North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Fruit Logistica Briefing: AI is changing everything – are you ready for it?
Watch a recording of the event’s fascinating discussion on artificial intelligence and automation in the fresh produce business
Fall Creek to unveil new Sekoya Nova variety at Fruit Logistica 2026
High-chill blueberry variety offers shelf-life exceeding 60 days and approximately 80 per cent of fruit above 18mm diameter
Chiquita’s Great White Fleet on course to expand
Stefano Di Paolo and Peter Stedman outline multinational’s plan to work with more external suppliers and to double down on sustainability efforts
Costa Rica banana industry reaffirms commitment to biodiversity
A Fonafifo-led initiative is installing camera traps to monitor biodiversity in protected forest in the Southern Caribbean region
‘Sustainability now a priority for banana consumers’
Caoimhe Buckley, chief corporate affairs officer at Fyffes, tells Fred Searle about the key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the global banana industry
Salix Fruits anticipates “diverse and resilient” winter citrus season
Company reports solid North American supply, but lower volumes in the Mediterranean are creating pressure for higher field prices
How can apples and pears compete with avocados and mangoes in the social media age?
Nine leading players in the fresh apple and pear market explain what opportunities they see to add value to the category
Healthy, sustainable… and losing consumers? Apples and pears fight for attention
World Apple & Pear Association secretary general Philippe Binard considers the challenge ahead for the topfruit business
US Dietary Guidelines reinforce fruits and vegetables as essential
The Foundation for Fresh Produce says updated US Dietary Guidelines for Americans present meaningful opportunities for the fresh produce industry
Fresh Del Monte to take global ownership of Del Monte brand
US$285mn bid secures group large part of bankrupt Del Monte Foods Corporation II, including assets in US, Mexico, and Venezuela
Giumarra appoints Rich Dachman as independent board chairman
Fresh produce industry veteran Rich Dachman has been appointed independent chairman of the board of directors at The Giumarra Companies
Optimum Sorting achieves revenue growth and machine milestone
The Belgian-headquartered group has announced plans to relocate facilities in the Netherlands and US while expanding its workforce
Washington fruit industry mourns death of BJ Thurlby
Washington State Fruit Commission president passes at the age of 60
Mission Produce to acquire Calavo Growers
The deal combines Mission’s vertically integrated avocado platform with Calavo’s century-old heritage in sourcing and distribution, creating an expanded network
Greek stonefruit growers eye spring outlook
Following a challenging frost-affected season last year, cherry and peach producers in the northern Greek region of Naoussa are hoping for better conditions
AI is changing everything… Are you ready for it?
Why you really can’t afford to ignore artificial intelligence – find out at the Fruit Logistica Briefing 2026
Orsero Group confirms intention to enter US market ‘soon’
Company also plans to open new facilities in northern Spain and Seville shortly, as it pursues long-term expansion plan
Chiquita harvests first banana crop after resuming operations in Panama
After months of paralysis, the multinational said the first exports are scheduled for February
Sunkist launches Year of the Horse packaging for Lunar New Year
The global fresh citrus supplier’s annual Lunar New Year initiative features custom-illustrated packaging and flexible merchandising solutions
CPMA Convention returns to Toronto in April
CPMA is anticipating record attendance while introducing new networking initiatives to connect international buyers and suppliers
California Avocado Commission names new chair Rachael Laenen
Laenen is the first female chairperson elected in the organisation’s history
Fresh Del Monte Produce addresses banana supply crisis
Jorge Pelaez of Fresh Del Monte Produce discusses declining banana source volumes, varietal development, and greater support for growers
Parisa Salehi joins HAB as senior director of industry engagement
Welcoming Salehi’s appointment, HAB also honoured John McGuigan, director of industry affairs, on his retirement
Hapag-Lloyd ports arm continues expansion with acquisition of Florida terminal
Hanseatic Global Terminals agrees to take full ownership of one of the biggest container shipping hubs in the US
Mohammed Abbas is the man for Del Monte
Abbas joined the the group’s senior leadership team in the US in early 2022, and has now been handed the role of group president
Oppy expands table grape import programme
Grape import programme increases by 44 per cent following integration with Dole Diversified North America, adding 1.25mn boxes from Peru and Chile
Mexican avocado exports to US forecast at record 2.5bn pounds
Avocados from Mexico forecasts record US import volume, citing favourable weather, consistent quality and integrated supply chain as key drivers
Fruit is key for consumers in 2026, says Dole Packaged Foods
Company’s first ever trend report points to “seismic shift” in public attitude towards fruit, as they prioritise flavour, health, and enjoyment
Giumarra chairman Don Corsaro retires
The Giumarra Companies has also announced investment from specialist food and agribusiness group AGR Partners
IFPA welcomes new US Dietary Guidelines focus on produce
The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reaffirm fruits and vegetables as the foundation of healthy eating patterns
Ecuador banana trade rejects Delcy Rodríguez’s drug trafficking collusion charge
Industry association issues statement in defence of its exporters, after Venezuela’s interim president pointed finger at Ecuadorean presidency
Fall Creek’s PeachyBlue drives category growth at Sprouts
Breeder said the sales increase showcases the power of breeding-to-shelf collaboration
USDA announces 2026 agribusiness trade missions
US exporters will visit markets across the globe as part of efforts to expand trade
IFPA’s 2025 Impact Report showcases “major wins” for industry
The report showcases IFPA progress across several areas including trade, food safety, sustainability, and labour policy
Korean citrus growers call for support as US import tariff phased out
Sharp increase in US mandarin imports coincide with planned tariff phase-out, sparking fears for local industry
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