North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Fresh Del Monte reports sales and profit growth in Q2
The global fresh produce giant has announced increased net sales and profit for the second quarter of 2025, driven by strong performance in fresh and value-added products
Bayer advances registration for groundbreaking herbicide icafolin-methyl
Bayer is advancing registration applications for icafolin-methyl, agriculture’s first new mode of action for post-emergent weed control in over 30 years, with estimated peak sales potential of €750mn
USHBC launches ‘Blueberries Go Big’ marketing campaign
The US Highbush Blueberry Council has unveiled a new marketing initiative that aims to forge stronger emotional connections with consumers while highlighting the fruit’s significant benefits in every bite
South African citrus crop set to exceed 180mn cartons
South Africa’s citrus industry is on track to exceed 180mn cartons this season, representing an 11 per cent increase from May forecasts, with lemons and mandarins showing particularly strong growth
South African citrus growers pile pressure on president Ramaphosa
With just days before US tariffs triple from 10 per cent to 30 per cent, South Africa’s citrus industry has made an urgent appeal to president Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and secure an extension that would save the current export season
IFPA backs Reagan-Udall Foundation’s produce safety roadmap
The International Fresh Produce Association has voiced support for the Reagan-Udall Foundation’s new produce safety framework, while emphasising the need for risk-based approaches and adequate resources
SL Produce doubles down on sustainability as Sinaloa drought bites
Soil regeneration at heart of company’s sustainability strategy
Oppy begins Southern Hemisphere Envy apple imports
The global apple programme will deliver uninterrupted supply of the premium variety with imports from New Zealand beginning in early August
Fidelio to acquire Nordic Capital’s stake in Greenfood
Stockholm-based investment group Fidelio set to acquire Nordic Capital’s majority stake in fresh produce marketer Greenfood, building on its 15-year minority shareholding to support the company’s international growth ambitions
Poland seeks new apple opportunities
Apple group Genesis Fresh has maintained its export volumes and is actively exploring new markets despite a weather-affected drop in volumes this season, according to Jan Nowakowski
Survey: AI and automation in fresh produce supply chains
Fruitnet reaches out to fruit and veg business professionals to investigate current and future impact of groundbreaking new technologies
North American produce industry urges leaders to resolve tariff disputes
Joint letter to US, Mexican and Canadian premiers highlights severe consequences of tariffs impose on growers, exporters, retailers, and consumers
Blueberry supplier Family Tree Farms expands EU and UK sales teams
Both Carla San Martin Burneo and Chris Taylor bring extensive experience in soft fruit sales as producer continues to supply top European retailers with premium blueberries
Former Chiquita execs sentenced to fines and prison for financing right wing paramilitaries in Colombia
The decision is the first time Chiquita executives have faced punishment for their role in the 1990s conflict
Biome Makers releases 2024 Impact Report
Company said report shows power of data-driven soil intelligence to profitability, resilience, and sustainability
Brazilian mango and grape exports to US at risk from tariff plan
Brazilian fruit association warns that exports of mangoes and grapes to the US are under serious threat from planned tariffs set to take effect in August
Florida citrus growers to benefit from US$675.9mn hurricane recovery assistance program
Citrus producers in Florida are set to receive critical financial support as part of a substantial hurricane recovery package
US tariffs force South African fruit exporters to rethink strategy
South African fruit exporters are preparing for significant market disruption as impending US tariffs force a strategic pivot toward alternative destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia
Sweet potato industry pays tribute to Johnny Barnes
US agriculture sector mourns loss of Johnny Barnes, founder of the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute and pioneering figure in North Carolina agriculture, who has died aged 61
South African citrus exports to US face tariff deadline
South African citrus exporters are racing against time as their conventional reefer programme to the US enters its final phase before new tariffs take effect on 1 August
Superfresh Growers mourns death of Kevin Kershaw
Longtime leader in the agriculture industry worked for many years in the Kershaw Companies
Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch blackberries win top snack award
Company secures another prestigious accolade as Sweetest Batch blackberries win in best blackberry category at Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Snack Awards
US Northwest pear industry set for production rebound in 2025/26
After several seasons of reduced volumes, Oregon and Washington pear growers are anticipating a significant production increase for 2025/26, with plans to strategically expand exports despite global market challenges
GCCA welcomes EU stockpiling strategy but highlights major gaps
Association calls for more clarity on key questions for the food cold chain
Analysis: Is Chiquita Panama past the point of no return?
Strike action has pushed the multinational out of the Central American country, possibly forever. So what does the future hold for the people and plantations it has supported for more than a century?
New IFPA campaign puts F&V at heart of improving country’s health
Association tells US leaders: You can’t make America healthy again without fruits and vegetables
French apple growers embrace change
Despite considerable challenges, Daniel Sauvaitre, president of the French apple and pear association (ANPP), believes the country’s apple business is well placed to respond to consumer demands for sustainability and top quality
IFPA submits updated health policy recommendations to MAHA Commission
The International Fresh Produce Association has submitted ten evidence-based policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again Commission, aimed at reducing diet-related diseases by prioritising fruit and vegetable consumption in national health policy
US tomato supply ‘at risk’ if Mexican trade agreement ends
Over 30 major business organisations warn the US could struggle to source enough fresh tomatoes if government terminates countries’ long-standing trade agreement
Fresh Del Monte appoints new VP for deciduous and citrus
Fresh Del Monte Produce has appointed Miles Fraser-Jones as vice president of sales and product management for deciduous and citrus (International), bringing over 25 years of experience to strengthen the company’s global category performance
New tariff offensive prompts major concern for exporters in the EU, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico
US President Donald Trump has announced plans for new tariffs on imports from multiple countries including the EU, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, creating significant uncertainty for fresh produce exporters worldwide
California table grape season underway
Poor weather and declining acreage saw volumes dip in recent years, but investments in high yielding varieties have California’s volumes rising again
Only three weeks left to register as an exhibitor for Fruit Logistica 2026
Returning to Berlin on 4-6 February 2026, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business offers new formats, high-level networking, and unmissable global reach
Fresh Del Monte appoints Mark Gagnon as sales vice president for southern US
Fresh Del Monte Produce has appointed Mark Gagnon as vice president of sales for its southern region, bringing over 30 years of industry experience to help accelerate growth across the southern United States
Grapes boost muscle strength in postmenopausal women, study finds
Regular consumption of grapes can significantly improve muscle strength and potentially boost irisin levels in postmenopausal women, according to groundbreaking clinical research from the University of California, Davis
US Apple Association applauds new agricultural funding bill
Association welcomes signing of Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, highlighting increased funding for speciality crop programmes and beneficial tax provisions for growers