North American Produce adds blueberries

(Photo courtesy North American Produce Buyers Ltd. )

North American Produce Buyers Ltd. at the Ontario Food Terminal in Toronto will have a blueberry program this year, said Stephan Schmekel, executive vice president of sales and marketing.

“It’s the first year for us, and we’re very excited about it,” he said.

The company will market new blueberry varieties developed in Australia.

“They’re the extra-large blueberries that we’re starting to see all over the marketplace,” he said.

They’re big, sweet and crunchy, he added.

“We’re seeing tremendous potential for North America,” Schmekel said.

The firm’s grower-partner sources from Chile and Peru and is in the process of purchasing land in the U.S., he said. That will enable the company to offer blueberries year-round.

North American Produce Buyers also plans to offer organic stone fruit from Chile for the first time this season.

“It will bring a whole perspective to this program that’s essentially been conventional product throughout history,” he said.

The program will mostly consist of nectarines and plums.

Related content:
Organic produce popular in Toronto
Ontario Food Terminal plays vital role in city
Toronto market’s thriving, wholesalers say

 

Latest News

Health benefits at the heart of table grape campaign
Health benefits at the heart of table grape campaign

The California Table Grape Commission will focus on health benefits as it launches its 2024-25 global marketing campaign targeting the U.S. and 21 export markets.

Value of U.S. mango imports rises 32% since 2019
Value of U.S. mango imports rises 32% since 2019

USDA trade statistics show that Mexico was the largest supplier of mangoes in 2023, accounting for 63% of the value of U.S. mango imports in 2023.

H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus
H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus

The Houston-area complex will be developed in multiple phases, with construction set to begin in late 2024, says the grocer.

Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events
Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events

Circana representatives will be speaking on driving fresh produce consumption at The Retail Conference, as well as webinars planned for May.

Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program
Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program

Continental Fresh LLC, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America is celebrating its Water For All program.

The impact of postharvest research on produce quality and flavor
The impact of postharvest research on produce quality and flavor

Elizabeth Mitcham, director emeritus of the Postharvest Technology Center, talks about innovations in postharvest technology, challenges to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables and the future of postharvest research.