Recently, Gary Clevenger and I spoke about the strength of its tropical program. Next, we dive into where consumer demand is headed, how investing in sustainability continues to give the supplier an edge, and where it sees itself in 2026.

Building out a strong tropical program has always been top of mind for Freska Produce International. Across mangos, avocados, and dragon fruit, as well as the company’s new dried mango line, Freska’s mission of delivering great fruit and building trust is apparent in every strategic move it makes.

We spoke with Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, to learn more about what’s in store for the end of this year and into 2026.

Gear up for an exciting multi-category spotlight at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show! Freska Produce International is bringing its avocado, mango, dragon fruit, and dried mango programs into the spotlight at this year’s event, along with high-quality strawberries from Bobalu. Showcasing together, the two brands will highlight a broad portfolio of fresh fruit offerings, giving buyers access to two category leaders in one place.

Sweet, vibrant, and irresistibly versatile, premium mangos aren’t just a fruit—they’re an opportunity to drive sales and customer loyalty. Just ask Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, Freska Produce International. With a career steeped in category differentiation, Gary joins me to discuss movement and supply within the segment and what we can expect as the summer moves toward September.

The organic category only continues to expand, and with companies like Freska Produce International leading the charge in organic mangos, it’s not hard to see why. Ready to showcase its premium line of organic mangos at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, California, the company explains how this core item continues to drive its growth and represent its commitment to providing high-quality, responsibly sourced tropical fruit to North America.

Come Cinco de Mayo, I always expect the produce department to be flush with avocados and mangos. The opportunities are not to be missed for both retailers and consumers, resulting in a boon for sales and the basket. Both categories win at the register during this time of year, as Gary Clevenger, Managing Member, Freska Produce International, shares with me.

Freska Produce International is entering the most exciting part of the produce calendar with promotable volumes of fresh mangos, peak California avocados, and a growing lineup of tropical innovations. Retail buyers are encouraged to take advantage of these timely opportunities for Easter, Cinco de Mayo, and summer promotions.

Freska Produce International, a leader in the Mango and Avocado sector, and Agrifruit, a leading Strawberry Marketer/Grower Processor, announced the joint appointment of Paul Gagliardi as Chief Financial Officer for both organizations, effective December 2, 2024. In this unique role, Gagliardi will oversee the financial strategies, planning, and operations for both companies, driving value creation and fostering collaboration across all financial aspects of both companies.

Just 10 years ago, I wrote a Snack article titled The Mango Kings, with Gary Clevenger and Jesus “Chuy” Loza—the Managing Members and backbone of Freska Produce International. That title resonates just as much with me today as it did a decade ago. Whenever I think of the Freska team and the driving force behind its successful mango (and now avocado) program, their core tenets arise: strategic thinking, adaptability, and innovation.

A major partnership within fresh produce has taken place, as Agrifruit and its affiliated companies—which include Bobalu, Agrifrost Processing, and West Coast Berry Farms—announced a new strategic alignment with Freska Produce International.

“We are excited about this new partnership to help further strengthen processing, logistics, and import opportunities to serve our customers as we draw from these industry leaders,” remarked Bobby Jones, Managing Partner, Agrifruit.