Fruit Logistica

Global Grape Group Gains Steam as It Aims to Grow Consumption

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:34:38 GMT

BERLIN — The Global Grape Group, an alliance of table grape producers from around the world, gained additional momentum at Fruit Logistica 2026, where the group shared its mission to unite the table grape industry to drive consumption and raise awareness of the fruit’s nutritional benefits, flavor profiles and versatility, with an aim to collectively position grapes as the go-to healthful snack in the U.S. and around the globe.

“We want Global Grape Group to evolve into a truly global alliance,” says Ignacio Caballero, Chile board member of the Global Grape Group and director of marketing for Frutas de Chile. “We’ve met with South Africa, and they’re interested in being part of GGG. We’ve also spoken with Brazil and California table grape producers and breeding companies. We have a platform that brings the whole industry under one roof.”

Launched in March 2025, the global alliance and its “Have a Grape Day” consumer campaign come at a critical time, as global table grape supplies continue to outpace consumption.

“The grape industry is at a turning point right now,” Caballero told The Packer this past March. “Supply has grown 80% in the last 20 years, while demand is only growing at 13%.”

Global Grape Group, now a formal LLC in the U.S., has three main objectives, Caballero says:

Increase consumption, starting in the U.S.
Share information.
Share best practices.

“Grapes compete as a positive, healthy snack, not against other fruit. The first step in driving consumption is to bring the industry together,” says Luis Miguel Vegas of the Peruvian Table Grape Producers Association and the International Blueberry Organization.

Collaboration is powerful, Caballero agrees.

“We can’t do it alone. We can’t solve problems alone. We need to have a communication network where we can pick up the phone and know who to talk to,” says Caballero, who sees Global Grape Group as an opportunity for the entire table grape industry to tap into the power of collaboration — from the world’s top producers to representatives in emerging markets.

While the founding Global Grape Group members include Chile, Peru and Mexico, the group aims to expand to include grape importers from around the world.

“Global Grape Group is taking the best from what blueberries and avocados have been able to do by working collaboratively and bringing that to grapes,” Caballero says. “We’re not here to just talk; we’re taking action with the goal of augmenting production and driving consumption across the world, working together as an industry on common challenges and creating new opportunities.”

From left, Ignacio Caballero, Colin Fain and Luis Miguel Vegas announce launch of The Global Grape Report at Fruit Logistica 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Table Grape Intelligence

At Fruit Logistica 2026, the Global Grape Group announced a collaboration with marketing intelligence platform and consulting firm Agronometrics to launch The Global Grape Report, a new annual publication designed to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven overview of the global table grape industry.

The Global Grape Report will provide a consolidated view of global table grape production, trade flows and market dynamics, drawing on aggregated industry data and input from producing countries, according to the Global Grape Group. The report, intended to serve as a credible resource for growers, exporters, marketers and other industry stakeholders seeking timely and objective market intelligence, is set to debut in August at the 2026 International Table Grape Conference in Chile.

“The Global Grape Report represents an important step toward greater transparency in the global table grape market,” says Colin Fain, CEO of Agronometrics. “By combining robust analytics with industry collaboration, the initiative aims to support more informed decision-making across the table grape industry.”

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Catalytic Generators Shares 2026 Global Expansion Strategy, Smart Ripening Innovation at Fruit Logistica 2026

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:42:03 GMT

BERLIN — At the recent Fruit Logistica 2026, Catalytic Generators, a family-owned company providing ethylene application systems for fruit ripening, shared its worldwide expansion strategy and offered an advance look at its soon-to-be-released digital control and remote monitoring for fruit ripening operations worldwide.

While the Norfolk, Va.-based company operates across the globe, supplying fresh produce companies, grocery distribution centers and growers with the tools to ripen bananas, avocados, tomatoes and more, banana ripening is a core part of Catalytic Generators’ business — something that’s critical to get right, says president and CEO Greg Akins.

“When fruit is ripened properly, evenly and to the right color, there’s less shrink and consumers return with their tastebuds,” Akins says.

Inside a ripening room in Europe.

(Photo courtesy of Catalytic Generators)

Helping to get the ripening process right is Catalytic Generators’ different conversion settings that allow users to set the parts per meter of ethylene.

“It’s set-it and forget-it technology, which is valuable because there’s no measuring required,” he says.

Safety is Key

Safety is another key tenet of Catalytic Generators’ business, Akins says.

“Our generators are very good at creating ethylene efficiently and safely, which is the hallmark of our business,” he says.

The company’s generators are certified by TÜV SÜD, a global, accredited technical services provider. Through rigorous testing of its generators and frequent inspections of its production facility, TÜV SÜD has certified Catalytic Generators’ compliance with international safety standards.

“TÜV is akin to UL [Underwriters Laboratories],” Akins says. “It shows our products have met the highest safety standards.”

Catalytic Generators manufactures both ethylene generators and ethylene concentrate.

The company says it’s working with an EU task force to ensure ethylene is reregistered as a legal and safe plant protection product while pursuing the necessary product approvals.

A Solution for Every Operation

The company offers a variety of sizes to suit the needs of different operations. At Fruit Logistica, the company showcased one of its Easy-Ripe models that is compact and narrow to help prevent it being hit by a forklift — something Akins says is a common issue. It’s also wall mountable.

For larger ripening centers, Catalytic Generators offers a centralized system that pumps ethylene liquid to every room through a tube that feeds the generators, so there’s no need to walk around and fill them, Akins says.

Smarter Ripening

Catalytic Generators says its core value proposition is to create a system designed to make ethylene application the easiest, safest and most predictable part of the ripening process.

“Once customers see how simple and dependable our system is in day-to-day use, the conversation quickly moves from ‘Why change?’ to ‘How fast can we implement?’” Akins says.

And it’s about to get even easier, he says.

At Fruit Logistica, Akins teased the company’s newest innovation that’s expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026: a digital platform that wirelessly connects its ethylene generators to a secure, cloud-based interface.

Through a dedicated web portal, customers will be able to view generator status in real time, confirm when ethylene application starts and ends or is interrupted, monitor Ethy-Gen II levels and receive alerts if performance is affected.

This gives operators confidence that ethylene application is correctly occurring during the critical 24-hour application period, Akins says. Generators can also be adjusted remotely and integrated with room control systems for optimized ethylene levels.

“This innovation gives ripeners peace of mind when it matters most,” Akins said in a news release. “Ethylene already works quietly in the background. Digital visibility will take it one step further by removing uncertainty and reinforcing our promise that ethylene should be the easiest part of ripening.”

Overcoming Barriers to Global Produce Consumption: Insights from IFPA at Fruit Logistica 2026

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:09:53 GMT

BERLIN — In an increasingly global fresh produce industry, there has never been a time of greater challenge or opportunity. From tariffs and trade to labor issues, supply chain complexities to extreme weather events, rising food costs to nutritional deficiencies, the barriers to increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables are experienced around the world.

At the same time, the industry has reached an incredibly powerful moment with its ability to harness global intelligence, find solutions to overcome these challenges and new opportunities for growth.

At last week’s Fruit Logistica, The Packer sat down with the International Fresh Produce Association’s Alexis Taylor, Miriam Wolk and Jessica Keller to discuss the organization’s efforts to support its members locally and connect them globally — all with the aim of increasing fresh produce consumption around the world.

“When you think back to 2024, globally there was so much going on. There were over 70 global elections, new people came in, and we’ve seen a lot of change globally in the policy arena,” says Taylor, IFPA chief global policy officer. “But there’s also been new opportunities with the new dietary guidelines and MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) — you can’t be healthy without fruits and vegetables.”

And it’s not just America, Taylor says. Conversations about health are happening around the globe.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Europe and diet can be at the forefront of that conversation,” she says. “Only one in 10 Americans and one in eight Europeans meet the recommended [daily] dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption.”

A sustainable global food supply is also critical to meeting the world’s nutritional needs.

“No industry is as sustainable as produce,” says Taylor, who sees fresh produce players around the world striving for climate resiliency, global economic sustainability, sustainable packaging and more.

“IFPA looks to solve any situation that limits its members’ ability to drive consumption,” she says.

Enter IFPA’s Global Intelligence Engine, which CEO Cathy Burns launched at the Global Produce and Floral Show in October.

What is the Global Intelligence Engine?

IFPA says its Global Intelligence Engine “delivers data-backed, current insights for fruits, vegetables and floral products. From POS (point-of-sale) data and consumer trends to import/export flows and production patterns, it transforms complex datasets into clear answers, visualizations and recommendations.”

In short, it’s designed to help IFPA members “spot opportunities, stay ahead of shifts and make faster, smarter decisions.”

“I do think our Global Intelligence Engine is a game changer,” says Wolk, IFPA’s chief membership officer. “It transforms the association as a curator of information accelerated by AI. People want accurate data they can trust, and we’re very careful that the information our members put into the engine is protected. They also want efficiency from shared intelligence.

“What would take an analyst three days [to produce], our members can get in 30 seconds ... and in 50 different languages,” she adds.

The engine also pulls the latest POS insights and recent consumer trends from Circana to help members identify and get ahead of market shifts.

“Circana is a great partner. Together we’re delivering data that informs decisions,” Wolk says. “Members may not realize all the POS data we have.”

IFPA says the engine also allows members to “seamlessly track import, export and production data from around the world to optimize [their] supply chain and identify new growth opportunities.”

“And it’s only going to grow and get better,” Wolk says of the Global Intelligence Engine, to which IFPA members have exclusive access.

Connecting Buyers and Sellers Globally

As IFPA continues to expand its membership around the globe, new connections are made and new markets accessed.

“I’m really excited about our membership growth,” says Keller, vice president of global industry relations. “Together we continue to support the mission of increased consumption.”

Keller says IFPA and its members have also benefited from country managers and regional representation in key areas around the world, including Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. Most recently, Sarah Pau, based in Hong Kong, joined IFPA as the East Asia country manager.

“The team is built out now, and I’m confident that we’re in a solid position to support our members locally where they are in their markets and support them globally, working together across markets,” Keller says.

“Our global network that connects buyers and sellers is such a benefit,” says Taylor, who along with Wolk and Keller points to a recent connection facilitated by IFPA that will result in South African stone fruit headed to China for the first time.

The IFPA team says it educated a member from China on the unique properties and quality of stone fruit from South Africa, and the Chinese member educated the South African member on the retail market and consumer trends in China.

Wolk, who was in Dubai the week before Fruit Logistica, says the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, is another region ripe for opportunity.

“The GCC is interested in produce and wants to connect with suppliers, but they didn’t know where to start,” she says. “I know we’ll help them grow. The USDA also sees a lot of opportunity for growth in the GCC.”

A diverse population in the United Arab Emirates, where 88% of the population wasn’t born there, is fueling this opportunity for fresh produce imports from around the globe, Taylor says.

Supply Chain of the Future

At IFPA’s Executive Leadership Summit, held Feb. 3, the day prior to Fruit Logistica, the association shared more on its Supply Chain of the Future .

The industry-led group seeks to improve supply chain data sharing and integration to reduce waste, meet consumer demands for transparency and create greater efficiencies.

While the cost of inaction is billions of dollars lost to spoilage, eroded consumer trust and missed opportunities for growth, companies can’t do it alone, says IFPA, encouraging its members to get involved and become part of the solution.

Move Over Chocolate: Fresh Del Monte Says Give the Gift of Fruit This Valentine’s Day

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:42:31 GMT

BERLIN — Fresh Del Monte showed retailers how an artificial intelligence-powered robot can inspire produce gift-giving this Valentine’s Day at last week’s Fruit Logistica 2026.

Its Servi robotic cart moved St. Valentine Special Edition mangoes, pineapples and Red Passion kiwifruit in and around its booth.

On display was a trio of St. Valentine Special Edition delights including Red Passion kiwifruit, a red-flesh fruit from Italy packed in “Zootopia 2” movie-themed packages; juicy and tender Fresh Del Monte Gold Baby Pineapples from Kenya by Air; and Mango by Air “Ready to Love” mangoes.

“The Kenyan baby pineapples are a bonsai, single-portion concept,” says Thierry Montagne, senior regional marketing director for Europe and Africa at Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., while the special edition Mango by Air makes a perfect gift for “your dear one.”

From red-fleshed kiwifruit to Mangoes by Air and baby pineapples from Kenya were among the Valentine’s Day-themed products on display from Fresh Del Monte at Fruit Logistica 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Fresh Del Monte has seen success with Servi boosting banana sales in the U.S. The concept was trialed at three Chicago-area Jewel-Osco stores in October. The robotic cart outfitted with bananas on its trays approached shoppers in the produce aisle to pitch banana purchase and consumption.

“Sales of bananas increased at the Jewel stores as a result,” says Danny Dumas, senior vice president for Florida-based Fresh Del Monte. “It helped boost banana sales because it’s something new.”

Dumas says Fresh Del Monte may expand the robot trial to a few stores in Texas and New York as well.

The robot can play fun and informational videos and has sensors to stop when approached.

Store managers can program and change Servi’s route and offerings every day if they want, Montagne says.

Fresh Del Monte is also promoting exotic fruit on Facebook for Valentine’s Day.

“Still gifting the same Valentine’s favorites? Switch it up this year. Surprise them with something bold, unexpected, and unforgettable — Pinkglow,” says the company’s Facebook page touting the pink pineapple and offering creative usage and presentation ideas for the holiday and beyond.

Your next read: What’s the Future of the Produce Department? A Fresh Del Monte Exec Talks Vision, Strategy, New Acquisition

The Evolution of the Table Grape: How Breeding Innovations Continue to Transform the Category

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 22:50:45 GMT

BERLIN — In the last 10 years, table grapes have undergone one of the most impressive transformations of any category in fresh produce, so much so that it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time that supermarkets offered only two or three choices in the category.

At last week’s Fruit Logistica 2026, fruit breeding companies brought next-level innovation, including Bloom Fresh, which showcased its new Boombites Red Berry Grapes, a Fruit Logistica Innovation Award finalist .

To learn more about the black-skinned grape with a red flesh interior, The Packer sat down with Fiachra Moloney, chief marketing officer for Bloom Fresh.

“Boombites are the product of over a decade of natural breeding, crossing some of the world’s best table grapes with traditional red-flesh winegrapes to give us something that not only eats and tastes like one of the world’s best table grapes but also has this incredible red flesh inside,” says Moloney, who adds, “The quality of grapes keeps getting better and better.”

Not only do Boombites deliver an exceptional eating experience, but they also have an enviable nutritional profile.

“The levels of antioxidants like anthocyanins in Boombites are comparable to those in other superfruit categories, like blueberries, and they’re high in resveratrol, which is associated with red wine,” he says.

Moloney says the benefits of grape skins were recently touted in Vogue magazine in an article that linked the outer skins of red grapes, which are high in the polyphenol resveratrol, to “ageless skin.” When it comes to skin, says Vogue, resveratrol’s ability to protect against free radicals also comes into play, helping to reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity.

“So, we’re hugely excited about the potential for this new brand — almost a new category — to drive the fresh produce and healthy snacking categories,” says Moloney, who sees Boombites hitting a “sweet spot between grapes and berries.”

Flavor-Forward Grapes Drive Category Growth

New flavor-forward branded grape varieties like Cotton Candy and others are undoubtedly driving consumption, sales and volume growth in the category.

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2026 report, based on a survey of more than 1,000 consumers nationwide about their produce buying habits, finds that grapes are the No. 3 most purchased fruit in the last 12 months, behind bananas and apples.

Dollar sales of grapes were $5.6 billion in 2025, up 3% over a year ago, and volume sales were up 4%, according to retail sales data from Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh for the 52-week period ending Nov. 2, 2025.

But there’s still plenty of room to grow the branded grape category and increase consumer awareness, says Moloney, who explains that the company is putting a huge emphasis on the Cotton Candy brand in the U.S. through social media and in-store campaigns.

“Surveys show that while only 40% of consumers know about Cotton Candy grapes in the U.S., 80% say, when they try it, that they would buy it again,” he says. “We still see a huge opportunity in flavor grapes in the U.S. They’re an incremental product that doesn’t replace consumption in standard table grapes.”

Bloom Fresh is also eyeing expansion for its Mojito Fresh, another premium grape 10 years in the making that offers herbal, sweet and refreshing notes.

“It’s really important to match up a great eating experience and flavor with branding a consumer can immediately see and understand,” Moloney says. “We see that as one of our key strengths.”

When are Boombites Coming to America?

While at present the only commercial production of Boombites is in Murcia, Spain, Bloom Fresh is encouraged by its trials in other countries including Mexico, the U.S., Peru and Chile.

“Darker fruits are good for you and fit with eating the rainbow,” Moloney says. “We see the U.S. market as a high opportunity for Boombites.”

Moloney says Boombites are expected to hit U.S. shelves nationwide within five years.

Your next read: Allergy-Friendly Apple, Ag Spraying Drone Nab Fruit Logistica 2026 Innovation Awards

Allergy-Friendly Apple, Ag Spraying Drone Nab Fruit Logistica 2026 Innovation Awards

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:39:16 GMT

BERLIN — Competition was fierce at Fruit Logistica 2026 last week, where 10 companies competed for the coveted Innovation Awards in the fresh produce and technology categories.

Attendees of the three-day trade fair, held Feb. 4-6, were encouraged to vote for their favorite innovations in both categories, with the winners announced Feb. 6.

The Fruit Logistica Innovation Award for Fresh Produce went to allergy-friendly apple brand Pompur from German company Züchtungsinitiative Niederelbe, or ZIN, which exhibition organizers say won by a large margin.

The breeding initiative nabbed the award for its development of the world’s first apple brand certified by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation. The apple derives its name from “pom” (meaning apple) and “pur” (meaning pure). Thanks to its low allergenicity, Pompur can be consumed by allergy sufferers, the company says.

The Fruit Logistica Innovation Award for Fresh Produce went to allergy-friendly apple brand Pompur from German company Züchtungsinitiative Niederelbe, or ZIN, which exhibition organizers say won by a large margin.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

“We have created a product that gives many people access to apples that they previously couldn’t enjoy. In Germany alone, there are between 3.5 [million] and 4 million people with this allergy,” ZIN Managing Director Maik Stölken said at the Feb. 6 awards ceremony. “Our apple hasn’t come this far just because it’s allergen-free. It also simply tastes good. Today, we are celebrating the result of 20 years of development work.”

Fiachra Moloney of Bloom Fresh showed off the flavorful and antioxidant-rich Boombites Red Berry Grapes.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

In the fresh produce category, Pompur was up against other innovations including Boombites Red Berry Grapes from Bloom Fresh, the result of natural breeding that combined desirable characteristics of table grapes and old wine grapes like grenache, Fiachra Moloney of Bloom Fresh, part of the Amfresh Group, told The Packer.

“The grapes were bred to [not only] taste great but also to be a superfruit, as Boombites contain antioxidants comparable to blueberries,” added Moloney, who said the grapes were more than 10 years in the making.

Mastronardi Produce’s colorful Pop Its booth featured a DJ and plenty of samples of its sweet snacking cucumber.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Mastronardi Produce’s Pop Its snacking cucumbers were also a contender.

“They’re a sweeter cucumber and a refreshing snack that are very different from other snacking cucumbers,” Mastronardi’s Andrea Salter Meloche told The Packer. In addition to having higher Brix and uniform sizing, Pop Its snacking cucumbers also come in fun, grab-and-go packaging that Salter Meloche says fits in most car cupholders.

“Innovating with varieties, packaging and branding is all-encompassing of what we do and truly what drives us,” she says. “We want to continue to push the envelope and differentiate from our competitors. Freshness and flavor are top for us.”

Tribelli seedless peppers from Enza Zaden were also up for an innovation award.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

The Netherlands’ Sapori, Finest Selection from Wim Peters Kwekerijen was a finalist for the fresh produce innovation award for its mini cherry tomatoes, while Tribelli Seedless from Enza Zaden was a finalist for its sweet, seedless, full-flavored mini peppers.

Technology Award Winner

The Fruit Logistica 2026 Innovation Award for Technology went to a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-based agricultural spraying L50 Drone from Hungary’s ABZ Innovation .

Thanks to its high-performance battery and smart control system, it can remain airborne for significantly longer than comparable aircraft, covering up to 24 hectares, the company says. Its large 50-liter (or about 13.2-gallon) tank makes the L50 Drone particularly well-suited to supporting agricultural businesses with large areas, helping them to apply pesticides and fertilizers efficiently.

“This award is a great recognition of our work and means a lot to us,” said Gyula Törok, chief commercial officer of ABZ Innovation. “We are the first drone manufacturer in Europe to develop this type of drone. Winning the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award shows us that we are on the right track.”

North Bay Produce Rebrands to Focus on Farmers, Global Cooperative

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:47:23 GMT

Traverse City, Mich.-based North Bay Produce , a cooperative of 30 grower-owners around the world that produces fresh fruits and vegetables year-round from apples to asparagus and berries to snow peas, has rebranded to underscore the importance of its farmers.

In what the company calls “transformative move” to help better tell their story, North Bay has integrated an innovative augmented reality (AR) experience into the new packaging, which it will reveal at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Feb. 4-6.

The rebrand also includes a new farmer-focused logo created in partnership with Veritiv’s internal specialized branding and design agency.

At the core of the rebrand is the farmer, a symbol North Bay says represents its commitment to connection, cooperation and global reach. The farmers are not just the foundation of North Bay’s business; they are the business, the company says.

North Bay says the farmer in its new logo is a timeless, universal figure, representing its diverse men and women farmers from every era and corner of the globe. This icon stands for the values the company holds dear: being relatable, local, timeless, trustworthy, sustainable and committed to farm-to-table excellence, it says.

As a global cooperative, owned by the farmers who cultivate its produce, North Bay says it aims to create meaningful connections between consumers and the people who feed their families and the world.

“Our farmers’ dedication and work ethic are the driving forces behind North Bay’s sustained success since 1984,” says Brian Klumpp, director of marketing at North Bay Produce. “By focusing on varietal development and expanding our global farmer-owner portfolio, we continue to elevate our performance and share the compelling stories of our farmer-owners.”

Augmented Reality Experience

North Bay says its new branding takes storytelling to the next level with AR labels designed to bring the North Bay farmer to life, guiding viewers through a 3D farm diorama and sharing the stories behind the farms. This innovative approach highlights North Bay’s global cooperative network, emphasizing how collaboration maximizes technology and resources for consumer benefit, the company says.

“This AR technology gives us an avenue to tell a story and connect the consumer to where their fruits and vegetables are being grown, how they’re being grown and new and exciting varieties being grown,” says Nick Osmulski, president of North Bay Produce. “This is something that retailers have been asking for, and we’re excited to bring this new storytelling opportunity to our customers’ produce departments for the consumers.”

Osmulski says the rebrand also gives North Baby an opportunity to focus on its own story and that of its people.

“The essence of North Bay is its people,” he says. “Between the great group of farmers that make up North Bay and the team of employees around the world, it’s truly an amazing group of people working together every day that drives the success of the company.”

It’s a story worth telling, Klumpp says.

“North Bay is thriving, and this moment gives us the opportunity to emphasize what’s behind that success — our people,” he adds. “While we’ve long been a quiet and humble company, we now embrace the chance to modestly yet clearly share why our story is worth knowing.”

For more information on North Bay Produce and the rebrand, visit Hall A, stand A09 at Fruit Logistica or visit the company website .

Tariffs and trade: CPMA president shares what’s at stake for fresh produce

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:29:13 GMT

BERLIN — What could tariff wars mean for global fresh produce trading partners? It was a key conversation at the recent Fruit Logistica trade show, which took place Feb. 5-7, just days after President Donald Trump ordered a 25% additional tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, later pushing pause on those tariffs for 30 days.

On the show floor, The Packer spoke with Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, to get his take on what’s at stake and what commodities may be impacted most.

What’s the current size of the market — how much produce does Canada export to the U.S. and how much produce does Canada import from the U.S.?

Ron Lemaire: We have quite a dynamic market in North America right now. We receive in Canada just over $5 billion worth of U.S. product — fresh fruits and vegetables — and Canada exports to the U.S. just over $4 billion, so from a Canadian perspective, we are actually at a trade deficit with the U.S. on our fruit and vegetable trade.

Trump has pushed pause on tariffs that would include produce, but only for 30 days. What’s at stake for Canadian produce if these go into effect?

There’s a significant risk for a lot of our commodities in Canada that do enjoy a trading relationship with the U.S., especially when we look at the greenhouse industry. Ontario greenhouses ship about 80% to 85% of their product to the U.S., and they’ve integrated their business strategy having Canadian and U.S. operations.

Tariff systems in that sector would be dramatically consequential to that industry — [we’d be] looking at a change in product flow and potential loss of business and employment.

If we look at the entire market in Canada, we would see potential retaliatory tariffs from the Canadian government, as we saw initially proposed, and that would impact citrus, cherries and a range of other products, so in the end, only driving up the end cost of food and/or putting increased pressure back on the farmer to try and absorb those 25% tariffs into their margins, which we know is impossible.

The key here is, how do we move forward with a strategy that looks at a tariff-free environment but still builds on sound science and clarity of contractual certainty for building a market into the future?

How vital is a strong trade relationship between Canada and the U.S.?

Extremely vital. We have a lot of product meeting Canadian demands when we’re not in season. We function in North America because of the perishability of our product. We move leafy greens; we move strawberries; we move blueberries — highly perishable products in a very short window. When you have a five-day shipping period from California to Canada, you enjoy premium freshness, premium quality, and you’re able to manage price effectively.

If we need to look at a broader global perspective to start bringing product in from around the world, it changes trading channels and trade flows. It changes the modeling of how we actually operate in the country, and there will be a hiccup relative to the timing of business relationships we currently have today and [a need to] increase imports coming from other countries around the world to fill a gap that was satisfied by an integrated North American framework.

Our key is: How do we build out and ensure we are integrated within North America? Building upon success and relationships we’ve had for generations in the produce industry and fulfill other obligations with our partners from around the world. That system has been proven to be successful, and we need to continue to reinforce that relative to ongoing success in the future.

Some are saying this is pre-negotiations to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. When you look at USMCA, is it a valuable trade deal for Canadian growers? (See video below.)

Mission Produce expands global sourcing to supply Europe, U.K. with avocados, mangoes

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 13:28:58 GMT

Mission Produce Inc. says it has expanded its diversified sourcing strategy to provide a year-round supply of ripe avocados and mangoes to the U.K. and European markets.

Over the last year, Mission Produce has added eight-plus sources to its global sourcing network to meet growing global demand for avocados and mangoes, according to a news release.

“The European and U.K. markets offer exciting opportunities for the growth of the avocado and mango categories — and Mission Produce is the go-to for supply reliability year-round,” said Paul Frowde, managing director for Mission Produce Europe and U.K. “About a third of global avocado imports went to Europe and the U.K. last year, and those imports keep growing. So, we continue to invest in our diversified sourcing strategy and our relationships with top growers around the world to stay ahead of demand and drive the consumption of avocados and mangoes in global markets.”

Paul Frowde is the managing director for Mission Produce U.K. and Europe.

(Photo courtesy of Mission Produce)

Mission Produce says its diversified sourcing strategy is made up of 21-plus countries of origin and more than 5,700 hectares of vertical integration. The company is vertically integrated in Peru, Guatemala, Colombia with a leading grower partner and in South Africa through a joint venture. Vertical integration enables Mission Produce to provide supply reliability and quality oversight from field to fork, the release said.

“In addition to our year-round supply, we’re driving consumption by introducing a new standard of ripe avocados and mangoes,” Frowde said. “Consumers want fruit that is ripe and ready to eat, and Mission Produce knows how to get the ripeness right. We’re focused on quality consistency to deliver a positive consumer experience with our World’s Finest Avocados and World’s Finest Mangoes.”

Mission Produce says it leverages technology, science-based ripening methods and a world-class team of ripe masters to ripen fruit expertly to customer specification. Specifically in the U.K., the company’s exclusive “Mission Control” ripening innovation enables next-level ripening precision — improving ripening consistency by as much as 38% compared to the industry standard, the release said.

Mission Produce will be attending Fruit Logistica, Feb. 5-7 in Berlin, at booth C-34 in Hall 25. To learn more about Mission’s avocado and mango offerings, or to schedule a meeting, contact MPESales@missionproduce.com (Europe) or MPU.K.Sales@missionproduce.com (U.K.).

Fruit Logistica shifts date, concept for show

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:06:15 GMT

The European fresh produce trade show Fruit Logistica is rescheduling to May 18-20 with a new model that includes both in-person and virtual elements.

With the tagline “Meet onsite. Connect online” the adapted “special edition” concept for the Berlin trade show focuses on business meetings and turn-key exhibition packages to maximize exhibitors’ flexibility and business opportunities, according to a news release.

“Covid-19 confronts us with challenges none of us can eliminate,” Madlen Miserius, senior product manager at Fruit Logistica, said in the release. “Our approach is to enable our customers to better manage their risks and further increase their business opportunities.”

With the May date for 2020 (compared with Feb. 5-7 last year) it is more likely a greater number of buyers will be able to attend as the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to ease, according to the release.

Digital elements of the show will include meeting functions and broadcasting of the conference program, according to the release.

The adapted concept, based on turn-key exhibition packages, will reduce investment and lead time for exhibitors, organizers said.

“With our adapted concept, we want to enable the global fresh fruit and vegetable industry to meet and reconnect in Berlin in 2021 in a safe environment,” Miserius said in the release. “While Fruit Logistica Special Edition 2021 builds on a clearly reduced total space, it offers the opportunity for a maximum number of registered companies to showcase products onsite.”

The Packer’s COVID-19 Coverage

The Packer’s Fruit Logistica Coverage

IFPA hosts executive summit on eve of Fruit Logistica

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:17:21 GMT

BERLIN — International Fresh Produce Association brought together executives from around the world to network and gain insights at its Executive Leadership Summit Feb. 7, held in conjunction with global fresh produce show Fruit Logistica, Feb. 8-10.

“Fruit Logistica is an excellent time for the industry to come together, and we are thrilled to hold the Executive Leadership Summit in conjunction with this global event,” said Doug Bohr, IFPA chief education and programs officer. “The challenges and opportunities that we face in 2023 have global and universal implications; this event is just one way to come together to learn, prepare and position ourselves to drive our industry forward.”

The event gathered industry executives from more than 30 countries along with European retailers.

Cindy van Rijswick, a Rabobank economist, reviewed economic trends and the long-term impact on the industry in the year ahead. The Rabobank data was complemented by Stephen Dutton, client insights research manager with Euromonitor, who presented Euromonitor’s top 10 consumer behavior and buying trends, exploring how today’s economic factors may influence consumer behavior.

Tamara Muruetagoiena, director of sustainability at IFPA, discussed how trends in sustainability are playing out across the supply chain, driving home the message that sustainability is a journey, not a destination.

A lively panel discussion moderated by Elena Ozeritskaya, founder of Fresh Insight, brought together different fresh perspectives. Panelists included Isaac Arevalo of meal kit company Marley Spoon; Maria Wieloch of Swedish grocer ICA Gruppen; Muruetagoiena; van Rijswick; and Dutton.

“We’re happy to bring together this international group of executives and retailers in Berlin this year,” said IFPA Chief Membership Officer Miriam Wolk. “While it is invaluable to have the time to share insights and experience across the industry, our industry will benefit that much more because of the opportunity to do so with context from experts from Euromonitor and Rabobank.”

Apple variety bred specifically for hot climates unveiled at Fruit Logistica 2023

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:17:08 GMT

BERLIN — Climate change and sustainability are literally hot topics at this year’s Fruit Logistica, where VentureFruit, a T&G Global company, unveiled what it says is the world’s first specifically bred hot climate-tolerant apple variety. The apple’s commercial launch took place at the BayWa booth during the trade show Feb. 9.

Tutti, which for the last five years has undergone extensive research and growing trials under its variety name of “HOT84A1,” is the first apple brand to be commercially released from the Hot Climate Partnership.

“Growers are getting slaughtered out there,” Morgan Rogers, VentureFruit’s general manager, told The Packer prior to the Tutti reveal. Referring to rising temperatures around the globe, Rogers added, “We have to help them.”

VentureFruit says 20 years of breeding and scientific development have come before today’s now commercially available fruit.

“With the world’s climate changing, it’s vital innovative new varieties are developed to withstand high temperatures and enable growers across all major continents to adapt and have sustainable businesses, while providing consumers with great tasting apples — and that’s what Tutti delivers,” Rogers said in a statement.

Initiated in 2002 in response to the challenges experienced by Spanish growers, the Hot Climate Partnership is a collaboration between Spain’s Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, New Zealand’s Plant & Food Research, Catalonian fruit producers association Fruit Futur, and T&G Global’s genetics and variety management business, VentureFruit, which are responsible for the commercialization and licensing of new varieties from the partnership.

“In Spain, challenging growing conditions of extreme daytime temperatures of over [104] degrees [Fahrenheit], combined with warmer nights, is making it difficult to grow apples,” Rogers said. “Tutti solves this challenge. It has been specifically bred to grow in hot conditions and produce a deliciously light crisp apple, with bright red skin and a rounded sweet fresh flavor. Tutti also grows successfully in different growing conditions, having been tested throughout Europe, including Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and the U.K.

“With today’s commercial launch of the variety, we now invite interested parties from across Europe to submit their interest in being a Tutti licence holder and growing this innovative new apple variety,” Rogers continued.

The Hot Climate Partnership has an extensive pipeline of apple and pear varieties, 13 of which are completing their final years of evaluation and testing, including consumer sensory research conducted across key markets to help shape the commercial proposition of each new variety, the company says.

Following the release of Tutti, VentureFruit expects to commercialize an additional five new apple and pear varieties over the next seven years, all of which have been specifically bred to be tolerant of hot climates.

Gareth Edgecombe, T&G Global’s chief executive, says the strength of the unique Hot Climate Partnership is its combined scientific, growing and commercialization expertise.

“Addressing the potential impact of climate change on the world’s apple and pear sector is not something one business can do; it takes collaboration, knowledge sharing, commitment and a vision for what is possible,” Edgecombe said. “Through the dedication of our partnership and testing partners, the Hot Climate Partnership addresses both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“Innovative varieties like Tutti can grow in warm and rising temperatures, while at the same time potentially help open up new growing regions which previously may have been unsuitable for growing apples and pears given their climatic conditions,” Edgecombe continued. “It’s innovative solutions like Tutti that our sector needs to meet the evolving needs of our global consumers and customers, and ensure we continue to build a sustainable and resilient sector.”

VentureFruit says the brand name “Tutti” connects both to the grower benefits of sustaining apple production into the future and to consumers looking for a great tasting apple.

“Tutti’s translation means ‘everyone’ or ‘all together’ in Italian, a concept at the very heart of the Hot Climate Partnership, which is delivering better solutions for growers, consumers and retailers,” said Kate James, business development manager for VentureFruit. “Its brand tagline ‘love every bite’ promises to meet the test of a great apple — how it tastes. With commercial plantings already underway, we can’t wait to see Tutti apples on retailers’ shelves.”

Tutti will be commercialized through a peer-to-peer network, allowing participating third-party license holders the ability to grow, market and sell the variety within their licensed territory while meeting the Tutti brand specifications.

The new variety is open for licensing to all growers, fresh produce sales and marketing companies, and plant nurseries. Interested parties can submit their interest in Tutti with VentureFruit, and prior to forming an expression of interest, receive access to trial evaluation data and consumer sensory testing results to support their decision on the commercialization opportunities of Tutti.

For more information, visit the Tutti apple website or contact info@venturefruit.com.

Ripening technology seeks U.S. foothold

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:46:59 GMT

BERLIN — An innovative banana ripening technology is seeking a foothold in the U.S.

Fruit Logistica’s 2019 Silver Innovation Award on Feb. 8 was awarded to the Softripe Ripening Technology from the German firm Frigotec. The technology won praise from trade show visitors for its energy-saving ripening technology for bananas and other tropical fruit, according to a news release.

Valdir de Bortoli, Frigotec, Landsberg, Germany, and Antoine Schele, representative of Schele Electronic, Germany, say the Softripe Ripening Technology is looking for U.S. expansion.

“We are looking for companies who will represent us in the U.S.,” Schele said Feb. 8.

Tech difference

The difference between the Softripe Ripening Technology and traditional ethylene ripening rooms is significant, Schele said.

“Today the classic (ripening) room is where the guy puts the bananas in the room, closes the door and puts in 500 ppm to 600 ppm ethylene,” he said. With a heavy dose of ethylene, he said the bananas are stressed and lose some of their natural smell.

The Softripe system, developed over the past five years, is a computer-controlled system that only uses 30 ppm to 40 ppm of ethylene atmosphere. “The idea is for the banana to produce ethylene themselves, so the banana is not stressed,” he said. “Everything is ripened from the inside to outside, while the classic approach the banana is ripened from the outside to the inside.”

When optimum color is reached with the Softripe system after three or four days, the computer-controlled system turns the room into a controlled atmosphere environment to extend shelf life two to three weeks, he said. Compared to classic ripening rooms, the technology requires less electricity.

“The computer does everything automatically; you don’t need a banana master, you just need an employee to put the pallet of bananas inside and a guy to start the computer,” he said. The technology also has applications with mangoes, avocados, tomatoes and kiwifruit, he said.

The company has installed Softripe rooms in several locations in Brazil, Germany and Switzerland, he said.

Red kiwi wins innovation award

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:46:37 GMT

BERLIN, Germany - The 2019 Fruit Logistica top Innovation Award goes to the Oriental Red kiwifruit, marketed by Jingold out of Italy.

The innovation award, announced Feb. 8, was voted on by attendees at the Feb. 6-8 Fruit Logistica expo, a gathering of more than 50,000 fresh produce visitors from around the globe. Counting this year, the innovation award has been given fourteen times since its inception.

The Oriental Red kiwi, originally from China, won the gold innovation award. Also called red Dong-Hong kiwi, the fruit has an excellent shelf life and sugar content of 20 to 21 degrees brix, according to a news release.

The second and third place innovation awards were given to:

The silver innovation award was awarded to the Softripe Ripening Technology from German firm Frigotec, which boasts energy-saving ripening technology for bananas and other tropical fruit; and
The bronze innovation award was awarded to the top-sealable compostable, recyclable strawberry punnet from CKF in Canada. The compostable and recyclable wood pulp punnets hold for 350 to 400 grams of strawberries, according to the release.

Robot apple picker close to commercialization

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:46:42 GMT

BERLIN — FF Robotics is close to commercializing its robotic apple picker, according to company co-founders Avi Kahani and Gad Kober, and U.S. growers are expressing interest.

Exhibiting as a tech startup on the Fruit Logistica expo floor, the Israeli-based company has developed a machine with 12 robotic arms, with six pickers on each side of the machine, according to Kahani. Called the FFRobot, the machine can be adjusted based on the width of the orchard row.

“This (past) year we tested in an apple orchard in November and December,” he said.

The FF Robotics machine enters the apple row and then automatically puts down stabilizers and picks the area on each side, picking fruit based on size and color. The machine requires one human supervisor, Kahani said. After picking the section, it automatically moves to the next part of the orchard.

The machine has been under development for nearly five years, the co-founders said.

Perhaps the biggest challenge early in the development of the machine was attracting grower interest.

That has changed, Kahani said.

With average wages for harvest labor at an average of about $15 per hour in the U.S. and Europe, and rising, he said growers from all over the world are interested in cutting labor needs.

“A few years ago, growers didn’t want to hear about mechanically picking fruit, but over the last two years, we are hearing from growers everywhere — including China — that they have a shortage of labor,” he said.

Kober said the company plans to sell its first five to seven machines this fall to early adopters and then go into heavier production by the beginning of 2020.

“We are in good contact with large growers in Washington state, and they are just waiting for us to come with a machine (for sale),” Kober said.

The machine does a good job of handling fruit, with tests showing 3% to 5% damage to the fruit, compared with 10% to 15% damage common from human pickers, he said.

Some of the toughest engineering problems was programming the robotic arms to work together, Kober said.

“The decision to send this arm to this place, that arm come to that place (was difficult),” he said.

“And if you have a couple of apples like twins, if you pick only one, the other one falls down,” Kober said. “So you have to design the system so that when there are couples, you just go together with two arms and you pick them simultaneously so no one falls down.”

Kober said the company’s calculations — based on grower input — indicates the machine could provide a return on investment in two to three years. The cost of the machine is expected to run from $300,000 to $350,000,

Global Women’s Network marks first event

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:46:51 GMT

BERLIN — In a packed room at Fruit Logistica, the first Global Women’s Network event was full of conversation of shared concerns and aspirations for women in the international fresh produce business.

“At the end of the day, we’re talking about the same issues, even though we come from different countries and different cultures,” Rocio Aguilar, senior export manager for Altar Produce, Calexico, Calif., said at the Feb. 8 event.

Viviane Schappo, Monica Bratuti and Julie Escobar organized the event, billed as the first network event for women in the produce industry at Fruit Logistica. Escobar is vice president of Sun World International, Bakersfield, Calif., Bratuti is president of Turners International Marketing, Auckland, New Zealand, and Schappo is Latin American manager for Robinson Fresh, Eden Prairie, Minn.

Moderated by Maura Maxwell, Latin America editor of Fruitnet, London, the event featured a panel with Aguilar, Linda Carobbi, corporate director for Italy-based Savino del Bene, Florence, Italy, Michelle Masek, head of marketing for Apeel Sciences, Goleta, Calif., Ebby Loo, managing director of the Kuala Lamupur, Malaysia-based Euro Atlantic Group, and Laura Dellinger of Portland, Ore.-based Wisebridge.

The panelists briefly told the stories of their careers, and several shared the keys to their success.

“I would say integrity is the key for success — thinking, speaking and delivering the same thing,” Aguilar said.

Authenticity at work is essential, Masek said.

“We spend a majority of our time in work and to be able to integrate who you are in and outside of work — I think it is a very important thing to do,” she said.

Masek said she was raised in a family where she didn’t see boundaries or limits for women, but said women in male-dominated companies may have to work a little harder than men to get ahead.

Panelists said that women, as they assume senior management roles, should help lead corporate efforts to eliminate salary discrimination between men and women and create opportunities for talented employees of both genders.

Dellinger said the networking event brought together women in a community that can influence the way produce industry companies operate.

“This kind of coming together is essential,” she said.

Bratuti said organizers would gather feedback from attendees about Fruit Logistica and plan for the next Global Women’s Network event, likely at the Sept. 4-6 Fruit Logistica Hong Kong.

Avocados still have room to grow in global markets

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:46:51 GMT

BERLIN — World trade and consumption of fresh avocados has been rocketing higher for the past 15 years, but how long can the market continue to grow?

That was the question that Philippe Binard, manager of Freshfel Europe, an association for the fresh produce trade in Europe, spoke about Feb. 6 at the 2019 Fruit Logisitica show.

“The question is whether this (growth) is something which we can expect to continue or whether we are at a crossroads,” Binard said.

He noted European importers endured a difficult summer season in 2018, with more supply than demand.
After a 30-minute presentation breaking down production, export and consumption trends globally, Binard said there are plenty of reasons for optimism.

He noted European and U.S. imports of avocados seem to be breaking records every year at the same time Asian markets are also growing.

Mexico, the world’s dominant producer and exporter of avocados, continues to push output higher, he said.

Global growth

World avocado production has increased from 3 million metric tons ten years ago to about 5 million metric tons in the latest data, he said. World production seems to be increasing about 200,000 metric tons per year, he said.

Mexico produces about 1.8 million metric tons of avocados and continues to expand. Peru, Colombia, Chile, Indonesia and Kenya are some of the countries that will be growing more avocados in coming years, he said.

Global exports of fresh avocados run at about 2 million metric tons, with Mexico accounting for about half of that volume. By 2030, Mexico could be exporting close to 2 million metric tons, Binard said.

Mexico’s main destinations is and will remain the U.S./Canada, but Binard said Mexico will also export more volume to Europe and other countries. Avocados are the number one fruit imported to the U.S. in value and number three in volume after bananas and pineapples.

U.S. per capita consumption of avocados has more than tripled since 2000 but varies significantly by region, Binard said. West Coast consumers eat close to 13 pounds a year, while East Coast consumers eat 2 pounds to 4 pounds.

“I think that was an indication that maybe the market is not in full saturation and there is still potential for growth in the U.S.,” he said.

Europe has experienced strong per capita growth since 2010, he said, supplied in order of importance by Peru, Chile, Israel, Mexico and South Africa.

Binard said per capita consumption has room to grow in eastern and southeastern Europe, which have per capita consumption levels below 2 pounds, compared with twice that in Scandinavian countries.

Fruit Logistica offers Global Women Network event

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:44:30 GMT

Fruit Logistica will host the first “Global Women’s Network” event on Feb. 8.

Viviane Schappo, Monica Bratuti and Julie Escobar are organizers of the event, touted as the first network event for women in the produce industry at Fruit Logistica.

Information about the event is available on the Fruit Logistica website .

Escobar is vice president of Sun World, Bratuti is president of Turners International Marketing Schappo is Latin American manager for Robinson Fresh, according to an email about the event.

“Our goal is to create a space for women in the industry to network, connect and inspire other women in the industry,” Escobar said in an email about the event. She said the goal is to replicate the event at other international conferences, such as Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong.

Though women are the focus of the event, Escobar said in an email that organizers want men in the industry to support the initiative.

SanLucar to present new products at Fruit Logistica

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:18:14 GMT

SanLucar says it will showcase new concepts and innovations, as well as its product portfolio of over 100 attractive products, at this year’s Fruit Logistica, to be held Feb. 5-7 in Berlin.

The international company will present itself with its master growers in a double exhibition area with a main stand and showroom in Hall 27, at stands D51 and D60, according to a news release.

“Fruit Logistica is a fixed date in our annual calendar and an excellent opportunity to present SanLucar as one of the world’s leading premium fruit and vegetable brands and to exchange ideas with our master growers and retail partners,” said SanLucar CEO Armin Rehberg. “For us, visiting Berlin is like coming home. We are looking forward to inspiring visitors again with our innovations and new concepts. I’ll just say Blue Wonder.”

SanLucar said one of its upcoming launches at Fruit Logistica will be its premium blueberries, Blue Wonder, in a sustainable Nature Bowl, along with a new and exclusive edition featuring The Smurfs.

The characters of Papa Smurf and Smurfette also will accompany SanLucar’s blueberry smoothies as well as the decorative blueberry plants. The Smurfs, with their blue universe, will be one of the main eye-catchers in the SanLucar showroom, which has become a showcase for the company’s innovations in recent years, the release said.

“Our showroom will also surprise visitors this year with many innovations, such as our latest-generation Waste Reduction pineapple machine,” Rehberg said. “In just a few seconds, our machine can cut a whole pineapple into cubes using a technique to preserve more flesh. The user can conveniently take the pineapple with them in our new reusable Duo-Pack.

“Our showroom aims to be as a source of inspiration for our clients to transform their fruit and vegetable departments into a real marketplace,” Rehberg continued. “Also new this year is our campaign with Schleich, the world market leader in animal figures, which is sure to delight both children and adults.”

SanLucar also will showcase more exotic fruits, such as its mini bananas or passion fruit, and its new potato concept with a focus on usage for the air fryer or the microwave, the release said.

“In addition to our wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are also breaking new ground with our Natura Pura olive oil of exceptional quality, presented in a new premium bottle,” Rehberg said. "[It’s] the same with our wide assortment of plants and herbs in sustainable paper bags. These are just a few examples of what awaits our visitors.”

Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2025 — Part 3

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:19:36 GMT

BERLIN — The dynamic global produce community convened at Fruit Logistica 2025 with the collective goal of future-proofing the fresh produce industry, driving sustainability and increasing consumption.

The International Fresh Produce Association team came together at Fruit Logistica to advocate for its members globally.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

What could tariff wars mean for global fresh produce trading partners? It was a key conversation at Fruit Logistica, which took place just days after President Donald Trump ordered a 25% additional tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, later pushing pause on those tariffs for 30 days.

“It feels like the early days of the pandemic,” said Doug Bohr, the chief strategy and program officer for the International Fresh Produce Association, describing the climate of uncertainty spurred by talk of tariffs.

“As a global member association, we feel like it’s important — and perhaps even more important in today’s climate — to be here among our members, understanding, listening to them and understanding their needs and how we can better serve them,” Bohr said.

IFPA has a major presence at Fruit Logistica and with its Executive Summit held the day prior to the show. Given the association’s worldwide influence, personalized approach to membership and commitment to advocating for its global member-driven association, its important that IFPA support its members at the show, said Miriam Wolk, IFPA chief membership officer.

One IFPA member aptly summed up the current situation around tariffs, saying “there’s nothing more challenging for business than uncertainty,” said Bohr.

“IFPA takes very seriously its role as a global member-driven association, to convene our members, to connect them and to inform them of what’s happening … to understand how they can work together to try to address these current uncertainties,” he said.

Michelle Grainger of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is eager to work with retailers on assets, recipes and photos designed to sell more sweetpotatoes.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission brought its mission to increase the consumption of North Carolina sweetpotatoes to Berlin. Fruit Logistica 2025 marked the first time the commission — made up of over 300 sweetpotato growers, packers, processors and allied businesses — exhibited at show.

“SUSTA [the Southern United States Trade Association] and the USDA created the opportunity for us to be here, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said the commission’s Michelle Grainger, who says she sees new and growing interest in sweetpotatoes.

Grainger said while yields were down in 2024, the encouraging news is North Carolina increased its sweetpotato acreage by 10,000 acres from 2022 to 2024.

“Filling orders for specific sizes may be more of a challenge, but we’ll make it to the end collectively,” said Grainger, who sees ample opportunity at retail to promote and educate consumers on uses for smaller sweetpotatoes. The commission is working with retailers to create assets, recipes and photos designed to “sell to what we have available,” she said.

Grainger doesn’t expect lower yields to continue. “2025 is going to be a very different year in terms of yields,” she said.

The Chiquita booth featured its artificial intelligence and art-driven “Pop by Nature” campaign, which invited attendees to create their own banana designs using AI.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Chiquita highlighted its Sustainability Report 2023-2024, including advancements in its carbon reduction program, efforts to minimize food waste and the brand’s Yelloway One — a disease-resistant banana prototype.

“Chiquita wants to grow the banana of the future,” said Marco Volpi, head of marketing for Chiquita. For Chiquita, that means a banana grown sustainably, without pesticides and disease-resistant, said Volpi.

Developed in collaboration with KeyGene, MusaRadix, and Wageningen University and Research, Yelloway One combines scientific research with breeding technologies with a goal of delivering a sustainable solution for banana growers worldwide.

Chiquita also debuted its “Pop by Nature 2.0" campaign, which this year features collaboration with Argentinian pop artist Sebastian Curi.

“We received great feedback on our first Pop by Nature campaign last year,” said Volpi. “We think the association between Chiquita and art is an important one.”

Booth visitors had the opportunity to participate in an artificial intelligence artwork generation activity to generate personalized pop-art stickers inspired by the campaign.

Aiming to reach younger consumers, Chiquita is bringing this AI art experience online, inviting consumers to create their own AI-designed sneakers, Volpi said.

ANEBERRIES CEO Juan José Flores and Communications Coordinator Mario Antonio Ramirez Espinoza touted the association’s upcoming 15th annual international congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, July 23-24, 2025.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

The National Association of Berry Exporters of Mexico, or ANEBERRIES, discussed its representation of Mexican berry producers from around the world. ANEBERRIES represents a community of berry growers from 22 Mexican states, said Communications Coordinator Mario Antonio Ramirez Espinoza.

“The Mexican berry industry is still young,” said Espinoza, who noted berries from Mexico have been imported to the U.S. for 25 years. While the industry may be relatively young, it is committed to quality and investing in technology, he added.

The association is also ramping up its promotion of berry consumption in Mexico, where it recently implemented a “huge campaign” to promote domestic berry consumption, Espinoza said.

Your next read:

Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2025 — Part 1

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:03:06 GMT

BERLIN — Fruit Logistica 2025 brought together fresh produce industry professionals from around the globe to the Messe convention hall, where over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 90 countries featured the latest innovations in fresh produce. Organizers say the event, held Feb. 5-7, also included record-breaking participation from China, Turkey and Egypt.

One red-hot trend at this year’s Fruit Logistica was antioxidant-rich fruit in unexpected hues.

Patricia Sagarminaga, global director of marketing and communications for Amfresh Group, and David Alba, CEO of Genesis Fresh, showed off the new antioxidant-rich Onix orange.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Amfresh Spain showcased the Onix orange with a deep burgundy red rind and intensely flavorful flesh. Grown in Spain, Onix nabbed the 2025 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award.

“Onix is the supernatural fruit,” said Patricia Sagarminaga, global director of marketing and communications at Amfresh Group, who explained the unique orange variety was discovered by a blood orange grower in Spain. “It’s high in antioxidants with a flavor that is out of this world,” Sagarminaga added.

Currently sold in Europe, Sagarminaga says the orange will be available in the U.S. soon.

“We think this is going to revolutionize the citrus category,” said David Alba, CEO of Genesis Fresh.

Alba says the citrus is “also great for growers.”

“It’s very easy to grow and growers get really high yields. And it’s easy for packers, as the fruit is firm and travels well,” he said.

Zespri’s Darren LaMothe, regional market manager for North America, touted Zespri RubyRed at Fruit Logistica 2025.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

This year Zespri plans to introduce its RubyRed kiwifruit to the U.S. market for the first time, beginning with a spring trial on the West Coast, said Darren LaMothe, regional market manager for North America.

“Retailers are really excited,” said LaMothe about the new red kiwifruit, the flavor of which has “very distinct berry notes.”

Zespri says it is doubling the volume of its RubyRed kiwifruit compared with last season.

“We’re really focused on brand awareness in the U.S.,” said LaMothe, who says while the Zespri brand is well known in Europe and Asia, there’s an opportunity to develop the U.S. market further.

“We’re going after health-seekers in the U.S., said LaMothe. Zespri says its RubyRed Kiwifruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Zespri RubyRed kiwifruit is the latest variety to come through Zespri’s kiwifruit breeding program in partnership with Plant & Food Research. This year marks the fourth year of commercial production.

Fresh Del Monte’s Thierry Montange shows off the Rubyglow pineapple at Fruit Logistica 2025.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Fresh Del Monte featured its exclusive Rubyglow pineapple. The distinctive red pineapple with yellow flesh is a cross between an inedible Brazilian variety and a traditional pineapple. Only a few thousand of the pineapples are produced each year, said Fresh Del Monte’s Thierry Montange.

Fresh Del Monte launched the Rubyglow pineapple in time for last year’s Chinese New Year. Montange says the super-premium pineapples command a hefty price tag of between 250 and 300 euros each.

“There’s a waiting list of customers for the Rubyglow,” said Montange. “It proves to the industry that there’s room for super-premium produce.”

The dramatic packaging for Rubyglow pineapples is as striking as the fruit itself.

“The box is part of the ritual. It’s perfect for gifting,” Montange added.

Sun World’s Elena Hernandez and Dané Joubert presented an array of grapes including Ruby Rush, a crisp, seedless grape with subtle sweetness.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

“This is the first show we’ve promoted Ruby Rush,” said Elena Hernandez at the Sun World booth. “We’ve got a good, consistent supply going into 2025 and it’s been exciting to see how people have engaged with it at Fruit Logistica.”

Ruby Rush is an early season red grape that offers the additional advantage of not needing to be sprayed in order to color, said Dané Joubert.

“It all starts with genetics,” said Hernandez, who says Sun World takes a “very strategic and disciplined” approach to developing varieties that meet the highest flavor and quality standards, while also addressing gaps in the market.

Sun World also shared how its new partnership with Biogold will add citrus and tropicals to its portfolio, including new mango varieties with less strings and smaller pits.

Your next read: Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica — Part 2

BASF launches digital farming platform for fruit and vegetable growers

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:06:54 GMT

BERLIN — BASF presented a trio of farming solutions at the recent Fruit Logistica trade show that collectively are designed to offer greater value to growers worldwide, the company said at a media briefing on Feb. 5. During the briefing, BASF also announced the launch of Xarvio Field Manager for Fruits and Veggies, a digital crop optimization platform to support fruit and vegetable growers.

BASF brought together leaders from its vegetable seeds, crop protection, and digital farming solutions businesses to share how the company aims to support growers in delivering quality and consistency, all while helping them to do more with less.

“We believe there’s a huge future for genetics in seeds, but it’s not the sole solution,” said Maximilian Becker, senior vice president of BASF Nunhems, BASF’s vegetable seeds business. “That’s why we’ve bundled our experience here at Fruit Logistica. We want to offer growers a whole portfolio — to bring all the puzzle pieces together.”

“The thing that differentiates us is what we call ‘agronomic intelligence,’” said Konstantin Kretschun, global head of the Germany-based BASF Digital Farming, a stand-alone company founded 10 years ago, which develops and markets the Xarvio Digital Farming Solutions brand and products. Kretschun said BASF Digital Farming has acquired four companies since its inception that have led to the development of verified algorithms to predict plant growth, irrigation needs, disease and pest pressures and more.

While the company offers these digital solutions to farmers of soy, wheat, canola oil and rice, Fruit Logistica marked the official launch of Xarvio Field Manager for Fruits and Veggies. Paving the way to enter this new market was BASF’s 2022 acquisition of Horta, an Italian digital farming company with a 25-year track record of digital intelligence in growing fruits and vegetables in the most effective way, Kretschun said.

The company says it can already support the cultivation of table grapes and wine grapes, to be available from September 2025, to be followed by tomatoes and potatoes, and additional crops in the future.

Fruits and vegetables are a tremendously important business, representing more than 20% of the global market, said Johannes Weimer, vice president crop system fruits and vegetables and portfolio solutions fungicides. BASF’s solutions start with seeds, complemented by its crop protection and biologicals and supported by the third element — advising farmers how to grow more effectively by tapping into digital farming solutions, he said.

“What you see here are some of the core technologies that provide farmers processes to better grow fruits and vegetables,” said Weimer, who added BASF continually listens to growers to understand the trends and conditions it needs to meet — from higher-quality fruits and vegetables to driving Brix value to reducing inputs and carbon footprint — and then connecting the individual technologies it offers to create more value for the farmer.

Investing in R&D

When it comes to farming solutions, BASF is thinking and acting globally.

In the past 10 years, it says it has worked with more than 100,000 customers globally, across a multitude of crops and representing millions of hectares.

It’s also partnering with farmers in the indoor ag space, or as Weimer says, “protective cultivation,” where the company has seen increased demand from U.S.-based lettuce producers, in particular, who seek farming solutions to support their significant capital investments.

On the seed side, BASF Nunhems has a more than a 100-year history in breeding vegetables. It operates in 20 crops with some 1,200 commercial varieties and launches 70 to 80 new varieties every year, said Becker.

“Our market is very dynamic,” continued Becker, who says growers continually face new challenges in the form of diseases, pests, climatic changes and more. “We need to bring new innovations constantly to remain relevant and offer solutions for our market,” he said.

To remain competitive, BASF invests heavily in R&D.

“We spend 20% to 25% of our turnover — our annual turnover — in R&D,” said Becker. “It’s necessary to remain truly cutting-edge. Our philosophy is to do whatever possible to create genetics that are a fit for the future.

“On the breeding side, we have more than one-third of our employees working only in R&D, so they look really far ahead on potential new diseases,” Becker continued. “For us, keeping this innovation engine running with a lot of people that look very far ahead into what is out there in terms of diseases — of viruses that are not yet known — is very important. And of course, out of maybe 10 potential threats we detect, only one will materialize, but we need to prepare nonetheless.”

Becker points to two recent examples of how BASF’s investment in R&D is bearing fruit.

In India it launched a tomato able to “tolerate heat to a level that no other tomato has done before, [and] by that we eliminate a lot of waste that in the supply chain,” said Becker. “With ever-growing heat waves, particularly in that part of the world, a lot of produce is useless once it arrives at the factories,” because of damage brought on by heat and humidity in transit, he said.

BASF’s solution was to develop varieties with different skin thicknesses, better heat resistance and that require less water to grow. This year the company is poised to launch five new varieties of tomatoes, expanding its tomato brown rugose fruit virus-resistant tomato portfolio from 25 to 30 varieties.

“It’s amazing to see the power that comes from connecting our solutions,” said Weimer, pointing to another example in the processed tomato category, where BASF helped a grower to achieve higher yield, 25% higher Brix, a 40% improvement in water efficiency and a better carbon footprint.

Recognizing that labor shortages are another major challenge for growers, BASF Nunhems recently developed a variety of iceberg lettuce with an elongated neck that allows it to be harvested mechanically.

“That’s where we believe that genetics play a crucial role in dealing with the challenges of our food culture in the future,” said Becker, adding a great deal more innovation from BASF is in the pipeline for 2025.

Sinclair showcases compostable fruit label at Fruit Logistica

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:29:29 GMT

Since launching Sinclair-T55 with the Zespri Group at Fruit Attraction in October 2024, Sinclair says interest has been high as the industry looks to adopt environmentally conscious packaging solutions.

The company featured a time-lapse video showcase of its compostable fruit labels at Fruit Logistica 2025.

Sinclair says fruit labels have delivered added value for retailers, branders and consumers for over 40 years. The fruit label is a compact and minimized packaging solution that provides essential POS product information for consumers and retailers. As part of the marketing mix, it allows brands to promote fresh produce characteristics and build a relationship with consumers. For retailers, the label ensures accurate checkout — price and produce type — as well as traceability.

Sinclair says the fruit label’s ability to differentiate produce allows brands to build relationships with consumers on origin, variety, taste and quality, all key buying triggers. The company says all of this is possible with Sinclair-T55, a certified compostable packaging solution that can be as small as 18-by-10 millimeters and weigh as little as 9.3 grams per square meter, and at the end of life, contributes to soil-enriching compost.

The company says the Sinclair-T55 fruit label is food-safe, certified compostable and complies with several leading composting standards. The label meets the European Unionwide industrial composting standard EN 73432, as well as the French and Australian home composting standards, NFT 57-800 and AS 5870, respectively, according to Sinclair.

This compliance is further demonstrated by Sinclair-T55 achieving the Din Certco and TÜV Austria certification for both industrial and home composting, along with the ABA certification for home composting, the company says.

Sinclair says the industrial fruit label is designed to meet the demands of automatic, high-speed application in packinghouses. With labeling speeds of up to 720 fruit per minute, humidity and water present, plus wide temperature variances, label conformity and adhesion to fresh produce is key, says the company, which added that the new Sinclair T55 label meets these challenges with performance equivalent to conventional Polyethylene and Polypropylene labels or, on some produce types, surpassing it.

“So, as well as being the highest-performing certified home compostable label available, at the end of its life, the label will break down and biodegrade to become part of usable, soil-enriching compost within 365 days (or sooner),” the company said in a news release.

The time-lapse video presented at Fruit Logistica showed certified compostable fruit labels on banana skin, kiwifruit skin, apple skin and organic skin in home composting conditions.

Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2025 — Part 2

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:03:58 GMT

BERLIN — Organizers of Fruit Logistica 2025 say the global fruit and vegetable trade show drew more than 91,000 people from across the world. The event, which took place Feb. 5-7, also featured an array of out-of-this-world fresh produce, including some exciting offerings in grapes and berries.

Fiachra Moloney and Marie-Anne de Béjarry of Bloom Fresh, part of the Amfresh Group, shared the fruit breeder’s plans to create a consistent brand identity for Cotton Candy grapes.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Aiming to create more value for the grape category, Bloom Fresh shared its initiative to develop a consistent brand for Cotton Candy grapes globally.

“Cotton Candy is the most well-known grape brand in the U.S., with 40% brand recognition,” said Bloom Fresh Chief Marketing Officer Fiachra Moloney. “But the brand looks different every time you buy it.”

Bloom Fresh, the fruit breeding company behind the patented Cotton Candy grape variety, has allowed growers to package the grapes in their own branded packaging for the last 20 years the grape has been in the marketplace.

But Moloney sees significant growth potential in the U.S. through the creation of a consistent and unified brand.

“We’re convincing growers that there’s more value together than alone. The brand is bigger than the sum of its parts,” said Moloney. “We’re also showing them we’re willing to invest in the brand with our first consumer-facing initiative as a breeder.”

What’s the next hot grape variety? Moloney said expect to see more Candy Hearts and a new Mojito Fresh grape that launched in Spain last summer. While Candy Hearts are already in the market, Mojito Fresh grapes are three to five years from scaling and hitting U.S. retail shelves, he said.

Hortifrut Genetics’ Carlos Bonilla, global genetics product development director, showed off blueberries on the vine.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

The global breeders at Hortifrut Genetics say a competitive marketplace ensures berries just keep getting better.

Take the Sekoya blueberry for example, said Carlos Bonilla, global genetics product development director. “Crunchiness is one of its key traits and that firmness and crunch needs to be at the same level every time” to meet demand from increasingly discerning consumers and retailers. “More and more U.S. retailers are asking for high-quality berries,” he said.

As a result, Hortifruit’s breeding program has become “extremely selective.”

“There’s no future for a commodity berry,” Bonilla said. Where he sees a bright future in the berry category is with new innovations like the Naturall blueberries on the vine Hortifrut featured at Fruit Logistica.

“These blueberries on the vine are fresher and last longer,” said Bonilla. “You have to innovate to increase consumption.”

Hortifrut Genetics’ blueberries on the vine are also sustainably grown, said Bonilla. The variety requires half the water to grow compared with “typical” blueberries. To help convey the sustainable message, the blueberries on the vine are packaged in a 100% recyclable carton.

As to when the blueberries on the vine will be available in the U.S., Hortifrut’s Stephanie Giorgi said the “U.S. is still deciding.”

Ignacio Caballero, director of marketing for Frutas de Chile, shared what’s next for the grape category.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Ignacio Caballero, director of marketing for Frutas de Chile, sees tremendous growth potential in the U.S. for fruits including blueberries, kiwifruit, stone fruits, cherries and, especially, grapes.

“The U.S. is a very important market. We’re partnering to increase consumption of fruit in the U.S. and to position fruit as a healthy snack and addition to a meal in all day parts,” he said. “Partnering with retailers is vital. Our U.S. office meets with retailers every week.”

The need to drive consumption of grapes is particularly important, said Caballero, who notes global grape supplies are outpacing consumption.

“Every season there’s more supply than demand,” he said. “We can’t sustain this.”

Frutas de Chile is now looking to take a page from the avocado and blueberry playbooks — two examples of fruits that have benefited from heavy investment in promotional campaigns.

“Grapes don’t have a global association like the Hass Avocado Board or the Mango Board,” he said. “We’re late [with grapes], but the opportunity is terrific.”

Caballero hinted at a global grape campaign, the details of which will be announced in March.

“The Smurfs campaign is something special. It’s a huge fit to have blue Smurfs associated with premium blueberries,” said San Lucar CEO Armin Rehberg.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

San Lucar showcased its new blueberry campaign featuring the Smurfs on packages of its Sekoya blueberries.

“The Smurfs campaign is something special. It’s a huge fit to have blue Smurfs associated with premium blueberries,” said San Lucar CEO Armin Rehberg. It’s also a huge opportunity to engage younger consumers with fresh fruit.

San Lucar started importing to the U.S. with strawberries at Walmart stores two years ago.

“Now we’re delivering a lot more strawberries before the California season begins,” said Rehberg.

More recently, San Lucar began working with H-E-B in the U.S. “Our brand fits well there,” Rehberg said.

Your next read: Seen and heard at Fruit Logistica 2025 — Part 1

3 innovative grower solutions from Fruit Logistica 2025

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:37:07 GMT

BERLIN — Innovation was everywhere at Fruit Logistica 2025, including the latest solutions for grower-packer-shippers from BeeHero, Apeel and Clarifresh.

BeeHero’s Clayton Hiskins talks precision pollination at Fruit Logistica 2025.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

BeeHero, a data-driven precision pollination company, shared more on its Pollination Insight Platform, which launched last fall, and to the apple industry earlier this month.

“Science and technology are always looking to increase efficiencies of high-value crops like avocados and almonds,” said Etyan Schwartz, vice president of global strategy for BeeHero.

Using a simple sensor placed inside the hive, BeeHero monitors the temperature, humidity, acoustics, light and vibration inside the hive — collecting some 25 million data points a day on 300,000 hives, said Clayton Hiskins, region manager for Australia.

The data points are used to create an algorithm that can detect problems and changes inside the hive, such as evidence of queen failure.

There’s also a GPS component on the sensor that can deter beehive theft.

“Theft is a major issue for beekeepers,” said Hiskins, who notes hives cost between $150 and $180 a hive, and as much as $250 in California.

“There’s a real deficit of pollination in California right now,” said Hiskins.

A recent bee industry survey, as reported in Forbes , found millions of bees died this winter, causing millions in damages, threatening pollination efficacy, and ultimately global food security, says BeeHero.

Founded in 2017, BeeHero has lowered bee mortality by nearly half, or 55%, and increased efficiency by more than 30% in hives using its PIP, said Schwartz.

Apeel’s Denise Junqueiro discussed the latest postharvest solutions at Fruit Logistica 2025.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Apeel, a company offering high-performance plant-based postharvest solutions, launched Flare S1 for citrus during Fruit Logistica 2025. Part of its Fresh Formulaics line, which includes products designed to extend shelf life, protect by inhibiting mold and decay, and shine to enhance the appearance and quality of the fruit, Flare S1 is all about shine.

“We offer next-gen postharvest solutions,” said Denise Junqueiro. “They’re safer, smarter and more effective than conventional protective materials, which haven’t evolved in 20 years. These solutions are completely plant-based and more effective.”

With Flare S1 for citrus, grower-packer-shippers can get shelf-life extension without losing the shine on the fruit, says Junqueiro. It also helps reduce reliance on conventional fungicides, eliminates the need for heated drying and can be applied to cold, wet fruit.

“With Flair S1, growers can get more through put within their system,” she said.

Apeel says it plans to expand the solution to stone fruit, avocados and mangoes.

“The backbone of everything we do is protection,” Junqueiro added.

From left, Elad Mardix, Todd Fabee and Ruby Boyariski of Clarifresh talk innovation at Fruit Logistica 2025.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Clarifresh, formerly Clarifruit, featured its artificial intelligence-powered quality control management system for fresh produce.

Users of Clarifresh’s technology can understand a multitude of quality parameters using a phone app, Elad Mardix explained.

“We’re a pure-play software company helping the least efficient supply chain in the world — fresh produce — to increase profitability,” Mardix said.

Clarifresh takes numerous quality specs and digitizes them to automate quality judgement and standardize the inspection process to be objective and consistent, he says.

“There are different reasons for food waste, but the common denominator is quality mismanagement,” said Mardix. Differing quality standards, a subjective inspection process and a lack of realtime data can all contribute to food waste in the fresh produce supply chain.

Clarifresh’s partners include Dole, Zespri, Sunkist, Wish Farms and Mucci, and the company is now expanding into grocery, said Mardix.

“Our quality management system can be transformational for the supply chain, and it’s a win-win for the grower, who knows that the retailer will accept 100% of its shipment,” said Mardix. The retailer also benefits, knowing the quality of the supply in advance.

“We grew 50% last year and hope to double our revenue this year,” said Mardix.

Your next read:

Agrovision sells out of inaugural blueberry harvest in China

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:37:45 GMT

BERLIN — Agrovision, the company behind Fruitist Blueberries, aims to bring nutritious snacking to the world with its “global-local” strategy, Agrovision Chief Commercial Officer Steve McVickers told The Packer at the recent Fruit Logistica trade show.

Agrovision, which also produces blackberries and raspberries under the Fruitist brand, operates across prime growing regions around the world to achieve a year-round supply of premium berries. With farms in Oregon, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Morocco, Romania, Egypt, India, Indonesia and, more recently, China, the company is leveraging its fully integrated supply chain to champion berry snacking on a global scale.

The company recently marked its first harvest from its farms in China’s Yunnan province. Sold under the Meiyili brand, Agrovision’s locally grown premium blueberries sold out within 24 hours of hitting the market, which the company says underscores China’s growing appetite for high-quality, fresh produce.

Agrovision says demand for blueberries in China has grown at an annual rate of approximately 40% over the last five years.

“Healthy snacking is really what we’re championing,” said McVickers. “And blueberries address many of the world’s challenges — obesity, diabetes, etc. — they’re a fresh, natural solution to snacking that resonates at every level.”

Agrovision began addressing the demand for healthy, nutritious snacking in 2018 by importing premium berries from its farms in Peru. To deepen its presence, the company established an 81-acre farm in Yunnan in early 2024. Leveraging Yunnan’s ideal microclimate of warm days and cool nights, Agrovision says it is delivering blueberries packed with natural flavor, crunch and nutrients to consumers across China.

In China, Agrovision is positioning blueberries as a holistic, healthy experience for all. The company has produced six one-minute videos for social media that spotlight the connection between nutrition, mental health and “me time.”

“We’re trying to be disruptors and carry a serious message with these videos, while at the same time, pitching healthy, nutritious snacking to everyday, regular people,” McVickers said.

Following the success of its blueberry launch in China, Agrovision says it is evaluating possible expansion of its Yunnan operations over the coming years as it continues to invest in advanced postharvest technologies, premium varietals and sustainable farming practices.

The company also says it has optimized its supply chain by using Peru’s newly opened Chancay Port to reduce transit times for imported blueberries by 10 days. This dual-source strategy is intended to provide more consistent availability of both local and imported fruit to satisfy China’s growing preference for premium superfruits, the company says.

“Our current efforts represent more than just a successful harvest — they demonstrate our ability to replicate our proven superfruit strategy in key global markets,” Steve Magami, co-founder and CEO of Agrovision, said in a news release. “Consumers everywhere want reliable access to superfruits that deliver the same exceptional experience whether in Shanghai or Los Angeles. We’re making enjoyable, nutrient-dense superfruits an accessible and delicious part of everyday snacking worldwide.”

Agrovision says its presence in China goes beyond production, pointing to the creation of hundreds of seasonal jobs in Yunnan and the implementation of training programs to build local agricultural expertise.

The company says these initiatives, coupled with infrastructure investments and sustainable practices, contribute to the region’s economic development and align with its mission to create a lasting positive impact globally.

What to expect at Fruit Logistica 2025

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 19:07:05 GMT

Fruit Logistica returns to Berlin on Feb. 5-7 and is expected to draw over 2,500 exhibitors from 86 countries, according to a news release.

“Our guiding theme is Fruitful Connections, and that’s because Berlin is the place to make contacts, share new plans and build partnerships,” said Kai Mangelberger, director of Fruit Logistica. “We are excited to offer our exhibitors and visitors countless opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones, all aimed at driving sustainable growth.”

Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and France remain its top five countries in terms of exhibitor numbers, but the number of companies taking part from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Africa is also set to grow, organizers said.

A new feature of Fruit Logistica in2025 is an expanded, three-day Startup World , which shines a light on groundbreaking solutions and emerging technologies that can bring new success to the fresh produce industry, according to the release.

Fruit Logistica also is making its trend report available for free download. The report offers insights into emerging supply chains, new sources of produce and transformative market developments, the release said.

Fruit Logistica 2025 is set to offer a series of informative talks and discussions on the Fresh Produce Forum, Future Lab, Logistics Hub, Tech Stage and Farming Forward stage.

The event’s final day is set to culminate in a celebration of the fresh produce industry; after the show’s first-ever Mascot Race, there will be champagne and music to enhance the day’s prestigious Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards ceremony, the release said.