Canadian Produce Marketing Association President Ron Lemaire delivered a clear and confident message April 29 at the Association’s 2026 annual convention: Canada’s fresh produce sector operating under real pressure — but it is not breaking.

Addressing industry leaders from across the supply chain, Lemaire framed the state of the sector around a central theme of adaptive capacity — the ability of the produce industry to flex, adjust, and perform under sustained strain while continuing to deliver food security, affordability and resilience for Canadians.

Florida Thai guava season has officially started. Tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta produces the crunchy, snackable tropical fruit at its home ranch in Homestead, FL.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on 12 produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the businesses’ principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

WP Produce is seeing strong alignment between supply and demand this spring, particularly within the growing tropical fruit category.

Gennaro (Jerry) George Bifulco, 64, died at home on April 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous two-year battle with Glioblastoma.

Mr. Bifulco was born in Staten Island, NY, where he developed a love of farming at an early age. His passion moved with him to Pittsgrove, NJ, in 1970, where he continued the family tradition as a proud third-generation farmer. Hardworking and patient, Mr. Bifulco took great pride in his work and in preserving the legacy passed down through generations.

Zespri said it is excited to launch RubyRed kiwifruit this season in the U.S. and Canada. It complements the Zespri portfolio of SunGold and green kiwi reaching nutrient-focused shoppers looking for something fresh and exciting. Shoppers can have a new eating experience with RubyRed kiwi’s vibrant red interior and delicious, berry-sweet taste. The innovative fruit is high in antioxidant Vitamin C. It also includes anthocyanins, naturally occurring pigments that give it its vibrant red color.