Texas International Produce Assn.

Record Growth and Strategic Partnerships Take Center Stage at Viva Fresh 2026

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:47:42 GMT

SAN ANTONIO — Setting a new record for growth in the heart of Texas, the 2026 Viva Fresh Expo hit a major milestone with a total of 2,877 attendees — the highest turnout in the show’s history. With a sold-out floor featuring 199 exhibitors and nearly 400 key retail and foodservice buyers, the event solidified its status as a powerhouse hub for the produce industry.

Energy was high on the show floor, where the true bounty of the Tex-Mex corridor was on full display.

From left, Alfredo Pena, Gary Calaroso, Kristina Lorusso and Sebastian Carmona of Giumarra Cos. turn out for Viva Fresh.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Giumarra Cos. featured an array of fresh produce including Mexican grapes, SugarWild jumbo blueberries and blackberries, soon-to-arrive DulceVida Nectarines and its Nature’s Partner premium avocados in two different packaging options — one featuring a morning smoothie recipe and another with a compelling retro feel.

“There’s romance to it,” says Kristina Lorusso. “It’s got a Coachella vibe to it, and retailers love it. It really pops in the department.”

Giumarra’s new avocado packaging brings a “Coachella vibe” to the produce aisle.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Giumarra also highlighted its new partnership with Horton Fruit Co., which will now offer a range of Giumarra’s specialties from its operations in Louisville, Ky., and Dallas.

“Horton Fruit Co. is adding Giumarra items to their list of offerings, which will help with availability heartaches in the retail supply chain,” says Lorusso.

From left, Matt Klare, Mike Wise, Tommy Wilkins and Tom Smith represent the Horton Fruit Co.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Tommy Wilkins of Horton Fruit Co. is equally excited by the partnership with Giumarra Cos.

“We ask our customers, ‘Where’s your heartburn, and how can we help?’ Giumarra has all of these boutique items that are in demand. We can offer logistical help and be a solution to get better product into stores,” he says.

From left, Sophia Koorkoyk, JC Cavaletto and Giovanni Cavaletto discussed sustainable avocado farming at Viva Fresh 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Sustainable avocado farming was the main event at the GLC Cerritos booth, where Giovanni Cavaletto showcased the company’s annual sustainability report. The report highlights the company’s many efforts on the sustainability front from its water-saving initiatives to pollination to reforestation and more. The company is GlobalG.A.P., Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade-certified.

In terms of avocado sourcing, Cavaletto says fruit from Guatemala and Ecuador are next on the horizon.

And GLC Cerritos touted its series of short videos that give customers a look at what’s going on in the market and on the farm.

Bryan Tate and Rod Whisner of IFCO say sustainability has never been more important.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Sustainability was also a hot topic at IFCO, which showcased its Reusable Packaging Containers.

“The sustainable message has never been bigger,” says Bryan Tate. “More and more people care about it every year.”

Tate says while the packaging space got confusing for a while, he’s seeing more pull from retailers now who are looking for a true end-to-end partnership with IFCO. And as retailers increasingly turn to automation, Tate says IFCO’s standardized RPC footprint, as well as the digital capabilities its adding, play well in automated operations.

North Bay Produce’s Sarah Quackenbush chats about the big boom in bigger berries.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

North Bay Produce’s Sarah Quackenbush showed off its Reserve Blackberries that are coming into peak volume and flavor out of Mexico, as well as its “humungous” jumbo blueberries.

“The jumbo berry market has grown a ton in the past couple of years,” she says. “There’s huge opportunity with bigger berries, and consumers are willing to pay more for them.”

La Bonanza’s Daiana Quintero and Valeria Villasenor showcase avocados from Mexico.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

La Bonanza Avocados, a family-owned avocado grower from Uruapan, Mexico, showcased its sustainably sourced hass avocados and avocado products. As a key hub of Mexico’s avocado-growing region, Uruapan is known as the “Avocado Capital of the World,” says La Bonanza.

From left, David Reyes, Roy Moore and Jeremy Giovannetti talk fresh flavors at Viva Fresh 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Divine Flavor featured Mexican table grapes, including Cotton Candy grapes out of Jalisco that are available through July, as well as a new crop of roma tomatoes from Baja, mini peppers and new organic cherry tomatoes on the vine.

From left, Eduardo Diaz, Daniel Amavizca and Daniel Ibarra say the crops out of Mexico look good.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Splendid, a company of growers and exporters based north of Sinaloa, Mexico, featured mangoes, sweet corn, green beans, bell peppers and more.

“We foresee a great season,” says Eduardo Diaz.

From left, Andrew Brown, John Pandol and Stefanie Pandol discuss good quality grapes and early California and Mexico seasons at Viva Fresh 2026.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

John Pandol of Pandol Bros. says grapes from California and Mexico are coming early this year. And while conditions are “so far, so good” in California with no counter indications, in Mexico — which is further along in its season — “quality is good.”

Courtney Schuster and Marabeth Schuster showed off a bevy of beautiful onions from the Lone Star State.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Courtney Schuster of Rio Fresh, a south Texas-based onion grower-packer-shipper, says the onion season is looking strong and while there was some rain “things are tightening up and so far, quality is great.”

Rio Fresh showcased its Tri-Color organic and conventional red, yellow and white onion packs that are available in different combinations and weights up to 5 pounds.

Kellen Stailey Martin and Susie Rea showcase California Crema Gem avocados at Viva Fresh 2026.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey
)

Index Fresh showcased its California Crema Gem avocados, available from April to June in bags and bulk.

“Gems are more sustainably grown avocados because the trees are planted closer together, they use less water and there’s a labor savings as well,” says Kellen Stailey Martin.

The striking avocados have a darker skin with gold flecks and grow to a larger, value size, she says.

“The flavor is a little nuttier and it’s easier to scoop,” she adds.

Stailey Martin also touted the company’s cellulose packaging for its bagged organic and conventional AvoTerra line. The cellulose bag is made of 100% paper and is recyclable and compostable. It also features a new home-compostable PLU sticker from Sinclair.

Also new are Avoettes organic avocados.

“There’s a lot of traction with mini avocados,” says Stailey Martin. “They’re single-serve and there’s no waste.”

While Index Fresh launched the mini avocados with organic, Stailey Martin says conventional Avoettes are in the works.

Brooke Eldridge of Matthews Ridgeview Farm talks the trend in purple sweetpotatoes.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Matthews Ridge Farms’ Brooke Eldridge says the company’s current crop of sweetpotatoes is largely spoken for. She also talked about the rise of the Murasaki sweetpotato.

“The purple market is really growing,” she says. “Retailers are starting to get curious about them. They’re colorful and really grab attention in a dish.”

From left, Sarah Diamond, Tyann Schlimmer and Michelle Youngquist of Bay Baby Produce shared a variety of colorful pumpkin and squash offerings.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Bay Baby Produce showcased a colorful array of pumpkins and squash, including Day of the Dead pumpkins; a 5-count bag of ornamental pumpkins; pumpkin painting kits; and a new Jack Pack half-pallet display unit that holds up to five different items.

“Jack Pack brings the pumpkin patch to your store,” says Michelle Youngquist of the display units that will be available in September and October.

Bay Baby also featured a host of red, white and blue pumpkins designed to make everything from Labor Day gatherings to celebrating America’s 250th anniversary of independence more festive.

Viva Fresh Tackles Biggest Challenges for Tex-Mex Produce

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:23:49 GMT

SAN ANTONIO — From labor and water shortages to fraud and cartels, the fast-paced, insight-packed session, “TIPA on the Buzzer Beaters of Produce Policy,” at Viva Fresh Expo 2026 tackled some of the biggest challenges facing produce in the Tex-Mex corridor and beyond.

The April 17 session featured the Texas International Produce Association’s Dante Galeazzi, CEO and president, and Jed Murray, director of government relations, who offered rapid, three-minute responses to a combination of prepared questions and questions from the audience on a range of hot topics.

Call for Water Infrastructure

Persistent water shortages in South Texas, driven by drought and water obligations from Mexico under the 1944 treaty not being met, have forced farmers to cut back on both the acreage and variety planted to fruits and vegetables, says Galeazzi.

Water scarcity, affecting the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding areas, has caused some producers to plant only half their typical acreage while others face reduced yields, smaller produce and significant financial risks.

“Weather and water shortages played a major role,” says Galeazzi, who notes Texas water shortages led to decreased production of between 30% and 40% this season for growers in the state.

“Water infrastructure seems to be the very last thing we focus on,” says Galeazzi, who sees investment in other infrastructure from roads to bridges to internet. “The government needs to look at water infrastructure before it’s too late to do something about it,” he says.

Produce Prices Not Keeping Pace

While the cost of growing, packing and shipping produce has gone up exponentially, produce prices at retail went up just .03% in the last year, says Galeazzi.

“We are not seeing prices adjust quickly enough,” he says. “Just in the last year alone the price of diesel has gone up $2 a gallon. A truck from the Rio Valley in Texas to Hunts Point [Produce Market] costs $800 more in fuel.”

Add to this soaring input and labor costs, tariffs and geopolitical volatility, and the profit margin on produce shrivels further.

Labor Crisis Accelerates

Because of its proximity to Mexico, South Texas was slower to experience labor shortages than other parts of the country.

“Our folks really didn’t start feeling labor shortages until about 15 years ago, but very quickly in the last 10 years, those issues have compounded, and so we have had to move very quickly, not only to adapt to the changing environment — to adapt to H-2A — but also for our folks to understand those programs and find ways to become more efficient,” says Galeazzi.

In the last 10 years, Texas wasn’t even on the radar of the top 10% of H-2A users, says Murray.

“Last year, we were No. 7 and Q1 [first quarter] of 2026 we were No. 4,” says Murray, underscoring how quickly labor has become a key issue in the state.

“Overall, the nation has about 65,000 workers already signed up this year to come in the United States and work, with 91% [of them] being from Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala, South Africa and some of these other countries that are sending workers this way,” he adds.

“Last year, we did right around 380,000 H-2A workers in the nation. We’re anticipating that number to be close to 430,000 if not more, this coming year,” Murray continues.

Murray then discussed the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, which in Texas went down to $11.61 an hour for a Tier 1 employee, which has helped the state’s growers have a competitive rate.

Cartels

Fielding a question from the audience on whether TIPA has seen an impact of cartel activity in Mexico, Galeazzi said, “I think we have seen impact.”

As mangoes and avocados out of Mexico require inspection, recent changes in cartel leadership in Sinaloa caused the U.S. to suspend all inspections. This also impacted H-2A worker visa applications that were shut down.

“Now takes almost three weeks to get an H-2A worker visa,” he says.

Rise in Produce Fraud

Galeazzi cautioned the audience that there’s been a rise in fraud.

Last summer a TIPA member received a call from someone falsely representing a major company in produce. The fraudster ordered a load of limes, and because the company name was already in the supplier’s system, they filled the order.

“We all do business like that. We’ve all sold to companies where you recognize the name when you pick up the phone,” says Galeazzi.

The buyer calls again and orders a second load, which the supplier fills.

“Now what happens is, between the second and the third load, the market drops about $5 in limes,” says Galeazzi. But when the seller got the green light for a third load, the buyer didn’t ask about the cost. Realizing this was suspicious, the seller called the company that was supposed to be the buyer and the scam was revealed.

“Long story short, those two loads have disappeared,” Galeazzi says. “Thankfully, he was able to move quickly and save the third load.

“What has happened, though, is that you have this ring of fraudsters, and they’re operating throughout the country, primarily out of the East Coast,” he adds. “What they’re doing is these guys are familiar with our industry and how it works. They basically are going into Blue Book, calling suppliers, impersonating large companies, and they are exposing our weaknesses.

“They know, as a produce industry, we extend people credit. They also know we don’t start calling for money until what, day 20? So, these guys are going to put in orders as fast as they can for 20 days and then disappear,” Galeazzi says.

While Galeazzi says TIPA has been challenged to find the right law enforcement to pursue these cases, last month Blue Book helped get a case together in South Florida, and they finally caught the fraudster.

“We need to be vigilant about this,” says Galeazzi. “You need to make sure you’ve got some best practices [in place].”

What Would You Ask Rollins?

Fielding another question from the audience, Galeazzi and Murray were asked what they would ask Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins if they met with her.

“We have sent communications to her about a lot of different things,” Galeazzi says. “We would first ask that they do something to improve the FSA process. FSA is a Farm Service Agency. It’s where our farmers report things, how they go in for acreage. It’s how they get crop insurance for NAP [Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program]. It’s how they access the drought programs for relief. Right now, that process is very antiquated. Believe it or not, the farmers have to physically go into the office to report acreage when they put something in the ground and they harvested it, versus an email. Changing that would be huge.”

Murray says they’d also welcome the opportunity to discuss specialty crop crop insurance and grant money for covering risk.

“They have a great, robust program for cotton and grain guys. That’s easy to do because the acres are there,” says Murray. “They’re not so specialized as we are — 2 acres of this and 3 acres of that — so it’s very difficult for them to put together a disaster relief or insurance program.”

Murray cited the disparity between the $12 billion in farm aid relief that went to American farmers of row crops compared to the $1 billion earmarked for specialty crops.

He also wants to see the USDA do more to promote fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet through the education system.

Canada to Cease Quality Inspections

Galeazzi also addressed efforts in response to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s announcement earlier this year that it plans to discontinue the Destination Inspection Service for fresh fruits and vegetables, citing budgetary reasons.

“We, alongside CPMA [Canadian Produce Marketing Association] and others … worked so hard to get those inspections in place,” he says. “We have worked hard to create equality across the United States and Canada, and so we are working alongside our friends in Canada to ensure they understand the importance of keeping government inspections for fresh produce.”

Galeazzi says another challenge to U.S.-Canada produce trade is Canada’s new packaging rules.

“Canada has a whole slew of packaging rules that are going to come into place. And there are a lot of concerns. One of the concerns is the glue on the PLU sticker is not compostable, so you may not be able to use that PLU sticker, or you might pay a fine for every single piece of produce you go with to Canada that has a PLU,” says Galeazzi.

He says TIPA is working to help the Canadian government understand the complications of such a packaging rule.

He says Canada also wants to limit food to a single package.

“How are grapes shipped? Grapes go in a bag, and then they go in a box, and then they go on a pallet,” says Galeazzi. While he says TIPA understands sustainability concerns, without protective packaging, products from grapes to berries to tomatoes will be damaged in transit, resulting in unsustainable food waste.

“I call it the Amazon effect,” says Murray. “You order something in a box, and you get two more boxes inside that, and then it goes to you. And so, I think that they kind of created this rule as well to look at what’s happening in that packaging, but they didn’t realize that standardization then transfers to fresh fruits and vegetables, which we have to protect them and have more than just one box.”

Tomato Dumping

Tomatoes and the end of the Tomato Suspension Agreement was another hot topic at Viva Fresh.

In July, the U.S. Department of Commerce terminated the 2019 Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Duty Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico, and with that termination, the Commerce Department issued an antidumping order that places a 17.09% duty on most imported tomatoes from Mexico.

“The biggest issue too is, at some point very soon, ITC [the U.S. International Trade Commission] is going to determine if, not only is [dumping] still happening or not happening, but is 17% enough? [What] a lot of people don’t know is the 17% duty rate on tomatoes is just a placeholder at a point in a review,” says Galeazzi. “Anytime between now and six years, ITC can make the evaluation after so many years and say, ‘Hey, actually, we noticed that 17% wasn’t enough.

“Dumping was still happening, and it was happening at a rate of what looks like 25%, so everybody that already paid those millions of dollars on 17% has to make up that additional percentage,” he adds.

Galeazzi says TIPA is working to help educate ITC.

TIPA Sues OSHA

TIPA and the Texas Vegetable Association sued OSHA in late 2025 in the Northern District of Texas, challenging OSHA’s constitutional authority to create laws without legal foundation. The suit argues the 1970 Act gives the agency overly broad power. As such, it seeks to block one-size-fits-all safety regulations and their enforcement on produce companies.

Galeazzi says the lawsuit moved to South Texas last week. He gave the example of an OSHA regulation that requires a tractor driver on a farm receive training every year, even if the worker has been with the farm for 16 years.

“Does that make sense? Our concern is these regulations are being created in a vacuum without the stakeholders in the room,” says Galeazzi.

Exploring the Spirit of San Antonio While at Viva Fresh

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:25:19 GMT

While San Antonio might be known for its River Walk, there’s plenty to see while you’re in town for the Viva Fresh Expo , attendees say. But what are some destinations that top the list?

The famous battle cry goes “Remember the Alamo!” and that’s exactly what Viva Fresh attendees say to do.

“It’s one of those places that really captures the history and spirit of Texas,” says Jessica Soare, assistant vice president of marketing with Cox Farms. “Following a busy day on the show floor, stepping away to take in the culture and heritage of the region through a landmark like that is a great reminder of why this region is so special. It’s also a great way to explore San Antonio with colleagues and keep the conversations going outside the booth.”

Helen Aquino, vice president of innovation for Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown, says it’s an iconic piece of Texas history.

“When we’re in San Antonio, one stop that’s always worth making time for is the Alamo,” she says.

Alan Aguirre Camou, chief marketing officer of Divine Flavor, also recommends visiting the iconic fortress.

“It’s a foundational piece of Texas history and a truly moving experience for anyone visiting San Antonio for the first time,” he says.

Alaina Wilkins, key account manager for Pure Flavor, says Viva Fresh attendees don’t have to go far to enjoy an outing.

“The TPC San Antonio Golf Course at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa offers a memorable escape,” she says. “Rolling through oak-studded hills, the course provides sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country and a refreshing mix of challenge and relaxation away from the show floor.”

Jim Leach, director of foodservice and Southwest sales for Oppy, also recommends attendees check out the San Antonio restaurant and sports scene.

“It’s a great food city with so many amazing options,” he says. “One of our office favorites is Paesanos. And if the timing works out, catching a Spurs game is always a fun way to spend an evening. Go Wemby!”

Juliemar Rosado, director of retail and international marketing with the National Watermelon Board, recommends visiting the Pearl District, a walkable culinary and cultural hub north of downtown, redeveloped from a historic 1883 brewery.

“I love the Pearl District,” she says. “Such good food and atmosphere.”

Leslie Hernandez, experiential coordinator for the EXP Group, also recommends the Pearl District, exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns and visiting the Witte Museum, though she says a big recommendation for out-of-staters is another piece of Texas iconography.

“No Texas trip feels complete without a mandatory stop at Buc-ee’s,” she says.

Everything’s Bigger in the Tex-Mex Corridor With Viva Fresh

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:31 GMT

The Viva Fresh Expo heads to San Antonio this year, set for April 16-18 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Hosted by the Texas International Produce Association, the show focuses on the Tex-Mex Corridor — a point that exhibitors say makes the event stand out.

“It gives growers, retailers, distributors and partners a chance to connect in one central place but in an approachable and relationship-focused setting,” says Jessica Soare, assistant vice president of marketing with Cox Farms. “Viva Fresh was created to spotlight the importance of the Tex-Mex produce corridor and the connections that drive it, and you feel that the moment you walk the show floor.”

Soare says the show packs a punch with its product highlights while fostering an environment that builds conversations and partnerships.

“It truly lives up to its reputation of being the biggest little show, as you get the impact of a major industry event with the personal connections of a much smaller one,” she says.

It’s the camaraderie and community that sets Viva Fresh apart, says Priscilla Diaz, sales representative with EXP Group.

“This is our region, and while many of us may work just miles apart, this event brings everyone together under one roof,” she says. “It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with industry friends and strengthen the relationships and partnerships that help drive our region forward.”

Helen Aquino, vice president of innovation for Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown, says that while it might be the biggest little show, Viva Fresh brings the big Texas energy.

“In true Texas fashion, everything feels big: the relationships, the opportunities and the conversations,” she says. “It’s a show where meaningful connections happen and where Texas-grown produce really takes center stage.”

Alan Aguirre Camou, chief marketing officer of Divine Flavor, says Viva Fresh highlights the critical role Texas plays in the Tex-Mex Corridor.

“As a main port of entry for the U.S., this region is the heartbeat of our supply chain, and Viva is the perfect place to connect deeply with the partners who keep that heart beating,” he says.

Juliemar Rosado, director of retail and international marketing with the National Watermelon Board, says she also enjoys the focus that Viva Fresh puts on the role fresh produce plays in healthy eating.

“One thing I like about this show is the Clean Eating Challenge,” she says. “It is amazing seeing such strong support with that program and hearing all the success stories from each person.”

What You’ll See on the Trade Show Floor

Cox Farms — Booth No. 214

Cox Farms plans to showcase multiple greenhouse-grown offerings from BrightFarms and Mucci Farms.

“Texas-grown greens will be a key focus for BrightFarms at this year’s expo,” Soare says. “Grown at an 8-acre greenhouse in Lorena, Texas, BrightFarms lettuce can be harvested and delivered to local retailers in as little as 24 hours.”

Soare says this is part of its Go Texan program, which promotes local agriculture.

Cox Farms also plans to showcase BrightFarms’ Asian Sesame Crunch Kit, which is the newest addition to the company’s Crunch Kit lineup. The Asian Sesame Crunch Kit comes with crunchy green leaf lettuce, roasted edamame, crispy carrots, chow mein noodles and a sweet-and-savory Asian dressing.

Mucci Farms intends to highlight its Seedless Mini Peppers, which offer a convenient, no-prep snacking option for consumers. Mucci Farms will also showcase the newest addition to its tomato lineup with the refreshed Cherto cherry tomatoes on the vine, known for their vibrant colors and improved flavor profile, Soare says.

EXP Group — Booth No. 318

Tropicals and specialty produce will be the highlight of EXP Group’s booth. This includes hot peppers, papayas, mangoes, coconuts and other exotic fruits.

Jesus Cavazos, vice president of Texas operations for EXP Group, says the company will also debut its Rosita brand ready-to-drink coconut, delivering the naturally sweet taste of fresh coconut in a convenient, ready-to-enjoy format.

“As demand for authentic tropical flavors continues to grow across the region, products like this help retailers meet consumer interest in fresh, culturally familiar produce while offering something unique and memorable,” Cavazos says.

Pure Flavor — Booth No. 800

Greenhouse tomatoes with vibrant colors, rich flavor and versatility will be the highlight at Pure Flavor’s booth. These include Cherry Picked tomatoes, a premium medley for snacking or entertaining; Rocco Reds, a classic “Chef’s Tomato” with a firm, meaty texture and bold, traditional flavor; and Cloud9 tomatoes, which offer striking color and naturally sweet taste.

“Each of these tomatoes is grown with careful attention to quality and consistency, meeting the expectations of Southwest shoppers who seek bold flavor, convenience and reliability,” says Alania Wilkins, key account manager for Pure Flavor. “By producing close to market in controlled greenhouse environments, Pure Flavor ensures year-round availability, giving retailers produce that enhances meals, sparks creativity in the kitchen and encourages repeat purchases.”

Oppy — Booth No. 1008

Oppy plans to showcase a wide variety of its year-round offerings. This includes avocados, berries, grapes, limes and more.

“Viva Fresh is a great opportunity to highlight the diversity of our year-round offerings and the strength of our grower network,” says Jim Leach, director of foodservice and Southwest sales. “Many of these products enter the U.S. just about 3.5 hours south of the show, so it’s also a chance to talk about the logistics advantages and freshness we can deliver to customers in this region.”

Divine Flavor — Booth No. 1100

Divine Flavor is set to highlight its vegetable commodities. These include colored bell peppers, mini peppers, roma, beefsteak and Magnifico grape tomatoes, and long English and Persian cucumbers.

Camou says Divine Flavor will also discuss the expansion of its McAllen, Texas, warehouse in April.

“While we have successfully run our Jalisco (Mexico) grape program through this hub, we are now integrating our full vegetable lineup into the McAllen operation,” he says. “This strategic move significantly streamlines our logistics, ensuring faster, fresher delivery to our partners throughout Texas and the Midwest.”

National Watermelon Board — Booth No. 213

Expect sampling of watermelon-based recipes at the National Watermelon Board’s booth, says Rosado.

“Showcasing watermelon’s flavor dynamic in addition to health and value,” she says. “Tasting is believing after all.”

The National Watermelon Board will also offer educational resources and will promote its national retail merchandising contest, which runs from June to August and will mark its 18th year.

Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown — Booth No. 903

Texas-grown greenhouse tomatoes in full production will be the highlight of Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown’s booth. This includes its Trio red, yellow and orange mini San Marzano tomatoes on the vine and its Sinfully Sweet Campari and Heavenly Villagio Marzano tomatoes.

“These varieties continue to resonate with customers looking for tomatoes that deliver consistent flavor, quality and year-round greenhouse reliability,” Aquino says.

Village Fresh also plans to showcase its Texas-grown cucumbers.

“Because the product is grown in Texas, it also supports the region’s preference for locally grown produce with dependable supply and shorter transit times,” she says.

Viva Fresh Keynote to Look at ‘Consumomics’ of Fresh Produce

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:57:30 GMT

Richard Kottmeyer, chief strategy officer and global practice lead for food, agriculture and nutrition at advisory firm FutureBridge, will kick off the education sessions at Viva Fresh 2026 with a dynamic 90-minute session designed to challenge and equip produce industry leaders to think about not just opportunities for today but also for the decade ahead.

Viva Fresh organizers say this session will explore the “consumomics” of fresh produce, examining how shifts in public policy, economic forces, health care priorities and consumer behavior directly impact how fresh produce is sold and merchandised. Rather than reacting to short-term policy swings, attendees will gain a roadmap to future-proof businesses for the next ﬁve to 10 years.

Sabrina DeLay, chief of staff to the chief strategy officer and global head of food and agriculture at FutureBridge, will join Kottmeyer at Viva Fresh in San Antonio. Their session will begin at 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 17.

“Viva Fresh has always been about delivering meaningful education that moves our industry forward,” says Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. “Richard will challenge us to think beyond immediate disruption and focus on strategies that position companies for the next decade. This is about staying ahead, not catching up.”

Kottmeyer, an internationally recognized futurist economist, advises CEOs, boards, investors and governments on structural shifts shaping the global food system. With leadership experience spanning investment banking, consulting and high-level advisory roles intersecting food, health care and security, Viva Fresh organizers say he brings a powerful macroeconomic perspective to the produce industry.

DeLay is a seasoned strategic leader with experience spanning global program management and public-sector service, including as a Presidential Management Fellow. Together, Viva Fresh says Kottmeyer and DeLay will chart a forward-thinking roadmap and ignite a conversation that disrupts traditional sales and merchandising practices to uncover innovative economic possibilities.

“The produce industry sits at the intersection of policy, economics and human behavior,” Galeazzi says. “Richard and Sabrina will help leaders connect strategy to execution, translating big-picture shifts into practical decisions that strengthen resilience, competitiveness and long-term growth.”

How Texas is Unlocking Fresh Produce Opportunity Despite Challenges

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:35:21 GMT

While last year’s tariffs and trade tensions impacted the fresh produce industry around the globe, in Texas, which shares the largest U.S. border with Mexico, continuation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is top of mind with its first six-year review scheduled for July 1 this year.

The Texas A&M Center for North American Studies finds that during 2022 the U.S. exported $28.5 billion worth of agricultural products to Mexico, up from $4.67 billion since NAFTA took effect in 1994. That same study finds Texas agricultural exports to the country have contributed to the growth of total U.S. exports to Mexico. During 2022, Texas accounted for 19%, or $5.55 billion, of total U.S. exports to Mexico.

“In 2024, from Mexico through Texas by truck, we received 13.1 billion pounds of fresh produce,” says Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, which represents the business, economic and political interests of Texas-grown fruits and vegetables.

As the USMCA review approaches, TIPA is engaging with all three governments to shine a light on what’s at stake, he says.

“We want to be part of the conversation to remind folks in the administration — and not just in our administration — but in Canada and Mexico, of the importance of this agreement,” Galeazzi says. “Because it has really set the table for how fresh produce is exchanged in North America for over 30 years. And so, if we are going to look at changes, we have to be mindful of the impact, not just on future business but [also] on existing investments.”

Galeazzi points to multimillion-dollar produce facilities built in North America based on USMCA.

“If the agreement goes away, what happens to those investments? And furthermore, do you really want to put those investments in an even greater challenging position when the economy in all three of our countries is already in a challenging position?” he asks. “Don’t we want to be securing existing investments, with existing jobs, with existing profitability, rather than exposing all of those to potential damages during these trade agreements?”

Dante Galeazzi is president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association.

(Photo courtesy of TIPA)

While Galeazzi acknowledges USMCA isn’t perfect and aspects could use modernization, “we are pushing folks to remind all the administrations that the USMCA agreement has a lot of benefits,” he says.

There is also talk that the Trump administration may want to move to separate bilateral agreements with Mexico and Canada, he says.

“We are talking about a potential disruption to the supply chain, if the agreements are not handled correctly,” he says. “Now, I think there’s a way that we can move forward, both maintaining USMCA or going the direction of two bilaterals, but the point is we are trying to stress to all three countries that we have got to do as much as possible to not interrupt or disturb the flow of fresh produce.”

Investment and Opportunity in Age of Uncertainty

Despite these challenges, TIPA sees continued investment in Texas.

“We have people here that are still building warehouses in South Texas. We have people that are still planning on importing into the Port of Houston,” Galeazzi says. “We have growers who still want to expand their operations, but it’s hard to do that when so much of the business environment is outside of their control and covered by uncertainty.”

Gaining certainty with North American trading partners is key to unlocking opportunity, he notes.

“The sooner we get an agreement in place, the sooner everyone gets back to business,” Galeazzi says. “And the sooner we get the right agreement in place, the sooner those investments start flowing.

“There is a ton of opportunity and potential out there, but it’s bottled up right now,” he continues. “And the sooner we can get past that obstacle, the sooner those opportunities can be realized.”

Water, Labor and Tariffs Prove a Triple Threat

“Last year was an extremely challenging year, especially in terms of profitability, not just for our Texas growers but also for our importers,” Galeazzi says.

Weather and water shortages played a major role, says Galeazzi, who notes Texas water shortages led to decreased production of between 30% and 40% this season for growers in the state.

“A lot of the country is suffering from water shortages, and just like in Texas, we are seeing that result in production shortages or production limitations,” he says. “Now with limited supply, you would hope to see increased prices. Unfortunately, we didn’t see that. Instead, we saw increased cost of inputs. So, not only were you paying for tariffs, but you were also paying higher prices for just about everything it took to grow your crop: your ag inputs, your chemicals, your seed, your labor, your materials.

“Across the board prices went up, and a lot of that was driven by tariffs,” says Galeazzi, who adds the produce industry is still feeling the impact of tariffs.

“We get a lot of our ag equipment from Europe, where we still have some unfriendly tariff rates. We get a lot of our ag inputs, like fertilizers, from Canada, Eastern Europe and South America, all of which had tariffs at some point during the season last year,” he says. “So, you can see how this compounds the problem. Because if you’re already dealing with weak markets — and that’s tough on any given year — but now you add the increased price of inputs, and you add the impact of tariffs, and you add weak markets, come on, how many punches can our guys take?”

The perishability of fresh fruits and vegetables adds to the complexity and vulnerability of produce trade.

“Fresh produce is not like widgets. When it’s ready to go, it’s ready to go. That’s why last year in March, when there were three days of tariffs, guess who paid a lot of those tariffs? Fresh produce,” Galeazzi says. “We didn’t have a choice. We couldn’t sit around waiting to find out what was going to happen.”

While labor remains a universal challenge, Galeazzi sees some progress being made with H-2A reform.

“The government finally heard what we’ve been saying for the better part of a decade. ‘Your formula for AEWR [Adverse Effect Wage Rates] is not correct. The methodology is not correct. It can be better. Let us work with you and help you,” he says. “It only took 10 years of saying that and three court cases, but now they’re at the table ready to talk.”

Galeazzi says TIPA will join other organizations, led by Georgia, in Washington, D.C., in late February to have conversations with lawmakers about formulas, costs and other markers that can be used to determine an AEWR that “makes sense.”

“We’re not aiming for cheap labor; that’s not the goal,” Galeazzi says. “We want certainty, and we want a clear path forward. You can’t have a clear path when you are having to anticipate an X-percent increase on your labor year over year, without having any idea what that increase is going to be.

“Texas is growing its H-2A use, and what I’m hearing from our farmers is they really love the quality of worker they’re getting with H-2A. Where they’re challenged is a lot of the bureaucracy of applying for those workers,” he says.

Viva Fresh 2026 Returns to San Antonio

Opportunities for driving growth in fresh produce still abound, and it’s these opportunities that Galeazzi says the industry will have the chance to embrace at Viva Fresh Expo 2026.

Hosted by TIPA, this year’s Viva Fresh is set to take place at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, April 16-18.

“I love Viva Fresh because it’s an industry event, but it really feels like a gathering of friends,” Galeazzi says. “You actually have this chance to sit down and visit with people and engage and network and build those relationships.”

This year’s Viva Fresh promises ample opportunity for connection, he says. From golf to pickleball to a wine experience to the expo floor, Viva Fresh combines networking, education and fun.

“Viva Fresh is really an opportunity for us to celebrate the region,” he says. “There are so many cool things that happen here in our region. Texas is the land of eternal summer, except for about three or four days where we get crazy winter storms. And we have so many people who are constantly pushing new ideas, that are building new enterprises, that are bringing new things to life, and Viva Fresh is the celebration of that.”

Hunter Pinke to Share ‘No Bad Days’ Mindset at Viva Fresh

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:27:58 GMT

Ahead of Viva Fresh 2026, the Texas International Produce Association announced Hunter Pinke will serve as the 2026 keynote speaker. Pinke will share a message of resilience, adaptability and perspective to the Tex-Mex produce community.

Viva Fresh is set for April 16-18 in San Antonio.

TIPA says this “No Bad Days” outlook will resonate with Viva Fresh attendees as the fresh produce industry is shaped by weather, markets, labor challenges and constant change. Pinke’s keynote will focus on how leaders respond when plans shift and why mindset matters as much as strategy. His philosophy will offer a practical framework for navigating uncertainty while staying focused on purpose and progress.

“Hunter’s message resonates deeply with agriculture,” says Dante Galeazzi, TIPA president and CEO. “Our industry understands long days, unpredictability and the need to pivot when conditions change. Hunter doesn’t just inspire; he gives audiences a way to reframe challenges and move forward with resolve.”

TIPA says Pinke’s keynote will set the tone for an event built on regional leadership, cross-border collaboration and the relationships that keep the Tex-Mex produce corridor moving. Because fresh produce is a high-pressure, perishable business, where timing is tight, conditions change fast and decisions carry real consequences, his “No Bad Days” mindset mirrors the resilience it takes to deliver product from field to market every day, the organization adds.

TIPA says Pinke’s session will offer a practical perspective and actionable takeaways teams can apply immediately to navigate uncertainty and lead with clarity.

Born and raised in rural North Dakota, Pinke faced a life-altering spinal cord injury at age 22 that forced him to redefine success and leadership. A former Division I football captain and collegiate wheelchair basketball team leader, Pinke shares how to adapt when circumstances change and how to lead through adversity.

Now active in construction and family farming, Pinke speaks across North America about resilience, perspective and building momentum in hard seasons — lessons TIPA says translate powerfully to today’s produce industry.

Texas Produce Hall of Fame Inductees for 2026 Released

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:46:47 GMT

The Texas International Produce Association announced the 2026 inductees into the Texas Produce Hall of Fame on Jan. 7. The honor recognizes leaders whose vision, service and commitment have shaped the Texas produce industry. The celebration will take place on Monday, Jan. 19 at the Mission Events Center in Mission with festivities beginning at 6 p.m.

Established in 1988, the Texas Produce Hall of Fame acknowledges individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions to the growth and success of the produce trade throughout Texas. The celebration event brings together growers, shippers, importers and allied industry members to honor both the pioneers and the rising leaders driving the industry forward.

The 2026 Texas Produce Hall of Fame inductees are:

Steve Cargil of Cargil Farms Produce: Cargil has spent more than five decades championing Texas agriculture and leading his family’s multigenerational farming operation. His commitment to growers, water stewardship and industry advocacy has strengthened agricultural policy and elevated South Texas produce on a national stage. He is widely respected for his integrity, leadership and service.
Marvin Davis of Tex-Mex Sales: Davis built a distinguished produce career over four decades, evolving from buyer to respected business owner and mentor. His partnership with his son at Tex-Mex Sales and his dedication to guiding future leaders, including his granddaughter, left a lasting influence across the industry. He is remembered for his leadership, work ethic and deep commitment to family and agriculture.
James Peterson of Starr Produce: Peterson spent nearly 40 years advancing South Texas agriculture through innovation and dedicated service. A pioneering grower and community leader, he played key roles in early drip irrigation adoption and supported the development of the famed 1015Y onion. His legacy lives on through his family and the many agricultural organizations he helped lead.
Tommy Wilkins of Horton Fruit Co.: With 50 years in the produce industry, Wilkins is known for bridging production and retail and for championing grower-retailer partnerships built on trust. His hands-on experience, from working the fields to leading procurement and serving in national industry roles, has made him a respected voice for growers and fresh food access. His passion and integrity continue to guide the future of Texas produce.

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, TIPA will present several special recognitions celebrating remarkable achievements and emerging leadership including:

The Scott Toothaker Award, going to Craig Fox of Fox Packaging
Rising Star Awards, going to: Will Beckwith of Beckwith Produce, Jose Bernal of Sweet Seasons, Kristen Davis of Tex-Mex Sales, and Johnny Garcia of The Veg Depot

Texas Leaders Urge Rio Grande Valley Residents to Act on Water

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 19:26:12 GMT

There are 14 days left in the current five-year water cycle between the U.S. and Mexico. According to the 1944 water treaty, Mexico must deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande River to Texas.

It almost certainly won’t make the total. As of Oct. 4 (most recent complete data), Mexico has only delivered 811,348 acre-feet.

“Currently, under the 1944 water treaty, there are no consequences to the Mexican government if they fail to deliver the water to us,” U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) said Oct. 10 at a press event hosted by Texas International Produce Association.

De La Cruz and the event’s other speakers stressed the need to give the 1944 treaty teeth by including water delivery enforcement mechanisms into the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement , which is up for renegotiation next year. To this end, all the speakers called for action.

“We need the public to step in and make comments on the U.S. Trade Representative’s website to urge them to put [the 1944 water treaty] into the USMCA agreement,” De La Cruz said.

Anyone interested can submit via the USTR’s comment portal , docket No. USTR-2025-0004. More detail below on specifics.

Comments can be submitted no later than Oct. 30, 2025.

The impact of late and lacking water deliveries

All speakers stressed the negative impacts of the late, lacking and sometimes non-existent deliveries of water from Mexico on Texas.

“Who suffers?” De La Cruz asked. “Not the Mexican farmers. Our farmers. Our fellow community members right here in the Rio Grande Valley.”

She referenced the loss of Texas’ sugar mill as an example of that suffering and cited negative impacts on Texas ranchers and row crop farmers. Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of TIPA, quantified the impact for produce.

“This last year, our farmers put 30% less fruit and vegetables into the ground, not because they wanted to but because they were forced to,” he said.

This reduction, he said, was the result of tough decisions in the face of years of unpredictable, insufficient water deliveries. He added that Rio Grande-area growers are no longer able to grow water-intensive crops or crops that need specific watering intervals like broccoli or cauliflower or celery now due to the water situation with Mexico.

“Our farmers are not able to do the diverse mix that they usually can,” he said. “That creates all kinds of problems. The biggest problem is, when you have all these farmers planting the same two or three crops and that market goes down, the entire region goes down too.”

But it isn’t ag alone who suffers, according to Daniel Rivera, executive director of the Elsa Economic Development Corporation. Speaking from his experience in the ranching-heavy rural Hidalgo County town of Elsa, he said the impact of the lack of Mexico’s water deliveries ripples out into his community and beyond into Texas’ economy.

“Water drives production, labor and infrastructure; the very sectors that USMCA was designed to strengthen,” he said. “If we tie the 1944 water treaty to the USMCA, we create a system that assures predictability and accountability because, without reliable water, our region’s economic engine fails.”

Submitting USMCA Comments

Though De La Cruz said she didn’t know what water delivery enforcement mechanisms might look like if included in USMCA, she stressed the importance of making such mechanisms available.

“Please, submit your comments asking for the 1944 water treaty to be included into the USMCA agreement,” she said. “This is the time when the Rio Grande Valley can step up into the national light and really highlight the need for this treaty to be in the USMCA agreement.”

TIPA made some logistical recommendations for those in Texas agriculture who decide to submit comments, including:

In the “Chapters” prompt, select any that apply to your situation, but also or at least select 2, 3, 10, 24, and 31
If you are directly involved in Texas agriculture, include details such as number of acres, what you grow or raise on your operation, years in operation and number of employees you hire in your comments

Galeazzi described submitting comments as being a small time investment that could have big, beneficial impacts for the Rio Grande Valley.

“It will take 5 minutes out of your day, but if all 1.5 million citizens of the Rio Grande Valley were to take those 5 minutes, it would send a clear message to all three countries just how important this is, just how much we depend on the Rio Grande River,” he said.

“Please — citizens of the Rio Grande Valley and further afield — take the time,” he said. “Make the comments. Help save our region, save our way of life, and save our path forward.”

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Remember the Sugar Mill: Water Shortfall Looms Over Texas Ag

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:06:02 GMT

In February 2024, the board of directors of Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Inc. announced Texas’ last sugar mill would close. That sugar cane harvest and milling season was to be the Santa Rosa mill’s last.

Why? Mexico had starved the area for irrigation water.

“For over 30 years, farmers in South Texas have been battling with Mexico’s failure to comply with the provisions of the 1944 Water Treaty between the U.S. and Mexico that governs water sharing between the two nations on the Colorado River and the Lower Rio Grande,” the board wrote in its Feb. 22, 2024, announcement .

“We regret the impact our closure will have on communities across the Valley, especially those closest to the mill, La Villa, Santa Rosa, and Edcouch,” it added. The board described the mill as supporting up to 100 local sugar cane growers and employing “over 500 full-time and seasonal workers annually.”

There are two months remaining in the current five-year water cycle in the 1944 treaty, and Mexico hasn’t delivered even half of the water it owes. While it will likely send some additional water this cycle, it probably won’t make up the total.

The lack of full water deliveries will hit growers in the area hard, according to experts. But the lack of water will also hit the industries that support agriculture — and the people who work in those industries or supply them.

In one way or another, experts advise to remember the sugar mill.

Short- and Long-Term Impact on Growers

As produce growers in the Rio Grande Valley look to the prospect of a fourth year of water shortages in 2026, Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, says they will have to make some tough decisions soon.

“They’ve got to decide ‘what am I going to plant?’” he says. “We are sitting just barely better than we were last year at the same time. Not a whole lot better; we still don’t have the water we need to put in a full crop.”

The more distant future is more concerning, however.

“The longer term is perhaps an even more bleak picture for our farmers, unfortunately,” Galeazzi says. He points to the lessons of COVID when it came to big disruptions on supply chains and how markets don’t just magically rematerialize when the stressor goes away.

“If our industry is on average producing 30% less, that means someone else’s region picked up 30% more business. So, when we do get water — and we will have a hurricane and we will get water down here — we will have to fight tooth and nail to get any additional business we can. That really, in my opinion, is the big concern.”

But with growers being water-stressed for so long, that usually also means being profit-stressed.

“Folks down here aren’t all going to have the money to go out and reestablish market share, so that means they’re going to have an uphill battle trying to reclaim that space in the marketplace,” he says.

Impacting the Ecosystem of Agricultural Production

That dynamic applies to more than just growers, however.

“Everyone that goes into the ecosystem of agricultural production are all impacted by this,” Galeazzi says. This can be anyone from seed and chemical companies to the companies that make the boxes, pallets, and packaging for produce. He gave the example of trucking companies: “If they don’t have people to truck for, they’re out of business.”

Similarly, he highlighted the massive infrastructure that goes into making the H-2A program function smoothly — workman’s comp, staffing agencies, buses, housing — as an example of what can be lost.

Lucas Gregory, associate director and chief science officer of the Texas Water Resources Institute, explains the interconnected dynamic in the context of the sugar mill.

“If you have an irrigated operation, like a citrus grove or sugar cane, that has to have water, and if that water is not there, that’s it,” he says. “That’s what happened to sugar cane industry. There was not enough volume that could be guaranteed to keep the mill viable. So, the mill closed, and now with no mill, no sugar cane.”

A recent review by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service attempted to quantify what the impact of the lack of water deliveries from Mexico on citrus and vegetables in the area. The review estimates the region would lose $358.6 million annually and 6,079 total jobs lacking irrigation water.

“It’s a domino effect that’s felt within the community,” Galeazzi says. “In the four counties that make up the [Rio Grande Valley], something like 56% of the population lives outside municipal limits. That’s a lot of people who are going to be tied into agriculture in the rural community. Those are the guys who are going to get hit on top of the farmers.”

Impact on Irrigation Districts and Beyond

The effect of low water deliveries from Mexico is also real for irrigation districts.

Sonny Hinojosa, current water advocate and former general manager at the Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 in San Juan, Texas, explains that irrigation districts in the state have two sources of revenue: the water delivery charge and a flat rate assessment. But both come down to delivering water.

“So, if we don’t have the water, we’re not generating revenue, and you have to start laying people off, and we don’t have money for improvements or maintenance,” he says.

That is the situation playing out in Delta Lake Irrigation District in Edcouch, Texas.

“That’s a big majority of my revenue to keep the doors open here and to keep my employees working and buying equipment,” says Troy Allen, the district’s general manager. “We normally rely on selling at least 80,000 to 120,000 acre feet of water annually to stay alive. And last year was a very, very tough year for us; we sold just a little under 30,000 acre feet worth of water.”

When speaking to The Packer in mid-August, he said the district has only sold 12,000 acre feet this year.

“We’ve really had to tighten our belts to survive,” he adds, explaining that his district usually employs between 51 to 55 people, but now only has 37. He says that, even with how tied into agriculture the region is, many people don’t realize “if we don’t survive, then the farming industry doesn’t survive.”

Hinojosa similarly described irrigation districts as little-known but essential entities in the Texas political landscape.

“We fall between the cracks. Municipalities get all the attention because of the population,” he says.

But negative impacts to irrigation districts are not just a farming issue; they also serve municipalities. Allen says his district serves a few small municipalities, though often at a loss. Galeazzi describes the whole network that depends on water from Mexico as likely to face adjacent economic impacts.

“If the irrigation company has no water, those guys are out of jobs. That infrastructure doesn’t get reinvestment, doesn’t get updated or modernized, further dilapidates, creates further inefficiencies,” he says. “That’s that adjacent community, that adjacent economic downturn, that’s happening as a result of this water scarcity the longer that it goes on in our region.”

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Mexico Probably Won’t Deliver All the Water it Owes

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:34:58 GMT

Mexico has two months left to deliver almost 1 million acre-feet of water to the U.S., but all that water probably won’t be coming, according to U.S. experts.

“Barring some kind of tropical system, that’s not going to happen,” says Sonny Hinojosa, current water advocate and former general manager at the Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 in San Juan, Texas.

According to the 1944 treaty that governs water sharing between the U.S. and Mexico , Mexico must deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water from the Rio Grande into Texas every five years. The current cycle ends October 25. As of Aug. 25, it only delivered 747,982 acre-feet , 43% of the total.

“The only thing that can bail Mexico out is a tropical system,” Hinojosa says. “Now, this is a monsoon season in northwest Mexico and west Texas, so we’re still hopeful to get some precipitation, but that still may or may not be enough to get us 100% of the water that we need.”

The deliveries of water from Mexico the the U.S. on the Rio Grande as of Aug. 25, 2025, from the International Boundary and Water Commission.

(Chart from International Boundary and Water Commission)

Hoping for a hurricane

Ideally, Mexico should deliver 350,000 acre-feet of water to the Rio Grande for Texas annually to reach the five-year total of 1.75 million acre-feet. But the 1944 treaty allows deliveries to run on the five-year cycle in the case of extraordinary drought. Mexico has been citing this provision and delivering water later and later in the cycle , often getting into “water debt” by not delivering enough on time.

In the past few cycles, late-cycle hurricanes bumped up deliveries. In the last cycle, which ended on Oct. 24, 2020, Mexico made the total 1.75 million acre-feet in the last days due to a heavy weather event.

The last time Mexico delivered roughly a million-acre feet of water in a couple months — what’s needed now — was at the end of 2010 as a result of Hurricane Alex that hit Mexico in late June.

“That’s the last time our reservoirs were full,” Hinojosa says.

The recent history of water delivery cycles from Mexico to the U.S. on the Rio Grande as recorded by the International Boundary and Water Commission. The mostly-vertical lime green line on the far left of the chart is shows the impact of Hurricane Alex in 2010.

(Chart from the International Boundary and Water Commission)

Alex was a just-in-time hurricane for Texas as well. Hinojosa explains those full reservoirs in late 2010 protected the state’s agriculture while it was deep in drought in 2011 and 2012. But by 2013, the water had again run out.

“It’s horrible to hope for a hurricane, but sometimes it seems to be what we need to get us caught up,” says Troy Allen, general manager of the Delta Lake Irrigation District in Edcouch, Texas.

“We don’t want the devastating ones that kill people,” he adds. “But if we do not get a hurricane this year in the watershed area, it’s going to be very rough come next year.”

Lucas Gregory, associate director and chief science officer of the Texas Water Resources Institute, says the best-case scenario “would be for a system to move pretty far inland and rain up in the mountains, in Chihuahua and the Rio Conchos watershed. That’s upstream of Amistad [International Reservoir], and that’s where the best storage capacity is.”

It’s not just a drought problem

However, there’s far more than drought going on in the situation between Mexico and Texas.

Gregory highlights issues such as growing metro populations on both sides of the Rio Grande and the impacts of climate change as contributing factors.

“But the ability of Mexico to store water in country is improved,” he adds. “They’ve built a lot more reservoirs in more recent history than the U.S. has, so now they can actually hold that water there and use it for themselves.”

Hinojosa says Mexico has built eight reservoirs since the 1944 treaty. Most were built along the Rio Conchos, a major tributary that delivers a lot of water to the Rio Grande — or used to, he says.

“Now they’re capturing it and using all the water for their expanded irrigation,” Gregory adds. “They’re basically irrigating desert with our water.”

Every source The Packer talked to pointed to the expansion of Mexico’s agriculture as a reason the U.S. is not getting the water it’s owed. This is particularly the case in the dry state of Chihuahua, and especially problematic with permanent, water-hungry crops like pecans.

Hinojosa points to the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement as when the problems started.

“It opened the doors for Mexico, mainly Chihuahua, to expand their irrigated agriculture into the desert using water that used to flow into the Rio Grande,” he explains.

“They’re using our water, and I say ‘our water’ because it’s rightfully ours,” he continues. “They’re capturing that water, storing it, using it to grow crops and then bringing them to the U.S. for us. And they’re killing our farmers. They’re killing our market.”

The impact on Texas growers

Since Mexico has only delivered roughly two years’ worth of water over the course of five years, Texas farmers and growers have been in a tough place for a while. Allen explains that his growers have been “on allocation” since April of 2023, while others in neighboring irrigation districts have enforced it since 2022.

“Meaning that they’ve told their farmers they are only going to get X number of irrigations,” he says. He calls the situation unprecedented in his 22 years at the district.

“It’s been very difficult for my farmers,” he adds, saying it is especially “looking pretty scary for the citrus farmers.”

Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, says Texas produce growers in particular are going to have to make some tough decisions.

“What it means this coming season is our growers are going to continue to veer away from water-intensive crops,” he says. “They’re not going to put in broccoli. They’re not going to put in celery. They’re probably not going to take a lot of chances on new commodities. They’re going to double down on what they know works.”

Those produce standbys will likely be crops like cabbage, onions, carrots and established citrus like oranges and grapefruit, he says. But the potential loss of produce diversity comes with its own problems.

“The diversity, the variety, the trying new things — that’s what has always helped South Texas be a region that provides commercial volumes of fresh fruits and vegetables,” Galeazzi stresses. But, without assurances about water availability, growers will likely stay in the safe lane, he adds.

“The safe lane is great, but the safe lane isn’t always profitable, and that’s challenging because now you’re coming off of two years where profits have been cut into if there’s even profits. And now, you’re about to go into year three of pretty similar conditions. It’s gut wrenching.”

What’s likely to happen in the next two months

Though Texas probably won’t get the full volume of water owed by Mexico, it will likely get some additional water this cycle. It might even amount to more than the usual annual delivery.

In an agreement signed between the U.S. State Department and Mexico in late April , Mexico pledged to deliver 324,000 to 420,000 acre-feet between the signing and October. That’s roughly a year’s worth of water delivered in five months. These deliveries are on top of the 110,000 acre-feet Mexico had delivered since the start of the current water year that started Oct. 25, 2024 and late April 2025.

If realized, the April agreement will bring the total deliveries for the current water year to 434,000 to 530,000 acre-feet, and the total five-year cycle deliveries between 854,000 and 950,000 acre-feet.

“Mexico has delivered 60.8% of the minimum that they said they would, so they’re on target to deliver this minimum of 324,000 acre feet,” Hinojosa says. “By the time this current cycle ends, it still leaves them with a deficit, but nonetheless, it has brought us some water in in recent history.”

Hinojosa praises the current administration for putting pressure on Mexico to achieve the April agreement that actually seems to be happening.

“I’ve been in this business for 38 years, and I’ve never known Mexico to do anything voluntarily before a cycle ends,” he says. “There’s a lot of pressure being put on Mexico, and that’s why they made these targets of delivering water to the U.S. before this current cycle ends.”

Needs for the future

More pressure is going to be needed to prevent this situation from repeating in the future, sources say.

“[Our administration is] going to have to implement something that puts pressure on Mexico that’s not tied to water,” Allen opines. That might mean tariffs or inclusion into the USMCA renegotiation, but whatever it is, it needs to spur Mexico to make good on their delivery requirements.

“Mexico could have fulfilled and caught up to what they owed us in 2022 because their reservoirs were full. They had a little over 3 million acre-feet in storage, and they still were over a year behind at that point in time,” Allen says. “But they didn’t deliver any of that water to the U.S.”

Hinojosa says a mindset change is needed in Mexico.

“We need Mexico to treat us, the United States, as we treat them on the Colorado River,” he says. The same 1944 treaty that dictate’s Mexico’s water deliveries to the U.S. on the Rio Grande also dictates the U.S.’s deliveries of water to Mexico on the Colorado River.

He says the U.S. takes Mexico’s allocation “off the top” of the available water in the Colorado River, then divides the rest among the seven U.S. states that rely on it. But Mexico does not return the favor, he adds.

“That has to change,” Hinojosa says. “Mexico needs to recognize that the treaty calls for a minimum delivery to United States of 350,000 acre-feet per year — that’s a minimum delivery — and they need to set that water aside and deliver that water to United States.”

Galeazzi also advocates for a mindset change here in the U.S. around not only Texas’ water issues with Mexico, but all of the country’s water issues. He describes the U.S. as having put water infrastructure on the back burner, adding that the country has “hamstrung ourselves” with excessive and burdensome regulations.

“We absolutely need to pressure Mexico,” he says. “But, if we want to prevent this from happening, the other thing we have to do is we — as a region, a state and a country — need to get serious and make some very big investments in the infrastructure of water.”

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TIPA, The Packer honor a champion of healthy nutrition

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:47:10 GMT

HOUSTON — Betti Wiggins is a driving force in helping students in the Houston Independent School District access fresh produce. The Packer and the Texas International Produce Association honored Wiggins, the school district’s nutrition services officer, with the 2025 Healthy Living Award.

Raised on a farm in southern Michigan, Wiggins developed an appreciation for fresh, locally sourced food at a young age.

A distinguished leader in school nutrition, she is renowned for transforming food services in urban school districts.

Wiggins held positions in various school districts, including Ann Arbor, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., before transforming Detroit’s school nutrition by introducing fresh, locally sourced foods and eliminating processed foods, as well as establishing the Detroit School Garden Collaborative, which created more than 80 student-run gardens to foster food literacy and community engagement.

“Spurred by a 2009 report on Detroit’s high rate of childhood obesity, [Wiggins] started spending more money on quality ingredients, partnering with local farmers to buy and serve fresh produce like jicama and snap peas,” said TIPA President and CEO Dante Galeazzi. “Out went chocolate milk and hot dogs — what Wiggins calls ‘carnival food’ — replaced by foods that reflect the diversity of the students, like hummus and curried rice.”

As the nutrition services officer for Houston ISD, Wiggins oversees meal programs for more than 280,000 students throughout 287 schools. She helped implement salad bars in elementary schools, ensured free meals for all students and introduced the Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program.

Wiggins has also established a food literacy curriculum and school gardens to inspire a solid understanding of healthy nutrition and food sourcing.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, Wiggins was recognized for her impact on child nutrition as one of Time magazine’s “50 Most Influential People in Health Care” in 2018.

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association also presented Wiggins with its Silver Plate Award, coming only second to chef Wolfgang Puck.

Galeazzi lauded Wiggins for her willingness to always advocate for more access to fresh produce in schools, noting she has recently worked with TIPA to advance a proposed legislation to increase the amount of money she can pay farmers to increase the amount of Texas-grown fresh produce in Houston ISD’s meals.

“Betti is a vocal and passionate individual who is not shy about pushing congressional representatives or federal government agencies to do more to advance healthy eating and fresh produce over processed foods in schools,” Galeazzi said.

Wiggins, in accepting the award, said she loves collaborating with the farmers she works with.

“Anybody that depends upon the sun, the moon, the stars, the water table, to do their job and to feed America, you can’t have anything but respect for them,” she said. “And throughout the years, I have this affinity that they’re helping ensure my kids get good food and healthy food to put on their trays.”

Wiggins encouraged those in the fresh produce industry to continue to advocate for expanded access to fresh produce and healthy meals for children.

“I tell my people, even in my work, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the table,” she said. “We need to be assured that that, that the farmers recognize the important role they play in health. I’d rather have my kid eat avocado that’s creamy and good and delicious, as opposed to a candy bar that’s creamy, sugary and not in the best interest of their health.”

Wiggins said she sees herself, and the school meals that her team provides, as an extension of the types of foods children have access to at the family dinner.

“That won’t happen unless the food is available to me, and right now it’s not available to me because of policy and need, and it’s your responsibility as a farmer, grower, manufacturer to ensure that I have that opportunity,” she said.

Seen and heard at Viva Fresh 2025 — Part 4

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 18:36:48 GMT

HOUSTON — More than 2,760 attendees gathered at the 2025 Viva Fresh Expo to celebrate everything fresh produce for the event’s 10th anniversary.

At the Limoneira booth, visitors wanted to know the latest impacts of tariffs on the company’s availability.

“It changes minute to minute,” said Aaron Leeming, sales representative for the Santa Barbara, Calif-based company.

Leeming said he’s noticed that retailers haven’t been purchasing comfortably, as they have in the past, due in part to the uncertainty with tariffs.

“We’re hoping things pick back up and [consumers] open up their pocketbooks and buy more fresh produce,” Leeming said.

Andrew Brown, Stefanie Pandol and John Pandol are shown at Pandol Bros.’ booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

It’s a time of transition for Pandol Bros.’ crops, said John Pandol, director of special projects for the Delano, Calif.-based company.

Retailers can expect a transition from Mexican blueberries to Georgia-grown blueberries right around Easter.

Visitors to the Pandol Bros. booth also discussed the transition of Mexican table grapes to the desert in the U.S.

“It’s a little bit of the same but different every year,” Pandol said.

John Hausman, Keesha Burse and Luis Ortiz are shown at the Frontera Produce booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Visitors to Frontera Produce’s booth asked about the impact of tariffs on its onions, limes, cabbage, mango and cilantro offerings. The company services wholesale and retailers and does a little bit of everything, said Keesha Burse, controller for Frontera Produce.

“They know us,” Burse said about her company’s reputation in the industry. “We’ve been around for quite a while.”

Mario Leon, Natalia Merienne, Eddie Martinez and Claudia Escalante are shown at the Avocado Queen booth.

(Photo courtesy of Avocado Queen)

Cowboy hats with the Avocado Queen logo were popular at Viva Fresh this year. The company handed out more than 300 hats and over 600 bags.

The company also debuted two new products to complement its fresh avocados: avocado oil and avocado ghee.

Natalia Merienne, president, CEO and sales director for Avocado Queen, said there was a lot of interest in the avocado ghee at the event.

Ty Bamford is shown at the Fresh Kampo booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Berry marketing was a hot topic for visitors to the Fresh Kamp booth as blackberry availability was especially tight, said Ty Bamford, account manager.

Bamford said he and his colleagues discussed starting new programs with customers. The company services both retail and foodservice.

Visitors also wanted to learn when Fresh Kampo will market the new berry season, Bamford said.

Rob Medcalf, Majid Radam, Even Testani, Bill Boutros and Ken Paglione with Mucci Farms and Matt DiNitto with BrightFarms are shown at the companies’ joint Viva Fresh booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Visitors to the joint Mucci Farms and BrightFarms booth learned about Mucci Farms’ savory tomatoes, which Ken Paglione, sales account manager, said lead the premium on-the-vine segment.

Paglione said Mucci Farms is now the largest greenhouse bell pepper grower with recent acquisitions.

The company has seen a resurgence in interest in its Midi sized cluster-on-the-vine, which offers sweeter flavor than traditional cluster tomatoes, which are a 52-week offering, Paglione said.

BrightFarms, which joined Cox Enterprises’ portfolio in 2021, debuted the first joint booth of Mucci Farms and BrightFarms. Matt DiNitto, director of sales in the East for BrightFarms, said the investment from Cox Enterprises has allowed BrightFarms to build out its portfolio.

And with Mucci Farms, it’s a one-stop shop for sustainably grown produce for retailers.

Omar Palos, Yolipsa Santacruz, Luvier Lopez, Bertha Bañuelos and Pepe Bernal are shown at the Sweet Seasons booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Visitors to the Sweet Seasons’ booth wanted to learn about the wholesale produce grower and importer’s product availability. The company offers more than 150 types of fresh produce, including avocados, exotic fruits, tropical fruits, vegetables, greens, herbs and more. Visitors also wanted to learn what seasons each offering is available in, said Luvier Lopez, salesperson with Sweet Seasons.

She said visitors also wanted to learn what pack sizes the company offers as well as the weights, containers and countries of origin.

Chuck Yow, Sarah Quackenbush, Sharon Ross and Chad Hansen are shown at the North Bay Produce booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Those who swung by the North Bay Produce booth learned more about the company’s Sekoya blueberries and Erandy blackberries. Visitors wanted to learn about the seasonal transition.

“The quality is good,” Sarah Quackenbush, sales manager of North Bay Produce, said of the upcoming U.S.-based berry season.

Jesus Cavazos, Roger Lucero, Denise Gonzales, Emil Serafino, Antonio Serafino and Norma McClain at the Exp Group booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Those who stopped by the Exp Group Viva Fresh booth talked about tariffs.

“People want certainty but are facing uncertainty,” said Antonio Serafino, president of Exp Group.

Serafino said any tariff will impact imports such as bananas, cassava, yuca, yams, chayote, plantains and more. He said the produce industry has realized the impact of the different affected commodities.

“People want clarity, and how do we communicate that to our clientele?” he said.

More Viva Fresh coverage:

Seen and heard at Viva Fresh 2025 — Part 3

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:42:31 GMT

HOUSTON — The Packer and the Texas International Produce Association honored Betti Wiggins, nutrition service officer with the Houston Independent School District, with the Healthy Living Award during the 2025 Viva Fresh Expo.

Wiggins is a strong proponent of fresh produce in school nutrition, and the programs Wiggins oversees serve more than 280,000 meals to students at 287 schools daily.

Noah Fox, Jen Doxey, Victoria Lopez and Aaron Fox are shown at the Fox Packaging booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Fox Packaging’s booth celebrated summer with a fun cookout feel. Victoria Lopez, business development manager for Fox Packaging, said the booth highlighted how “packaging is part of everyday life.”

Conversations at the booth focused on supply chain impacts of tariffs and what new packaging options are available. Visitors also wanted to learn what Fox Packaging has heard from retailers in terms of packaging requirements.

Lopez said customers see Fox Packaging as their eyes and ears in terms of what’s happening in the industry, and the company is happy to be that representative for them.

Sloan Lott and Brian Silvas are shown at the Bland Farms booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

The team at Bland Farms said most booth visitors wanted to learn more about the start of the Vidalia sweet onion season.

Sloan Lott, director of sales for Bland Farms, said this year’s crop looks good, although after last year’s blockbuster crop, this one will likely be average in size and run through August.

Visitors were also keen to hear how North Carolina sweetpotatos are shaping up. “We’ll make it through to next season,” Lott said, noting the industry is looking forward to the start of the next sweetpotato crop in October.

John Dmytriw and Susie Rea are shown at the Index Fresh booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Index Fresh showcased its newly launched California Crema label. John Dmytriw, vice president of business development for Index Fresh, said this launch features new marketing and packaging.

“We’re bringing a different image as Gem [avocados] are getting more mainstream,” he said. “California Crema offers an elevated presence for retailers.”

Dmytriw said Index Fresh will start packing California Crema in about 10 weeks and that the company is engaged with foodservice and retailers about the new product update. He said the only limitation to California Crema is that it’s sized 48-count and larger, not the smaller 60s, 70s or 84s.

“Customers carrying Gem are looking for that larger size,” he said.

Tommy Wilkins, Matt Klare, Kyle Bland and Mike Wise are shown at the Horton Fruit Co. booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Visitors to Horton Fruit Co.’s booth learned about its newly opened Dallas facility. The company offers growing, repacking, distribution, ripening, logistics and freight help to the fresh produce industry.

The company presented some of its value-added products, including its repackaged jalapenos and ripe mangoes and seasonal items such as candy apples.

“Our seasonal items are unique within the industry,” said Mike Wise, president of Horton Fruit Co.

Julia Rosado, Tori Hobbs and Christian Murillo are shown at the National Watermelon Promotion Board’s booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

The National Watermelon Promotion Board touted its annual National Watermelon Merchandising Contest, which runs from June through August, and offers a grand prize of $5,000, $2,500 for second place, $1,000 for third place and $500 to three honorable mentions The contest encourages retailers to promote watermelons through recipes, health benefits, selection tips in merchandising displays, POS materials and print, online and digital platforms.

The board also offers retailers more sources and toolkits to help promote watermelons this summer.

And, Tori Hobbs, the Gulf Coast Watermelon Queen, was in the booth posing for photos with visitors.

Hobbs said she loves watermelons because, “They’re handpicked. Farmers go through a lot to bring the fruit to the stores and they bring smiles to so many faces.”

Don’t miss our Viva Fresh coverage:

TIPA president encourages industry to speak in favor of suspension agreement

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:50:19 GMT

While the Department of Commerce announced plans Monday to withdraw from the 2019 Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico , it’s not the end of the agreement, Texas International Produce Association President and CEO Dante Galeazzi points out.

Monday’s announcement starts a 90-day review of the agreement in which the Commerce Department will assess the value of keeping or leaving the agreement, Galeazzi said. The Commerce Department will interview the signatories of the suspension agreement to better understand the impacts of a withdrawal.

“If things can not be resolved by July 14, a dumping duty will be placed on tomatoes coming in from Mexico — this covers most all varieties for the fresh market — and that duty rate is going to vary for several companies. For most of the industry, it’ll be just slightly less than 21%,” he said.

Galeazzi said tomatoes coming from Mexico are a critical part of the vertical integration of fresh produce supply chains in North America, and such a move would disrupt an established supply chain that has been in place for more than three decades.

“Mexican tomatoes are responsible for roughly 30,000 jobs and several billion dollars of economic impact,” he said. “When you take a third of that away, that’s tough. How do you how do you survive when a third of your income or third of your supply is suddenly unable to access this intended market?

“What that also does is it makes these vertically integrated companies that are no longer going to have access to Mexican supply at the rates that they did — they’re not going to be able to satisfy the demands of the American market in the way in which they have over the last several decades,” he added.

Galeazzi said this will lead to a reduction in supply of tomatoes in the U.S. and a rapid escalation of tomato prices. He said a similar situation happened in 2024 when Mexican tomatoes were in short supply due to several hurricanes hitting the growing regions, which caused a rapid increase in tomato prices.

“For a long time, those tomatoes [post-hurricane] were trading in the 20s, and that’s impactful to the American consumer, who then has to pay higher prices to access their tomatoes,” he said.

Galeazzi said TIPA has advocated for the benefits of the suspension agreement, which he intends to continue to do during this 90-day period.

“American growers are benefiting from the agreement in the way that they have a surety of price, because when you establish a floor price for your foreign competitors, it means that the U.S. industry can already earmark what they know the lowest possible prices that foreign competitors can enter the market at,” he said. “That gives them an earmark that they can work with all year long, when establishing contracts that also gives them a competitive advantage, because if the market softens in an oversupply scenario, the U.S. entities have the ability to be more aggressive in their pricing, whereas Mexican suppliers cannot do that.”

Galeazzi said it’s important the industry advocates for the benefit of the value proposition in maintaining the agreement — in that importers that are U.S.-based employ U.S. citizens, work with U.S. banks, warehouse manufacturers, transportation providers, packaging providers, insurance providers and more.

“This ecosystem is dependent on the Mexican tomatoes being part of that vertically integrated supply chain,” he said. “When you withdraw the tomato suspension agreement, and you begin introducing a 21% duty on Mexican tomatoes, it’s going to limit the number of companies that can come in. That ecosystem is going to suffer and fall apart.”

Galeazzi said with a 21% duty rate on imported tomatoes, he doubts many fresh produce companies will be able to pay those duties for a lengthy period. He used the example of a produce company importing $65,000 of tomatoes with a tariff of about $13,650 per load, paid between 10-30 days after the load crosses. But, the amount owed would skyrocket with duty fees.

“Let’s say you’re a sizable tomato company and you’re bringing in 75 loads a week. Your bill for duties for one week is now $1.02 million. Multiply that by four-and-a-half weeks, you now have a monthly bill of $4.6 million on your duties,” he said. “I would suspect that there are not but a handful of companies that could tolerate being able to pay those duties over the long run.”

And Galeazzi said a U.S. consumer will eat roughly 19 pounds of fresh tomatoes a year because they’re affordable, but as seen with inflation, consumers often see fresh produce as a luxury and not a requirement.

“The perception is that fresh produce is expensive, and they don’t want to see it go to waste,” he said. “Once Americans move away from [produce], it is very, very difficult to get them back toward produce. That, in my opinion, is perhaps one of the single largest travesties that our industry is going to face.

“We saw a huge uptick in fresh produce consumption following COVID, and we lost a lot of that momentum in 2024. It took us a lot of time and a lot of messaging to make those increases we did,” he continued. “So, for us to continue to experience these challenges and now to have yet another challenge introduced that is likely to lead to less fresh produce consumption really does impact not just tomatoes, but I think it impacts all of the fresh produce consumption, and that ultimately, my opinion, will impact American health.”

What can fresh produce industry members do? Speak up, Galeazzi said.

“If you eat fresh tomatoes and you enjoy a variety of fresh tomatoes and you enjoy the prices you pay on your fresh tomatoes, what you need to do is you need to contact your elected officials,” he said. “Say, ‘Hey, I saw that the suspension agreement is being withdrawn from. That’s a mistake. You need to keep that suspension agreement in place because you need to continue to provide a sure, consistent and year-round supply of tomatoes.’”

Galeazzi said the messaging doesn’t have to be long or complicated, but it’s important to have representation outside of the typical states involved in suspension agreement conversations.

“Oftentimes, on this tomato issue, it’s really only Texas, Arizona and Florida that are having this conversation. We really need to make sure that more states, more elected officials are not only aware, but that they are speaking up,” he said. “By sending that message to your senators and your congressional reps and your elected officials, that tells them they need to be involved on this issue.”

Your next read

U.S. begins process to end tomato suspension agreement with Mexico

Seen and heard at Viva Fresh 2025 — Part 2

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:32:28 GMT

HOUSTON — Mary Velasquez, general manager for Coast Tropical was among In Bloom’s honorees at its inaugural awards program. In Bloom, a Texas International Produce Association organization for women in produce, recognized Velasquez during In Bloom’s “A League of Their Own”-themed event at Viva Fresh.

Madison Richards, Stephanie Cisneros, Shay Myers and Angela Williams are shown at the Owyhee Produce booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

For visitors to the Owyhee Produce booth, conversations stemmed around onion availability in Georgia, Texas, Arizona, California and Idaho.

“We want to make it as easy as possible to find what you need and save on freight,” said Shay Myers, CEO of the Parma, Idaho-based company.

Myers said conversations also stemmed around saving foodservice and retailers money, too, with Owyhee Produce’s capabilities.

“We can peel onions cheaper than you can at the back of the processing plant and restaurants, and it’s another way to save customers money,” Myers said.

Diego Morales, Eric Rosales, Jorge Aguirre are shown at the D Produce booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

At the D Produce Co. booth, conversations stemmed around the forming of a lime marketing board.

“We have more industry support and more organizations,” said Diego Morales, sales manager for D Produce. “We’re not a corner item anymore.”

Morales stressed the importance of a lime board, noting that more than 780 loads of limes cross the border from Mexico into the U.S. weekly.

Nick Di Carlo, Dino Di Laudo, Lisa SIrizzotti and Chris Veillon are shown at Topline’s booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

As visitors stopped by Topline’s booth, they learned about the company’s plans to reach further south and further west.

“We have a good complement with production out of Mexico and out of Canada with surety of supply,” said Chris Veillon, vice president of marketing for Topline.

Veillon said visitors also learned how Topline’s offerings aren’t seasonal and offer retailers healthy, sustainable and quality produce, noting a major conversation point is, “How do we effectively and efficiently communicate our surety of supply?”

Gianna De Caro and Chris Herberg at Soli Organic’s Viva Fresh booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Soli Organic debuted new Chimichurri and Wellness Tea herb blends at Viva Fresh. The company also showcased its basil bouquet.

Chris Herberg, account manager for Soli Organic, said visitors to the booth learned about its controlled environment agriculture-grown herbs produced in Arizona, Texas, Washington and South Carolina.

“We just started our living organic herb palates in store,” Hedberg said.

Saul Medina, Giovanni Cavaletto, JC Cavaletto and Sophia Koorndyk at GLC Cerritos Viva Fresh booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

It was all about sustainability and Rainforest Alliance certifications at GLC Cerritos’ booth.

Giovanna Cavaletto, U.S. division president for GLC Cerritos, said many conversations at Viva Fresh surround GLC Cerritos’ geographic divisions for critical mass sourcing of avocados. Cavaletto said a large amount of production is in the Mexican state of Jalisco, but the company also sources from all over the country.

“Mexico is a large and diverse sourcing strategy for within the avocado category,” he said.

Don’t miss our Viva Fresh coverage:

Seen and heard — Part 1

Seen and heard at Viva Fresh 2025 — Part 1

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:36:27 GMT

HOUSTON — The Viva Fresh Expo celebrated its 10th anniversary in a big way, presented by the Texas International Produce Association at the Marriott Marquis Houston-Texas April 10-12. The event highlighted the importance of increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and the critical role of the Tex-Mex corridor through presentations, conversations and, of course, good food.

Lavanya Setis, Meg Buchsbaum and Angie Thomas are shown at the National Mango Board’s Viva Fresh booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

The National Mango Board wants to advocate for increased mango consumption year-round, kicking off with its Cinco de Mango campaign, as well as upcoming promotions with Disney for the “Lilo & Stitch” live-action movie, and its Joy Ride mango food truck for on-site promotions. The board also offers education resources and product promotion for retailers.

And while summer is near, Angie Thomas, retail consultant for the National Mango Board, said the organization has a back-to-school promotion planned for retailers.

Other conversations at Viva Fresh stemmed around mango varieties and seasonality.

“We want to keep mangoes top of mind [for retailers],” she said.

Kristyn Lawson and Jackie Nakashia are shown at the Trinity Fruit Co. booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

It was all about the craft lemonade at the Trinity Fruit Co. booth, which people rave about thanks to its no added sugar, said Kristyn Lawson.

The grower-packer-shipper of citrus, stone fruit, pomegranates and mandarins upcycles its fresh fruit into its juices.

“We’re farmers making juice,” Lawson said.

Doug Lee with World Food Products and Rick Mulac, Brad Ryan, Darryl Bollack are shown at the Mariani Nut Co. booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Mariani Nut Co. showed off its new relationship with Jared’s Cleaner Living, which develops sustainable snacks. Jared’s Cleaner Living uses Mariani’s almonds and walnuts for its products.

“It’s a line extension and new concept,” said Brad Ryan, regional sales manager for Mariani Nut Co.

Alaina Wilkins, Mike Glass, Jayden Blackall, Elizabeth Tavares and Paul Murracas are shown at the Pure Flavor booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Rocco Reds on-the-vine tomato was a hot topic at Pure Flavor’s booth. Mike Glass, director of sales for Pure Flavor, said the Rocco Reds feature a bright crimson red color and are great for culinary uses, such as sauces and salsa, for that chef at home.

Pure Flavor calls Rocco Reds “the chef’s tomato.”

“It has a much higher flavor profile than any roma,” Glass said.

Antonio Verdin, Tom Argyros and Jose Angel Crespo are shown at the RCF Distributors Viva Fresh booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

RCF Distributors, the U.S.-based distribution arm of El Grupo Crespo, said a hot topic at Viva Fresh is its crop report, and booth visitors could get information face-to-face on mango availability.

Tom Argyros, sales manager for RCF Distributors, said there will be a little gap with packing plants closing for the Easter holiday. He encourages his customers to get orders in.

“You don’t want to get shut out of Cinco de Mayo promotions,” he said, adding that since Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday and promotions would likely occur the week before, it’s critical to have orders in soon.

RCF Distributors also offers dried mango as well as fresh citrus and pineapple. This is the first year for pineapple availability; Anthony Verdin, general operator and logistics for RCF Distributors said it’s had a good reception in the marketplace.

“Everyone is happy about it,” he said.

Navigating the changing situation of tariffs

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:48:29 GMT

HOUSTON — Before beginning an education on tariffs to a packed room at the 2025 Viva Fresh Expo, Texas International Produce Association President and CEO Dante Galeazzi started with a disclaimer that what he and Anne MacMillan, partner at Invariant Government Relations, planned to talk about was a fluid situation and subject to change at a moment’s notice.

“This administration is very challenging to predict,” MacMillan said. “I’ve been in Washington for a long time. Some things repeat themselves and some things don’t.”

Galeazzi started the conversation with the latest round of tariff news: a pause on additional tariffs for most countries outside of Canada and Mexico and an increase of 145% tariffs on China. MacMillan said the economic indicators likely drove the administration into its latest action. When asked if it’s likely the 90-day pause could end sooner, MacMillan said it would be unlikely.

“We have seen already a pretty substantial number of countries trying to engage in pretty significant negotiation deals,” she said. “I think there is forward progress on attempting to negotiate the proposed Liberation Day tariffs down to a more reasonable ending point.”

As for the 145% tariff on China, MacMillan said that’s another story. MacMillan said while it might be easy to dismiss the idea of using tariffs as a negotiating tool, the administration has strong concerns about the trade imbalances with its trading partners.

“We see this a lot with U.S.-produced products, particularly in the agricultural sector,” she said. “There’s tons and tons of particularly nontariff barriers that are raised very unfairly, particularly in the [European Union]. I do think that the president has raised these as very serious concerns, and he’s not taking no for an answer and that those [trade imbalances] need to be addressed.”

As for negotiating any trade imbalances, MacMillan said it will likely come down to what matters most for each country at the negotiating table.

“The president is very keen into trade imbalances, particularly the American trade imbalances,” she said.

However, many countries — such as Vietnam — have shown a willingness to negotiate very quickly, she said.

“If there’s positive developments from countries that go in the first round or the first tranche [of negotiations], I think that will signal to other countries that there’s this is a worthwhile endeavor to negotiate with this administration,” MacMillan said.

U.S. vs. Mexico and Canada

Galeazzi turned the conversation to the approaches by both Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. While Sheinbaum has navigated working with the administration well, Canadians and Carney have taken a more hard-line response.

“From the way we are viewing it in Washington, [Sheinbaum has] done a very good job, and she seems to have the will of the Mexican government behind her,” MacMillan said. “I think she has really figured out how to put Mexico in a really positive light with this administration.”

MacMillan said it’s been a more difficult spot for Carney, though, with the anti-American product sentiment of Canadians.

“The Canadian ethos is that they’re upset with America,” she said. “ There’s rumors out of the out of Canada that people are boycotting American products . I think he has been forced into taking a little bit more strident, stronger approach to President Trump, and I think that is showing that they have a more fractious relationship.”

MacMillan said the negotiating U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is also part of the administration’s plan, calling the USMCA a major accomplishment for the previous Trump administration.

“We should be expecting a fairly robust renegotiation process,” she said.

MacMillan said it will be interesting to see the stance Canada and Mexico take through the negotiation given the two different sentiments of the countries.

“How do they continue to position and posture themselves throughout those conversations?” she said. “I think there were varying degrees of success in their home countries from the first USMCA, so it will be very interesting and something I’m watching closely.”

Likelihood of more reciprocal tariffs

As for more reciprocal tariffs from other countries, MacMillan said countries understand exactly what products to use as a tool to get grassroots engagement from U.S. citizens.

“Historically, they’ve always been very good at pinpointing what are our pain points,” she said. “We saw this immediately when the tariffs started coming out at these pretty high numbers; the EU and other places were immediately coming quickly with retribution against U.S. ag products.”

Future implications

In terms of the volume of bilateral trade agreements that would likely need to be put into order, MacMillan pointed to the volume of executive orders signed by the administration so quickly into the president’s second term.

“I actually feel that if the president wants to negotiate 190 different trade agreements, he will be able to accomplish that,” she said. “Now, they might not look like your traditional free trade agreements that I think we’re all used to, but they will look like enough to move forward.”

Galeazzi said he suspects the administration would choose a handful of countries to negotiate with, set the framework for a trade agreement and use those trade agreements as a blueprint for the rest of the countries.

During a Q&A portion of the session, an attendee asked MacMillan about how much of the tariff negotiation is political and how much is economical. MacMillan said it is an important part of the administration’s viewpoints on trade as a way to better the U.S. economy.

“You can quibble with the economic theory behind it, but I don’t think it’s all politics,” she said. “I think it’s a genuinely held economic concept that he has believed in since the early ’80s. There were and there are a lot of people in this country who have been negatively impacted by free trade, and there are towns that will never come back and there are manufacturing jobs that will never come back, and those people are still upset.”

As for whether there will be an exemption on food with tariffs, Galeazzi said he doesn’t see that happening.

“This goes off the rhetoric that we have seen right once they got egg prices down, the conversation from food moved away very, very quickly,” he said. “Now, egg prices have gone back up. Will [an exemption for food] come back up? Maybe, but I think it’s going to be very specific to eggs. I don’t think we are going to see an exemption for food come through. And again, this is just based on the rhetoric that the administration is looking for manufacturing jobs, and they are going to drive, or they are going to drive trade agreements that bring manufacturing are beneficial to more manufacturing investment in the United States.”

MacMillan said this is one part of the trade policy that needs more clarity since the U.S. imports foods such as mangoes and bananas that aren’t grown domestically and there may be challenges to lobbying tariffs against those products, especially as domestic demand continues to remain high.

When asked about the challenges the specialty crop industry faces when it comes to addressing the challenges tariffs present to lawmakers, MacMillan said the industry can often have conflicting opinions.

“The challenge with the produce industry with tariffs is that there may be winners and losers in every battle depending on the crop, the region, the history, etc,” she said. “Being able to articulate one point of view, with one voice, is what moves mountains in Washington. Generally, the diversity of the industry is your strength but in these scenarios, it could present more difficulty.”

Galeazzi shared that although there were payments for growers to offset the impact of tariffs in the previous administration, it’s much harder to calculate for specialty crop growers.

“For specialty crops we are often in the position that when help comes, we get the leftovers, because we are so many different commodities across such a small acreage, compared with cotton that’s a couple million acres here in the U.S.,” he said. “It’s easy to say here’s $1 per acre for every cotton grower and that should right them up, but it’s very different if avocados have an investment of $12,000 an acre and cabbage has an investment of $5,000 an acre. You basically need to pay specialty crops a different amount for each crop, and that gets really complicated.”

When asked for how to best advocate for the specialty crop industry in light of the tariffs, Galeazzi encouraged attendees to share their experiences with tariffs and what those mean. He gave an example of bananas, one of the most popular items in lunch boxes. Bananas were once a loss leader but now come in at about 68 cents a pound, which is roughly breakeven. Now, with an additional 10% tariff on banana imports, the average price for bananas will increase.

“That’s just if you have a pass-through of 10%,” he said. “That doesn’t include the additional operation expenses, the fact that you’re pretty soon going to have a port fee for boats that were built in China. Your expenses keep going up. The American grocery store is going to have to do something about bananas, which means the American consumer is going to pay more for bananas, which means kids are going to be impacted again. We need to be telling that story, because the U.S. consumer isn’t going to recognize that they paid 10 cents more for their banana. We need to tell them why that’s happened. That’s how I think we can be helpful.”

From the fields to the stars: Astronaut Jose Hernandez to inspire as Viva Fresh keynote speaker

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:21:44 GMT

NASA astronaut, engineer and entrepreneur Jose Hernandez will be the keynote speaker at the 10th annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo, April 10-12 at the Marriott Marquis in Houston.

Hernandez’s journey — from migrant farmworker to astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery — is a powerful testament to perseverance, innovation and breaking barriers, according to the Texas International Produce Association. His story is a powerful reminder that dedication and vision can transform ambitious dreams into reality — an inspiration to an industry that feeds the world through relentless hard work and innovation.

“As we celebrate a decade of Viva Fresh, we’re honored to welcome someone who in part is one of us,” said Dante Galeazzi, CEO and president of TIPA. “Jose Hernandez’s journey reflects the determination and resilience that drive our industry every day. We know his keynote will inspire our attendees to think bigger and push forward, no matter the challenges.”

A former NASA mission specialist and engineer, Hernandez is now president and CEO of Tierra Luna Engineering LLC, and a University of California regent. His life was recently featured in the 2023 biographical film “A Million Miles Away,” further cementing his legacy as an inspiration for future generations, TIPA says.

Hernandez worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center from 2001 to 2011, where he was an astronaut, legislative analyst, branch chief and materials research engineer.

He holds a master’s degree in signals and systems engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific and has been bestowed with eight doctorates, honoris causa.

Hernandez says he wanted to fly in space ever since he heard that the first Hispanic American had been chosen to travel into space.

“I was hoeing a row of sugar beets in a field near Stockton, Calif., and I heard on my transistor radio that Franklin Chang-Diaz had been selected for the Astronaut Corps,” says Hernandez, who was a senior in high school at the time. “I was already interested in science and engineering, but that was the moment I said, ‘I want to fly in space.’ And that’s something I’ve been striving for each day since then.”

One of four children in a migrant farming family from Mexico, Hernandez — who didn’t learn English until he was 12 years old — spent much of his childhood on what he calls “the California circuit,” traveling with his family from Mexico to Southern California each March, then working northward to the Stockton area by November, picking strawberries and cucumbers at farms along the route. Then they would return to Mexico for Christmas and start the cycle all over again come spring.

“Some kids might think it would be fun to travel like that, but we had to work. It wasn’t a vacation,” Hernandez says.

After graduating high school in Stockton, Hernandez enrolled at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering and was awarded a full scholarship to the graduate program at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he continued his engineering studies. In 1987, he accepted a full-time job with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where he had worked as a co-op in college.

During the astronaut application process, Hernandez had to meet with a review board. That’s where he came face-to-face with his original inspiration: Franklin Chang-Diaz.

“It was a strange place to find myself, being evaluated by the person who gave me the motivation to get there in the first place,” Hernandez says. “But I found that we actually had common experiences — a similar upbringing, the same language issues. That built up my confidence. Any barriers that existed, he had already hurdled them.”

Hernandez says that’s when he realized: “Now it’s my turn.”

How tariffs could directly impact Texas fresh produce

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:54:39 GMT

“It is absolutely one of the more interesting times, I believe, to be on the international side of fresh produce,” said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, which represents the business, economic and political interests of Texas-grown fruits and vegetables.

Galeazzi has a front-row seat to the potential impact of the Trump administration’s proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico.

“We haven’t seen a tariff situation on fresh produce out of Mexico in almost 30 years since the introduction of the North American Free Trade Agreement,” he said.

TIPA members, which include fresh produce importers, have expressed confusion and concern about the impacts of these proposed tariffs on their businesses. Galeazzi said a challenge has been trying to understand these implications, as no information has been published yet in the Federal Register to help the association and its members prepare and plan.

Galeazzi said TIPA has relied on U.S. custom brokers to help guesstimate how tariffs would work under U.S. Section 332 of the Tariff Act of 1930. But the proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, he said, will fall under the Emergency Economic Action clause.

“There is some level of uncertainty about what’s involved with that,” he said.

This uncertainty makes it difficult for importers to predict exactly what will be needed to comply with the tariffs if they’re enacted, Galeazzi said, and any potential slowdown has a direct impact on the quality of the fresh produce being imported.

“When the [fresh produce] comes off the tree or the bush or out of the ground, they’re ready to go,” he said. “And you can’t stand around figuring out, ‘Did I get the tariff system right? Did I bill it correctly? Did I put enough into the payment system?’ You can do that with electronics or manufactured goods. You can’t do that with fresh produce.”

Dante Galeazzi

(Photo courtesy of the Texas International Fresh Produce Association)

Benefits of NAFTA

Galeazzi said the availability of fresh produce in the U.S. has expanded significantly since NAFTA’s enactment in 1994.

“Now you see the presence of fresh fruits and vegetables on grocery store shelves 12 months out of the year, whereas prior to NAFTA, it was very common that you saw seasonality,” he said. “That’s because of the international trade.”

NAFTA has also boosted the importance of Texas in the fresh produce supply chain, he said.

“Texas is now a loading location year-round for grocery stores and foodservice, because they can secure what they need all year long — not just when Texas is growing it, but when we’re complemented by Mexico, when we’re complemented by the arrivals of Colombia and other countries from Latin America out of the Port of Houston,” he said.

Galeazzi said for every dollar of fresh produce that comes across the Texas border, it generates more than $2 of economic impact to the state. Combined with the availability of Texas-grown fresh produce, it’s a win-win for the domestic producer and the international producer, he said.

“If you’re a grocery store, you’re able to fill up your store shelves and get everything you need in one state,” he said. “You’re not sending your truck to three or four states to fill your grocery list. You’re sending your truck to three or four warehouses within 20 miles, and you’re filling that grocery list.”

The availability of both domestic produce and imported produce is a major advantage for Texas, Galeazzi said.

“That advantage, then, is not only for the industry, not only for the state, but it also becomes an advantage to the consumer, because the consumers get fresher food options with lower food miles,” he said.

Unintended consequences

If the proposed tariffs do go into place, it will threaten certain commodities, Galeazzi said. The fresh produce industry supplements California-grown avocados with imported avocados. Availability of bananas, limes, mangoes and even berries in the offseason could all be in jeopardy if the Trump administration enacts the tariffs.

“The other challenge too is, yes, we grow certain fruits and vegetables here in the U.S., but we do it during a certain season,” he said. “We are not going to have a lot of the fruits and vegetables that we want right now until it gets closer to May, when a lot of the domestic season opens up; you’re going to have some leafy greens and some squashes, but you’re not going to have anywhere near the diversity of commodities that you are used to seeing in the grocery stores if we do this.”

Galeazzi said TIPA and other organizations have tried to communicate to the Trump administration and legislators the direct impact of the 25% tariffs.

“One of the things that we’re trying to make obvious to our legislators is that tariffs aren’t just a 25% tax on that product, it’s a 25% tax that’s paid upfront,” he said.

An example is to look at an import of 50 loads of avocados that’s worth roughly $100,000 each load. Now, that truckload costs $125,000 with the tariff. And the importer must put the 25% tariff on the load’s value within a month.

“You’re putting up $32,000 or $35,000 for every single truckload — 50 truckloads a week if you’re a decent-sized avocado company,” Galeazzi said. “How many companies have that many millions of dollars’ worth of capital they can just pump out for payments in 30 days? Let me tell you, that’s a super-small number.”

He said that will immediately close the valve of the fresh fruits and vegetables arriving in the country.

“That could not come at a worse time when you have more and more Americans dealing with diet-related diseases, many of which are preventable,” he said. “Should they be eating more fruits and vegetables every day?”

(Photo: Brastock Images, Adobe Stock)

Galeazzi said the other consequence is that the tariffs will likely increase the price of the remaining produce in the marketplace, given its scarcity.

“That’s just Mexico and Canada arrivals at 25%. You are not going to have the benefit of being able to switch to another country easily, because you are looking at a reciprocal tariff plan which goes into place, possibly by early April,” he said. “Almost all Latin American countries have a VAT — value-added tax — and those have been identified as ‘tariffs’ by the current administration. Those countries are going to be subject to a tariff requirement anyway, so you don’t really have any other options to go to for your fresh produce. So, that’s why I’m saying you’re going to be choking off the supply of fresh produce coming into the country.”

Another challenge is that, in many cases, these tariffs will damage hard-fought relationships with other countries in the produce supply chain, Galeazzi said, and those countries facing tariffs will seek out other buyers for their produce.

“When you disrupt supply chains, new supply chains are created and those [previous] relationships become fragmented,” he said. “Even though it wasn’t necessarily the suppliers’ fault, they are — when you look at the system — deemed unreliable because they’re exposed to the potential for tariffs, and that does absolutely disrupt the relationship. It creates additional confusion. It adds a world of variables that complicate everything that comes to fresh produce.”

Challenges abound

“It has been a very tumultuous start to the year,” Galeazzi said. “I think that’s probably an understatement to say the least, because it’s not just tariffs. We have so many different challenges.”

One of those challenges is labor. Galeazzi said he hopes the attention on labor can help the fresh produce industry and agriculture push forward solutions to the H-2A program. Another issue has been the pause in USDA grant funding for its Market Access Program, and the reduction in USDA staffing has also impacted the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and Agricultural Research Service.

When asked what’s keeping him up at night, Galeazzi cited not only the threats of 25% tariffs on imported goods from Mexico but also water shortages in Mexico that have slowed production, along with domestic water shortages and the potential that tariffs could impact the availability of fresh produce in the U.S., which could directly shift the gains the fresh produce industry has made with consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“My concern is, if you start adding tariffs and you start limiting production and you start limiting our trade partners, do you then again increase the cost of fruits and vegetables, and this time when you increase that cost, do we lose that momentum and go backward?” he said. “Those were hard-fought gains. Those were challenges that we had been working on changing for a long time in this industry and now, unfortunately, we are at a precipice where we could see all those gains be lost, and then some.”

Your next read: Mexico’s Sheinbaum pushes for USMCA deal as tariff deadline nears

Texas watermelon harvest bouncing back from a rough 2022

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:31:15 GMT

The Texas watermelon queen is in “full touring mode” headed into July, making her way to picnics and parades across the state, with melon harvest in full swing. While the Lone Star State might not boast the highest watermelon output in the U.S., it produces a steady supply of the iconic fruit of summer outings and barbecues.

Most domestic watermelons are produced in Southern states, with Florida leading output, producing a third of all U.S.-grown watermelons. The Sunshine State is trailed by Georgia, California and Texas in top watermelon producers. According to the most recent USDA Economic Research Service data, Texas produced about 11% off all U.S.-grown watermelons.

In West Texas, watermelon farmer and Texas Watermelon Association President Luke Brown was preparing to cut his first melons when he spoke to The Packer on June 26. Right now, Brown is hoping the weather remains favorable before the first round of harvest on his 220-acre watermelon farm in Balmorhea, Texas.

“It’s nerve-wracking this time of year. You got these thunderstorms built up kind of over the mountains every evening and you never know if one of them is going to have a hailstorm in it,” Brown said. “You don’t know if it’s going to hit you or not; it’s just sporadic.”

If the notoriously fickle Texas weather cooperates, the fourth-generation watermelon farmer is looking forward to what he anticipates will be a good yield.

“Peak harvest is getting ramped up really good right now and will peak about the second week of July and run pretty hard all the way through the second or third week of August,” he said.

Brown was also pleased with the quality he’s seeing in his fields.

“This crop looks very good — probably one of the best I’ve ever had,” he said.

Brown prefers to stagger his harvest into five ages of melons, each to be harvested in waves over three months.

“We’ll never cut more than 10 truckloads a day,” he said. “That’s the way we want to structure our labor, and the way ... market conditions tend to be at different points in the summer, we just find it’s better to have a small, steady supply.”

“Obviously price fluctuates, and right now price is real favorable,” Brown continued. “We’re not complaining about it, but it’s the effects of inflation, no doubt. My bills are 50% higher than they were. It’s all relative.”

Brown relies on hiring H-2A workers for his harvest labor.

“Without H-2A, I’m done. It’s over that day,” he said. “We have some year-round local guys that have been with us since we started, and they worked for my grandfather 30 years before that. But as far as harvest labor, we rely on the visa program, and we use the same guys every year; these workers have been harvesting for us for seven or eight years now.”

Yield up, quality down in Rio Grande Valley region

The 2023 crop is shaping up to be average for Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden regions, with better yields but lower quality fruit compared to the previous season, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension experts.

“Yields are better than last year, but quality is down, and I think if you asked growers, they’d say it’s average across the board,” Juan Anciso, AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Weslaco, Texas, said in a statement. “Harvest is wrapping up in the Valley, and there are more watermelons making it to the market.”

Last year, watermelon production in the Rio Grande Valley dipped 17%, compared to the season prior. However, watermelon acreage increased in South Texas in 2023, Anciso said. Overall, fruit yields were about average while quality was lower due to consistent rains throughout the month of May.

Related news: Cantaloupe growers stitch together a steady supply through summer

Producers worried about drought and water supplies at the beginning of the season, but since May 1 the rains have created quality issues, Anciso said. Rainfall as the fruit developed on the vine led to lower brix measurements than in recent years, which affected flavor and sweetness. The rains also led to some issues with diseases, like downy mold and fusarium, which in turn also led to lower-quality fruit.

Outlook in Winter Garden looks bright

Meanwhile, conditions were looking up in Texas’ Winter Garden region, Uvalde-based A&M Agrilife Extension horticulturalist Larry Stein said in a market update. Recent rains have improved soil moisture levels, and the combination of milder temperatures and moisture created ideal growing conditions for most crops, including melons.

Watermelons were vining, blooming and being pollinated by bees, but they could be slightly behind schedule due to cooler temperatures this spring, Stein said in the update.

Related news: Mexican melon markets to stabilize for peak summer promotions, forecasts grower

“Other than a few issues, I can’t believe how well they are looking right now,” he said. “Melons like it hot and dry, but the milder temperatures and moisture has them looking very good.”

Overall, conditions are a far cry from the 2022 season when early triple-digit temperatures, high winds and drought added up to a rough year across the main watermelon-producing regions of Texas.

2023 Women in Produce: Lilly Garcia

Tue, 30 May 2023 19:06:34 GMT

Editor’s Note: The Packer’s 14th annual Women in Produce issue honors eight industry leaders who play pivotal roles in the success of their own organizations, as well as the produce industry as a whole. Read about this year’s other honorees at the end of this story.

The Packer recently connected with Lilly Garcia, office manager at the Texas International Produce Association, to learn more about her over two decades’ experience at the association. Garcia shared her story, along with some advice for other fresh produce leaders making their way in the always-evolving industry.

Edited for length and clarity.

The Packer: What do you do at the Texas International Produce Association?

Garcia: My duties at TIPA have changed a lot during the last two and a half decades, partly because the association has changed so much. A few of the projects I work on include helping arrange Texas Town at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show, organizing and executing Viva Fresh and TIPA events, inputting shipments and compliance documents for the South Texas Onion Committee and Texas Valley Citrus Committee marketing orders, and managing memberships at TIPA.

But why do I do it? I do what I do because I love my job and the people whom I work with and for. TIPA is my family; the members are my family, and I always want to see TIPA grow and be the best in the world. I want people to think of TIPA and see us as a professional, caring organization that does everything possible for our members.

Tell me a little about your career journey. How did you get involved in produce?

In 1999, I started as a temp worker with a staffing agent at the association. Two months later I was hired full-time, and six months after that I had a new boss. It was a very interesting start to life in the produce industry, but here I am 24 years later, and I love it. I wouldn’t do anything else. This is where my heart and my people are.

Over the years a lot has changed, and most of those changes have been positive. Everything has gotten bigger for us at TIPA. Membership used to be less than 100 companies, and now it’s almost 400 companies.

We do so much more now with fewer people on staff, and our events are bigger. For example, our show used to be the Texas Produce Convention at South Padre Island. I used to think it was a lot of work for a few hundred people to attend. But today we put on Viva Fresh for a few thousand people every year, and it makes me think back to planning TPC and how easy that was, comparatively.

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned in your career so far?

I’ve learned you must stay on top of your work and be diligent, otherwise you fall behind and it can overwhelm you quickly. I am reminded of this every Viva Fresh and GPFS show; because there are so many moving pieces and so many deadlines, managing my time to meet those deadlines while also doing all the other work is critical.

I also found that working “regular” hours (i.e. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) was not as important as working the hours that fit me, personally. I can get so much done in the evening hours that it makes more sense for me to adjust my schedule to come in later in the day and stay later.

The other lesson I’ve learned is to always be professional. Things are going to go wrong sometimes, but how you handle those situations is important.

My advice is to always keep cool, be smart and do not let someone else’s attitude affect how you do your job. Take the high road. It doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everything; just say no without getting ugly.

What do you find most interesting about the produce industry?

It is so interesting to me that so many companies handle the same or similar produce items, but each company has a different point of view or does it a little differently. And even though our industry is big, sometimes it can feel small.

What advice would you give to others about being a leader in produce?

The advice I’d give other leaders would be: Family is first. Always. Make time for your family.

Do what you love. If you don’t love the job or the industry, then change. Fresh produce can be challenging, and if you don’t like what you are doing, it only makes the job harder.

Don’t do or say things in anger. Think before you speak. Wait a day to send that response. You regret a lot of what you do when you speak when you’re angry.

More 2023 Women in Produce honorees

Seen and heard at Viva Fresh 2023 — Part 2

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:36:57 GMT

GRAPEVINE, Texas — In addition to boasting record attendance, this year’s Viva Fresh conference and trade show drew a diverse range of exhibitors to its 200 booths. From Southwest-grown winter vegetables to imported tropical fruit and logistics service providers, there was something for everyone in the fresh produce industry on the trade show floor at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center on April 1.

Related news: Record-breaking Viva Fresh touts healthy living with fresh produce

“Viva Fresh is one of our main shows,” said John Benedyk of the Tom Lange Co. “It makes sense for us to connect with regional customers to ensure the freshest product.”

With operations in all corners of Texas, the Tom Lange Co. produce team sees regional shows as a great place to learn and innovate.

“We’re building a facility nearby in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. [Viva Fresh] is a great opportunity to speak with our customers, as we’ll have a high-quality product available close to consumption, right in their backyard,” Local Bounti’s Brian Cook told The Packer.

“At the end of the day, there’s a lot of volume that’s required and we want to bring our product as close to home as possible,” Cook added.

Related news: Seen and heard at Viva Fresh

NatureSweet’s Steve Bindas said he looks forwards to regional shows like Viva Fresh.

“It’s great to be able to get together in person and not only talk about business, but talk about life as well,” Bindas told The Packer. “It’s good to catch up with people.”

Distributor Robinson Fresh was excited to showcase its local and regional growers at this year’s show.

“Eden Green from Cleburne, Texas, is a regional grower we think is cool and innovative,” said Robinson Fresh’s Molly Tabron. Grown indoors, the lettuce from Eden Greens sports lush, full heads.

The best thing about Eden Green’s lettuce is that its priced so that the average consumer can afford it, Tabron said.

Related news: Photos from Viva Fresh 2023

The Marathon Mangos booth attracted a crowd with its juicy mango margaritas, inviting attendees to start happy hour a little early.

“I’ve been going to this show since 2015,” Regan Duleba told The Packer. “I’m just excited to see everyone in person.”

Traveling from McAllen, Texas, leafy greens and winter vegetable grower Val Verde was looking for inspiration at this year’s show.

“We’re looking new ideas,” said Jeff Holton. “We just started organic celery and broccoli and are looking to increase acreage.”

The team at Johanson Transportation Service was just excited to spend time with their customers in the Lone Star State.

“It’s about building relationships. For us at JTS, that’s what matters and what we pride ourselves on,” JTS’ Alicia Bly told The Packer.

Seen and heard at Viva Fresh 2023

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:15:52 GMT

GRAPEVINE, Texas — The 2023 Viva Fresh conference packed in three days of creative programming that included golf competitions, wine tours, educational sessions along with a bustling expo at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center March 30-April 1.

Relaunching the virtual farm tour, a highlight of Viva Fresh’s 2023 education sessions, included taking attendees into a muddy field of onions in the Rio Grande Valley region with the help of a camera crew and a friendly farmer, Wayne Reavus.

“Anyone who’s been in fresh produce for longer than a week knows that weather plays a role,” explained Dante Galeazzi, TIPA President and CEO, as cameramen followed Reavus trudging through thick mud to show conference attendees how onions are dried and cured in the field.

Related news: Record-breaking Viva Fresh touts healthy living with fresh produce

Another highlight included networking at InBloom’s “Challenge Accepted!” event, where produce industry leaders answered Jeopardy-style questions and offered advice on topics like leadership, relationship building, finding balance and amplifying their voices.

“Often, women events like these spotlight women not in the industry. We were excited to spotlight successful fresh produce women leaders this year,” Michelle Cortex, InBloom’s committee chairperson and sales director for Babia, told The Packer.

Seen on the expo floor

In addition to handing out SugarBee apples, Darrin Carpenter of Chelan Fresh shared excitement about this year’s cherry crop. He said the weather is looking favorable, but it could be a late start; it’s too early to know for sure.

Karen Guzman at Eagle Eye Produce said her team is getting ready to plant potatoes in Idaho and is excited to finally have a good season after two bad potato years.

“This is my first time in Texas,” said HLB Specialties’ Melissa Harmann de Barros.

The exotic fruit grower-shipper was excited to share guavas, rambutans, lychees and other tropic fruits with North American markets at this year’s Viva Fresh, Harmann de Barros said.

Not only will Bay Baby Produce have its standard winter squash this year, but it is also rolling out “pun-kins” — small decorative pumpkins with fall-inspired puns, said Michele Youngquist.

Related news: More photos from Viva Fresh 2023

Record-breaking Viva Fresh touts healthy living with fresh produce

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 13:13:55 GMT

GRAPEVINE, Texas — The third time was a charm for the 2023 Viva Fresh conference. The annual showcase of produce grown in the Southwest hosted by the Texas International Produce Association ended its third Dallas-area conference on a high note, boasting record numbers: 2,600 attendees, 200 booths and 400 buyers.

“Regional shows have taken off,” NatureSweet ’s Steve Bindas told The Packer. “This is the show where we get to see everyone we call. All the retailers are here.”

Related news: Growers and agtech entrepreneurs pack their bags for Viva Fresh 2023

This year’s conference highlighted the connection between a healthy lifestyle and fresh fruits and vegetables. From educational sessions, awards and inspiring keynotes, Viva Fresh underlined the relationship between consuming fresh fruits and vegetables and optimal health.

Echoing Bindas’ sentiment, H-E-B buyer Ashley Ojeda Porter told The Packer that she was looking forward to the in-person networking at the Viva Fresh expo. Porter viewed it as an opportunity to learn more from specific growers and to build relationships.

“I’m here to network and [learn],” Porter told The Packer. “I feel like I’m a student again.”

2023 Healthy Living Award winner

Porter was recognized as much more than a student at this year’s Viva Fresh Conference. Named the 2023 Healthy Living Award winner by the TIPA and The Packer, Porter was honored for her inspiring example and leadership in Texas’ fresh produce industry.

Presented annually to an exemplary fresh produce leader in the Lone Star State, the annual Healthy Living Award recognizes the work of produce advocates who champion the inherently healthy products the industry grows, ships and sells. This year’s award spotlighted Porter for her accomplishments, leadership and diligence in mentoring participants in the annual Clean Eating Challenge.

The Clean Eating Challenge, hosted by Viva Fresh, is a healthy lifestyle program that promotes individual growth and encourages healthy eating habits through peer accountability and community.

“I have had the privilege of the witnessing the changes in [Ashley] as a person, as she has decided to focus on a living a healthier lifestyle,” said IFCO’s Ed Bertaud, presenting the award with The Packer’s Kristin Leigh Lore.

Porter experienced the program as a participant before becoming a peer mentor.

“She is a fantastic example of leadership and inspiration within the Clean Eating Challenge Program and beyond,” Bertaud said.

Charlie Rocket extolls the benefits of ‘living foods’

Viva Fresh’s keynote speaker further underlined the connection between fresh produce and optimal health. Music executive turned Ironman competitor turned Dream Machine Foundation CEO Charlie “Rocket” Jabaley shared his dramatic path from out of shape executive to inspirational athlete and star of a groundbreaking Nike commercial. The turning point for everything, according to Jabaley, was rooted in food.

“When I was in a dark place, I turned to living foods,” Jabaley said. “I had to do what Socrates said: ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.’”

Related news: Photos from Viva Fresh 2023

Throughout the moving keynote, Jabaley extolled the “life-giving” benefits of eating whole foods plentiful with fresh fruits and vegetables.

“We want inspiring stories that raise the bar on healthy living and motivate us all to do better,” said TIPA CEO and President Dante Galeazzi. “Some may not see the natural connection between a rap music executive turned philanthropist and Viva Fresh, but I can assure you the gateway to the success Charlie is living today began by translating his love of life into leading a healthier lifestyle that included fruits and vegetables.”

Viva Fresh set for Houston in 2024

After three years in Dallas, the 9-year old Viva Fresh conference will head to Houston next year. The event will be held from April 11-13, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis.

Houston is the last major city to host Viva Fresh. TIPA plans to host Viva Fresh in Houston for its 2024 and 2025 conferences before returning to San Antonio in 2026.

Photos from Viva Fresh 2023

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:12:54 GMT

GRAPEVINE, Texas — The energy was palpable at the 2023 Viva Fresh Conference, presented by the Texas International Produce Association from March 30-April 1 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. From educational sessions to creative networking events, attendees came together to talk fruits and vegetables.

“Texas is an energy state,” wellness influencer Charlie Rocket said in his keynote at the conference. “And I’m not talking about what we pull from the ground, like oil. It’s what y’all are growing. You are growers of life.”

Viva Fresh 2023 was hosted at the opulent Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.

Texas International Produce Association CEO and President Dante Galeazzi took attendees into an onion field in a virtual field tour.

TIPA presents Eli Gonzalez wit the Gracie Gonzalez memorial fund. Gracie Gonzalez, who was posthumously recognized during this year’s events, was a longtime TIPA employee who died unexpectedly in 2020.

Healthy living, healthy crowds marked the 2022 Viva Fresh Expo

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:26:57 GMT

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS — A few cowboy hats bobbed among the sea of more than 2,200 people at the 2022 Viva Fresh Expo, hosted by the Texas International Produce Association at the Gaylord Texan Resort just outside Dallas.

Like many major organizations did with their industry events, the association canceled its 2020 conference and trade show. Viva Fresh was one of the first shows to re-emerge in 2021, in a scaled down version.

But Viva Fresh was back full force in 2022, and bigger than ever — an attribute often touted in this large state. There were also 200 exhibitors and almost 400 retail, foodservice and wholesale buyers in attendance, said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the association. There were four sold-out hotels, two sold-out golf tournaments, one sold-out wine tour and four jam-packed receptions.

“A record for us. Feels great!” Galeazzi in the last couple hours of the April 21-23 show. “Seriously though, we were extremely pleased with the attendance and participation throughout the show. Participants had a level of excitement from start to finish, all three days.”

While Texas-based professionals comprised a big chunk of attendees, companies and organizations from across the country sent representatives.

“We’re coming into Texas on the retail side and want to increase distribution here,” said Ross Johnson of Idaho Potato Commission, one exhibitor on the trade show floor.

(Farm Journal)

At the keynote luncheon, Farm Journal’s The Packer and PMG presented the 2022 Healthy Living Award to John Toner, vice president of political affairs at the International Fresh Produce Association, for his influence in improving the health of the industry and its individuals, in his work and by his personal example.

A past featured participant and current mentor to new participants in the Viva Clean Eating Challenge, Toner’s ongoing journey to change his lifestyle in eating, drinking and exercise resulted in about 180 pounds lost and many positive habits and tools gained.

More than numbers, Toner won for his transparency and vulnerability as he continues to share his struggles and achievements, making him relatable and able to help others improve their health and better practice what the fresh produce industry preaches.

“My new mantra in life is happy, healthy and honest,” Toner said in his acceptance speech, read by Tommy Wilkins of Grow Farm Texas in his absence. “I believe with those core values, anything is possible.”

Clean Eating Challenge featured participant Beth Keeton of Elephant House Public Relations won the grand prize in the live drawing: Her choice of a one-year subscription to a meal delivery service or a fitness club of her choice.

Galeazzi said the association made a point to include as much fresh produce as possible into the menus throughout the show. The April 22 breakfast included a kiwi coconut smoothie as well as a ginger, golden beet and orange smoothie. At the keynote lunch, guests enjoyed seared citrus grouper with creamed leeks and poblano sauce, flanked by butternut squash and sweet potato mash, plus glazed beta sweet maroon carrots and fennel.

Viva Fresh’s Women In Bloom event was sold out and packed, and the welcome reception the evening before the trade show extended an hour and half past its cutoff time.

Breaking records is also often on the mind of the expo’s keynote speaker, David McGillivray, race director of the Boston Marathon. McGillivray has run 161 marathons, the race of 26.2 miles.

McGillivray has run coast to coast in the U.S., completed multiple Iron Man competitions, and he runs his age in distance at each birthday — so when he turned 60, he ran 60 miles.

(Farm Journal)

He raises money and puts on races for the Jimmy Fund to help children with cancer, ran blindfolded to help people with blindness and started the Walpole Prison Running Club.

McGillivray also launched a business of organizing race events.

“It’s all about raising self-confidence and self-esteem in 10s of thousands of others,” he said.

As a child, McGillivray didn’t make the cut in sports teams. He recalled his short stature as an insecurity and turned to running as an outlet and way to make his grandfather proud.

“There’s only one way in my world that you can fail. And that’s when you don’t even try. It’s all a learning experience,” he said.

McGillivray recalled the trauma of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured hundreds of others. We all have struggles, whether the challenges are as traumatic as returning to a race where you feared for your life, working in an unpredictable produce industry or worrying about your family’s future if your health fails, he said.

Despite being fit, McGillivray has had multiple surgeries for severe coronary artery disease. Eating healthier has helped drastically, but he still has genetics to keep in mind.

Five days before the Viva Fresh Expo, McGillivray ran his 50th consecutive Boston Marathon.

“Honestly, I think all of you people are doing God’s work,” McGillivray said. “I made mistakes, and it almost cost me my life. But I learned. I changed my diet. I changed everything. I’ve run nine marathons since my open-heart surgery. I’m not only fit, but I’m also healthy. And that’s what you people instill in all of us.”