FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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Francesca LaSpina - Romeo’s Best

“Quality has been great and export demand has driven a firm price domestically"

Agrizone named exclusive partner for Omnivent in Australia and New Zealand

Australia: Senate Inquiry confirms unconscionable treatment of growers by big supermarkets and Bunnings

Foliar nematodes in strawberry crops in Australia

Green leaf and root vegetables now 20 to 25 percent cheaper than last year

Fresh fruit and vegetable prices drop in New Zealand

Supply chain enhancements roll out

Gingin and Chittering areas

Lengthy fruit orchard recovery in Australia after January bushfire

Maize and sweetcorn lead as Tairāwhiti's top summer crops

Summer citrus program gets into full swing

Colliers brings Cheeky Farms to the market

Sector | Vegetables

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"European retail opts for high-tech in winter tomato cultivation"

James Meers - G's Fresh

"We can grow mushrooms using alternatives but yields would drop by 50%"

Timaru to Tokyo: growing carrots for juice in Japan

"Production for Polish cabbage will be quite high this season"

Clarence Mwale – KUMINDA

KUMINDA first to introduce Fruit Vision blueberries to Zimbabwe

Low cabbage supply in Port Moresby

Nature-based shelf-life solution for key Italian vegetable ingredients

Sector | Bananas

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"The situation forces us in Finland to find alternative origins for Spain and other southern producer countries"

Latam banana producers object to Italian retailer's discount pricing of €0.85 cents per kg

Banana movement stays steady while plantain market gains strength

Ghanaian banana exporter plans West African expansion

Helge Sparsoe - Fyffes

“We knew that putting a new consumer brand into this category would be something radically new"

Kazakhstan is a front-runner in banana consumption in Central Asia

Ecuador's banana exports up to March 2024 decreased by 0.24%

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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New onions in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are sold at incredibly low prices

William Hoekman, QA Services:

"Thanks to optical sorting, we see the quality of onions increasing"

Woolworths reintroduces Happy Chop Tearless Onions

Egyptian onions replace Moroccan ones in West Africa

Ukrainian onion growers elevate prices as season concludes

Hardness and skin firmness in onions crucial for retail, especially during shortages

The real growth in the sweet potato segment stems from value-added packs

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Mango production challenges occurring in the south of India

Guinness World Record for largest fruit display set in Dallas, Texas

Ginger market crisis: record-high prices trigger importers’ alarm

Adapting the tropical fruit sector to climate change in a global context

Terenciano Ondo, founder and CEO of Afrom Exportaciones S.L.:

"We are working to ensure that products from Equatorial Guinea are consumed in European markets"

China shows increased interest in Bangladeshi mangoes

“The increase affects market demand”

“China’s ginger prices surge in April”

Sector | Company news

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Royal HZPC Group maintains expected result

Alico, Inc. announces financial results for the Q2 and six months ended March 31, 2024

Revenues of $32.1 million for six months ended March 31 relatively flat YoY

German importer adds Moroccan vegetable grower to partner network

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. Reports First Quarter Earnings for Fiscal 2024

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 was $82.3 million

Bonduelle Group:

Business activity slightly down on Quarter 3 in a climate of constrained consumption

Tolsma-Grisnich and the Invaro Group -

Dutch companies join forces in the field of optical sorting of potatoes and onions

Maersk Q1 results in line with expectations amid ongoing Red Sea disruptions

Sector | Greenhouse

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Horti Demo Centre – Dr Estelle Kempen, Adaduma Msana, Kholosa Nakani

"All South African greenhouses should collect and recycle rainwater"

UK Salads Limited

Bankruptcy spiral UK greenhouse after client rejections

Centuria acquires 21ha glasshouse in Katunga

Dean Taylor with Mastronardi Produce:

“There is always a high level of excitement when we launch a new Bombs variety”

11-hectare greenhouse project officially opened in New Zealand

New sweet peppers meet growing demand for fresh snack options

Aralux plastic film by Agriplast (Italy):

By controlling heat energy better agronomic results can be acheived

Sector | Logistics

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For its Proactive ZIMonitor 24/7 Cargo Monitoring Service

ZIM Shipping Lines renews strategic partnership with ArrowSpot Systems Ltd.

'Red Sea disruption could cut Asia-Europe capacity by 20%'

Maersk forecasts disruptions could last at least until the end of 2024

World Container Index - 02 May

Drewry’s World Container Index up to $2,725 per 40ft container this week

Port city Colombo set to become a regional logistics and business hub

Noticeable improvement in schedule reliability in March 2024

Latest research from Fairmiles:

'At least 18 million livelihoods in developing countries are supported by airfreighted fresh produce'

Fuel prices surge in Australia

Sector | Machinery

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Cherry packhouses experience efficiency and profitability benefits of new deep learning technology

UK company receives new Romaine lettuce vegetable harvester

TR Turoni (Italy)

How to assess the quality of cherries and small fruits

Machines help to unload trucks bringing in onions faster

"Fewer forklift movements means more peace of mind and better overview"

CSIRO works on optical scanning for pest detection in fruit

Using robotics to help sort onions on Georgia farms

The future of logistics is automated

Sector | General fresh produce

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Short-term outlook for EU agricultural markets in 2024

EU consumption of fresh apples falls as production declines

Week 18 Fruit Wholesale Market Report

Thai Durian arrivals surge, coconut prices continue to rise

NFF delivers 17 priorities for the Federal Budget to advance agriculture

India-New Zealand trade talks focus on collaboration

Photo report CPMA Vancouver

Behind the agro-trade feud between Morocco and Mauritania

Significant breakthrough through intercropping

Optimizing crop yields for Mars: insights from Wageningen University

Sector | Management

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Manish Sirohi appointed as CEO of Decco WW

Nadine Tunley, Chief Executive of Horticulture New Zealand, resigns

Change at the helm of Peru's Trade Office in New York

Charl du Bois appointed as new managing director of Capespan

European Parliament approves a revision of the EU’s common agricultural policy

Star Group names four vice-presidents of sales and procurement

MEPs approve trade support measures for Ukraine with protection for EU farmers

Sector | Miscellaneous

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Zespri faces potential loss due to mouse infestation in kiwifruit shipment

Berry fruit production and water challenges in Mangualde

“Non-negligible probability of long-term establishment in France,” according to ANSES

Reinforced surveillance of Asian fruit fly

Astronauts to study plant growth and development on the Moon

Does Ramadan reduce productivity in packing houses?

ACC 2024: New event unlocked added value

Fresh commodity exports to Fiji require additional declaration

Sector | Fruit

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Proprietary jumbo and pink blueberry varieties unveiled

Kicking off California’s stone fruit season

Pressure on Washington cherries this season

World's Most Expensive Watermelon, Growing watermelon hanging hammock on the bed for sweet fruit

Christophe Bouchet, Varietal Improvement Director at ASF

"Climate change is driving us to focus on earlier varieties with a good flavor"

Luis Contreras, Special Fruit:

"Significant quality variations depress blueberry prices"

"For Mexico's 2024 season our early red and white grapes are about 10 days earlier"

Sector | Herbs

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Moroccan rosemary supply hit by drought

Peter Mair of Gruppo Mec:

"Italian arugula cultivation becomes more professional and sustainable with each passing year"

Belgian company sees organic as a step toward the future

"We want to be a pioneer in the organic segment"

Retailer in North of England finds supplier with fresh range of new herbs

Natalia Moranth, Green Explosion:

“We want to introduce our Colombian fresh fruit to Europe”

Andrew Smith - Butler Market Gardens

“In the Christmas week we sell up to three times more herbs than normal"

Fresh herb industry braces for Christmas as busiest week of the year while tackling challenges

Sector | Agenda

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12th annual Post-Harvest Academy hosted in Washington

Trade show to be held in Izmir on 26 to 28 September

"Interfresh Eurasia trade show to become Türkiye’s showcase"

Sydney Markets announces finalists for 2024 fresh awards

Melbourne Convention Centre, 3-5 June, 2024

Tickets selling fast for Hort Connections 2024

Jakeman Stadium, Boston United Football Club, 7 November, 2024

British Vining Pea and Bean 2024 Conference

María José Sánchez, Director of Fruit Attraction:

"This year, Fruit Attraction will surpass all previous figures"

Cobrey Farms, Coleraine Buildings, Wednesday, 26 June 2024 -

British Asparagus Conference 2024 to focus on key production aspects

Sector | Citrus

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Limoneira announces approval for additional 550 dwelling units in harvest at Limoneira Development Project

Australian market might open up to Vietnamese pomelo, contingent upon biosecurity adherence

Early reports show more Florida grapefruit this fall

Adverse events and contributing factors

An annus horribilis for Sicilian lemons

Monthly update on citrus fruits imports

EU imported 25,108 tonnes of small citrus in March

Looking at seedless citrus cultivation in Australia

Tomás Lucas & Reon Marx - Sanifruit Suidchem

South African citrus packhouses set to become Sanifruit’s biggest market

Sector | Organic

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Austria: Traders and producers speak out on the organic market

"The organic selection is still much more limited, comparatively"

Better outlook for the Senegalese organic mango campaign

New "Inverted Natural Branding" of organic fruit and vegetables

'Good prospects for U.S. organic product exports to the EU remain'

New Zealand's organic kiwifruit sector sees growth and potential

Pieter Declercq, organics product manager, REO Veiling:

"Organic vegetables' better-matched supply improves market prices"

Proximity to production, selection, effective communication

The three winning ingredients for the success of organic fruit and vegetables

Sector | Health

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Cranberry supplements enhance athletic performance in Canada

University of Queensland collaboration

Say goodbye to garlic breath with odour-free black garlic

Increasing fruit and vegetable intake among adults

Looking at vegetable intake and cancer risk reduction

Bananas facilitate quicker recovery after running

Harvard study links fruit and vegetable intake to longevity in the US

New research claims: Eating almonds can aid in post-exercise recovery

Sector | IT

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“Automated precision farming is key to fruit cultivation’s success”

Potato agronomy forecasts now available in myField App

Free farm management app to save Italian growers time this season

Through the digitalization of berth alignment

Ocean Network Express and Portchain ink deal to drive sustainability across the carrier’s network

© Nicoelnino | Dreamstime.com

Ransomware attacks on Ag companies:

"Attacks on the sector made up 5.5% of all ransomware operations globally"

Australian farmers urged to consider their data security

Orchard Robotics creates data-driven module for existing farm machinery

Sector | Innovations

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Utrecht University

Utrecht University research

Residual waste from mushroom cultivation removes pollutants from water

Agri tech has an important role in Australia's growth

Polymer found in corn, potatoes and beans

Smart windows breakthrough in the U.S.

Denise Junqueiro with Apeel Sciences

“Our technology provides shippers confidence for long haul shipments and to open up new export markets”

How more than 60 million pieces of fruit were stopped going to waste last year

Conserving two Olympic-sized swimming pools of water annually

Verdant Technologies and Sobeys partner on iceless broccoli

Using multispectral cameras to determine oranges' suitability for various products

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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The process of making the famous pomegranate juice in Bangkok

Apple juice prices historically high as industry awaits indications on the new crop

Collecting apples for juice and pulp processing

McDonald’s french fry perfume is real

6.7% increase from the end of 2022

Brazilian orange juice stock levels see a rise

Customer shows Birds Eye veggie mix has very little broccoli

Softer sales for salad kits at retailer's deli counters

Sector | Cooling

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Michael Panuccio, Freshxpress:

"This isn’t just another cooling machine, it’s a game-changer"

To support food security in Lincolnshire

Magnavale Easton development approaches finish line

Launch of new refrigerated ocean transportation service utilizing electric field technology

MSC South Africa Inaugurates MEDLOG Cold Store Facility, revolutionizing trade dynamics in the region

Commercial value of reefer exports through Oakland topped $7 billion:

Port of Oakland remains preferred gateway for refrigerated export cargo in 2023

Maersk’s new integrated cold chain facility at Ruakura Superhub brings the Golden Triangle to life

Anton Viljoen, Stephan Antonowitz – Hexkoel

Beating the odds to get Hex grapes out into the world

Sector | Food safety

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EU Commission first implementation report:

The relevance of combating Unfair Trading Practices and the need for further EU actions

Industry input needed for Australian certification standards

New Zealand food safety recall on raw fruit juice

Enoki Mushrooms recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination

FTI urges Thailand to scrutinize fruit and vegetable imports

US study says refrigeration reduces E. coli contamination in leafy greens

Westfalia Fruit trials technology targeting food safety and sustainability

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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Organic farming base favorably positions Turkish dried fruits and nuts in the global market

Leading pecan companies announce collaboration to elevate the pecan to new heights

The Chilean prune industry must continue to focus on China, without neglecting traditional markets

Asia and Europe are key markets for California pistachios and almonds

UK suspends tariffs on all raw almonds - beginning April 11

US exported more of its tree nuts than other major producers

Global trade of tree nuts has increased by 14 times in value since 2001

Macadamia nut prices rebound worldwide

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Home compostable produce label launches with cost-effective advantage

Ronald Borst (Paardekooper) on paper flowpacks:

"For businesses aiming to reduce their plastic usage, we offer CartoPaper as a viable alternative"

Nico Treurnicht & Cornel Oosthuizen – Ergopak

South African scale technology finds foothold in European and Moroccan packhouses

Parkside introduces recyclable lidding film in the UK

Concerns raised over new EU packaging rules

New EU rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging

Sysco is driving more eco-friendly products and innovative solutions to reduce plastic and packaging waste

Sector | Retail

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Major Australian supermarket fruit and veg supplier into administration

Morrisons has acquired 38 stores in the Channel Islands

Coles has launched a range of mandarins in a 100% recyclable paper bag

Asda has refinanced over 3.2bln pounds of debt

Asda has announced new price cuts on strawberries and raspberries

Slight slowdown in supermarket sales; Asda and Aldi lose market share

Albertsons' Jewel-Osco holds massive lead in Chicago grocery

Sainsbury’s offers free herbs and spices to increase diversity in diets

Kroger and Disney exploring streaming service offering

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW BLUEBERRIES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANGOES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW ORANGES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW SWEET POTATOES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW STRAWBERRIES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW LIMES

Global market overview peppers

Sector | Climate

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Sustainability at core of Italian club apple production strategies

Extreme heat impacts south and south-east Asia

East Africa faces food shortages due to extreme weather

More than half of the Philippines’ provinces are in drought

Study looks at challenges of climate change on potato production in Canada

Unprecedented floods in the United Arab Emirates destroy greenhouses

Dutch importers climate targets approved by science based targets initiative

Sector | Cartoons

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haertwarmion vodei

Cow expresses love to vegetable vendor

Papaya Instead of Cake Goes Viral

Diet rich in fruits and vegetables linked to enhanced relationship satisfaction

Mathematical mango pricing: a fruit seller's viral equation

Broccoli haircut is a hot trend

Carrot harvest uncovers ancient coin treasure

Garlic farmer's fury ignites wealth gap debate