North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
IFPA presents policy solutions to MAHA Commission
Association sets recommendations to address diet-related chronic diseases for a healthier America
France and Mexico discuss trade and investment
After seven years of negotiations, French apples could be closer than ever to gaining access to the Mexican market, as Trump’s tariffs encourage greater cooperation outside the US
Dole cautions fees on Chinese ships would drive banana prices up
US plan to place port fees on China-built vessels will impact trade, according to Dole
Research points to positive effect of Poly4 on soil health
Anglo American and Biome Makers have formed a collaboration to assess the impact of low-carbon fertiliser Poly4 on the soil microbiome
Food safety officer to depart IFPA
Natalie Dyenson is leaving the association, with a search for her replacement “starting immediately”
Egypt and Jordan on the rise in premium strawberries
January’s showcase of premium UC Davis cultivars demonstrates the growing influence of Egypt and Jordan in strawberry production, according to Global Plant Genetics
Michelle Grose takes Maersk Canada role
Grose has been announced as the new area managing director and president for Canada at the logistics giant
Oppy and G&M Farms collaborate on new berry options
Group says partnership links genetics with marketing expertise to present a new world of exotic berry flavours
Fairtrade International names new CEO
Lisa Prassack will take up the role of chief executive on 7 April
Chiquita’s art campaign keeps bananas on trend
Pop by Nature returns to European market with pop-up art installation, social media push, and exclusive stickers
Oishii buys into robotics revolution with Tortuga takeover
Acquisition sees company’s vertical berry farm take another big step towards fully autonomous harvesting
New grape marketing group to address demand shortfall
Frutas de Chile marketing director describes current situation as “unsustainable”
Bayer Crop Science appoints new R&D head
Mike Graham will succeed Robert Reiter, who is retiring after 27 years with the company
IFPA releases supply chain white paper
Association says its paper ”catalyses unprecedented collaboration” to transform fresh produce supply chains
Orri Jaffa shipments “continue to meet high demad”
With two months of the season left, the Israeli mandarin is seeing volumes exceed those recorded in 2024
A sign of things to come for South African trade?
There is an increasing realisation that trade relations around the world are changing, and participation in AGOA could be nearing an end
Kaufland once again in the firing line over banana pricing
Group of Latin American banana industry associations say retailer has abandoned its commitments on sustainable and ethical supply
Berger teams up with Sollum Technologies to optimise crops
Partnership seeks to drive innovation in substrate and lighting strategies
Easyfresh Logistics scoops innovation award
Corporate LiveWire’s award celebrates leading professionals and companies
Sunkist acquires Sienz stake
Citrus marketing cooperative closes strategic investment in Sienz to accelerate innovation pipeline and new technology development
Mexican avocado season showing signs of an early finish
Lower than expected volumes have growers “reaching ahead” to supply additional fruit
John Anderson marks 50 years at Oppy
Chief executive and managing partner celebrates five decades at the Canadian company
Summerland Varieties plans global launch for new apple brands
Snowflake is already sold by a number of retailers in Canada, with production of ‘tri-coloured’ Sunpunch apples due to expand
Biome Makers unlocks deeper soil intelligence for better productivity
Link-up with Climate FieldView, John Deere, and CNH accelerate digital agriculture with seamless data integration
Record Q1 revenue for Mission Produce
Steve Barnard says avocado specialist is “pleased” with first quarter results, achieved despite supply challenges in Mexico
Trump backtracks on Mexican and Canadian tariffs – again
Move follows backlash from financial markets
California contends with small-size navels
Exporters prepare for a slow season after the hottest summer in history has put fruit diameter at the smallest measured size in two decades
Europe’s veg exporters “closely monitoring” US tariff situation
The potential impact of Donald Trump’s tariff wars remains highly uncertain, but for European vegetable exporters targeting the US market, much may depend on the availability of alternative sources
Del Monte expands Broccolini reach
Licensing agreement with The Nunes Company “brings Broccolini to more retailers while maintaining premium quality”
MSC CEO sounds alarm over Trump plans to break China’s grip on shipping
Taxes on ships built in China would push up container rates, forcing a rethink on routes into the US, Soren Toft said
Produce prices could rise “within days”, Target CEO warns
Trump’s tariffs on Mexico will be felt almost immediately by US shoppers, Brian Cornell said
Spanish exports to the US grew slightly in 2024
With US trade at the forefront of the news cycle, Fepex has revealed that fresh produce shipments climbed in volume and value last year, albeit from a low base
US imposes further tariffs on China
China’s countermeasures target US agricultural and food products
Agrovision appoints Jim Trahanas as CTO
Former McKinsey CTO brings extensive experience in leading transformative technology initiatives
Del Monte appoints Deema Anani as CCO for specialty ingredients
Anani joins Nizar Haddad and Imad Farhat in leading Fresh Del Monte’s Biomass initiative
Mexican F&V exports to US could fall by one-third with extra tariffs
Further taxes announced by Trump on imports of agricultural products would slash exports by 35.12 per cent says consultancy firm