Inside SEKOYA's blueberry success story

🌱 Good afternoon, and welcome to today's fresh newsletter! 

👉 In today's email:

• Mandarin Production in Peru to Reach 560,000 Metric Tons

• Solata Foods to Recall Various Spinach Products

• CPMA Reports 2025 Trade Show is 90% Sold Out

• SEKOYA: Revolutionizing The Blueberry Market

MANDARIN

Mandarin Production in Peru to Reach 560,000 Metric Tons in 2024

Peru's mandarin and tangerine production is projected to reach 560,000 metric tons (MT) in the marketing year 2023/2024, marking a 2% increase from the previous year due to improved climate conditions and growing international demand.

This growth is expected to boost exports by 3%, reaching 210,000 MT, as the cooler weather benefits late-season varieties crucial for export quality.

Despite challenges faced by early varieties due to erratic weather and pest issues, the domestic market has remained stable.

Peru's production spans 13 regions, with coastal areas like Lima, Junin, and Ica leading due to their favorable conditions.

The industry’s focus on new royalty varieties, advanced farming techniques, and strong export promotion efforts highlights its resilience and commitment to growth.

SPINACH RECALL

Health Risk Forces Solata Foods to Recall Various Spinach Products

Solata Foods LLC has issued a recall for a range of spinach products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that poses serious health risks.

The recall includes products under several brand names, such as Solata, Gaia Organic, Full Circle Organic, Farmer Direct, Uncle Vinny’s, and Bogopa, all bearing specific lot numbers and expiration dates.

This action follows routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors, who detected the bacterium in a package of Bogopa "Fresh Spinach."

While no illnesses have been reported, Solata Foods has suspended production of the implicated products to prevent further risk.

Consumers are urged to return the recalled items for a full refund and can contact the company for more information.

CPMA

CPMA Reports 2025 Trade Show is 90% Sold Out

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) has announced that its 2025 Annual Convention and Trade Show, known as CPMA 2025 Fresh Week, is already 90% sold out.

Scheduled for April 8-10, 2025, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in Montreal, Quebec, the event will feature over 650 booths and numerous networking opportunities as part of CPMA's 100th anniversary celebration.

This year’s convention will host more than 300 companies worldwide, including major growers, importers, exporters, and other key players in the produce industry.

According to Ron Lemaire, President of CPMA, the event offers exceptional opportunities for education, networking, and business development.

CPMA 2025 Fresh Week will also include speaker sessions with industry experts, social evenings, an Innovation Zone, and a New Product Showcase, making it a pivotal event for the produce supply chain.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

SEKOYA: Revolutionizing The Blueberry Market

SEKOYA® has rapidly gained prominence in the global blueberry market since its inception in 2020, now operating in over 20 countries.

Led by a dedicated team including Hans Liekens, whom we had the opportunity to speak with, the company focuses on producing high-quality, resilient blueberry varieties suitable for year-round cultivation.

SEKOYA distinguishes itself through innovative blueberry varieties designed to be firm, flavorful, and long-lasting, catering specifically to the snacking market.

Their strategic approach includes a managed supply platform offering comprehensive services, quality assurance, and strong collaboration with grower-marketers.

This holistic method not only ensures superior product quality but also reduces food waste and enhances customer satisfaction.

Here’s why you should keep an eye on SEKOYA: they aim to capture 15% of the global blueberry market by 2028, driven by their unwavering commitment to consistent quality and an exceptional consumer experience.