North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
Maersk urges container pickup ahead of potential port strike
Carrier said proactive measure will help mitigate any potential disruptions at the terminals
South Africa to stay in AGOA for now
Relief as Biden administration extends the AGOA Act for another year, but the future for fruit growers in the US market remains uncertain
New partnership to breed apples and pears of the future
Prevar, Okanagan Specialty Fruits, and Plant & Food Research will use new tech like gene editing to develop better varieties
Canadian growers rue ‘missed opportunity’ to boost fruit and veg sector
FVGC says it is disappointed with government’s budget plan, which it says overlooks need for more secure domestic supply
CTGC’s Susan Day to retire
Day led both international promotion and market access work at the Commission for many years
Halos return to screens with first campaign in five years
US mandarin brand set to debut two new television advertisements that focus on its popularity as a healthy snack item
Sun World’s Global Partner Network keeps on growing
More new marketers and importers join licensee community in the past year
Guadalajara hosts IV International Mango Congress
Trade meets to discuss key issues affecting the international mango business
IFPA names industry expert council leaders
Representatives from across the fresh produce business set to lead association’s working groups in 2025
Taylor Farms invests in Dutch produce company Hessing
Two of the world’s leading fresh produce companies are to work more closely together following landmark deal
Florida citrus industry fights for survival
FCC chair Steve Johnson says resurgence is possible despite serious impact of weather and disease over past two decades
Research support for Michigan asparagus and blueberries
An agricultural engineer based at MSU is designing innovative technologies to support specialty crop production
CTGC hires director of community service and health programmes
Newly created role will oversee implementation and management of community outreach efforts
US pear exports will be ‘lowest in decades’
Country’s smallest crop since the late 1960s means volume of fruit for markets including Canada and Mexico will fall
Fruit World gears up for “exceptional” mandarin harvest
Company reports record-high Brix levels in new-season crop
Fruit Logistica 2025: Fruitful connections for the global fresh produce business
With over 2,500 exhibitors, groundbreaking innovations, and countless networking opportunities, the event sets the stage for industry growth and collaboration
NGO calls for migrant workers to be documented in Dominican Republic banana sector
Banana Link says country’s banana sector employs around 70,000 Haitian migrants, who currently face the threat of deportation under a government decree
Mann Packing launches Newman’s Own Salad Kits
New partnership between Fresh Del Monte and Newman’s Own “combines quality ingredients and a commitment to children’s wellbeing”
Albertsons sues Kroger after merger plan falls apart
Two of the largest supermarket chains in the US had planned to merge. Now they are caught in a bitter legal dispute
New law offers financial security for Canadian suppliers
Legislation offers greater support for companies when buyers go out of business, and could inspire US to change its own rules
Florida slashes citrus forecast after Hurricane Milton
US state’s orange crop now predicted to be around 12mn boxes, which makes it the smallest crop in around a hundred years
IFPA responds to new dietary guidelines report
IFPA welcomes government recommendation for Americans to increase F&V consumption
Frutura forms new division to power berry expansion
CEO David Krause tells Fruitnet about the company’s decision to consolidate its group-wide berry branding under the Sun Belle name
Ag economist to analyse labour trends and supply chain resilience
Project led by MSU assistant professor Zach Rutledge has been awarded funding by USDA NIFA through to 2028
HAB announces new executive committee for 2025
Leaders chosen to oversee next chapter of growth for Industry
NC sweet potato industry looks ahead despite challenging season
North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission maintains commitment to consumer marketing programmes
Agrovision moves into cherries
Acquisition of Chile’s ZurGroup provides access to state-of-the-art packing facilities as well as established blueberry operation
North American greenhouse and irrigation partnership announced
Harnois Greenhouses and Dubois Agrinovation will offer a turnkey solutions combining high tunnel greenhouses and irrigation
Wholesale ordering platform Fresho hits US$50mn funding
Oversubscribed Series B funding round to accelerate AI innovation and US expansion as platform passes 30mn orders
South Africa bullish over North American grape prospects
Canada is now the country’s third-largest grape market, with sales in the US also growing
California Table Grape Commission honours life and legacy of Karen Hearn
Hearn dedicated nearly 26 years of service to the California table grape industry
South Africa seeks Trump tariff clarification
Concerns grow in South Africa as Donald Trump threatens tariff hikes on Brics countries
Former Dole boss sells last piece of Hawaiian island
David Murdock sold the rest of Lanai to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison in 2012
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