Global Fresh Series

In this timely episode of the Global Fresh Series , we sit down with Ron Lemaire , President of the Canadian Fresh Produce Association, for a candid conversation on one of the most challenging years the global fresh produce industry has faced in recent memory. Ron reflects on the realities of 2025—marked by shifting tariffs, trade uncertainty, and geopolitical pressures—and how these forces reshap...

The final Global Fresh Series episode of 2025 is all about celebration. We’re highlighting the people, ideas, and breakthroughs that shaped the year across the global fresh produce industry. From farm fields to global markets, this episode captures the energy, resilience, and innovation that defined 2025—and sets the stage for an exciting year ahead. Join us as we close the season with gratitude,...

Twas the price before Christmas, and all through the supply chain, avocados were falling while citrus felt the strain. In this festive episode of the Global Fresh Series , we unwrap the latest market moves—avocado prices hitting multi-year lows thanks to booming imports, while California citrus climbs to holiday-high territory. With a nod to a classic Christmas tale (reimagined with fresh produce)...

In this episode of the  Global Fresh Series , we begin with a lighthearted (and honest) reflection on holiday travel, how flying has changed over the years, and why a cup of fresh fruit might be the best carry-on you can bring. But quickly, the conversation turns serious as we examine how timing, weather, and global trade pressures are reshaping fresh produce supply chains. Shifting to t...

In this week’s episode, host  Juanita Gaglio  takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of the global fresh-produce scene — from  bananas mysteriously washing ashore on U.K. beaches  to the  first shipments of Chilean cherries  sparking excitement for the holiday season. We’ll also look at why  broccolini is having a major moment  on menus and market shelves alike...

In this episode of  The Global Fresh Series , we take a deep dive into the numbers shaping what’s on our plates — comparing the staggering $3.23 trillion global ultra-processed foods market with the $1.27 trillion fresh-produce sector projected by 2034. Host  Juanita Gaglio  unpacks where the real opportunities lie for fruits and vegetables to innovate, inspire, and add value — from...

In this episode of  The Global Fresh Series , we explore three dynamic stories shaping the produce world and beyond. First, we dive into the innovative trend of packing premium avocados in festive Christmas gift boxes—what it means for growers, exporters, retailers and the seasonal consumer mindset. Next, we examine the latest global public-health push around ultra-processed foods: how policy...

The Global Fresh Series is back with a triple-feature episode bursting with fresh trends and global milestones. We kick things off with the rising “sour grape” sensation taking over taste buds and social media. Then we dive into a historic turning point for British agriculture as the UK embraces precision breeding with a bold new regulatory framework. And finally, we head to Paris, where Natexpo 2...

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series , host Juanita Gaglio welcomes Patrick Kelly , founder and host of The Produce Industry Podcast , for an engaging conversation about the dynamic world of fresh produce. Together, they explore how international trade and global trade shows are shaping the future of the industry, and discuss the innovations, challenges, and opportunities driving growth arou...

In this  Part II  of our deep dive into the  ESM European Grocery Report 2025 , we unpack the fresh facts shaping the continent’s supermarket retail landscape. From internal country politics, inflation, geopolitics and tariffs that impact consumer behavior and how they are making their purchasing decisions, host  Juanita Gaglio  brings you the highlights that define t...

In this episode of  The Global Fresh Series , we unwrap the findings of the  ESM European Grocery Report 2025  — one of the most anticipated overviews of retail dynamics across Europe. From the rise of  private labels  to the reign of  trust-driven retail brands  like ICA, we explore what’s shaping the shelves, the shoppers, and the supply chains of tomorrow. Spo...

Anaheim buzzed with color, culture, and collaboration as the world’s fresh-produce leaders gathered for  IFPA 2025 . Join  The Global Fresh Series  as host, Juanita Gaglio recaps the show’s standout booths, boldest ideas, and inspiring speakers — from CarrieAnn Arias’s pear renaissance to ZAG’s call for digital defense. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed journey through the heart of fres...

In this episode of  The Global Fresh Series , we journey to the breathtaking region of South Tyrol, Italy — home to some of the world’s most celebrated apples. Our guest,  Hannes Tauber , Marketing Manager and CMO of  VOG – Home of Apples , shares his deep-rooted passion for apples, from bringing a sommelier event to apples to the growers who cultivate them, and the generations of t...

Broadcasting from vibrant Madrid, Spain; this episode of  The Global Fresh Series  takes you inside the magic of  Fruit Attraction 2025 , where innovation and heritage collide in the world of fresh produce.  Join host  Juanita Gaglio  as she paints the scene of a show pulsing with connection, culture, and creativity — from the buzzing halls of IFEMA to an unforgettabl...

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we sit down with Dave McCary of ZAG Technical Services to explore how cybersecurity and ransomware are reshaping the fresh produce industry. From recent high-profile attacks on produce companies to the hidden vulnerabilities in supply chains, Dave shares why protecting data and operations is just as critical as protecting the crops themselves. We discuss...

In this episode of the  Global Fresh Series , we begin with the curious and captivating story of French artist Agnès Varda, who transformed humble potatoes into symbols of beauty and individuality through her groundbreaking exhibit  Patatutopia . From there, we shift from art to agriculture with a conversation just as colorful and insightful. Joining us is  CarrieAnn Arias , Preside...

In today’s captivating episode of the Global Fresh Series, Co-Founder and COO  Xander Shapiro  of  Akorn Technology  shares how his team has developed a revolutionary fresh fruit coating so natural and pure that he actually drinks it during the show!  Xander explains the coating’s origins, crafted from natural plant based ingredients and non-GMO corn and how it delivers th...

Europe’s orchards and fields are buzzing with big harvest news. Crossing the continent we take a look at the EU’s fresh vegetable and fruits which commodities and countries were the top producers. Vegetable harvests rose while it was a contrasting story for EU fruit production. Against this backdrop, Germany is breaking the trend: its apple growers expect a  record 2025 harvest...

From 3D printers turning food waste into useful products to drones flying over fields and orchards, agri-tech is reshaping the way we grow, move, and sustain fresh produce. In this episode of the  Global Fresh Series , host Juanita Gaglio explores how technology is transforming agriculture on the ground and in the sky. Hear how drones in China covered 173 million hectares in 2024, slashi...

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series , host Juanita Gaglio takes a crisp bite into the world of apples — one of the most iconic and widely consumed fruits on the planet. From global production statistics to surprising consumption trends, Juanita explores where apples stand in the produce industry and why they continue to dominate grocery aisles year after year. You'll hear about top-producin...

Join us as we sit down with  Stephanie Bazan, Senior VP of Commercial Strategy and Execution at Avocados From Mexico , the world’s leading supplier of fresh avocados with a remarkable 40% share in the global export market. We dive into the exponential growth of Mexican avocados, the strategies behind their global success, and what the future holds for this powerhouse commodity. First Class Sp...

Food price volatility touches everyone—from farmers and retailers to families at the dinner table. In this episode, we sit down with Professor David L. Ortega, a leading voice in agricultural and food sector economics. With a track record that includes testimony before the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees, and insights featured in top outlets like  The New York Times , NPR, and&nb...

Pack your virtual bags and join us on today’s Global Fresh Series episode as we head to Italy for an inside look at  Macfrut —one of the world’s premier B2B trade fairs for the fruit and vegetable sector. Our special guest shares how this internationally renowned event brings together exhibitors, buyers, and innovators from across the globe. Discover how Macfrut is not only a dynamic marketpl...

Join us on this episode of the Global Fresh Series as we follow the journey of the  Import Promotion Desk (IPD)  — a dynamic organization connecting small and medium-sized suppliers from emerging markets to the European Union. With the support of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development , IPD helps pave the way for long-term trade relationships that benef...

In today’s episode of the  Global Fresh Series , we head south to the heart of Mexican avocado country for our first-ever conversation with a Mexican avocado company. Discover the unique advantages of Mexico’s diverse growing regions and how a strong commitment to sustainability is helping these growers stay competitive in the global marketplace. Join us in the avocado fields and find out wha...