Despite a few hiccups regarding tariffs and trade restrictions at the highest levels of government, working relationships among Canadian and U.S. produce businesses seem to be on track.
Angelo Alberga, vice president of sales and general manager for Canadian Fruit & Produce Co. Ltd. on the Ontario Food Terminal in Toronto, says it’s business as usual between his company and its U.S. counterparts.
“Our relationship has not been tarnished by any political movement at all,” he says. “We don’t have a problem with any of our American shippers.”
Tariffs have not significantly disrupted the flow of fresh produce, says Frank Quaranta, manager of operations for Ippolito Produce Ltd. on the market, but they did impact areas such as packaging materials and equipment.
“While there has been increased attention to trade policy, the fundamental working relationships have remained strong,” he says.
“U.S. suppliers are extremely important, particularly during the Canadian off-season,” Quaranta adds. “Cross-border relationships are essential to maintaining year-round supply.”
Hutch Morton, senior vice president at J.E. Russell Produce Ltd. on the market, is hopeful that disruptions can be avoided.
“I would be a happy man if 2026 wasn’t a year we were talking about tariffs and trade disruptions,” he says. “But with the [U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement] up for renewal, there will be some tensions for the produce industry.”
Disruptions because of product flow or tariffs would be “incredibly harmful” for the industry, he adds.
“The three countries that make up our North American trading block are so interconnected in the produce industry that it becomes very difficult very quickly when there are bumps in the road,” he says.
