WASHINGTON - The first apple in the world bred specifically for hot climates, ‘HOT84A1’ – marketed as TUTTI™, has won first place in the Fresh Produce category at the Innovation Hub Awards at Fruit Attraction 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

The Innovation Hub Awards recognize products that excel in innovation, sustainability, and market impact. TUTTI™ was celebrated as a breakthrough apple that delivers exceptional flavor and quality while thriving in warmer climates where traditional apple varieties struggle. It was selected from among 50 entries for its remarkable combination of outstanding flavor—including hints of honey and melon—and climate-smart resilience.

TUTTI™ is the result of more than 20 years of research and development through the Hot Climate Partnership (HCP); a collaboration between Bioeconomy Science Institute, IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, Catalonia), Fruit Futur (Catalonia), and VentureFruit.

The partnership focuses on breeding apple and pear varieties designed to withstand the increasing pressures of climate change, including rising temperatures and water scarcity, while delivering exceptional eating quality.

“Winning the Innovation Hub Award at Fruit Attraction is an incredible recognition for TUTTI™ and the science behind it,” says Emma Brown, General Manager of Plant Varieties at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, in the recent release. “This award puts a spotlight on the power of international collaboration and shows that the world is ready for climate-resilient apples that don’t compromise on taste, quality or sustainability. For us, it’s a proud moment that validates more than two decades of research and signals a bright future for growers and consumers alike.”

Morgan Rogers, VentureFruit General Manager, explains “Globally, we are seeing constant reminders of the need for climate-resilient varieties, with the increased frequency of intense weather events continuing to impact production in both hemispheres. Innovative varieties from the Hot Climate Partnership, such as TUTTI™, are enabling growers to meet these challenges while delivering an outstanding consumer experience and preference.”

TUTTI™ has been developed and commercialised through a disciplined, insight-led process designed to set it up for success from orchard to market. VentureFruit’s structured grower support and network management, has enabled confidence in the sustainable future success of TUTTI™ apples for all partners.

Since its launch in 2023, more than 900 hectares of TUTTI™ apples have already been planted worldwide through VentureFruit’s licensing agreements, including orchards in Spain, South America, the United Kingdom, and China. A recent agreement with leading Chinese fruit producer Joy Wing Mau will see a further 300 hectares of TUTTI™ planted, highlighting its strong international momentum.

For growers, TUTTI™ delivers a variety that thrives in hot summer conditions, producing the high-quality fruit consumers demand. With improved pack outs and strong market returns, TUTTI™ offers a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for modern production. For consumers, it delivers a delicious new apple option that represents the future of fruit: innovative, climate-resilient, and better for the planet.

CHARLOTTE, NC - Dole Food Company (IFPA Booth #2838) will spotlight the strength, reliability, and growth opportunity of its mango program at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim October 17-18. With its unmatched expertise, sourcing logistics and supply chain control, Dole is uniquely positioned to help retailers elevate their mango programs for the year ahead.

“We are very excited to start our second Ecuadorian mango season,” said Rodrigo Velasquez, Dole’s District Sales Manager, in the recent release. “We received great feedback from customers last year, and to answer demand we are increasing our Ecuadorian volume this season.”

Dole’s program offers a unique range of varieties grown in Ecuador starting with Ataulfos followed by Tommy Atkins, Hadens, and in later season Kents and Keitts.

“While the season is shorter than Peru or Mexico, Ecuador’s concentrated harvest creates a November window ideal for promotional planning,“ added Velasquez.

Organic Tommy Atkins mangos will also be available, allowing retailers to maintain momentum in organics between the California Keitt and Peruvian Kent seasons.

The most recent industry forecast projects Ecuador’s 2025 mango season at 12.2 million boxes, approximately 17 percent lower than last year. Brazil’s season is expected to reach 9.6 million boxes, though recent U.S. tariffs make meeting those volumes uncertain, while Mexico has already finished one of its fastest seasons in recent years with 95.4 million boxes, up 6 percent year over year. Peru is preparing for a slightly delayed start in December due to later flowering but is expected to continue shipping through April with its hallmark Kent variety.

Ecuador’s shipping dynamics, characterized by a rapid surge in volume followed by a quick decline, create challenges for many importers. Dole overcomes these obstacles with its own vessels and dedicated port terminals in San Diego, California and Wilmington, Delaware. This guarantees space, reduces transit times, and provides retailers with reliable weekly arrivals. By combining mango shipments with other Dole tropical items, customers also gain the advantage of efficient logistics and access to full-load pricing even with smaller orders.

Dole’s current Ecuador program transitions seamlessly into Peru’s season, ensuring retailers have dependable coverage throughout the winter and spring months. With premium sourcing, state-of-the-art ripening, and a focus on organics, Dole delivers consistent quality and execution across origins.

“Ecuador will become an even more relevant origin for U.S. mango retailers in 2025 and beyond,” added Velasquez. “With Dole’s programs, retailers can plan promotions with confidence, knowing the fruit will be there, on time, and in excellent condition.”

Rodrigo Velasquez and other DOLE® Mango program representatives will be available at the Dole booth #2838 at the IFPA Global & Floral Show.

HOUSTON, TX - Just Made, a fast-growing maker of cold-pressed juices, wellness shots and smoothie bowls created from vibrant tropical fruits and functional ingredients, announces 21 new items in all-new categories and across its key product offerings set to debut at IFPA in Anaheim, California, October 16-18, 2025 (booth #: 1500). Just Made adds fresh Margarita Mixes and a full line of hydration-fueling Refreshers to its current portfolio, along with new flavors in its sought-after, ready-to-eat Smoothie Bowls, Wellness Shots and Lemonades lines.

“We are so excited to showcase the results of our team’s hard work in the most innovative roll-out we’ve had since our debut,” states Norka Nimocks, CEO and Founder of Just Made, in the recent release. “We’ve kept all the goodness—including being Made Justly and giving back to the communities where our products are made—as we’ve expanded our line to offer even more wellness to the world.”

Nathan Dahlen, Vice President of Sales for Just Made, adds, “Our IFPA introductions are designed to help our retail customers give shoppers the best of what they are looking for in cold-pressed wellness items, allowing them to expand their offerings across on-trend categories, flavors and formulations. It’s a thrilling time for our brand and our company!”

Margarita Mix—NEW CATEGORY!

Bring the fiesta home with these USDA Organic Margarita Mixes, specially crafted for cocktails and mocktails and made with real cold-pressed juices, organic agave and nothing artificial. Whether you’re shaking up a spirited margarita or a refreshing zero-proof mocktail, every sip is bright, balanced and ready for any occasion. Choose between:

• Classic Margarita Mix, a crisp blend of lime, orange and organic agave. Tart, tangy and perfectly balanced for a margarita that tastes as fresh as it feels.
• Strawberry Margarita Mix, juicy strawberries meet lime and organic agave for a vibrant twist on a classic favorite. Sweet, tangy and endlessly sippable, whether with tequila or on its own.

Refreshers—NEW CATEGORY!

Hydration, made delicious. Stay refreshed the natural way with Just Made’s new line of organic Refreshers, crafted with real fruit, 1000mg of natural electrolytes and absolutely nothing artificial. Each vibrant flavor delivers tropical hydration you can feel good about, anytime your body needs a lift. Plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free, these USDA Organic Refreshers deliver a burst of flavor for the ultimate in hydration. Flavor options available include:

• Watermelon
• Cucumber Mint
• Lemon Lime
• Passion Guava
• Honeydew Melon

Wellness Shots—NEW FLAVORS AND FORMULATIONS!

Just Made Wellness Shots offer functional blends for immunity, energy and recovery and feature real superfoods such as ginger and turmeric. Justly sourced from small farmers, Just Made’s Wellness Shots have no artificial ingredients and are available in ideal 2oz portions, providing a convenient wellness boost anytime. New flavors debuting at IFPA include:

• Immunity: Ginger Turmeric or Elderberry Honey
• Sleep: Tart Cherry Lavender
• Energy: Green Tea Ginseng
• Beauty: Rose Water Aloe Vera
• Women’s Health: Raspberry Hibiscus

Smoothie Bowls—NEW FLAVORS!

Just Made ready-to-enjoy Smoothie Bowls offer blended real fruit, no dairy and no added sugar in a nutrient-dense and satisfying single-serve bowl inspired by tropical flavors and cultures. Each Just Made Smoothie Bowl is topped with crunchy granola, providing the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor. New Smoothie Bowls debuting at IFPA include:

• Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl
• Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl
• Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl

Lemonades—NEW FLAVORS AND FORMULATIONS!

Our new Just Made Lemonades put a fresh spin on a classic favorite, crafted with real fruit juice, vibrant tropical twists and absolutely nothing artificial. From timeless Classic Lemonade to bold flavors like Purple Passion and Strawberry, every sip is bright, refreshing and made with care. Because lemonade should taste as good as it makes you feel. Choose from:

• Classic Lemonade
• Ginger Lemonade
• Half & Half Lemonade with Real Tea
• Purple Passion Lemonade
• Strawberry Lemonade

MEXICO - With its sights set on global growth, Coliman Bananas — AGGALL Group is sharpening its strategic focus on key international markets, technology, and partnerships. As seen in this recent release, the company is reinforcing its identity as a proudly Mexican producer while advancing a future built on sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration.

At Coliman Bananas — AGGALL Group, a 100% Mexican company, we continue to strengthen our vision of becoming a leading player in the international market by promoting sustainability, innovation, and quality.

Rooted in Mexican values and excellence, our growth is being reinforced through strategic alliances with other producing countries, such as Ecuador, while maintaining the essence that defines us — commitment, responsibility, and passion for what we do.

Today, more than ever, we are focusing on three strategic areas that will determine our future growth:

1. Getting closer to the Asian market

Asia has become a key region for fresh fruit consumption, and we are committed to connecting with consumers who value high-quality, organic products with international certifications. Participating in international trade fairs, such as Asia Fruit Logistica, and other business platforms has opened the door to new opportunities. These opportunities allow us to expand our presence, consolidate relationships with current customers, and forge ties with future strategic allies on the continent.

2. Innovation and technology in service of the field

Implementing new technologies in our processes is fundamental to our growth model. From optimizing water use with advanced irrigation systems to using digital tools for quality control and product traceability, we ensure that our bananas meet the highest international standards. Additionally, digitizing internal processes strengthens efficiency and generates greater value for our customers and employees.

3. Strategic alliances to strengthen our global presence

We understand that unity is strength. That is why we have established strategic alliances with banana-producing countries such as Ecuador, which strengthen our competitiveness and guarantee a consistent supply for various markets. These collaborations allow us to share knowledge, enhance operational efficiency, and respond more effectively to global demand — all while continuing to grow as a proudly Mexican company that contributes to the world with quality and sustainability.

At Coliman Bananas – AGGALL Group, we believe the future is built on a global vision, technological innovation, and international cooperation. Every step we take is an opportunity to grow, promote well-being, and contribute to the sustainable development of the communities where we work.

IFPA Global Show:

Coliman Bananas will be exhibiting at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Expo in Anaheim. Visit the company at booth #357 on October 17 and 18.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Walking a trade show floor just isn’t complete without a smile and a conversation with Amy Gates. Having witnessed her fresh produce evolution in recent years, I am always eager to discover what new projects she has taken on or what fresh advocacy passion has sparked her interest. In the lead-up to the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Summit, it is exciting to share that she has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Silo, a leading platform for supply-chain management, inventory, sales orders, and payment processing in the perishable foods industry.

“I’m honored to lead Silo at this pivotal moment,” Amy shares. “Having worked both on the technology side and inside a grower-shipper operation, I understand the pressures this industry faces—tight margins, food safety demands, and the need for better visibility across the chain. At Silo, our focus is on providing practical solutions that simplify complexity and deliver efficiencies where they matter most. We want to be more than just a platform—we want to be a partner who helps our customers navigate today’s challenges while setting them up for long-term resilience and growth.”

Amy brings a unique perspective to her new role, informed by her produce software expertise gained during her time at Famous Software as well as her hands-on leadership at Frontera Produce. She has overseen numerous system installations and led major operational streamlining initiatives, giving her firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing growers, shippers, and distributors today. In addition, she has consulted with organizations and associations across many of the industry’s leading sectors.

“I’m excited to welcome Amy Gates as CEO of Silo,” said Steven Ballantyne, Operating Partner at Banneker Partners. “Amy’s rare combination of deep produce software experience and proven operational leadership makes her ideally suited to steer Silo. Under her leadership, I believe Silo is positioned to help growers and distributors thrive with greater visibility, efficiency, and sustainable growth.”

Silo will showcase its platform at the Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, October 16–18, 2025.

“IFPA is the perfect time to discuss solutions that are especially relevant in today’s climate. Our customers are feeling the squeeze from every direction—rising production costs, tariffs, labor challenges, and supply chain disruptions all put constant pressure on margins. That’s precisely why I stepped into this role with Silo,” Amy reflects. “My background has always been rooted in operations, and I understand how critical it is to streamline the back-of-house, reduce costs, and give teams more control over their business.”

Attendees are invited to stop by Booth #2525 to meet Amy in person and discover how Silo can streamline operations, enhance visibility, and increase margins.

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - The word “cutting-edge” might not immediately come to mind when one thinks of produce packaging, but AIRVIA Technology—born from a partnership between Excalibur Plastics and Tychon Packaging—is looking to change that. The two collaborators have developed an innovative solution designed to keep snackable fruits and vegetables fresher for longer.

I turned to Kevin Kantati, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tychon Packaging, and David Boutros, Chief Executive Officer of Excalibur Plastics and part-owner of Tychon, to learn more about how this partnership and innovation came into being.

Tychon Packaging began in 2018 when Kevin saw an opportunity to create packaging designs for the cannabis industry. In doing so, Tychon Packaging created innovations such as child-resistant pouches, patented pre-roll containers, and the patented TyCann child-resistant cannabis drink topper, which is still the market leader in North America today.

“I got back into the produce industry after a friend asked me to help him out with his supply chain to see where we were able to save him money, but I was shocked to see nothing had really changed in the 10-plus years I’d been out,” Kevin said.

For an innovative thinker like Kevin, this was the antithesis of what he wanted to bring to produce packaging. Already in talks with Excalibur Plastics, Kevin knew he’d made the right choice when David instructed him to focus on innovation first and foremost.

The merger was settled in November of last year.

“Now we’re off to the races getting Kevin doing what he does best, and doing what we do best, which is manage companies,” shared David.

Shortly after the merger, Kevin texted David late at night with his latest idea. What appeared to David as a mere scribble of a Bundt cake was poised to be an exciting breakthrough in packaging technology.

The result was AIRVIA Technology, available in 1.5 lbs, 2 lbs formats, and an 18 oz clamshell, featuring a central—or in some cases—multiple protrusions that extend up into the packaging. Beyond these initial offerings, the technology can be integrated into various packaging designs already in use in the market today. The team is eager to collaborate with major chain stores and marketing companies to integrate AIRVIA into existing product lines and explore how far the innovation can go.

“This allows for better ventilation, which helps to eliminate any crowding effects such as yeast, mold, and bacteria,” David explained.

After finalizing the designs, Tychon partnered with A&L Laboratories in London, Ontario, to conduct independent testing. The results, as Kevin and David shared with me, were more than promising: the packaging reduced molding by an average of over 70 percent compared to conventional designs.

With this win behind them, the team applied for funding and received a $300,000 grant award from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON).

“They believe in our product and we're really excited about that,” David said. “We’ve secured additional funding to help us complete this project and explore further innovations planned for the following year.”

The company’s aim to increase freshness is paramount in an industry concerned with customer eating experience and food waste. And while the science behind the design is impressive, the real impact shows up where it matters most—in the hands of the consumer. Fresher packaging means fruits and vegetables hold onto their color, texture, and flavor longer, so what shoppers bring home looks and tastes better.

Lower yeast counts also help prevent off-flavors or sour notes that can sometimes develop, which in turn drives people away from eating produce. Beyond taste, there’s the peace of mind factor: even if microbes aren’t always dangerous, consumers naturally associate lower counts with safer, cleaner food—something especially important for parents buying for their families.

All of this builds trust in the brand itself, according to David and Kevin. When customers see packaging that actively works to protect freshness, it strengthens confidence and loyalty, giving them more reason to choose that product over the competition again and again. These benefits make AIRVIA Technology especially attractive to chain stores and marketing companies, who recognize that packaging that protects freshness is also a compelling marketing tool that can set their products apart on crowded retail shelves.

“Seeing packaging that helps protect food essentially restores confidence in choosing that brand over competitors,” added Kevin.

There’s much more to this packaging than I can fit into one article. Stick around for more details from Tychon Packaging, and be sure to visit the team at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show at booth #4430.