North America
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from North America.
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
US consumers ‘will pay more’ after tariffs come into effect
Leading expert in agricultural economics predicts Trump duty will mean higher prices for Mexican avocados
Another bumper crop expected for Washington apples
Despite initial forecasts, mid-season packouts have 2024/25 crop at 134.6mn cartons – just under 2023/24’s second largest in history which had growers barely breaking even
Trump to go ahead with tariffs on Canada and Mexico
US tariffs on Canada and Mexico will happen on Tuesday, says commerce chief
Mexico’s Finka opts for Source.ag’s precision-enhancing solutions
A leading high-tech greenhouse tomato grower in Mexico is seeking to enhance precision and efficiency in its operations through Source.ag’s cutting-edge solutions
North Carolina dedicates month to sweet potatoes
Governor Josh Stein proclaims February ’North Carolina Sweetpotato Month’ in recognition of the product’s significance to the state
Study suggests Vidre+ “keeps peppers fresh for longer”
Mexican study finds Fresh Inset’s 1-MCP technology could help peppers stay firmer for more than 21 days
Wonderful Citrus celebrates 75-year anniversary
To celebrate its anniversary, the company is bringing back its original namesake brand, Paramount Citrus
IFPA urges US congress to tackle agriculture issues
Association says that labour, regulatory and economic crises are threatening the future of US fresh produce
US port workers ratify new six-year contract
Move ends months of uncertainty at US East and Gulf Coast ports
Dole reports on “very strong” 2024 results
Reveune climbs 2.8 per cent while company highlights “strong operational performance” last year
HAB unveils its 2025 Nutrition Marketing Plan
Campaign will target health professionals and general and Hispanic consumers
EFI awarded US$1.2mn Walmart Foundation Grant
US organisaton awarded funding to advance ethical labour practices and strengthen workforce development across the produce industry
Yamaha launches agriculture arm with the acquisition of Robotics Plus and The Yield
Acquisition follows years of strategic investment into the businesses by Yamaha
Del Monte's yearly results reveal net income growth
Company reports on higher net income despite a dip in sales during 2024, with pineapples, avocados and fresh-cut fruit the star performers
Del Monte announces US$150mn share repurchase programme
Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh says the repurchase authorisation is part of a broader capital allocation framework prioritising investment in “strategic growth opportunities”
DR watermelon exports grow, melons contract
Exporters turn to Puerto Rico and US and demand from France tails off
Eating grapes could boost muscle health, study finds
US study shows regular consumption could help improve muscle health, US study finds
Del Monte named SEAL Business Sustainability winner once more
Group recognised for achieving reduction targets for Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gases seven years ahead of its 2030 goal
Agrovision harvests first commercial blueberry crop in Yunnan
Company says first batches of Meiyili-branded fruit sold out within 24 hours
Fresh Del Monte employee-driven programme recovers food waste
North Portland employees have been encouraged to submit food waste solutions for the brand to pilot
Comment: Cargo claim trends to watch out for in 2025
Insurance cover is a tricky business for fruit exporters, but there are ways to reduce your risk, says Lina Jasutiene of Recoupex
Delphy’s new division targets growth in North America
Washington-based consultancy Delphy AgAdvisory to offer expertise and assistance to region’s agriculture businesses
Neolithics calls for data collaboration to cut waste
A staggering 46 per cent of fruit never reaches the consumer, according to David Kat of Neolithics, who spoke at Fruit Logistica about the importance of data collection and data sharing to reduce waste along the produce supply chain
Fruitnet Berry Congress: discount delegate rate extended 🍓🫐
One month to go before the world’s leading event for the fresh berry business meets in Rotterdam
Netafim unveils world’s first Hybrid Dripline
”Game-changing” patented solution delivers “unmatched” irrigation performance and operational efficiency, combining an integral dripline with a built-in outlet
Produce veteran Dorn Wenninger to chair Saga Robotics board
Norwegian company welcomes Wenninger to help accelerate growth of its robotics services in UK and US
Fruit Logistica: Innovation and insight attract record attendance
Official survey highlights rise in quality of trade visitors and increase in successful business at world’s leading trade show for the fresh fruit and vegetable business
Mexican blueberry production to fall 9 per cent in 2025
USDA report shows that producers are shortening their export window to avoid overlap with Chile and Peru
CMI Orchards sponsors CrossFit athlete Sarah Barkley
Vice president of marketing Rochelle Bohm says Barkley will fuel her training with “the very best tasting apples, pears, and cherries”
Driscoll’s flies high in Circana brand rankings
Global fresh berry leader has been recognised as the second-placed retail food and beverage brand in Circana’s latest rankings
South Africa scrambles to reverse Trump decisions
South Africa faces a ban on trade with the US for the second time in its history, as the war of words between Washington and Pretoria escalates