The Produce Reporter Week in Review August 8, 2025  

This week we saw several acquisitions by private equity companies, and new tariffs went into effect. 

Starting with the tariffs, President Trump signed an Executive Order July 31 expanding tariffs and clarifying others, going into effect the beginning of the day on August 7. New tariffs go into effect this week – Blue Book 

For the produce industry, the most important aspect was the news on Canada and Mexico. Mexico was granted a 90-day pause on any additional tariffs as negotiations continue.  

USMCA-compliant items, including most produce items, remain exempt from new tariffs. 

On Canada, a new 35 percent tariff went into effect, but, like Mexico, USMCA-compliant items, including most produce, remain exempt from new tariffs. 

The 10 percent default rate remains in effect except for some country-specific tariffs. The International Fresh Produce Association updated its tariffs fact sheet for more details here.

The National Restaurant Association sent a request to the U.S. Trade Representative requesting exemptions for food and beverages, saying these items are not major contributors to the U.S. trade imbalance, and tariffs on them will raise the cost for operators and diners. NRA urges food and beverages to be exempted from tariffs – Blue Book 

The Trump administration has not granted exemptions like this, at this point. 

Mergers and acquisitions 

Arable Capital Partners made waves this week, as its portfolio company organicgirl LLC acquired Braga Fresh LLC and Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle. Arable Capital Partners’ organicgirl acquires Braga Fresh and Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle – Blue Book 

Also in Arable Capital Partners portfolio are Progressive Produce, Pacific Trellis Fruit, Royal Ridge Fruits, Blazer Wilkinson Gee, and Laurel Ag & Water. 

Dole reported that the sale was for $140 million. In February 2024, Dole sold its 65 percent equity stake in Progressive Produce to Arable Capital Partners for $120 million. Dole plc sells Progressive Produce for $120MM – Blue Book 

Fellow private equity firm CREO Capital Partners acquired Bova Fresh, a Florida-based wholesaler. CREO said the move takes advantage of Bova’s expertise in areas such as avocados, which will benefit other CREO companies such as Yucatan Guacamole. PE firm acquires Florida distributor Bova Fresh – Blue Book 

Other CREO portfolio food companies include La Tortilla Factory, Mama Lupe’s, Young Guns Hatch Valley Chile, Flagship Logistics Group, Atlantic Foods Group, and TJ Farms Select. 

Like many private equity acquisitions we’ve seen in the produce industry, CREO says Bova’s leadership team will remain in place to run the business.  

This seems like an industry trend still on the rise as private equity companies see value in food businesses, ways to help them operate more efficiently, and with better partnership networks.