Although I am still mourning the cancelation of my tropical vacation this past summer, one thing has helped me live my full island fantasy—mangos. With my intake of the sweet fruit at an all-time high, I was excited to be able to sit down with Tom Hall, Sales Manager at Freska Produce International, to get some insights into the current mango market.

It is a rare moment when balance occurs in the produce industry. While 2020 has brought more than its fair share of challenges, Freska Produce International is making mangos out of the blessings.

As we move further into the summer months, retailers will be looking for those fresh produce items to cross-merchandise with other seasonal goodies. Mangos are one such goodie that stands out in both the produce aisle and beyond, as its necessity as a poolside sweet during the hottest months of the years can’t be contested—by this trade news writer or Freska Produce International.

What can I say about avocados that hasn’t already been said? They’re green, they’re versatile, and they’re verifiably delicious. While all of us may have an arsenal of avo-puns in our back pockets, Gary Clevenger, Managing Principal at Freska Produce International, is here to tell you something you don’t know. Mother Nature is turning over a new leaf, and Freska’s premium avocado harvest is now well underway.

Mangos are one category that few growers specialize in. Be it the specialty allure or the challenge that is growing a perfect mango, it takes a determined and dedicated company to harvest this fruit. Freska Produce International is one example of this, importing and growing its mangos year-round. Managing Principal Gary Clevenger is eager to push Freska’s premium mangos in the retail sector as the company’s season is now in full swing.

As one of the biggest names in our industry, events put on by the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) are automatically qualified as must-attend. As SEPC’s annual Southern Exposure show draws near, produce purveyors across all sectors are ramping up to strut their stuff. One exhibitor that will show out this year is the esteemed grower partner Freska Produce. To get a better sense of what Freska hopes to gain from Southern Exposure, I tapped Gary Clevenger, Managing Principal, in this exclusive.

There is nothing quite like the flavor, texture, scent, and overall eating experience of a really great mango. And there is nothing quite like finding—this being the consumer in me speaking—a retailer I can rely on for a consistent and delicious mango program and supplier partner. When I put my B2B hat back on, one of the companies that always comes to mind when I think of mango excellence is Freska Produce International.

Fair Trade USA is an industry program to get behind as fresh produce companies look to raise the bar of social and corporate responsibility across their business platforms. Over the last few years, companies like Freska Produce International have helped to lead the charge as the company has seen, first hand, how the Fair Trade USA certification has impacted its business.

It is a transitional time for the mango game as Mexico winds down and Brazil ramps up. I checked in with Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner at Freska Produce International, on the current state of one of the world’s favorite fruits.

As one of the most popular fruits in the world, mangos are a must-have, front-and-center category for retailers and foodservice operators looking to meet the consumer demand for both flavor and nutrition. Bringing that delicious and vitamin-packed fruit to the forefront in 2018 is Freska Produce, and its year-round mango program.