North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Sun World teams up with Pairwise to develop pitless cherries
New JV combines advanced plant breeding technology with global fruit expertise to deliver consumer-desired traits
‘Sky is the limit’ for fresh suppliers moving into dried
There is strong opportunity for fresh fruit suppliers to diversify into dried fruit or nuts thanks to commonality among consumers and growth in key markets, according to speakers at a new Asiafruit Showcase session
DR organic bananas turn the corner
Industry back on its feet with volume growth and stable quality, says grower-exporter Fresh Fruit Dominicana
Fall Creek names Marc de Beer new CEO
Blueberry genetics specialist Fall Creek Farm & Nursery has appointed Marc de Beer as chief executive officer, bringing two decades of leadership experience in animal nutrition and genetics to drive the company’s next phase of global growth
Plant Sciences Genetics expands global berry breeding operations
California-based Plant Sciences Genetics has quadrupled its EMEA operations over the past decade through strategic partnerships and key berry commercialisation, with plans to launch new raspberry varieties across Europe and Africa in 2026
High court overturns tomatillo polytunnel permission
Grower blocked from diversifying into exotic Mexican salad veg after neighbour takes fight to High Court to overturn tunnel installation
South Africa eyes promising stonefruit season despite challenges
South African stonefruit growers are looking ahead to a positive season following last year’s significant volume increases, though US tariffs present new challenges
More details released of Chiquita’s resumption of operations in Panama
Government said new agreement marks a new phase in modern, sustainable, and efficient production
Fruitist beefs up finance team ahead of expected IPO
Rich Sullivan named CFO and Thomas Seifert and June Yang appointed to board of directors
California Table Grape Commission launches global marketing campaign to support autumn crop
Campaign utilises multi-channel promotions and key festive celebrations to boost consumption
Sun World spotlights late-season variety innovation
Breeder welcomed more than 300 guests to August 2025 Field Day Event
Driscoll’s appoints Jiunn Shih as first global marketing chief
Appointment reunites former Zespri executive with ex-CEO Dan Mathieson, and underscores company’s commitment to strengthening global brand presence
Australian apples bound for Canada under new deal
Improved access conditions allows trade pathway for fresh apples without the need for fumigation or cold treatment
IFPA backs White House nutrition report to boost produce consumption
The International Fresh Produce Association has welcomed the second report from the White House’s Make America Healthy Again Commission, emphasising that fruits and vegetables are essential to improving national health outcomes
Mission Produce reports Q3 revenue growth of 10 per cent
Avocado specialist Mission Produce has reported a 10 per cent increase in total revenue to US$357.7mn for the third quarter, driven by higher volumes from Peru and Mexico
Australian apple industry welcomes Canada market access
Canadian authorities have approved market access for Australian apples without requiring fumigation or cold treatment, marking a significant breakthrough for Australian growers seeking to diversify export markets
Murdock companies to sell Dole shares worth US$158m
Castle & Cooke Holdings and The Murdock Group to divest all remaining holdings in world’s largest fresh produce company, concluding Murdock’s four-decade connection with the business
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant returns to Fruitnet’s podcast series to explain how supermarkets can reconnect with customers through better design, storytelling, and a renewed focus on food
Apeel Sciences sues wellness influencer over ‘toxic’ coating claims
California-based company files lawsuit against wellness influencer Robyn Openshaw, alleging she conducted years-long disinformation campaign against company’s plant-based produce coatings
IBO launches BlueCareers platform for blueberry industry recruitment
The International Blueberry Organization has created a specialised recruitment platform to connect employers with qualified professionals across the global blueberry sector
Freshfel slams “asymmetric” EU-US trade deal for fresh produce
The European fresh produce association has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as an unfair trade agreement that removes tariffs for US exporters while maintaining significant barriers for EU producers
Mission Produce to showcase avocado programmes at Asia Fruit Logistica
The avocado specialist will present its diversified sourcing strategy and ripening expertise as supply transitions from Peru to Mexico, New Zealand and Chile
Chiquita’s return to Panama welcomed by business chamber
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture has welcomed banana giant Chiquita’s decision to resume operations in Bocas del Toro by February 2026, following its recent departure amid a labour dispute
Alternatives sought for Brazilian foods hit by Trump tariff
The Brazilian government has responded to the US’s move to slap a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian produce by facilitating direct purchases for use in public schools and hospitals
Panama officials to meet with Chiquita owner in Brazil
Panama’s government is making diplomatic overtures to Chiquita in an attempt to persuade the multinational to resume banana production in Bocas del Toro province
Fruitist launches grab-and-go blueberry Snack Cups
New portable format aims to make fresh fruit ‘as effortless and craveable as packaged snacks’ for consumers with fast-moving lifestyles
Hortifrut to showcase Asian market commitment at AFL 2025
Global berry producer-marketer Hortifrut will exhibit alongside strategic partner Naturipe at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025, highlighting its growing presence in Asian markets through local production and direct imports
Panama approves Chiquita’s return to banana production
The Panamanian government has authorised the Ministry of Commerce to sign agreements with Chiquita Panama, paving the way for the multinational to resume banana operations in Bocas del Toro following a costly shutdown
Mexican avocado industry commits to zero-deforestation by 2030
The Mexican avocado industry has become the first in the country to sign a binding federal conservation agreement, committing to ensure all produce exports will be deforestation-free by 2030
South Africa’s blueberry sector rebounds with promising growth outlook
After several challenging years of declining production, South Africa’s blueberry industry is poised for a comeback with strong volumes expected during the peak season over the next two months
JBT Marel launches automated pineapple wax dosing machine
JBT Marel has unveiled its fully automated ProDose Pineapple Wax Dosing Machine, designed to transform preservation processes for large pineapple producers by replacing traditional manual waxing methods
StepacPPC champions sustainable pallet shrouds for fresh produce
Fresh produce packaging specialist StepacPPC has introduced Xtend Pallet Shrouds, an innovative full-pallet packaging solution designed to extend shelf-life of berries and other delicate produce while reducing plastic usage during transport
IFPA expresses disappointment over global plastic pact failure
The International Fresh Produce Association has voiced concerns about the implications of the failed UN global plastics pollution treaty, warning of a fragmented regulatory landscape that could create significant challenges for international fresh produce trade
Wonderful Company tops 2025 People Companies That Care list
Fresh produce giant The Wonderful Company has been named number one on the 2025 People Companies That Care list, climbing from third place last year, recognising its extensive community and employee initiatives
Dole wins gold at Brandon Hall Group leadership awards
Fresh produce giant Dole has secured gold recognition at the prestigious Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards for its international Key Talent Programme, marking outstanding achievement in leadership development
Fresh Del Monte wins 2025 Sustainability Leadership Award
Fresh produce group honoured for advancing environmental and social impact while delivering measurable business results, including meeting Scope 1 and 2 reduction targets seven years ahead of schedule