Audio · 5th Nov 2026 · 17m
This week on the Global Fresh Series, we examine three major stories shaping the global fresh produce industry. First, We ake a close look at the mounting pressures facing France's ready-to-eat salad and fresh-cut vegetable sector. Climate extremes, irrigation shortages, rising production costs, and stagnant pricing are squeezing growers and processors, with some reporting crop losses of up to 70 percent. Industry leaders are calling for urgent collaboration across the supply chain to protect the future of this vital category. Followed with a look at Chilean cherries, where the 2026 cherry season is underway with shipments from a single packing line reaching markets across three continents, all adhering to the same rigorous quality standards under the iconic "I Heart Cherry" label. Then, we explore the future of the global blueberry industry as Cort Brazelton of Fall Creek predicts worldwide production could grow by another one million tons by 2030, while warning that profitability, quality consistency, labor costs, and operational efficiency remain key challenges.
Join us for insights into the opportunities, risks, and innovations driving today's interconnected global fresh produce marketplace.