North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Why weight loss jabs could boost fresh produce sales
A huge uptake in weight loss drugs is reducing demand for calorie-rich snack foods while patients report choosing to eat more fruit and veg
Asia Fruit Logistica exhibitor preview: Americas
Exhibitors from the Americas celebrate market access breakthroughs and highlight new product lines, marketing initiatives and expanded supply windows
Sun World expands global table grape network
New additions in Egypt, Chile and Italy boost year-round access to premium grape varieties
Panamanian premier “hopeful” that Chiquita will reopen operations
President Raúl Mulino said he hopes to close the deal during an official visit to Brazil at the end of August
Driscoll’s One Family, One Earth campaign wins marketing plaudits
Awards highlight Driscoll’s community investments and environmental sustainability initiatives
Fresh Del Monte Produce announces avocado and lime joint venture with Colombia’s Managro
Facility enhances Fresh Del Monte’s year-round supply of avocados and limes to North America and Europe
Port of Los Angeles records busiest month ever
Increased traffic due to shippers frontloading cargo to get ahead of new Trump tariffs
Ontario announces multimillion-dollar investment in water infrastructure
Government said move will safeguard Leamington greenhouses and attract new businesses
Syngenta showcases veg innovations at Future of Veg
New solutions in lettuce, spinach, and brassica crops presented at Salinas event
Sun World showcases future of table grapes at 2025 July Field Day
Event brought global partners together for an exclusive look at what’s next for premium table grapes
USHBC announces startups chosen for Blueberry Boost Accelerator’s inaugural cohort
From gut health to indulgent snacking, selected startups showcase bold, blueberry-powered innovation
Saga Robotics raises £8.4mn as Thorvald enters commercial breakout phase
Big moment for the robotics company as it transitions from initial market traction to large-scale commercial adoption
Video: Tariff tension triggers Canadian concern
Seeds & Stems’ Sav Tsoukalas discusses how US tariff policy and Canada’s own response is reshaping supply chains, changing retail buying patterns, and influencing consumer choices in the country’s fresh produce market
South Africa continues talks with US over new tariffs
South African government officials are continuing discussions with US counterparts to address new 30 per cent tariffs on fresh produce exports, though diplomatic tensions appear to be rising
Syngenta to launch new Romaine lettuce campaign in Salinas
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds will officially launch its new Romaine lettuce campaign at an upcoming field day event in California, showcasing varieties developed to deliver reliability and performance across diverse growing conditions.
Mission Produce’s Central and South America president to retire in November
After 14 years of leadership expanding Mission Produce’s operations across Central and South America, Juan Wiesner will retire effective 1 November, with Simón González stepping into an expanded senior role
The Fresh Ideas Show: Summer sales, blueberries or bust, and magic magnets
Hear from fresh produce business experts including Tesco, Oddbox, Elenovations and Alegra in the latest episode of Fruitnet’s video podcast
USDA to purchase US$35m of fresh apples for nutrition programmes
Industry body USApple praises government intervention, which it says will benefit struggling apple producers and disadvantaged Americans
Guatemalan avocado exporters still waiting to embark on exports to US
Hopes are high that first shipments will take place before the end of the year
Australian Soluna apples make US debut
WA Farm Direct celebrates new chapter as Australian-bred apple is shipped to the US via Oppy
Apeel Sciences issues response to new Federal Labelling Bill
Company calls for transparency and accuracy in food safety debate
US tariff deadline looms for South African exporters
Citrus exporters from South Africa are rushing to ship their final consignments before new 30 per cent US tariffs take effect, while industry bodies warn of significant long-term consequences for the country’s R2.4bn citrus export market
South African exporters left hanging on for another seven days
South African fresh produce exporters have been granted a seven-day extension to address impending 30 per cent US tariffs, though industry sources believe higher duties are now unavoidable
New EU packaging rules push supply chain rethink
Tosca says its circular system can help companies prepare for PPWR compliance while cutting waste and cost
WAO: Avocados top the charts in nutrient-to-water efficiency
To mark World Avocado Day, the organisation highlights avocados as a nutritional powerhouse and an environmentally conscious option
IFPA reorganises to strengthen produce safety initiatives
The International Fresh Produce Association has announced a strategic reorganisation of its food safety teams to better address industry challenges and regulatory requirements
Fresh Del Monte CEO warns of global banana shortage
Fresh Del Monte Produce’s chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh has issued a stark warning about a global banana shortage, citing the spread of diseases and climate change as key factors affecting production
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