BIG interview: Denise Junqueiro shares tools for surviving the tariff storm 

As new U.S. tariffs shake up the agri-export landscape, suppliers across Latin America are having to move fast. For many, that means rerouting shipments, tightening margins, and rethinking how to protect quality across longer supply chains. Denise Junqueiro, Vice President of Global Marketing at Fresh Formulaics, shares how the company’s post-harvest solution, Flair S1™, is helping exporters stay resilient — not just by reacting, but by gaining a real edge in a changing market. 

Fructidor: How have your clients in Latin America or the U.S. responded to the 10% universal tariff so far — are you seeing urgent shifts in their export strategies? 

Denise Junqueiro: The 10% tariff has added financial pressure, and we’re seeing many exporters adjust their strategy on the fly. Some are diversifying their export market shipments to new regions or increasing their volumes to certain markets, while others are focusing on minimizing the impact to their margins. What’s been clear is that they need tools and resources that help them adapt quickly, especially when the usual paths to market suddenly become more costly or uncertain. 

Fructidor: Exporters are exploring new markets in Europe and Asia. What are the top concerns they share with you during that transition? 

Junqueiro: The biggest concern is arrival quality, shipment times, and supply/demand. Longer shipping times, unfamiliar cold-chain partners, and different cosmetic standards are a lot to navigate all at once. Many exporters tell us they’re confident in their fruit at packout, but less certain it’ll show up how they need it to. That’s where we come in. Flair S1™ gives them a little more control and a lot more peace of mind. 

Fructidor: Your release mentions 10–15% more fruit reaching the market using Flair S1™. Could you explain how that figure was measured? 

Junqueiro: That range comes from commercial-scale trials and customer data where we compared treated and untreated lots through the same shipping and storage conditions. We’re measuring how much fruit remains marketable — meaning it meets appearance, firmness, and quality specs at the point of arrival. That 10–15% is fruit that would have otherwise been downgraded or rejected. For our customers, that difference is critical. 

Fructidor: What kinds of fruits or vegetables benefit most from Flair S1™ — and in which scenarios does it make the biggest difference? 

Junqueiro: Right now, we’re focused on categories where appearance and firmness really drive value, like citrus and avocados. It makes the biggest difference when fruit is traveling longer distances or sitting in cold storage for extended periods before arriving at the end market. That’s where small gains in freshness can mean big wins for the retailer. 

Fructidor: How quickly can a first-time exporter integrate your treatment into their packhouse or shipping operation? Is training required? 

Junqueiro: Very quickly. We designed our system to be easy to integrate, even in high-speed packhouses. In most cases, it’s a matter of a simple equipment setup and one short training session. Our team works hands-on with customers during onboarding, so they’re up and running in days, not weeks. 

Fructidor: Are there specific cold-chain or humidity conditions required to get the best results with your treatment? 

Junqueiro: Flair S1™ is designed to be robust across multiple supply chain circumstances despite ranges of temperature and humidity. It doesn’t require special handling or refrigeration beyond what exporters are already doing for quality assurance. 

Fructidor: With quality standards varying across markets, how does your product help suppliers meet the arrival expectations of newer, stricter destinations? 

Junqueiro: This is where Flair S1™ really shines. By extending shelf life and maintaining appearance, it gives suppliers a much stronger chance of meeting quality and appearance specs that each market demands — especially those in Europe and parts of Asia. 

Fructidor: What types of customers are adopting Flair S1™ fastest — small exporters trying new markets, or large-scale shippers optimizing margins? 

Junqueiro: We’re seeing traction with both. Newer exporters love the insurance it provides when they’re building relationships in a new market. Larger shippers are using it to enhance their operational efficiency and reduce shrink. The common thread is the need for predictability and performance. 

Fructidor: You position your solution as plant-based and sustainable. How does it comply with regulatory frameworks in key markets like the EU or Japan? 

Junqueiro: Our formulations are built with compliance in mind from the start. We use plant-based ingredients that are food-safe, vegan, and aligned with major global standards. These ingredients have a long history of safe consumption and have been verified by regulatory authorities around the world, including the EU, which has some of the highest standards. We’ve worked closely with regulatory advisors to ensure our products meet the requirements of markets where rules around post-harvest treatments are especially strict. 

Fructidor: How do you see post-harvest innovation like yours helping exporters not just react to tariffs, but build resilience for the long term? 

Junqueiro: Supply chain volatility can be just as disruptive as tariffs. Post-harvest tools like ours help exporters create more flexibility, reduce waste, and extend the reach of their product. That’s not just about reacting to today’s challenges. It’s about building a stronger, more flexible operation that can thrive no matter what the market throws at them. 

Don’t let tariffs shrink your margins — explore how Flair S1™ keeps your product market-ready. Send an inquiry for a free consultation.