North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Tariffs ‘bad news’ for consumers, say produce business leaders
Prices and healthy diets under threat as escalating trade dispute casts shadow over North American market
Mexican avocados in the firing line
With the Super Bowl just days away, what impact with Trump’s tariffs have on demand for avocados and other Mexican fruit and vegetables?
Comment: Trade war could damage US agriculture
Kevin Moffitt, former CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, tells Fruitnet exporters in the US will lose out as Canada and Mexico imposes retaliatory tariffs
Mexico and Canada order retaliatory measures against Trump’s tariffs
Canada rolls out 25 per cent tariffs against US products while Mexico set to push tariff and non-tariff measures
Trump hits Canada and Mexico with 25 per cent tariff from 1 February
Trump also imposes 10 per cent duty on China and promises ’substantial’ tariff action against EU, as North America’s fresh produce trade braces for impact
Small avos drive US 2024 summer sales to four-year high
Small avocado promotions outperformed large and bagged avocados, HAB data shows
Moroccan almond imports continue to rise
Although Morocco is developing its domestic almond production, the nut’s growing popularity among Moroccan consumers means year-round imports, mainly from the US, are vital
Coming soon: Fresh Focus Berry 2025
Fruitnet’s special annual publication is the perfect platform to promote your brand to the global berry business
‘Banana badasses’ take on the world
A Canadian supplier is using innovative marketing in its drive to secure fairer returns for banana producers
Argentinean producers of organic apples and pears consider alternatives to Europe
Rising costs are forcing organic topfruit growers in Argentina to look at alternatives to the European market, either in the better-paying US or closer to home
Tosca eyes European gains
Company’s reusable packaging solutions are winning over new customers
Register now and save… Grow your berry business at Fruitnet Berry Congress! 🌱
Join the biggest names in the berry industry at Fruitnet Berry Congress, the world’s premier event dedicated to the international soft fruit business, at the Ahoy Convention Centre in Rotterdam on 13-14 March.
Driscoll’s, Hortifrut, and Rabobank share knowledge at Fruitnet Berry Congress 2025
Several of the world’s leading berry companies will take part in Fruitnet’s event on 13-14 March in Rotterdam
ProducePay beefs up financial leadership team
New additions will drive global expansion of its predictable commerce platform and programmes
Calavo Growers appoints Farha Aslam as new chair
Outgoing chair Steve Hollister is to remain on Californian avocado company’s board of directors
South Africa reacts to US withdrawal from Climate Change Accord
While the decision by the US to withdraw from the Paris Agreement is a blow for South Africa, there are also new opportunities
StePacPPC sets sights on European foodservice channel
Modified atmosphere/modified humidity bulk packaging solutions gain momentum in the US and now heading to Europe
California avocado volume estimates at five-year high
Volumes projected to reach 170,097 tonnes in 2025
IFPA drives forward its Supply Chain of the Future concept
Association’s Supply Chain Council is determined to foster significant advances towards better, more sustainable logistics
Trump withdraws tariff threat as Colombia backs down in row over repatriations
Bananas and avocados among the products in the firing line as US president ordered 25 per cent tariffs on Colombian imports
Mission Produce expands global sourcing
Move will meet growing demand for avocados and mangoes in Europe
Bryan Barsness joins Prophet as business development manager
Barsness has more than two decades of expertise in the ag-tech and food-tech industries
Plastic waste in spotlight at inaugural Pact Network Connect
First global gathering of food and plastics networks meets to discuss actions to cut food and plastic waste
Lime increase adds some zip to Mexican citrus exports
Growth of around 4 per cent compared with previous season is largely due to expansion in lime production, says FAS report
Fresh disturbance in the force: produce leaders expect political upheaval
Prominent figures voice concern over disruption that fresh produce companies can expect in the next 12 months, as Trump returns to the White House and political wrangling over climate change and sustainability continues
Rabobank: health and technology among top trends impacting agriculture to 2030
Global strategists predict changing trade dynamics, health concerns and innovation to influence agriculture in the next five years
Fresh Direct Produce Group announces Mike & Mike’s sale
Canadian group agrees to sell Mike & Mike’s to Mike Fronte, one of the company’s original founders
South African stonefruit exporters relieved following US port announcement
The country’s stonefruit industry say stability across US port operations is vital if it is to grow its exports this season
US halts imports of Spanish peppers
Sudden decision causes consternation amongst Almerian exporters
Grape exporters should take note of new trends
Changes to production in China, India and the US could affect world markets
US imported fewer Spanish products in 2024
Fresh produce exports to the US fell in both volume and value terms during the January-October period
California Table Grape Commission adds new marketing directors
Alexandra Merritt to become director of global marketing and Lisa Massie to take on director of international marketing for Asia
Alexis Taylor to join IFPA
Taylor will join as chief global policy officer after nearly two decades of public service in trade and agriculture policy
Fresh Formulaics launches new range of post-harvest solutions
Fresh Formulaics will debut at next month’s Fruit Logistica
The Wonderful Company commits US$10mn to LA fire relief efforts
Company pledges financial support for firefighters and police, and says it will also double employee donations
Sun World names Bernardo Calvo CEO
Outgoing CEO David Marguleas moves to executive chair