50�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM DANTE L. GALEAZZI PRESIDENT OF THE TEXAS INTERNATIONAL PRODUCE ASSOCIATION THE GREAT CHALLENGE AND MEGA OPPORTUNITY Te challenges were the incredible amount of change and uncertainty surrounding internatio- nal trade. Tese have led to confusion and increa- sed costs across supply chains. Additionally, the United States, Mexico, and even Canada repor- ted signifcant levels of drought, especially in areas with production agriculture. Te biggest oppor- tunity is the chance to participate in the MAHA (Making Ameri- ca Healthier Again) con- versation about how the next generation in this country defnes the con- cept of “healthy.” Te industry needs to be in- volved and ensure that fruits and vegetables are a signifcant part of the agenda. ...Continuation of page 48 NEWS THAT AFFECTED THE HISPANIC MARKET Te withdrawal of the Tomato Suspension Agreement. Tomato importers are now res- ponsible for paying a 17% tarif on tomatoes coming from Mexico. At the industry level, we are coming out of the summer months. Tat means domestic tomato volumes will decline, and early Mexi- can growers will have decided whether to con- tinue planting. As No- vember and December approach, the industry will see the impact. DAVID CUTLER VICE PRESIDENT OF MEDIA RELATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION (NGA) THE GREAT CHALLENGE AND MEGA OPPORTUNITY Te grocery store indus- try faced one of its most unpredictable years. Te constant changing mar- ket dynamics—driven by global trade and supply chain uncertainties, evol- ving consumer habits, and ongoing consolida- tion in the supermar- ket sector—created real pressure on independent operators. For local, fa- mily-owned grocers, adapting to these exter- nal forces required both innovation and a resilient approach. At the same time, the- se challenges created new opportunities for inde- pendent retailers to do what they do best: perso- nally connect with their communities. NEWS THAT AFFECTED THE HISPANIC MARKET One of the most impac- tful regulatory develop- ments in 2025 was the proposed delay in refri- gerant regulations that would have cost over a million dollars per store to implement and com- ply with before the 2026 deadline. For many in- dependent and Hispa- nic-owned grocers, the Environmental Protec- tion Agency (EPA) propo- sal, if approved, will pro- vide much-needed time to plan and budget for equipment upgrades wi- thout jeopardizing their operations.