Global Fresh Series

This week on Global Fresh Series, we explore the consumer marketing strategies behind two standout apple varieties: Cosmic Crisp and Kissabel®. While one has built its brand around crunch, consistency, and nationwide appeal targeting the EU consumer with eating experiences; the other captivates shoppers with its striking red flesh and premium positioning. Join us as we unpack how these very different apples are connecting with consumers and carving out their place in the produce aisle. 🍎🎙️#freshapples. #cosmiccrisp. #Kissabel®. #consumers

El Niño is back, and its impact is being felt in potato fields around the world. This episode of Global Fresh examines how shifting temperatures, rainfall patterns, and growing conditions are influencing potato harvests on different continents. What does it mean for growers, markets, and consumers? Tune in to find out.#potatoes. #elnino #freshproduce

Global Fresh Series Podcast welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Groh, Ph.D., for a fascinating discussion on his research into avocado flower biology and the unique reproductive patterns that make avocados one of nature’s most intriguing crops. In this episode, Dr. Groh explores how avocado flowers function with both female and male phases at different times of the day, the science behind this phenomenon, and what it means for pollination, fruit production, and the future of avocado cultivation.Join us for an engaging conversation that bridges cutting-edge research with real-world agricultural impact, offering fresh insights into the remarkable biology behind one of the world’s most popular fruits. 🎙️🥑#avocadospollination. #freshproduce. #avocados

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we take a closer look at the latest apple outlooks from two of the world's key producing markets: Germany and the United States.Germany's growers are facing a challenging season as heat waves, hail, and extreme weather reduce apple production and impact fruit quality across major growing regions. Meanwhile, the U.S. apple industry is navigating a smaller crop, shifting varietal preferences, rising production costs, and growing export opportunities in key markets such as Mexico and Canada.#freshapples #EUappleproduction #USAapples. #freshfruit

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we explore the powerful market forces reshaping the global produce industry.California's grape season is running dramatically ahead of schedule, setting the stage for a potentially tight supply situation later this year. We examine what an early finish in California and an early start in Peru could mean for retailers, importers, and consumers.We also discuss the rapid resumption of avocado shipments from Mexico's Michoacán region following a temporary inspection pause that raised concerns throughout the North American supply chain. What does this latest incident mean for the future of avocado imports and grower confidence?In the kiwifruit category, Zespri is seeking refunds on tariffs paid under a U.S. trade program after a landmark court ruling opened the door for billions of dollars in potential claims. We look at the implications for growers and international produce exporters.Finally, we spotlight the growing success of Egyptian mango exports as European demand continues to rise. With competitive pricing, strong quality programs, and strategic access to major markets, Egypt is positioning itself as an increasingly important mango supplier on the global stage.From trade policy and supply chain disruptions to shifting production calendars and emerging export opportunities, this episode delivers the insights you need to stay ahead in the fresh produce business.#zespritariffs. #californiagrapes. #avocadosmexico. #Egyptianmangoes

Recent food safety alerts have put fresh produce under the spotlight once again. This week's Global Fresh Series examines the latest outbreaks, recalls, and industry responses while exploring how growers, shippers, retailers, and foodservice operators can protect consumer confidence during times of heightened concern. A must-listen discussion on one of the industry's most important topics.#foodbornilness #lettuce # jalapenopeppers. #FDAfoodinspectors

This week on the Global Fresh Series Podcast, we explore the European Union's record-breaking fruit imports, which reached $77.4 billion in 2025, cementing its position as the world's largest fruit importer. From bananas and avocados to grapes, blueberries, and almonds, we examine the consumer trends, supply chain dynamics, and global suppliers fueling Europe's growing appetite for fresh produce. Join us as we discuss what this import surge means for exporters, retailers, and the future of international fruit trade. 🎙️🍌🥑🍇🫐🌍#EUfruitimports. #bananas. #avocados #grapes #shelledalmonds

From an update on cyclosporiasis and its implications for the fresh produce industry to emerging scientific findings on lycopene-rich tomatoes and Parkinson's disease, this week's edition covers two important stories at the intersection of public health, food safety, and nutrition science.#cyclosporiasis. #lycopene #tomatoes #parkinsons

In this episode of the Weekly Global Fresh Series, we examine the recent cyclosporiasis outbreak impacting the U.S. market and explore its implications for public health, fresh produce supply chains, and food safety practices. Our coverage break down what cyclosporiasis is, how outbreaks are investigated, the challenges facing growers and retailers, and the critical steps the fresh produce industry can take to strengthen consumer confidence and protect public health.#foodsafety. #cyclosporiasis. #freshproduce #lettuce

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we welcomed Nick Lanoil and Chef Daniel Asher of The Maverick Culinary Collective for an engaging conversation on bringing innovation to foodservice. The duo shared how their unique approach helps chefs elevate menus by pairing fresh produce with thoughtfully selected complementary ingredients, creating solutions that inspire creativity, efficiency, and exceptional dining experiences. Discover how collaboration, culinary expertise, and fresh ingredients come together to help foodservice operators deliver bold flavors and memorable dishes.#foodservice. #freshproduce. #culinarycollective

What will it take to keep Europe's pear orchards thriving in the decades ahead? In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we dive into groundbreaking research on heat tolerance, water efficiency, and sustainable production that's redefining the future of pear growing. Join us for an insightful conversation with experts leading the way.#freshpears. #Europesummers #precisionagriculture

Tune in for a timely discussion on the risks, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of fresh produce in the face of rising temperatures.Europe's latest heat wave is creating significant challenges across the fresh produce industry, from fields and orchards to distribution centers and retail shelves. In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we explore how extreme temperatures are impacting crop yields, product quality, harvesting schedules, transportation logistics, and market pricing across key growing regions.Join us as we examine the short- and long-term effects of climate-driven weather events on the global fresh produce supply chain, hear insights from industry experts, and discuss the strategies growers, shippers, and retailers are using to maintain supply, reduce losses, and build resilience in an increasingly volatile environment.#heatstress. #Europeheatwave. #heatagriculture. agriculturesupplychain

This week's Global Fresh Series takes you to the biggest stage—that could also be fresh produce's biggest opportunity, the FIFA 2026 World Cup to explore how growers, marketers, retailers, commodity boards, and foodservice operators can leverage the world's biggest sporting event.With 48 nations competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, billions of viewers, millions of visitors, and six weeks of celebrations, the World Cup is far more than a sporting event—it's a global food occasion. Every match creates opportunities for family gatherings, watch parties, restaurant visits, retail promotions, and culturally inspired meals and it may represent the largest consumer engagement opportunity in a generation.#freshproduce. #FIFA2026worldcup #worldcupwatchparties #sportsconsumers

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series Podcast, we explore how Europe’s potato industry — especially Belgium’s iconic frozen fry sector — was hit by a massive agricultural and economic crisis in 2026. Beyond potatoes, the episode is a broader story about globalization, supply chains, farming economics, and the uncertainty facing the next generation of agricultural producers.At its heart, The Fry Crisis is a deeply human story — one about farmers confronting shrinking margins, changing markets, and the fear that the “good years are over.”The story centers on Belgian farmer who was forced to dump thousands of tons of unsold potatoes back into his fields after prices collapsed to zero. The surplus, estimated at five million metric tons across Europe, was driven by a combination of record harvests, shrinking global demand, rising production costs, geopolitical instability, and changing consumer habits.#Belgiumpotatoes # potato exports #frenchfries #glp-1

n this episode of the Global Fresh Series Podcast, we are joined by Athena Vorillas for an engaging discussion on Greece’s vibrant food culture, agricultural heritage, and evolving fresh produce sector. From the deep-rooted importance of olives, citrus, and traditional Mediterranean ingredients to modern consumer trends and the role of fresh food in Greek society, Athena offers valuable insight into how Greece’s culinary identity continues to influence both local markets and global perceptions. Discover the intersection of tradition, nutrition, and agriculture in one of the world’s most historically rich food cultures.#greekfreshproduce #innovation #naxosfresh #freshproduce

In this week’s Global Fresh Series, we explore why 2026 may prove to be a defining turning point for the global fresh produce industry. From escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies to extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and climate-driven production challenges, the sector is navigating unprecedented uncertainty. Join us as we examine how growers, exporters, retailers, and industry leaders are adapting to a rapidly changing landscape, through mergers and acquistions, and what these forces mean for the future of global fresh food production, pricing, and food security.#freshproducemergers #valueadded #freshproduceinflection #innovation

This week on the Global Fresh Series we conclude our exclusive coverage of the 43rd edition of Macfrut 2026, reflecting on three dynamic days that showcased the very best of the global fresh produce industry. From groundbreaking innovations and international partnerships to emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives, and key market opportunities, Macfrut once again proved why it remains one of the industry’s premier global events. We break down the major highlights, influential conversations, and strategic takeaways from the show floor while also looking ahead to the future evolution of Macfrut and its expanding role in shaping the worldwide produce sector.#macfrut2026 #innovation #avocados #mangoes #produceindustrynetwork

Two stories. Two continents. One interconnected industry.From booming avocado exports to complex trade policy shifts, this episode dives into the opportunities, challenges, and strategies shaping the future of fresh.In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we connect the dots across two powerful forces shaping the fresh produce industry in 2025 and beyond.First, we head to Colombia, where Hass avocados are driving remarkable agricultural growth, with exports surging and Europe absorbing more than 60% of shipments. From the dominance of the Netherlands to rising demand in Germany and Spain, we explore how Colombia is strengthening its position in some of the world’s most competitive markets—and what it will take to sustain that momentum.Then, we shift to the United States, where a massive tariff refund effort—totaling over $166 billion—is unfolding. With new systems in development and timelines still uncertain, we break down what this means for importers, cash flow, and the broader global supply chain.#colombiaavocados #agriculture #tariffs. #hassavocados

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we welcome a guest whose personal story has moved millions and sparked international change. Once a nuclear submarine engineer, he was thrust into the global spotlight after the tragic loss of his son during the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak. Since then, he’s become a leading voice in food safety, advising agencies like the FDA, USDA, and CDC.Featured in CNN interviews and the 2023 Emmy award-winning Netflix documentary Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food, he brings a powerful blend of personal conviction, policy expertise, and advocacy to the conversation.Tune in as we explore how one father’s tragedy transformed into a mission to protect families worldwide—and how the fresh produce industry plays a key role in building a safer, more transparent food system.🎙️ This is an episode you won’t want to miss.First Class Sponsorship: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.:  https://www.zagtech.com/ , Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Produce Industry Network sits down with Paul Brabant of HSAT, a cutting-edge technology company using AI and satellite data to transform agriculture. From predicting weather conditions for specific fields to optimizing crop management and achieving an incredible 95% yield prediction accuracy, HSAT is leading the way. With the world’s largest data collection team dedicated to building AI models, they are setting a new standard for precision farming. Tune in to discover how data-driven insights are reshaping the future of fresh produce!Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.:  https://www.zagtech.com/ , Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us as we dive into the TR4 epidemic threatening the global banana supply and explore groundbreaking solutions like liquid nanoclay technology in the Sahara Desert. Discover how this innovation is reviving arid lands for fresh produce cultivation and hear about the surprising success of blueberry trials in Egypt. This episode sheds light on the challenges and triumphs shaping the future of our global food system.Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.:  https://www.zagtech.com/ , Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dive into the fascinating world of agriculture and trade with the latest updates on New Zealand Zespri growers approving increased hectares for SunGold volume,, the rise of Moroccan blueberries as a global favorite, and a historic trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries that promises to transform free trade. Discover exotic Asian fruits and vegetables while uncovering the secrets of Australian bush foods like the unique quandong. Join us for an insightful journey through the intersection of farming, culture, and commerce!Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.:  https://www.zagtech.com/ , Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we dive into Zespri’s bold move to let growers decide on ramping up Sun Gold Kiwi production in response to skyrocketing demand. Next, we unpack the devastating impact of the DANA weather front on Valencia, Spain, and what it means for the region’s agricultural future. Finally, meet the new COO of the Port of Rotterdam, as we explore their vision for one of Europe’s busiest fresh produce gateways. Don't miss this essential update for the global fresh industry!Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.:  https://www.zagtech.com/ , Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠