Freska Produce International's Gary Clevenger Discusses Strong Tropical Program Headed into 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.

“We’re now operating one of the most reliable year-round mango programs in the business, with supply coming from Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil,” Gary kicks off. “That multi-origin approach gives us stability and flexibility, no matter how the season shifts. We’ve also become more vertically integrated, now controlling our own trucking from our Mexican packing houses. That gives us tighter command over temperature, timing, and overall quality, so when the fruit hits the store, it looks and eats exactly as it should.”

Gary knows as well as anyone that freshness and reliability are everything in this business, which is why Freska has invested its time and capital into being able to deliver on that promise.

“Starting in late November 2025, we’ll begin shipping Kent mangos from Peru, one of the most consumer-preferred varieties for sweetness, smooth texture, and great color. It’s a perfect bridge into winter and rounds out our ability to supply mangos every month of the year,” Gary notes.

Freska is also expanding its dried organic mango program to support its grower partners and also to promote a healthful snack on the shelf.

“Not every mango makes the fresh retail pack, but that fruit still has tremendous value—and drying it allows us to use everything our growers produce. It’s a true example of reducing waste while creating value,” Gary says. “Our dried mangos are organic, with no sugar added, no preservatives, and no additives—just pure mango, sliced, naturally dried, and bagged. It’s as straightforward as it gets, and it’s something we’re proud of because it benefits both our growers and our customers.”

For retailers looking to merchandise the company’s products, they have a ready partner in Freska.

“We know that every retailer has different goals, so we take a hands-on approach. We work directly with produce teams on display plans, promotions, and in-store execution, and back that up with category insights, movement data, and promotional support,” Gary tells me.

The company’s packaging now includes QR codes linking to ripening tips, storage advice, and recipes—simple tools that help consumers feel more confident about buying mangos more often.

“That small detail can make a big difference at the store level,” Gary adds.

Mangos is not the only category Freska is turning a strategic eye to. In California and Mexico, the company continues to grow its year-round avocado program.

“Between the strength of our supply partners and our own distribution footprint, we’re able to maintain a steady, high-quality flow that keeps our retail customers in stock and competitive all year long,” Gary says.

Stay tuned for Part 2, in which Gary and I dive into the trends driving consumption in 2026 and how Freska Produce International will position itself to answer demand.