The outlook for fresh Mexican produce imports is positive. Growing numbers in fruit and vegetable crossings and the value of fresh products continues to increase through the Pharr International Bridge, according to Luis Bazan, the bridge’s director.

There are numerous reasons for exhibiting at Viva Fresh Expo 2021, according to Ronnie Cohen, vice president of Vision Import Group LLC.

“We can,” he said, noting that this is the first in-person produce convention since Coronavirus shut down the country in March 2020.

Even in 2020, Salix Fruits substantially expanded its global fruit trading business, according to Alejandro Moralejo, the firm’s CEO.

Speaking by Zoom from his Argentine office, Moralejo said business in the United States was a key part of the growth and will increasingly be Salix’ emphasis.

Poised to begin the second half of their marketing season, SweeTango apple growers across North America are advising their best retailers to stock up to meet continued strong demand from the variety’s passionate consumer fans.

One year after the 2020 Viva Fresh Expo was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show makes its return this year.

A great effort has been made to make the March 26-27 Viva Fresh Expo a “safe, in-person event,” said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, headquartered in Mission, TX.

The TIPA staff and its active and valuable industry volunteer leadership has worked tirelessly for eight months to assure this Dallas event will be safe for participants to come and greet one another.

Forager, a company focused on connecting local farmers with grocers to bring consumers healthy, locally sourced food, announced a new pilot partnership with Bashas’ Family of Stores across Arizona to significantly expand the number of suppliers and product offerings of locally sourced food. In partnering with Forager, Bashas’ is continuing its focus on building a state-of-the-art local sourcing program that can accommodate an increased number of vendors, and enable ‘hyperlocal’ sourcing across their brands.