North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Easyfresh Logistics scoops innovation award
Corporate LiveWire’s award celebrates leading professionals and companies
Sunkist acquires Sienz stake
Citrus marketing cooperative closes strategic investment in Sienz to accelerate innovation pipeline and new technology development
Mexican avocado season showing signs of an early finish
Lower than expected volumes have growers “reaching ahead” to supply additional fruit
John Anderson marks 50 years at Oppy
Chief executive and managing partner celebrates five decades at the Canadian company
Summerland Varieties plans global launch for new apple brands
Snowflake is already sold by a number of retailers in Canada, with production of ‘tri-coloured’ Sunpunch apples due to expand
Biome Makers unlocks deeper soil intelligence for better productivity
Link-up with Climate FieldView, John Deere, and CNH accelerate digital agriculture with seamless data integration
Record Q1 revenue for Mission Produce
Steve Barnard says avocado specialist is “pleased” with first quarter results, achieved despite supply challenges in Mexico
Trump backtracks on Mexican and Canadian tariffs – again
Move follows backlash from financial markets
California contends with small-size navels
Exporters prepare for a slow season after the hottest summer in history has put fruit diameter at the smallest measured size in two decades
Europe’s veg exporters “closely monitoring” US tariff situation
The potential impact of Donald Trump’s tariff wars remains highly uncertain, but for European vegetable exporters targeting the US market, much may depend on the availability of alternative sources
Del Monte expands Broccolini reach
Licensing agreement with The Nunes Company “brings Broccolini to more retailers while maintaining premium quality”
MSC CEO sounds alarm over Trump plans to break China’s grip on shipping
Taxes on ships built in China would push up container rates, forcing a rethink on routes into the US, Soren Toft said
Produce prices could rise “within days”, Target CEO warns
Trump’s tariffs on Mexico will be felt almost immediately by US shoppers, Brian Cornell said
Spanish exports to the US grew slightly in 2024
With US trade at the forefront of the news cycle, Fepex has revealed that fresh produce shipments climbed in volume and value last year, albeit from a low base
US imposes further tariffs on China
China’s countermeasures target US agricultural and food products
Agrovision appoints Jim Trahanas as CTO
Former McKinsey CTO brings extensive experience in leading transformative technology initiatives
Del Monte appoints Deema Anani as CCO for specialty ingredients
Anani joins Nizar Haddad and Imad Farhat in leading Fresh Del Monte’s Biomass initiative
Mexican F&V exports to US could fall by one-third with extra tariffs
Further taxes announced by Trump on imports of agricultural products would slash exports by 35.12 per cent says consultancy firm
US consumers ‘will pay more’ after tariffs come into effect
Leading expert in agricultural economics predicts Trump duty will mean higher prices for Mexican avocados
Another bumper crop expected for Washington apples
Despite initial forecasts, mid-season packouts have 2024/25 crop at 134.6mn cartons – just under 2023/24’s second largest in history which had growers barely breaking even
Trump to go ahead with tariffs on Canada and Mexico
US tariffs on Canada and Mexico will happen on Tuesday, says commerce chief
Mexico’s Finka opts for Source.ag’s precision-enhancing solutions
A leading high-tech greenhouse tomato grower in Mexico is seeking to enhance precision and efficiency in its operations through Source.ag’s cutting-edge solutions
North Carolina dedicates month to sweet potatoes
Governor Josh Stein proclaims February ’North Carolina Sweetpotato Month’ in recognition of the product’s significance to the state
Study suggests Vidre+ “keeps peppers fresh for longer”
Mexican study finds Fresh Inset’s 1-MCP technology could help peppers stay firmer for more than 21 days
Wonderful Citrus celebrates 75-year anniversary
To celebrate its anniversary, the company is bringing back its original namesake brand, Paramount Citrus
IFPA urges US congress to tackle agriculture issues
Association says that labour, regulatory and economic crises are threatening the future of US fresh produce
US port workers ratify new six-year contract
Move ends months of uncertainty at US East and Gulf Coast ports
Dole reports on “very strong” 2024 results
Reveune climbs 2.8 per cent while company highlights “strong operational performance” last year
HAB unveils its 2025 Nutrition Marketing Plan
Campaign will target health professionals and general and Hispanic consumers
EFI awarded US$1.2mn Walmart Foundation Grant
US organisaton awarded funding to advance ethical labour practices and strengthen workforce development across the produce industry
Yamaha launches agriculture arm with the acquisition of Robotics Plus and The Yield
Acquisition follows years of strategic investment into the businesses by Yamaha
Del Monte's yearly results reveal net income growth
Company reports on higher net income despite a dip in sales during 2024, with pineapples, avocados and fresh-cut fruit the star performers
Del Monte announces US$150mn share repurchase programme
Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh says the repurchase authorisation is part of a broader capital allocation framework prioritising investment in “strategic growth opportunities”
DR watermelon exports grow, melons contract
Exporters turn to Puerto Rico and US and demand from France tails off
Eating grapes could boost muscle health, study finds
US study shows regular consumption could help improve muscle health, US study finds
Del Monte named SEAL Business Sustainability winner once more
Group recognised for achieving reduction targets for Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gases seven years ahead of its 2030 goal