Publication date: October 21, 2026
Source: The Produce News Sightings
Publication date: October 2, 2026
“We are excited to return with a larger presence that reflects our company’s continued importance in the tropical fruit marketplace across North America,” said Melissa Hartmann de Barros, director of communications for HLB Specialties. “This new booth represents not only where we are today, but also the exciting direction in which we are headed.”
Publication date: April 13, 2026
One of the company’s standout success stories remains its drinking coconut program, which has expanded significantly since its launch. “We continue to see strong success with our drinking coconut programs,” said Melissa Hartmann de Barros, director of communications for the Fort Lauderdale, FL-based company. “HLB now supplies multiple retailers across the country, and we are beginning to expand internationally as well.”
Publication date: February 23, 2026
Multiple road blockages are currently disrupting the movement of shipments in Mexico after a prominent cartel leader was killed on Sunday, Feb. 22. Blockages include routes not directly affected by attacks on infrastructure or businesses. In addition, the USDA has suspended operations in Mexico for Monday, Feb. 23. As a result, pre-clearance procedures have been temporarily paused, including irradiation, hot water treatment and required pre-inspections for certain crops.
Publication date: December 11, 2025
More recently, retailers have started to display papayas with more color and a higher maturation. As a result, the fruit looks more attractive, and retailers sell a higher volume, generating a positive impact on the dollar value per square foot. With the results being so evident, more and more retailers believe in the fact that showing color is the correct way to display the fruit.
Publication date: November 19, 2025
Items that are currently in season for HLB and enjoying a tariff removal are rambutan from Central America, dragon fruit from Ecuador, coconuts from Asia and Central America as well as lychees from South Africa. “These exotic and tropical fruits are non-essential items and there is a direct correlation between the retail price and the demand,” Ocampo said. “When they are affordable, demand immediately goes up.”
Publication date: October 9, 2025
“The PMA, now IFPA, convention has been an important event for our business for at least 25 years,” said Andres Ocampo, CEO of the Fort Lauderdale, FL-based company that is now entering its 37th year. “It’s the one national show in the U.S. that consolidates the entire industry into one event, so it allows us to spend time with our customers while also seeking out new business opportunities and learning about the latest trends in the industry.”
Publication date: August 27, 2025
U.S. fresh produce imports from Brazil are subject to a 50 percent import tariff, which became effective on August 6, 2025. “Since it has only been into effect for three weeks, it is too early to assess the impact,” says Andrés Ocampo, CEO of HLB Specialties who brings in papayas from Brazil. “We do know there will be consequences because such a high price increase is difficult to offset,” he added. Tightening margins or creating efficiencies won’t be sufficient to make up for the increase. “We do what we can, but we won’t be able to absorb this price increase in full,” he said.
Publication date: July 3, 2025
My goal is to introduce as many people to exotic fruits as possible. By the end of the decade, I would love to hear many more people include mangosteen, rambutan, Samba papaya, guava, granadilla, and other exotics into their vocablary as fruits they’re familiar with and eat on a regular basis. We want to be part of a health revolution, in which consumers reach for a fruit as a snack instead of ultra-processed foods. Produce in general needs to occupy a much more significant role in people’s diets, especially kids. Children will emulate their parents’ habits, so it’s up to each adult to model healthy behavior.
