North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Southampton set to install two of Europe’s largest quay cranes
Port operator DP World says £60m investment will boost capacity and future-proof operations at one of UK’s largest container terminals
Royal Brinkman and PCGT launch North American partnership
The partnership, confirmed during GreenTech Amsterdam, will combine Royal Brinkman’s global expertise with PCGT’s local market knowledge
Early and balanced supply bodes well for NW cherries
Key North American cherry-producing regions report optimistic outlook for the 2026 export season
Summer Citrus from South Africa season begins in US
Summer Citrus from South Africa launches its 2026 season with the first US arrivals expected this month
The Wonderful Company shines in snack awards
The company’s Wonderful Halos and Pom pomegranate arils named winners of Good Housekeeping’s Best Snack Awards
Wrap aims to ‘change narrative’ on food waste through series of events
Key message is that we have ‘everything to gain – nothing to waste’ by acting on one of the world’s biggest economic, environmental and social issues
Mission Produce agrees deal to market Californian organic Keitt mangoes
Partnership with Anthony Vineyards comes ahead of new season, due to start in July and last until early September
Optimum Sorting opens expanded Sacramento facility after record year
The Belgian-Dutch sorting technology specialist has relocated its Central California operations to a larger Sacramento facility
The Fresh Ideas Show: El Niño and Trump create waves of disruption
Mike Knowles and Maura Maxwell consider the potential impact of a Super El Niño and continued geopolitical tensions
IFPA appoints Christina Ferreira as food safety VP
Former FDA researcher Christina Ferreira joins IFPA to provide technical guidance on microbial hazards, produce safety and quality
Catalytic Generators delivers ripening reliability
Ripening solutions provider helps customers meet stringent requirements with consistent supply and results
Palm Ventures buys microgreens supplier and tech startup AeroFarms
Indoor vertical farming specialist appoints new management team led by former Kraft Heinz and AB InBev executive Gustavo Burger
CPMA warns trade tensions threaten North America’s food security
Fresh produce industry body calls for protection of tariff-free trade ahead of CUSMA review
Chiquita expands banana snack campaign with summer relaunch
Starting in the US, the banana brand is relaunching its consumer campaign, with an emphasis on snacking and enjoyment
Dole expands Minecraft campaign with pineapple focus
Marketer renews partnership with video gaming giant to build healthy connections with Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Panama Canal acts to mitigate impact of El Niño
Authority to reduce the draft of megaships from 3 July
Orbia Netafim expands Americas footprint with new manufacturing plant in Mexico
Hermosillo facility brings production closer to farmers, strengthening service and delivery across North and Central America
Westfalia Fruit appoints Tommy Padilla as president, North America
Padilla brings more than two decades of experience in avocados, with previous roles at Del Monte, Calavo Growers and Mission Produce
Importers urged to consider impact of checks on non-EU produce
Checks on imports from the rest of the world could raise food prices and jeopardise ‘just in time’ supply, while spreading risk across shipping lines and ports is helping suppliers take control, Festival of Fresh delegates told
Guatemala’s fruit fly-free mango plans show early promise
A project to establish fruit fly-free zones could boost exports, increase production, and improve the profitability of the sector
Fall Creek expands beyond blueberries with Italian acquisitions
Addition of Trentino-based Berryplant and Berrytech is company’s first move into raspberries and blackberries
NFU outlines fertiliser resilience plan
A ‘trigger point’ that would allow growers to claim back higher fertiliser costs and better transparency in market pricing are among the union’s asks
Progress for South African grapes despite ongoing challenges
The country’s table grape sector showed resilience during 2025/26, achieving record inspection volumes of 81.25m cartons
Fresh Del Monte rebrands as Del Monte Corporation
Shareholders approve corporate name change as company takes next step following acquisition of Del Monte Foods assets
Mission reports Q2 loss amid avocado price decline
Avocado marketer and producer posted a net loss of US$7.2mn for Q2 2026, with revenue down 24 per cent year-on-year to US$290.9mn
Equifruit celebrates 20 years of Fairtrade bananas with first-ever impact report
The company has generated over US$5.8mn in Fairtrade premium since its founding in 2006
IMG Citrus, Mixon family join forces in new Florida grapefruit venture
New international platform will have a combined sales volume of more than 1.4mn cartons
Legendary Fruit buys Gebbers Farms to expand apple and cherry offer
Acquisition creates one of Washington’s largest suppliers, with rights to premium varieties including SugarBee and Rockit
New international network brings together protected horticulture sector
Wageningen University has launched a new membership network for those working in controlled and protected horticulture to share best practice and the latest research from around the world
Syngenta returns with Future of Veg field days
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds will host simultaneous field days in Woodland, California and Plainfield, Wisconsin on 11-13 August
First Caribbean-grown Bloom Fresh grapes arrive in Europe
The first commercial shipment, grown by Uvadom in the Dominican Republic, lands in Spain
Mexico tomato production forecast to fall 9 per cent in 2026
Production decline attributed to termination of US suspension agreement, peso appreciation, and challenging weather conditions
Del Monte Foods partners with Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team
The fresh produce company will have prominent signage at PNC Park and sponsor the Pirates grounds crew
CMI Orchards unveils Nature’s Candy rebrand for cherry season
Despite forecast decline in Northwest production, supplier aims to capitalise on interest in premium varieties and wave of summer patriotism
NMB launches Fifa World Cup promotion
Executive director Ramón Ojeda said the tournament represents a historic opportunity to boost consumption in the US
California Giant names Tom Smith as VP of sales and marketing
Appointment is part of major expansion of the company’s sales team