North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports set to reach US$7.2bn in 2024
Increase follows improved access to China and opportunities in Thailand and the US
Tariff tactic runs risk of further inflation, says breeder
Plant Sciences’ Steve Nelson fears impact on winter imports from Mexico will mean a rise in prices for buyers in the US
CMA CGM to link Central America ports with Asia
New West Coast service out of Mexico set to offer region’s exporters closer connection to services across Pacific
North Carolina eyes sweet potato export growth in Europe
The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is ramping up production for the UK and other European markets for 2025
North America’s produce business in for ‘bumpy ride’
Oppy boss and IFPA chair John Anderson warns Trump tariffs could cause significant supply distortion for fruit and veg trade
CPB uses tech to boost prune engagement
California Prune Board takes prune orchards to global audiences via virtual reality project
Vanguard expects strong demand for Peruvian grapes
Early end to European and Californian seasons have led to good commercial conditions for the country’s exporters
Trump tariffs are disaster for produce trade, say business leaders
Planned duties on Mexican and Canadian imports risk higher prices for consumers and damage to supply chains
Comment: Fruit and veg are ‘cannon fodder’ in trade wars
Californian produce trader John Pandol reacts to Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports
IFPA welcomes court decision on labour ruling
Ruling is “a victory for farmers and the agricultural community nationwide”, Cathy Burns says
Trump threatens sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China from day one
President-elect pledges 25 per cent tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada and additional 10 per cent on Chinese imports
Jennie Coleman of Equifruit named one of Canada’s Most Admired CEOs
Coleman was recognised by Waterstone Human Capital for the “inspirational culture” she has helped nurture at the Fairtrade banana company
Tommy Padilla joins Del Monte
Former Calavo and Mission Produce senior director has stepped into the role of vice president, avocados (international) at Fresh Del Monte Produce
New technology in Wilmington “boosts fresh produce import velocity”
The North Carolina port has brought in a new Leica Microscope, which is expected to increase inspection speed and efficiency
SeaPort Manatee damage ‘around US$200mn’ after record result
Closest US deepwater seaport to Panama Canal must work fast to repair structures after dramatic end to financial year
Wholesale markets union backs global fruit and veg day
WUWM, FAO and AIAM5 join Chile’s Le Valledor market in pushing for a new International Day of Fruits and Vegetables
First Guatemalan avos to arrive in time for Super Bowl
First consignments should land in the US in January, according to Guatemala’s agriculture minister
Greenyard posts sales increase as net profit falls
First-half results reflect efforts to position business for future growth amid tough trading environment, says company
West Pak Avocado unveils bag programme
New series highlights the three key growing regions of California, Mexico and Colombia
Kuehne & Nagel acquires US firm IMC Logistics
Swiss-owned logistics specialist extends reach in North America with addition of sizeable network of intermodal transport connections
Chiquita loses appeal over fruit label
EU court confirms that blue and yellow oval is not eligible for protection as an EU trade mark in respect of fresh fruits
Perfection Fresh introduces Mexican-grown Calypso mangoes to US market
Mangoes supplied to Whole Foods Market in Los Angeles in collaboration with Sonora-based grower Campos Borquez
Fieldwork Robotics partners with Burro to take raspberry robot to next level
Fieldwork says the interoperability of its technology is a big advantage to growers
Jeff Kammermeyer joins Apeel as VP of commercial operations
Kammermeyer has more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, strategy and operations
Lytone Enterprise works with Lytone Brazil to expand preservation solutions for Brazil’s fresh produce and floral industries
The LytoFresh programme is dedicated to supporting customers in the global agricultural production and marketing chain. LytoFresh is designed to offer rapid, effective, and user-friendly solutions to farmers around the world. Lytone Brazil has taken the lead in introducing Azolyte, an all-in-one fertiliser under the LytoFresh protocols, containing nearly 70 ...
Canadian ports hit by strikes
Container operations at main ports currently suspended
Chiquita knits together plan for Christmas jumper promo
Company’s festive campaign brings burst of yellow to holiday celebrations in North America
AgroFresh enhances FreshCloud digital platform
New collaborations add sensor integrations for real-time quality control across the produce value chain
Comment: A pivotal moment for the banana industry
Business urgently needs fair prices, mutual transparency, and a shift away from over-certification, says Banana Link’s international coordinator
Agrovision appoints Scott Domann as chief people officer
In this newly created role, he will guide the company’s global talent and organisational strategy
Lineage acquires ColdPoint Logistics
Deal to purchase Kansas-based warehouse and transport operator is Lineage’s largest since it went public in July 2024
US government set to spend record amount on apples
USDA bailout said to be worth over US$100mn in 2024, as more growers reportedly find it harder to sell their fruit
Bruno Plantaz prepares to make Seafrigo Group shine
Incoming chief executive describes company as “a sparkling diamond” that now “needs to be polished”
Trump’s fondness for tariffs prompts talk of food price rises
With the election of Donald Trump as US president (again), economists have raised concerns about the consequences of introducing tariffs on imports, not least from Mexico
Video: A closer look at Sekoya’s new blueberry dispenser
The company’s retail expert Hans Liekens explains how the company’s new device can boost sales of the fruit
European exports to the US fall
The value of fresh fruit and vegetable exports from the EU to the US dropped 9 per cent year-on-year in 2023