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Friday, February 03, 2012

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‘Icons’, new premium collection in fresh produce demands feedback
The fresh products shelves this spring are enriched with a unique collection of fruit & vegetables. Under the name ‘Icons’ the Best Fresh Group introduces, as the first of her 5 new brands, the best of the season in a totally renewed packaging. The assortment of the most beautiful and, more importantly,..... 0 comments

UK: Salmonella identified in watermelons
A salmonella outbreak linked to watermelons has affected 35 people in the UK, health experts have revealed.One person has died, although they had serious underlying health issues.The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said three times the usual number of cases of Salmonella Newport infection for this time of..... 0 comments

Stepac developed new Xtend giant bin liners
StePac is proud to announce the successful development of the new Xtend MA/MH giant bin liners (2.5 x 2.5 meters) that are available for pomegranates and melons. The product for pomegranates has already gained commercial success during the 2010-11 season. The product for melons which was successfully trialed..... 0 comments

CIV + KIKU = ISAAQ
ISAAQ, collaboration of CIV and KIKU
It was an apple that started the understanding of gravity. Now ISAAQ is an apple, that combines the R&D of CIV with the know how of KIKU in a scientific formula. And the new equation states in honour to Isaac Newton: CIV + KIKU = ISAAQ. Mauro Grossi, president of CIV stated: “ISAAQ has a big potential as..... 0 comments

US: Warm weather affects volume of imported Chilean blueberries
Warm weather in Chile has affected the volume of fresh blueberries shipped to the US. Firmness of fruit has been a factor in the amount of fruit designated for the US fresh market.Greg Fleming, of Alpine Fresh in Florida, says that the import season has gone well.“We've had great movement,” he says,..... 0 comments

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Good quality for carrots from Israel
With moderate to good volume, Mark Aron of Marchella, LLC is reporting good quality carrots from Israel.“We've got excellent quality, lots of juice and a crop that's not too big and not too small,” he says.Volume for the year is reported to be between 9,000 and 10,000 tons.Marchella grows their carrots in..... 0 comments

Korean fresh produce on show in Madrid
aT recently hosted the promotion events in the 2012 Madrid Fusion, the event took place from January 24 to January 26 in Madrid, Spain.Hundreds of well-known world class chefs, VIPs in the food business and press people celebrated the opening of the 2012 Madrid Fusion and enjoyed all the cooking shows,..... 0 comments

UK: First shipment of Jazz on way to Thailand
Worldwide Fruit, the brains behind the Jazz apple operation in the UK is celebrating after the first ever batch of English Jazz apples has been exported to Thailand.The apple variety, which has been very successful in many countries in recent years is now demonstrating its appeal in South East Asia. 1,100..... 0 comments

US: CMI announces arrival of 2012 KANZI apple crop
CMI, one of Washington State’s largest grower/shipper of premium quality conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, announces the arrival of the KANZI Apple crop. U.S. grown Kanzi Apples are hitting U.S. markets beginning in mid-February. Favorable growing conditions have produced a high quality..... 0 comments

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Turkey: Prolong extends packaging range
SerPak has expanded its Prolong Packaging range with a new high MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transition Rate) liners.Offering a wide range of benefits, Prolong Vapour Control for fresh produce not only extends the product shelf life by delaying the ripening and softening of the fruit, but offers excellent product..... 0 comments

US (CA): California vegetable crop production down in 2011
According to a recently published USDA report, California had less vegetable production in 2011 than it did in the previous year. The numbers still position the state as the leading grower of fresh vegetables in the United States.Fresh market and dual utilization vegetable crop production for California in..... 0 comments

Sergio Torres Takahashi of Camposol commenting on tacler
“We deal with specialists for most valuable exchanges of info”
Camposol has been present in tacler since its early beginnings. Sergio Torres Takahashi learned about tacler through one of the FreshPlaza newsletters. “We usually visit tacler twice a week, as we want to know what the market trends are in the products that we handle and usually at tacler you can get a..... 0 comments

North America

USDA audits raise consumer confidence
Food safety and the prevention of food borne illness is an important issue and is becoming even more so - if that were possible - thanks to greater consumer interest and awareness of the subject. That being the case there is a greater need now than ever before for more accountability for food safety issues..... 0 comments

BioSafe Systems announces new bactericide/fungicide
BioSafe Systems introduces OxiDate 2.0 Bactericide/Fungicide. "New, enhanced labeling contains a new active ingredient statement, as well as the addition of many new crops, a more economical preventative spray rate, and aerial applications.""OxiDate 2.0 has powerful and effective applications for fruit and..... 0 comments

Canada: Lack of snow protection could damage crops
A lack of snow in Nova Scotia is worrying grower as their plants have had no protection from the freezing temperatures. Doug Wyllie, who grows blueberries and carrots on his farm in Glenholme and is chairman of the Wild Blueberry Producers of Nova Scotia research committee, says it's too early to tell how..... 0 comments

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US: Organic survey being carried out
The US Department of Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is gathering information on organic farming in the US in a survey that will last until April. The information is anticipated to contribute towards improvement of federal crop insurance, as is required by the farm bill (2008). Additionally the USDA..... 0 comments

US: Sales of organic produce rise as consumer attitudes shift
Consumer behaviour is slowly changing and this could be to the advantage of organic producers. Organic foods are no longer just the realm of the wealthy and the health conscious. More and more people are turning to organics - there was a 26% rise of organic vegetable consumption last year. Some observers..... 0 comments

US: A place at the table for the potato
The First Lady, Michelle Obama, along with Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, announced the new standards for school meals and they include a place for the potato. “We feel justified,” said Colorado Potato Advisory Committee Jim Ehrlich about the decision to keep potatoes on school menus. “I think that..... 0 comments

Representatives of USA Pears at Fruit Logistica
Meet with representatives of USA Pears from around the globe at Hall 23, Booth A-02 to get the latest updates on global marketing and promotions for USA Pears.You can speak with Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO, to gain insights into the current state of the U.S. fresh pear industry as well as the global..... 0 comments

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US: Consumer trends offer future to historic tomatoes
In a world that is becoming more interested in local produce may be there is potential of a return to using traditional heirloom varieties in tomato production.True, tomatoes that ripen on the vine all at same time are appealing as they make harvesting simple - particularity mechanised harvesting, but they..... 0 comments

US (FL): University study shows scope of citrus greening disease
A new study from the University of Florida has highlighted the effects of citrus greening disease in the state - where it has destroyed thousands of acres of citrus production.According to the study the Florida citrus industry has already lost $5.3 million due to reduced revenue alone. This figure does not..... 0 comments

Central America

Jamaica Producers Group restart banana exports
Jamaica Producers Group has resumed the export of bananas in December, but is only planning to supply other Caribbean countries that do not grow the fruit themselves. The export trade ceased four years ago, though production continued for domestic sales and for use in creating fruit chips/crisps. The..... 0 comments

South America

US doubles Peruvian strawberry imports
The Peruvian strawberry export grew 119% in 2011. It reached a value of about USD$12.0 million versus the USD$5.5 million in 2010. Pricesrose 25% at USD$1.64 kilo average. The United States imported Peruvian Strawberries for USD$3.1 million doubling its imports, followed by Belgium with USD$2.4 million, up..... 0 comments

Oceania

AU: Growers divided over Coles price war move
The war of words over Coles recent announcement to slash produce prices continues.Growers are divided over what the outcome of this will be, though concerns are widespread.FreshPlaza reported earlier this week that Growcom has stated that, whilst the reduction may be good for growers in the short term as..... 0 comments

Africa

Uganda: Fruit farmers call on government to provide support
Uganda is known for producing some of the sweetest fruits, but according to some farmers it is losing its edge in the face of financial challenges. They want the government to intervene, or Ugandan farmers will be unable to meet growing demands. James Kanyije, the managing director of K.K Fresh produce..... 0 comments

Tunisia: Exceptionally high citrus production
The citrus season in Tunisia is expected to be better than originally thought. It was expected the the production in 2011-2012 would be the same as in 2010-2011 (258,000 tonnes), but it has turned out to be even better: 260,000 tonnes. This increase is thanks to the growing production of the Maltese..... 0 comments

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Eating fruit more important than masculinity to male attractiveness
Eating dark colored fresh produce such as plums and nectarines has more impact on how attractive a man appears than his masculinity, according to new research. Dr Ian Stephen of the University of Nottingham made the findings as part of his ongoing studies into effects on attractiveness of dietary..... 0 comments

Ethiopia sends first organic bananas to Saudi Arabia
Ethiopia has begun exporting bananas to Saudi Arabia for the first time ever. 40 tons of organic banana have been sent to the Gulf to meet growing demands for such produce. An agreement is being draw up with a company interested in exporting 200 tons of Ethiopian bananas per week for the Jeddah..... 0 comments

World

Sergio Torres Takahashi of Camposol commenting on tacler
“We deal with specialists for most valuable exchanges of info”
Camposol has been present in tacler since its early beginnings. Sergio Torres Takahashi learned about tacler through one of the FreshPlaza newsletters. “We usually visit tacler twice a week, as we want to know what the market trends are in the products that we handle and usually at tacler you can get a..... 0 comments

Europe

A profitable conversation at Fruit Logistica 2012
Marco’s presence at this year’s Fruit Logistica in Berlin is focused directly on helping growers and packers save money and improve profitability. Marco understand how important this is in the present economic climate and their Yield Control and other modular pack-house solutions have a proven track record..... 0 comments

Spain: Gruventa will lead the promotion of fruit and vegetables on social networks in Fruit Logistica 2012
The Director General of GRUVENTA, Fermín Sánchez Navarro, explained that "this year we come to Fruit Logistica with an innovative campaign to promote Spanish fruit and vegetable in social networks, promoting their nutritional and organolepticqualities, under the slogan: "Fruits and Vegetables in Spain:..... 0 comments

Fruit Logistica, Hall 2.1 / Stand E-04
Italy: 'Assolo' new packaging for Agricoper grapes
The grape campaign balance for 2011 of the Italian company Agricoper was positive. According to the owner, "The weather this year was mild and favourable, and thanks to it we had a high quality product for the whole period of production." "The seedless grapes, which have different dynamics than the seeded..... 0 comments

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Netherlands: Manter introduce new series of weighing machines
Manter International, manufacturer of weighing and packing machines for the fruit and vegetable industry, will introduce a newseries of weighing machines at the Fruit Logistica in Berlin. With the assistance of new techniques the weighing machines are quicker, more accurate and have a new modern radiation...... 0 comments

UK: Mistral PR sponsors World Potato Congress photo competition
Mistral PR is encouraging budding spud snappers from the global potato industry to submit entries for the World Potato Congress photo competition.“We’re calling on photographers who know their King Edward from their Lady Balfour to find their best potato images,” says Mistral PR senior agriculture sector..... 0 comments

Antonio Vurchio joins Dottor Storelli in Berlin
At this year's Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Antonio Vurchio from Lovepuglia will join forces with Dottor Storelli srl which has represented the KÖlla group in Italy since 1967.The young entrepreneur made a successful impact in the British market in 2006 when he started supplying Jamie Oliver's, opening the..... 0 comments

OTC Holland and Van Rijn Group together at Fruit Logistica
OTC-Holland, organic fresh produce specialist, will be present at the upcoming Fruit Logistica in Berlin from 8 – 10 February. OTC-Holland is looking forward to meeting its existing relations and welcoming new contacts at their booth B-06 in hall 3.2.Van RijnAs OTC-Holland and Van Rijn Group announced their..... 0 comments

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Piet Bogers of Agridor:
NL: "Potato export not great"
Potato export is decreasing. This is according to Piet Bogers of Agridor, who has been in the potato trade for over 60 years. Piet is now 81, but still involved daily in the trade with Europe, Africa and Russia as main sales areas. But Piet finds it hard to give a prognosis on the potato market. "On the..... 0 comments

Spain: Semillas Fitó appoints Tom Lombaerts as Produce Chain Manager
Semillas Fitó remains committed to respond ever more effectively to the needs of the entire food chain and hastaken one more step in this direction by appointing Tom Lombaerts as Produce Chain Manager of their business unit ofhorticultural crops. The aim of this new position is to optimize and organize..... 0 comments

Spain: ozone and ultraviolet combination reduces citrus chemical use
Economic losses caused by post harvest diseases are an important problem incitrus plants. The vast majority of rotting oranges and mandarins present throughout the Marketing process are mainly due to Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum, respectively, causing green and blue rot. Currently its..... 0 comments

Spain: Onubafruit returns to Fruit Logistica this year
In order to move forward in the promotion and marketing of their fruit, Onubafruit returns toFruit Logistica, the fair that is the most important international benchmark in the industry. It is a great showcase for more than50,000 people and serves to strengthen Onubafruit´s position as the largest exporter..... 0 comments

cucumber price about 7 euro
Low productions cause high prices Spanish vegetables
Smallproductions in Spain cause good prices. A good example of thisare cucumbers, of which the price according to importers increases by the day. The cucumbers are sold now at between 5.50 and 7 Euro, but tomorrow it could well be more," as per an importer on Tuesday. "The large boom in product is over and..... 0 comments

Rene Tiggelman of Javala
"The Dutch onion remains in demand in the Far East"
Which developments are the in the trade with the Far East? We askRené Tiggelman, sales manager at Javala, the trading company from the Netherlands. The most obvious change inthe trade itself compared with about ten years ago, is that it is no longer done through local agents, but directly through..... 0 comments

UK: Growers urged to report thefts
Police have urged growers to report thefts from there properties to combat these crimes.PC Michael Laidlow of Kent Police told delegates at the British Independent Fruit Growers Association Technical Day last week."You have probably been the victim of crime, and you probably haven't reported it," he said."We..... 0 comments

"In a few weeks time also organic edible germinated seeds"
Kiem-X back at pre EHEC-level
In September 2006 Wim Bouden and Isabella Plesschaert started growing edible germinated seeds. "We were both ready to run our own company" Wim tells. "We thought it would be a clear and pleasant step to produce and market an unknown product and it also connected with my engineering studies in which I..... 0 comments

Fruit Logistica Hall 2.2 / Stand C-03 (Trentino Sprint Area)
Italy: 15% less apple harvest, good sales abroad for La Trentina
From 8th to 10th February 2012 La Trentina renews the usual appointment with Fruit Logistica: the exhibition in Berlin - now in its twentieth year - dedicated to fruit and vegetable world.Due to the strong summer hailstorms, the consortium La Trentina recorded a decline in the conferred volume (something..... 0 comments

Hall 4.2 / Stand A-09
Italy: BioOrto organic products at Fruit Logistica 2012
Apricena-based Soc. coop. Bio Orto is a producers' organization that produces and sells fresh organic vegetables at the foot of the Gargano National Park.It manages over 300 hectares of land whose products are delivered and processed by the company in a modern factory of 20,000 square meters. About 8,000 of..... 0 comments

Holland: More light starts with clean glass, but both in- and outside
In order to clean the glass inside properly during or after cultivation the Dutch company Willem Poppe have developed a special high pressure spray-head (200 atmosphere). This spray-head cleans the glass well without chemical means. The special 'butterfly' head turns two ways, so that in one operation a wide..... 0 comments

Business expenses better under control with new Nomad RFID key
The unique wireless labour registration system of Nomad, which amongst others, consists of imput equipment, with which all labour and production data are accurately recorded, has beenextended with new RFID cards and keys. The user friendly RFID system of Hoogendoorn makes scanning without contact possible...... 0 comments

Hall 3.1, stand D-11
UK: New products at Fruit Logistica as Herbert celebrates 40 years
UK-based Herbert Engineering, the leaders in handling systems for the agricultural and fresh pack industries, are kicking off their milestone 40th anniversary year with a stand at this year’s Fruit Logistica, where they will be offering visitors the chance to find out more about their innovative new product..... 0 comments

New TOPICS during the Fair
LBP Rotterdam at Fruit Logistica
LBP Rotterdam logistics provider specialized in the handling of fresh fruit and vegetables from all origins in the world, based in Maasdijk the Netherlands, will be present again at the Fruit Logistica in Berlin.At their usual spot in Hall 3.2 – stand A-02 (Holland Fresh Group area) you can meet with the..... 0 comments

EU: Freshfel stimulates European co-ordination in quality monitoring
Freshfel members in Germany, France, The Netherlands and Switzerland have initiated steps to increase the coordination and synergies among their existing quality monitoring schemes.The monitoring usually covers a wide range of potential contamination, checking products for pesticide MRL compliance but also..... 0 comments

Asia

India: Cucumber growers supplied with fake pesticide
Growers have unwittingly applied fake pesticide to their cucumber crops, destroying them, in Bahawalnagar and Chishtian. The damage is estimated to be around Rs 8 million.The crops were supposedly sprayed to treat whitefly and fungus infections, but instead were wiped out at a volume of 16,000..... 0 comments

Retail

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