North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
US expresses cautious optimism ahead of 2025/26 apple season
According to new USDA report, production will grow 6 per cent compared to 2024, with quality in Washington reported to be “exceptional”
Fruitist closes US$150mn in funding to power global expansion
New capital will accelerate company’s retail expansion and strengthen its position in the global snacking market
Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh highlights “intensified” banana supply threat
Fresh Del Monte’s chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh has intensified warnings about growing threats to global banana supplies, citing the spread of devastating diseases across key producing regions and mounting financial pressures on growers
Fresh Del Monte reports net loss despite higher sales
Fresh Del Monte Produce has reported a net loss of US$29.1mn for the third quarter of 2025, despite net sales increasing to US$1.021bn, as the company moves to divest its Mann Packing business operations
National Mango Board celebrates 20 years of growth
Today they are one of the ten most consumed fruits in the US
IFPA urges exemption for fresh produce from ultra-processed definition
The International Fresh Produce Association has submitted comments to US health departments emphasising that fresh fruits and vegetables should remain central to nutrition strategies as officials develop definitions for ultra-processed foods
Planasa acquires Illinois Foundation Seeds to expand vegetable breeding
Takeover expected to accelerate innovation in fresh produce varieties, as well as reinforcing EW Group’s commitment to sustainable agriculture
IFPA launches AI-powered Global Intelligence Engine for produce industry
The International Fresh Produce Association has launched an AI-empowered Global Intelligence Engine, a members-only data platform that transforms how the fresh produce and floral industry accesses and acts on market information
Applications open for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2026
FLIA Fresh Produce and FLIA Technology participation is free of charge, so make sure you submit your application before the end of October
Peru, Mexico and Chile officially launch the Global Grape Group
Alliance seeks to promote industry’s sustainability by enhancing promotional efforts to increase fresh grape consumption in the US
The robot from Del Monte says ‘buy my bananas’
Marketer confirms it is trialling automated merchandising units in three Chicago supermarkets to encourage shoppers to select its fruit
Great White Fleet orders 1,000 Carrier Transicold units
Chiquita Group’s ocean transportation arm has placed a major order for 1,000 OptimaLine with EverFresh units from Carrier Transicold to enhance its controlled atmosphere capabilities for perishable cargo transport
Fresh Del Monte sells Mann Packing assets to Church Brothers
Fresh Del Monte Produce has agreed to sell key assets from its Mann Packing business to Church Brothers Farms, allowing both companies to focus on their core strengths in a strategic realignment
Palestine Gardens exports dates against odds
Mo’men Sinokrot of Palestinian date specialist Palestine Gardens says the challenges to produce and export are severe, but the people’s commitment to the land remains steadfast
Leading lime producer killed in Michoacan
Bernardo Bravo Manríquez was murdered after speaking out against extortion demands by criminal groups
Carrier Transicold sells 25,000 OptimaLine containers for fresh produce
Refrigerated transport technology company also developing wireless, real-time monitoring systems to help fresh produce exporters go further
Asia’s appeal, apple and pear trends, and Europe’s worker scandal
Episode 3 of The Fresh Ideas Show delves deep into Asia Fruit Logistica, pins down the Prognosfruit forecasts, and exposes the truth about European migrant labour
Chiquita hires 1,600 workers as it resumes operations in Panama
Multinational’s return is expected to generate up to 5,000 jobs and reactivate banana exports by early 2026
IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show concludes after “transformative days”
The International Fresh Produce Association’s flagship event attracted attendees from more than 50 countries, with record buyer engagement and major announcements including a new data intelligence platform
Choppy waters ahead for global shipping’s net-zero framework
US pressure and Saudi Arabia’s successful motion to adjourn IMO talks on the controversial framework appears to have scuppered a deal that took a decade to negotiate, despite backing from over a hundred countries
IFPA develops global sustainability framework for fresh produce industry
The International Fresh Produce Association is creating a comprehensive sustainability framework to address mounting environmental, social and economic challenges facing the global fresh produce and floral supply chain
Greece prepares for tough kiwifruit campaign
Grower expectations for higher prices are putting pressure on Greek kiwifruit exporters ahead of the new season, as Greek volumes continue to grow as the European market slows
Rob Riggle fronts Avocados From Mexico campaign ahead of Super Bowl LX
The leading avocado brand has recruited the actor and comedian to front its in-store and on-pack activities as football fever builds
Bright outlook for Australian table grapes
Better growing and market conditions bode well for Australian table grape industry as production grows
Yuksel Seeds partners with LVG for Sweetloom tomato exclusivity
Yuksel Seeds and Lakeshore Veggie Growers have signed an exclusive agreement for the award-winning Sweetloom F1 tomato variety, marking a strategic expansion into North America’s premium tomato market
USA Pears unveils first new logo in 40 years
Oganisation unveils fresh brand identity at Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, as it prepares to promote larger crop to US consumers
Fruitnet Berry Congress returns to London
Leading global event for the berry business brings a broad array of supply chain partners – including retailers and suppliers – together for two days of talks, networking and study tours
Produce shippers await net zero vote amid US threat
As geopolitical storm grows, fresh produce shippers watch for outcome of crucial meeting on sustainability framework that could reshape industry strategy for years to come
SiCar Farms opens new distribution centre at Port Manatee
New facility will make it easier for group to deliver citrus and other fruits more efficiently to markets across the US East Coast
Fyffes sells entire melon business to Martori Farms
Fyffes has agreed to sell its entire melon business, including Sol Group operations in Honduras and Guatemala, to fourth-generation family producer Martori Farms as it refocuses on core banana and pineapple categories
South Africa nears US trade deal to ease export tariffs
Trade minister Parks Tau says the two countries are close to finalising a deal that could ease damaging tariffs and protect thousands of local jobs in the fresh produce sector
FairFruit debuts new speciality veg lines for US market
Regenerative agriculture champion seeking to become year-round supplier of sustainably grown Guatemalan and Peruvian produce
Brie Reiter Smith named Driscoll’s vice-chair from January 2026
Berry marketer confirms board promotion for daughter of J Miles Reiter, effective January 2026, putting her on clear pathway to eventual group leadership
Superfresh Growers expands Orchard Buddies packaging offerings
Children-focused organic product line now includes pears
Giumarra launches SugarWild blackberry brand at Global Produce & Floral Show
The Giumarra Companies will launch SugarWild, a new premium blackberry brand featuring jumbo sizes, at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim
Fresh Del Monte teams up with Florida Panthers for 2025/26 NHL season
Campaign includes interactive in-arena experiences, community events, digital content and youth hockey initiatives