The Chilean produce season is always in top gear during the winter, as cherries, blueberries, grapes and stone fruit are being imported into the United States.

Chile is the world’s leading exporter of cherries. The 2022-23 season closed with 83 million boxes exported and the industry was very hopeful for strong growth in 2023-24. Unfortunately, this has been a very challenging season for the Chilean cherry industry.

What is the secret sauce at E. Armata, the New York-based fruit and produce wholesaler now successfully run by the fourth generation of the family?

As we enter the new year, what’s in store in 2024 and beyond for produce? What will change and what won’t? How will it affect the consumers, retailers and produce companies?

For one thing, it won’t be business as usual for produce this year. There are just too many uncertainties in the air. Every level of the produce industry will be under more pressure and scrutiny than ever before to achieve the revenue numbers. This involves absolutely everyone.

I recently had a conversation with someone who did not understand why a brand would allocate funds to a YouTuber using their product. “Shoppers are not going to be influenced by someone on YouTube they’ve never heard of.” Fast forward to a conversation with my dad who was lamenting about this season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars featuring a few social influencers he had no idea who they were. “They aren’t stars.”

Well, maybe not to you.

The Southeast Produce Council announced the successful completion of its inaugural Next Generation Leadership Academy's immersive trip to the Research Triangle region in North Carolina.

Chile plays a pivotal role in the dynamic landscape of the global blueberry industry. Founded by Chilean blueberry growers, Agroberries, Berry Fresh’s parent company, sees the value that Chilean blueberries bring to the industry by filling a key supply window.