CHARLOTTE, NC - Making connections, new and old, at trade shows, is the lifeblood of this industry. Before Southern Innovations, taking place September 10–13, I connected with several folks across buy and supply to hear why this event is important to them.

Kim Andreason, Director of Produce, Jason’s Deli

"I’m excited to see everyone in the Queen City! This show is bittersweet as it’s my last SEPC as a board member. Produce is Like Family couldn’t be more true—I’ll miss working with my SEPC family, who always raise the bar to make each show better than the last. Don’t miss one of the best networking events in our industry!"

Jeff Cady, Vice President of Produce and Floral, Northeast Shared Services

"I look forward to Southern Innovations every year because it’s where the conversations about what’s next in fresh produce really happen. As we work to grow share and strengthen the produce category in our marketing areas, the partnerships and ideas that come out of this event are priceless. It’s a place where innovation meets execution, which benefits the suppliers, the retailers, and of course, the shoppers."

Matt Mastronardi, Executive Vice President, Pure Flavor®

“We’re excited to meet with retailers face-to-face to showcase our latest innovation for the upcoming holiday season. These shows give us the opportunity to share what’s new, get real-time feedback, and discuss how our solutions can help elevate their seasonal programs. This year’s product lineup is truly something special, and it’s built to deliver both flavor and value at shelf.”

AndNowUKnow will continue covering the show, so stay tuned!

ORLANDO, FL - The path to becoming a mango expert has become even smoother as a result of the National Mango Board’s (NMB) efforts to support category growth. Through its unique, dual-track education program, Mango University, the organization supports industry members and chefs in their pursuit of category expertise.

“The Mango University program is about more than just education—it’s about supporting chefs in their culinary journey and ultimately providing a competitive advantage for anyone in the industry looking to capitalize on the growing demand for mangos,” shared Ramon Ojeda, NMB Executive Director. “Mangos are a remarkably versatile and nutritious superfruit, and the new program will offer in-depth, accessible, and mango-specific learning resources to help established and up-and-coming foodservice chefs maximize their delicious flavor.”

The National Mango Board recently elevated its Mango University program with the new Fresh Mango Culinary Education course, which provides valuable insights to culinary students, professionals, and curious minds alike. The free, self-paced, online program will educate participants in several key areas, including:

• Learning how to cut, select, store, and prep fresh mango
• Discovering how mango adds color, flavor, and superfruit nutrition to a wide variety of global dishes
• Exploring the naturally invigorating benefits of fresh mango, including its 20 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Completing six interactive modules, chapter quizzes, and earning a certificate of completion

With more than 2,000 active users, Mango University continues to attract curious minds and culinary professionals alike. The program is ACF-approved for 8.5 continuing education hours, and culinary participants can simply add their ACF number during registration to receive credit upon completion.

From chefs to retailers to food aficionados, Mango University is an engaging and flexible way to bring global flavor to the next generation.

For more industry news and opportunities, keep reading AndNowUKnow!

WASHINGTON, DC & IRVINE, CA - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) issued the following statement in response to the second report released by the White House’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission:

“IFPA welcomes the publication of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s second report, which marks an important step in elevating nutrition as a national public health priority. We applaud the Commission’s recognition of the vital role ‘whole, healthy’ foods like fresh produce play in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Simply put, you cannot make America healthy again without fruits and vegetables.

“Building on this momentum, IFPA urges policymakers to take bold, practical action. Our evidence-based policy recommendations call for the Department of Health and Human Services to embed produce prescriptions as a covered benefit within federal health programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs; urge Congress and USDA to expand the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) to all schools and improve fresh produce procurement options in feeding programs; ask FDA to prioritize clear and transparent front-of-pack labeling to help consumers make informed choices; and support all production systems including voluntary, incentive-based regenerative agriculture policies that focus on strengthening soil health, biodiversity and water efficiency while ensuring a sustainable produce supply.

“In the months ahead, IFPA will focus its efforts on both administrative and congressional pathways to make our recommendations a reality. The fresh produce industry stands ready to partner with the Trump administration, lawmakers, and nutrition and agricultural leaders to ensure every American has access to the fruits and vegetables they need for a healthier life.”

In response to the MAHA Commission report released, Western Growers also issued the following statement:

“The Trump Administration’s MAHA Commission finally places a long-overdue emphasis on realigning our national food and nutrition policies to greatly enhance the role of fresh produce,” said Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia, in the recent release. “At the same time, the Commission has created a roadmap that cuts regulatory red tape and fosters innovation in much-needed research necessary to protect and strengthen the ability of American growers to provide these fresh fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. We thank the Administration for this needed disruption to our national food policies and look forward to collaborating with the Administration and the MAHA Commission on making America’s farmers the foundational strength of a healthier population.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Following a near-record peak this summer, import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to steadily decline for the remainder of the year amid rising tariffs, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“We have seen the implementation of reciprocal tariffs across the globe, with a number of key trading partners being subjected to tariffs higher than the earlier 10% tariffs,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said in the release. “We also continue to see more and more sectoral tariffs impacting a wider scope of products. Retailers have stocked up as much as they can ahead of tariff increases, but the uncertainty of U.S. trade policy is making it impossible to make the long-term plans that are critical to future business success. These tariffs and disruptions to the supply chain are adding costs that will ultimately lead to higher prices for American consumers.”

While “reciprocal” tariffs on a number of countries took effect in early August, a federal appeals court later ruled against President Donald Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose the tariffs, but left them in place while the ruling is under appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Trump delayed an increase in tariffs on China by 90 days to Nov. 10 so trade negotiations could continue. Trump also announced an additional 25% tariff on India that took effect near the end of August, bringing the additional tariff rate to 50%.

“Tariffs have had a significant impact on trade,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “The trade outlook for the final months of the year is not optimistic.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.36 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in July, although numbers for New York/New Jersey, Port Everglades, and Miami were estimated because they have not yet reported their data. That was up 20.1% from June as retailers brought in merchandise ahead of tariffs set to take effect in August, and up 1.8% year over year. It would be the second-busiest month on record, topped only by 2.4 million TEU in May 2022.

Ports have not yet reported numbers for August, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.28 million TEU, down 1.7% year over year but higher than that 2.2 million TEU expected before the postponement of China tariffs and the new tariff on India.

September is forecast at 2.12 million TEU, down 6.8% year over year; October at 1.95 million TEU, down 13.2%, and November at 1.74 million TEU, down 19.7%. December is forecast at 1.7 million TEU, down 20.1% year over year for the slowest month since 1.62 million TEU in March 2023.

While the falling monthly totals are related to tariffs, the year-over-year percentage declines are both because of this year’s early peak season and because imports in late 2024 were elevated by concerns about port strikes.

The first half of 2025 totaled 12.53 million TEU, up 3.6% year over year. The full year is forecast at 24.7 million TEU, down 3.4% from 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

January 2026 is forecast at 1.8 million TEU, down 19.1% year over year.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker or by calling (202) 783-7971. Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalporttracker.com.

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF analyzes economic conditions affecting the industry through reports such as Global Port Tracker.

YAKIMA, WA - Proprietary Variety Management (PVM) announced the promotion of Marlisa Garcia from Marketing Coordinator to Marketing Manager.

Garcia joined PVM after earning her B.S. in Business/Marketing from Portland State University and quickly became a key contributor to the Cosmic Crisp® brand and broader PVM marketing initiatives.

In her new role, Garcia will continue to lead social and digital programs, manage content development in partnership with agency teams, oversee packaging design and approvals, and support industry stakeholders both domestically and internationally. She will also expand into media relations and the launch marketing of new PVM brands in the near future.

Garcia’s roots in Washington’s tree fruit industry run deep. A Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) scholarship recipient from Brewster, Washington, she spent summers and school breaks working a variety of roles in the industry—experience that informs her practical, results-driven approach to brand building.

“Watching Marlisa’s growth at PVM has been incredibly rewarding,” said Kathryn Grandy, Chief Marketing Officer, PVM, in the recent release. “She came in with strong fundamentals and, through dedication and curiosity, rapidly expanded her skill set—leading integrated social programs, coordinating complex packaging updates, and strengthening relationships with partners across Washington and international markets. Marlisa embodies PVM’s commitment to thoughtful, high-integrity marketing of our brands, and this promotion reflects the leadership she already brings to our team every day.”

OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce, Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, reported its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended July 31, 2025.

Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Financial Overview:

• Total revenue increased 10% to $357.7 million compared to the same period last year
• Net income of $14.7 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared to $12.4 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the same period last year
• Adjusted net income of $18.2 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to $16.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the same period last year
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 3% to $32.6 million, compared to $31.5 million in the same period last year

CEO Message

Steve Barnard, CEO of Mission, stated in the recent report, "This quarter, our commercial team demonstrated its unique ability to effectively program our owned Peruvian production to strategically deliver fruit into multiple global regions, resulting in supply consistency for our consumers and another quarter of strong financial performance. Our vertically integrated model, which combines a year-round sourcing network, owned production, global marketing and distribution capabilities, and value-add services, allows Mission to provide category leadership to drive global consumption. What's particularly encouraging is how our operations have adapted to market volatility — we've now demonstrated our ability to deliver solid results whether facing difficult supply conditions or favorable harvest environments, reflecting the consistency and operational excellence that helps us navigate various headwinds and capitalize on opportunities as they arise. With our strong operational performance and continued focus on working capital management, we generated $34 million of operating cash flow during the third quarter and expect to build on this in the fourth quarter as we sell the balance of our owned-crop inventory."

Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Consolidated Financial Review

• Total revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 increased $33.7 million, or 10% to $357.7 million compared to the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by the Marketing & Distribution segment, where avocado volume sold increased 10%, partially offset by a decrease in average per-unit avocado sales prices of 5%. Volume and price movements resulted from higher Peruvian avocado production driven by more favorable weather conditions in the current year and greater availability of Mexican fruit due to harvest disruptions in the previous year.
• Gross profit increased $8.1 million or 22% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 to $45.1 million, while gross profit percentage increased 120 basis points compared to the same period last year, to 12.6% of revenue. The increase was driven by the International Farming segment, where avocado production was significantly higher due to increased yields at our farms.

See the full report here.