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Tuesday, August 22, 2017

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US: Pure Flavor breaks ground for 75 acres in Georgia

While many North American greenhouse produce giants have been focusing on adding acreage in the Midwest, Pure Flavor is the first greenhouse grower to break ground on a gigantic greenhouse project in the Deep South in the state of Georgia. The company will built a 75 acre facility in three phases of 25 acres.....

Chibante's Kingsville operation to also join Mastronardi

Sunset expands local Canadian program

Mastronardi Produce is continuing to expand their local program, this time with an exclusive partnership with Golden Acre Farms. The greenhouse facility, located in Kingsville Ontario, will bring SUNSET® brand cucumbers to more Canadians year-round.“This local partnership right here in Kingsville will enable.....

US: NatureFresh puts Ohio expansion on hold

NatureFresh is holding back the expansion of their operations in Delta, Ohio. During a recent Northwest Ohio Ag-Business Breakfast Forum, founder and CEO Peter Quiring expressed his concerns about finding the right qualified workers to pick their tomatoes. While business has been good for NatureFresh ever.....

British Columbia sweet corn strengthening in August

Despite a slow start to the season, British Columbia corn is coming on strong.“Supply of corn has been outstanding,” says Brian Faulkner of Delta, BC-based BCfresh. “It was slow to start in terms of how it matured. But once it got going and the weather turned and we had some good opportunities for irrigation,.....

Sweet Juillet variety did very well

A sweet apricot summer for Washington growers

Apricot growers in Washington are reflecting in delight on the season just past. The apricot season, which typically runs from early June to mid-August, has largely concluded in the region and conditions and market demand have ensured a sizeable crop this year.One Washington producer has seen an increase this.....

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A visit to Mans Organics in Coaldale, Alberta:

Canada: The challenge of running a small scale family farm

More demand for locally grown organic produce creates opportunities for small-scale family farms in Canada. Yet, increasing minimum wages and rising energy costs also make it a challenging adventure for some.The day to day operations at the organic farm of the Mans family in Coaldale, Alberta, is a good.....

NOSB picks up hydroponics discussions again

Last week the National Organic Standards Board held a teleconference webcast in which they once again discussed hydroponics. And once again there was no consensus whether they can or can not be certified USDA Organics.The meeting was open for members of the public to listen to NOSB board members discussing the.....

"The Maluma is the only cultivar capable of competing with Hass" - Dr André Ernst, Allesbeste Boerdery

Maluma commercialisation imminent in Chile & Israel with trials in the USA

The Maluma avocado, commercially launched in 2007, is an alternative to Hass in areas where Hass struggles with its size count distribution. The Maluma, a chance selection originating in the Levubu area of Limpopo Province, thrives under hot conditions. It is currently commercially cultivated in South Africa,.....

SnapDragon® crop

Crunch Time Apple Growers report positive forecast for 2017

Due to favorable weather conditions during the spring and early summer months, Crunch Time’s apple growers have released a positive forecast for this year’s SnapDragon® crop production – which is expected to produce 60% more apples than its 2016 harvest.“Because of abundant rain this growing season, we expect.....

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US scientists use new technique in hopes of lifting blackberry production

Researchers with the University of Arkansas' System Division of Agriculture’s Fruit Research Station are looking at the potential for an innovative trellis system to increase overall blackberry production in the state.Amanda McWhirt, extension horticulture crop specialist for the Division of Agriculture, is.....

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PMA Fresh Connections South Africa 2017

PMA Fresh Connections South Africa 2017

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Organic Produce Summit 2017

Organic Produce Summit 2017

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Bufland_2017

Bufland_2017

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United Fresh 2017 Innovations

United Fresh 2017 Innovations

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Banana Congress Sydney 2017

Banana Congress Sydney 2017

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GLOBAL FOCUS

Fresh-Cut

Hugh Pile - Blue Skies

There are big opportunities in local markets for fresh cut

A year ago FreshPlaza spoke to Anthony Pile, owner and founder of Blue Skies, about the consequences of the Brexit decision and the need for companies like his to now look further afield to minimise the effects caused by the vote to leave Europe.We spoke to Anthony's son, Hugh who has recently joined the.....

On-the-go produce industry growing by 10% each year

On-the-go produce snacking has become a billion-dollar business, and while some areas of the grocery store have struggled to find growth, that hasn’t been the case for this sub-category of the larger “snackable” fruit and vegetable segment, according to a new Consumer Insights report from The Nielsen Co.In its.....

Mart Ouweheand, Katwijk Washed Carrots Centre

"The market for snack carrots growing rapidly"

The rejuvenation of the Dutch domestic large carrot market might be waiting for winter, but the market for snack carrots is growing rapidly. Mart Ouwehand of the Katwijk Washed carrots Centre, is pleased with the growth figures he has gotten. This is thanks to a good partnership with the processor, Royal.....

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North Americamore »

Salinas Valley seasonal temperatures off by as much as 15 degrees

Lettuce and other vegetables slow down in growth

There’s been some very unusual weather in the Salinas Valley area lately, hurting lettuce, particularly iceberg. “I was just talking to an export customer about it. Typically in mid-August we have some nice very warm weather,” says Mark McBride, sales professional at Coastline Family Farms. “We can see 80 to.....

Export market makes apples a bright spot for North American growers

As it heads into the apple season, some varieties of Idaho apples are looking slim on supplies. “Popular varieties of apples like Gala, Granny and Golden Delicious are currently in short supply,” says Sally Symms of Caldwell, Idaho-based Symms Fruit Ranch. “But with the 2018 Gala Season rapidly approaching,.....

North America

West Coast fires affect crop growth

Reports are mixed as to the effects of the widespread fires throughout British Columbia and even Washington. Fires commonly affect the North American west coast in the summer and this year’s was clearly no different. B.C. in particular has been affected since late June by the wide-scale blazes, largely due to.....

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New York growers worried they won't have enough help for apple harvest

In two weeks the apple harvest will be underway in Wayne County, New York, but many farmers are concerned they may not have the help they need.Growers believe it is because of the immigration reform President Trump is proposing to cut migrant workers.A Wayne County farmer says the proposal could cause him to.....

Debt facility from Union Bank provides Freska with flexibility and opportunities

Freska Produce International, LLC, a marketer of mangos and avocados, announced it has secured $16.9 million of financing with Union Bank.According to Freska Partner Jesus “Chuy” Loza, “this deal takes us to the next level in business opportunities and development of the Freska brand of products and services......

Latin Americamore »

Arnoldo de Jesús Moreno, Local Phytosanitary Board, Mexico

"SENASICA certification requirements are very similar to those of Global GAP"

Institutions have been created in the Mexican state of Michoacan to provide technical advice to avocado producers in order to help them comply with international food safety and phytosanitary standards. One of these is the Local Phytosanitary Board of the municipality of Salvador Escalante.This Local Board is.....

Colombia: The key to exporting Hass avocados

According to Milton Ararat, a PhD in Agricultural Sciences of the National University of Colombia (UN) Palmira, opening exports of avocados to the United States is a good marketing strategy, but the country must establish and sustain its production.Ararat stated that the crop faces problems that must be faced.....

Ecuador: "Reduction in the price of bananas is due to market cycles"

The Minister of Agriculture of Ecuador, Vanesa Cordero, said the fall in the price of a box of bananas to $ 6.26 was due to the cycles of the international market.In addition, Europeans don't consume so many bananas in summer and there's also more supply of that fruit from Central America, which affects its.....

Peru: Arequipa is the leading national onion producer

According to the National Service of Agrarian Health (Senasa), the region of Arequipa has approximately 9,200 hectares devoted to the cultivation of onions that produce 332.5 thousand tons per campaign.These figures have placed the region as the first producer at the national level, and this crop has become an.....

Argentina: Apple export volumes to Brazil fail to recover

Brazil has long been a natural market for the Valley's produce. Producers from the area used to send almost 250,000 tons of pears and apples there nearly two decades ago. Nowadays, that volume has fallen to just over 100,000 tons.The decline in trade was mainly recorded in apples, as the Valley's apple exports.....

Bolivia exports chestnuts to Europe through an alternative route

Bolivia began exporting chestnut to European markets via an alternative route through Brazil, so as to reduce the time it takes to transport the product there, the Northern Exporters' Chamber (Cadexnor) told Prensa Latina.According to the president of Cadexnor, Agustin Vargas, the route includes the passage.....

Asiamore »

Vietnam fruit & veg revenues to reach $3.6B in 2017

The basket of fruit and vegetables that Vietnam will offer the world this year will bring revenues of 3.6 billion dollars, authorities confirmed.According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first seven months of 2017, fruit and vegetables exports reported revenues of more than two.....

China: Hainan Airlines launches two-coloured water melon ice cream snack

In the past few years, in the wake of improving levels of consumption and the changing perceptions of consumers, requirements for top quality fruit on the market have increasingly multiplied.In view of the current situation, Yuanxing along with Hainan Airlines have announced a new product: two-colored ice.....

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Chinese consumers increasingly seek organic

As the Chinese pay more attention to food safety, customized farm produce, grown without using pesticides or fertilizers, is attracting growing interest from well-off urban consumers, especially the young.The Internet is assisting supply-side reform in agriculture. Customers can rent a piece of land online and.....

Africamore »

Current projections put W Cape agric sector at 100% water restriction

Western Cape drought: a natural and man-made disaster

HORTGRO’s irrigation seminar drew a large turnout of Western Cape fruit growers, indicative of the severity of the water situation.“The future is dry,” says Prof Wiehann Steyn, crop production programme manager at HORTGRO Science. “Drought is the new norm, with the probability that, according to climate change.....

SPECIAL

Asia Fruit Logistica

First Fresh ship first persimmons to China

New Zealand recently gained access to China for persimmons and First Fresh have taken advantage of that by sending their first load by air last week. The fruit will be in the stores today. Ian Albers from, the Gisborne based company, said they just got the import permit finalised on 11th Aug. "We sent the.....

September 6-8, Hong Kong

Rijk Zwaan presents retail opportunities at Asia Fruit Logistica

From 6-8 September 2017, Rijk Zwaan will once again be exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong. At its stand, the breeding company plans to show visitors how expanding and broadening the fresh produce range in store can help to stimulate overall consumption.Rijk Zwaan regards Asia Fruit Logistica as.....

Hall 3c at stand M-32

BGP International takes own stand in Hong Kong

This year Asia Fruit Logistica will be a little bit different forAustralian company BGP International, they have always been part of the Australian stand but this year will see them branching out on their own for the first time."It is a big move for us," explains Prudence Barker. "We have always been with the.....

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Europemore »

Registration opens for the Amsterdam Produce Show and Conference

Celebrating Holland’s position as one of the world’s premier fresh produce import-export hubs, attendees at the annual trade event will meet new customers, grow sales, share innovation, and learn about new trends and opportunities.The Amsterdam Produce Show and Conference (APS) has officially opened online.....

Tomatoes in game of yes-no between Russia and Turkey

Last week’s meeting between Russia and Turkey has yet to provide clarity about the tomato boycott, but the yes-no game isn’t over yet. In the run-up to the meeting, contradictory reports were heard. After last week’s meeting, only one thing became clear: nothing is clear yet, so borders will remain closed for.....

Crimson harvest starts ten days earlier due to high temperatures

Spain: "Best quality seedless grapes in 15 years"

The leading producer of seedless table grapes, the Murcia-based company Moyca, affirms that, to date, the grape campaign has been excellent. After a difficult start under pressure from the late Egyptian fruit, they say that the best is yet to come.This was explained by Enrique Moya, CEO of the company, and by.....

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Karina Diago, buyer at Naturelle, about this sector's challenges:

"In 10 years, organic will be the new normal"

Much has changed in the fruit and vegetable sector over the last decade. "Almost nothing is certain anymore. The climate changes every year, which affects the various fruits' production. Earlier you could generally plan a year ahead and could be sure the production would be there. Now, the seasons are no.....

Tesco tackles food waste with miniature avocados

Now for a limited time, customers at Tesco will be able to enjoy small, snack–sized avocados, as well as regular-sized varieties.Available in packs of six, the fruits – which are the size of an egg – will be sold in recyclable egg style boxes to prevent them from getting spoiled.This is the latest move by.....

Dutch company to unveil blight-resistant potato

A Dutch company has developed a breed of potato that is resistant to late blight and could greatly reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture, the Financieele Dagblad said on Monday. Small Dutch company Solyunta, originally set up to work on tomato varieties, will unveil its new potato later this week, the.....

Up to May, the country exported 10% of fruit to third countries

Spanish exports to China increase

Between January and May, Spanish fruit exports to the EU amounted to 3,143 million euros, i.e. 3% more than in the same period in 2016, representing 92% of the total, whereas shipments to non-EU countries increased by 10% to€282 million, according to data from the Customs and Excise Department under the.....

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Registration until 31 August 2017

Live demonstration of strawberry picking robot during International Strawberry Congress

The third International Strawberry Congress is coming ever closer. The congress, which will last several days, takes place at the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp in Belgium from 6 to 8 September. The aim of this event is to bridge the gap between commercialisation and science.Leen Matthé from.....

PotatoEurope 2017 to open its doors in three weeks

In three weeks PotatoEurope 2017 opens its doors. The deputy of the province of Flevoland in the Netherlands will have the honour of opening the trade fair.Over 265 exhibitors (+8 %) from 16 countries will share their potato expertise with you in their booths and allow visitors a look into the potato chain of.....

MSC & Hapag-Lloyd to launch new Europe-South America loop

Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) and Hapag-Lloyd are preparing to jointly launch a new loop between north Europe and the east coast of South America from September 27 that will be operated by nine vessels with an average capacity of 9,000 TEU.MSC has branded the new service, NWC/SAEC, while Hapag-Lloyd is.....

Second British Herbs field day to take place on September 14th

The second British Herb field day will be held on the 14th September 2017 and will be hosted by Tozer Seeds, Pyports, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham, Surry, KT11 3EH. The morning session will be held at a nearby venue and will include presentations on; optimisation of biocontrol products, sustainable growing.....

Oceaniamore »

New Zealand avocado volumes down 50%

"We will place the fruit very wisely among our customers."

The New Zealand avocado season is under way with the first exports already en route to Asia. According to Andrew Darling from Darling Group this was driven by fruit maturity and market opportunities in the region."We exported our first fruit last week through our avocado packing and exporting business, Just.....

A new roadshow for Australia’s oldest food crops

A national roadshow will throw new light on Australia’s oldest food crops, thanks to support from the Farming Together program. The roadshow is being organised by Australian Native Food & Botanicals (ANFAB), representing 200 growers/harvesters from all across Australia.It has secured Australian Government.....

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NZ avocado thieves using social media to sell stolen fruit

Avocado growers in New Zealand are warning shops in eastern parts of the North Island not to buy any avocados on social media as thieves are using the medium to sell their ill-gotten fruit. Police say people have been pinching avocados from orchards and shops in eastern parts of the North Island and selling.....

Australia eats 86,000 tonnes of avocados a year

Australians ate about 86,000 tonnes of avocados in the past 12 months, cementing their place amongst the highest consumers of avocados in the English-speaking world.Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas said based on the latest industry figures, Australians ate about 3.5kg of avocado per person in 2016/17, a.....

AU's orange shortage hurts juice industry but benefits growers

Australia's citrus industry has been warned to brace for further orange shortages as tight supply offers gains for growers, but headaches for the juice industry.Opening export markets and a strong international demand saw Valencia oranges, typically used in juice, fall out of favour for the popular Navel.But.....

Worldmore »

First Fresh ship first persimmons to China

New Zealand recently gained access to China for persimmons and First Fresh have taken advantage of that by sending their first load by air last week. The fruit will be in the stores today. Ian Albers from, the Gisborne based company, said they just got the import permit finalised on 11th Aug. "We sent the.....

Hugh Pile - Blue Skies

There are big opportunities in local markets for fresh cut

A year ago FreshPlaza spoke to Anthony Pile, owner and founder of Blue Skies, about the consequences of the Brexit decision and the need for companies like his to now look further afield to minimise the effects caused by the vote to leave Europe.We spoke to Anthony's son, Hugh who has recently joined the.....

Click here to receive this news directly in your inbox

Avocado seeds could help treat cancer and heart disease says study

From lowering cholesterol to aiding weight loss, the potential benefits of avocado consumption have been well documented. A new study, however, suggests that further rewards could be reaped from a part of the fruit that we normally discard: the husk of the seed.Researchers found that avocado seed husks contain.....

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