This week on The Global Fresh Series, we take a wide-angle look at the forces reshaping the global fresh produce industry—from avocado boardroom power, with the blockbuster acquisition of Calavo Growers by Mission Produce, a deal that signals a new era of scale, vertical integration, and expansion into prepared foods. moves to unexpected environmental challenges influencing what ends up on our plates. Followed with exploring record avocado demand and how Avocados From Mexico is looking far beyond Super Bowl Sunday—forecasting billions of avocados moving through global markets and investing in year-round demand, new regions, and next-generation consumers. We look at microfibers in clothes stunting tomato growth and finally, we end on a sweet note with the surging global popularity of mangoes, as consumer demand, improved supply chains, and expanding markets continue to fuel one of the fastest-growing fruit categories worldwide.

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we take a wide-angle look at how rapidly shifting environmental conditions, global demand, and innovation are reshaping the fresh produce landscape.

We begin in California, where the state has officially been declared drought-free, marking a major turning point for growers, water policy, and long-term agricultural planning.

From there, we travel to Southeast Asia, where surging demand for durian—driven by the Chinese market—is transforming the small rural village of Raub, in Malaysia. Once a quiet agricultural area, Raub is now positioning itself as a global supplier, expanding durian production and opening new export channels to India.

We close the episode with a look at innovation closer to home, as four new potato varieties are introduced to the market—highlighting how plant breeding, consumer preferences, and adaptability continue to drive opportunity in staple crops.

From climate resilience to exotic fruit demand and varietal innovation, this episode captures the interconnected forces shaping the future of global fresh produce.

In this timely episode of the Global Fresh Series, we sit down with Ron Lemaire, President of the Canadian Fresh Produce Association, for a candid conversation on one of the most challenging years the global fresh produce industry has faced in recent memory.

Ron reflects on the realities of 2025—marked by shifting tariffs, trade uncertainty, and geopolitical pressures—and how these forces reshaped supply chains and business strategies across borders. He also shares how new partnerships were forged, existing relationships strengthened, and innovative approaches adopted to keep fresh produce moving despite the headwinds.

The final Global Fresh Series episode of 2025 is all about celebration. We’re highlighting the people, ideas, and breakthroughs that shaped the year across the global fresh produce industry. From farm fields to global markets, this episode captures the energy, resilience, and innovation that defined 2025—and sets the stage for an exciting year ahead. Join us as we close the season with gratitude, insight, and a fresh outlook for 2026.

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Twas the price before Christmas, and all through the supply chain, avocados were falling while citrus felt the strain. In this festive episode of the Global Fresh Series, we unwrap the latest market moves—avocado prices hitting multi-year lows thanks to booming imports, while California citrus climbs to holiday-high territory. With a nod to a classic Christmas tale (reimagined with fresh produce), this episode blends market insight with a little seasonal cheer.

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In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we begin with a lighthearted (and honest) reflection on holiday travel, how flying has changed over the years, and why a cup of fresh fruit might be the best carry-on you can bring. But quickly, the conversation turns serious as we examine how timing, weather, and global trade pressures are reshaping fresh produce supply chains. Shifting to the U.S. Pacific Northwest, where torrential rainfall in Northwest Washington is creating real-time challenges for growers of berries, seed crops, specialty vegetables, forage, and dairy feed.

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In this week’s episode, host Juanita Gaglio takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of the global fresh-produce scene — from bananas mysteriously washing ashore on U.K. beaches to the first shipments of Chilean cherries sparking excitement for the holiday season. We’ll also look at why broccolini is having a major moment on menus and market shelves alike.

The feature story dives into the USMCA Agreement review, exploring what’s at stake for growers, exporters, and retailers across North America. With trade policy, produce trends, and fresh arrivals all on the table, this episode serves up a delicious mix of insight, intrigue, and inspiration — straight from the global produce supply chain.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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