North America

Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.

Chiquita signs long-term fruit import deal at Port Wilmington
Terminal operator Enstructure and state governor welcome multinational’s decision to retain mid-Atlantic hub at Delaware port
BerryWorld scoops awards for premium varieties
Premium BerryWorld varieties picked up multiple awards at the 2025 Superior Taste Awards in Brussels
IFPA warning over House bill proposal
Association issues a statement in response to a House proposal to reduce WIC produce benefits
Akorn launches natural cucumber coating
Edible cucumber coating ”could spell end to single-use plastic wraps” on supermarket shelves
Could trade wars derail exciting fruit branding initiatives?
Successful cultivar branding initiatives rely on worldwide production of high-quality fruit that meets strict requirements
Banana workers face ‘worsening crisis’, says new report
ITUC’s latest Global Rights Index suggests worker rights have been diminished in various parts of the world
NGO tells Chiquita: ‘return to Panama and reinstate workers’
Global Labor Justice accuses company of historic violations and being in breach of international conventions on labour rights
Mission Produce generates record second-quarter revenue
Avocado specialist says Q2 revenue increase of 28 per cent was driven by its marketing and distribution segment
Mexico establishes its first phytosanitary irradiation facility using X-ray technology
eBeam Agroindustrial plant in Aguascalientes exported the first shipment of X-ray irradiated pitahayas

MAF Industries redefines process water
In the US, MAF Industries is demonstrating that process water is a resource to be harnessed for superior fruit quality, reduced waste and enhanced shelf life, with open days planned for 11-12 June in Wenatchee, Washington
Food & Wine names Apeel Sciences as a 2025 game changer for food Innovation
Company recognised for its pioneering plant-based edible coating to extend freshness of produce
Chiquita pulls admin staff out of Panama as strike continues
Company has apparently requested government permission to sack all of its remaining banana workers in the country
USHBC creates blueberry innovation programme
The first-ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator seeks the next generation of food and consumer product innovation
Panama declares state of emergency as Chiquita strike continues
Strikers are blocking roads in Bocas del Toro and causing shortages of fuel and food
California table grape season underway
Coachella Valley began harvesting in mid-May and is expected to continue into min-July before San Joaquin Valley season will begin
AgroFresh tackles storage, packaging and transport challenges with total post-harvest solutions
Content provided by AgroFresh
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One Banana launches regenerative agriculture pilot
The initiative, in partnership with WWF and Earth University, aims to “lay the groundwork for healthier soils, more resilient ecosystems and a more sustainable global food system”
First Dominican Republic table grapes arrive in the US
The historic shipment of Timpson and Allison grapes was coordinated by Bloom Fresh and the Dominican government

All Aussie Farmers to bring The Purple Tomato to Australia
Australian premium produce distributor partners with US-based developer of The Purple Tomato, Norfolk Healthy Produce, on Australian commercial distribution
California Avocado Commission promotes Ken Melban to president
Melban first joined the CAC in 2011 as director, issues management and has served as the organisation’s vice president of industry affairs and operations, as well as co-executive leader of the organisation, since late 2023
Diversification crucial for South African citrus
The country should expand its citrus markets to counter challenges such as the US trade tariff dispute
IFPA appoints Sarah Pau as East Asia country manager
Pau will provide regional support to members and facilitate networking and resource sharing for IFPA
India seeks improved US access for fresh produce exports
Trade talks could see Indian exporters overcome regulatory hurdles
South African citrus industry optimistic following Washington talks
Details of trade talks in Washington DC between the US and South Africa and reaction thereto are slowly beginning to emerge
Trump threatens 50 per cent tariff on EU imports
President recommends drastic move and says US trade negotations with European Union are “going nowhere”
Driscoll’s appoints first ever chief communications officer
Berry company promotes North America marketing chief as it looks to build global brand reputation
Local focus for Belgian suppliers
Global instability is encouraging Belgian suppliers to stay close to home when it comes to strawberry and tomato exports, with the UK remaining a key destination despite the post-Brexit uncertainty

IFPA reacts to Make America Healthy Again report
The association calls for a focus on fruit and vegetable access to improve health
Chiquita Panama begins mass layoff of workers
Company will deliver severance pay to almost 5,000 works this Friday due to ongoing strike
Banana growers unite against gender-based violence
Inter-institutional campaign announced at the the Fifth International Fair Trade Banana Forum
CBC calls for Driscoll’s to respect court ruling in patent infringement case
California Berry Cultivars issues statement “setting the record straight” on its recent litigation victory against Driscoll’s
Australia’s citrus industry readies for record volumes
With growing production and a higher percentage of Class 1 fruit, Australia’s 2025 citrus exports could exceed 300,000 tonnes
Orchard View Cherries expects 30 per cent crop increase
The cherries are grown on the banks of Oregon’s Columbia River and marketed exclusively by Oppy
Fresh Formulaics steps in as exporters face tariff fallout
Company says its plant-based postharvest treatments buy time for producers dealing with complex trading scenario
DR sees big drop in exports of organic bananas
Climate change and pests and diseases are having major impact on fruit quality, says Adobanano
Registrations open for Acorbat and Corbana International Banana Congress
Conference and exhibition to take place in Mérida, Mexico on 20-23 April 2026

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