North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Driscoll’s appoints new chief people officer
Berry leader names Gaëlle Le Meur as its chief people officer as the company strengthens its global growth and talent development strategy
Del Monte’s Rubyglow Pineapple named Best Food Innovation
Pineapple is recognised at the World Food Innovation Awards 2025, highlighting the company’s ”continued leadership in pineapple innovation”
Sun World partners with Clarifresh to boost quality control
Collaboration will help the breeder’s licensees to enhance quality consistency, standardisation, and reduce rejections
IFPA urges science-based standards for organics
Association has made comments to the National Organic Standards Board on key challenges facing the sector.
Fruit Logistica: Strategies for adapting to changing markets
This Fresh Produce Forum session looked at how flexibility, resilience and adaptability could be improved to survive successfully in volatile and turbulent markets
Comment: Fruitist is on the verge of something berry big
A predicted IPO might be seen as a high-stakes bet on the future of fresh berries, but there is also plenty to be gained
AgroFresh helps growers pick right time to harvest
New scanner tech Rubens will be on show at Macfrut, alongside the company’s new anti-fungal system for table grapes
Mission Produce inaugurates Guatemala packhouse
New facility expands upon the company’s vertically integrated global sourcing network to serve global markets year-round
Dubai chocolate has not caused a pistachio shortage, say experts
There is no lack of supply, say sources, who point to higher production in Turkey and Iran, and a much bigger overall crop worldwide
Mexican tomato growers voice concerns of Trump tariff
Government in talks with US authorities to try to head off imposition of a 20.91 per cent tariff from July
Syngenta develops positive pepper properties
Fruitnet talks traits, development and consumption with José Antonio Chicón of Syngenta Vegetable Seeds
Honduran melon exports to contract in 2024/25
Forecasts point to a 15.2 per cent fall in shipments this season
Oppy and Deep offer greenhouse partnership update
Year-long partnership is on track to deliver one of Canada’s greenest and most innovative greenhouses, utilising Deep’s geothermal energy expertise
Agrovision rebrands to Fruitist
Move marks next chapter for company as it focuses on global expansion
Corbana announces dates of 10th International Banana Congress
The 2026 event will take place in Mérida alongside the 25th Acorbat International Meeting next April
Changing export markets is easier said than done
South African fresh produce exporters who market their fruit in the US say it is not merely a case of shifting produce from one market to another to deal with looming US tariffs
CH Robinson hits AI landmark
The global logistics provider says artificial intelligence has now performed over 3mn shipping tasks
Mexican avocado industry unveils new sustainability plan
Plan tackles four key environmental areas and works toward net-zero emissions by 2035
FPAA calls for end of Tomato Suspension Agreement
Association urges government rethink on Mexican imports as tomato prices rise
Netafim partners with Treetoscope
The collaboration provides farmers with broader access to digital farming solutions that deliver real-time, data-driven irrigation recommendations
US tariffs – expect the unexpected
John Giles, divisional director of Promar International, analyses the likely fallout from Trump’s new tariff regime
‘Expect the unexpected in Trump’s tariff saga’
Edwin Reyes, a senior consultant at Promar International, assesses the potential impact of President Trump’s tariffs on the UK fresh produce sector and other international markets
EV Produce International moves into chillis and tomatillos
Growing popularity of Mexican cuisine fuels expansion of product line and US distribution network
Sinclair shares progress on roll out of compostable PLU sticker
Company said it is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through continued innovation and collaboration in the fresh produce industry
Shaffe president writes to Donald Trump to express tariff concerns
Southern Hemisphere fresh produce body warns of major disruption to global supply chains, negative market stability, and higher prices for consumers
CMI Orchards expands its operational footprint
Chelan Fruit, Legacy Fruit, and Pacific Coast Cherry Packers join CMI Orchards following closure of Sage Fruit Company
Fresh Express kicks off Express Yourself campaign
US salad brand invites consumers to unleash creativity in the kitchen
French apples gain access to Mexican market
Following years of negotiations, French apples have gained entry to Mexico, with Interfel calling on exporters to pursue this new market with ambition
Record high for US strawberry exports
Exports for 2024 were valued at US$570.3mn, making the category the country’s third most valuable fresh fruit export
IFPA unveils 2025 public policy agenda
Plan sets out bold vision for growth and greater access to fresh produce and floral
US orange forecast rises
USDA-NASS report shows April production forecast up 2 per cent, with 2024/25 volumes pegged at 2.46mn tonnes
More Mexican avocados for 2025
Production and exports are expected to grow by 3 per cent and 5 per cent respectively this year
Trump’s tariff policy hits global container shipping bookings
Bookings down 48 per cent week-on-week following tariff chaos
AFM puts guacamole centre stage for Cinco de Mayo
New campaign invites consumers to make avocados the star of their celebration
San Diego researchers reveal new robotic picker design
Robot uses measuring tape-like fingers to grip and pick fruit
Turkish stonefruit battles through cold spell
Turkish exporters anticipate a good cherry season despite an untimely bout of frost across various stonefruit regions, which has hit apricot and cherry production in some areas