FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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Chilean stone fruit exports are expected to grow by 15%

"The market demand for disposable USB temperature and humidity loggers will further increase"

"The demand for Vietnamese coconuts Is experiencing significant growth”

Unprecedented floods in the United Arab Emirates destroy greenhouses

Sun World International -

Table grape breeder acts against Chinese infringement on TikTok

Unusual flower fall in Kashmir's apple orchards due to recent weather fluctuations

The impact of climate change on fruit prices in South Korea

Central Visayas region, Philippines

Impact of extreme heat on vegetable prices in Cebu City

Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports to South Korea and Thailand see significant growth

In 2024, strawberry imports from China surged in Primorsky Krai, Russia

Broadening its export basket with products like blueberries, pecan nuts, chilies, and more

Zimbabwe wants to diversify its export portfolio to China

Sector | Vegetables

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Kolkata endures elevated temperatures, affecting vegetable sales

Kazakhstan: Jetysay farmers export first cabbage harvest

Junior farmers get involved in harvesting 'Snackables'

Recent stormy weather had little effect on South Africa’s baby veg exports

Vietnamese chili exports to China sees upsurge in March

Kazakhstan: the Keless cabbage exported to megacities

Lively demand for green asparagus from Emilia-Romagna

Sector | Bananas

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New banana variety resistant to the Fusarium fungus arrives in Ecuador

Banana industry's future in the face of challenges

Vietnamese bananas gain traction in Hong Kong

Banana brand makes debut at Milan Design Week

Organic banana yields should increase again soon

Colombian banana industry aiming for 5% volume growth in 2024

Cocaine found at Port of Beirut in banana shipment from Ecuador

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Shifting from commodity to value-added

Organic and specialty potato categories continue to grow

Holland Onions exports turnover up 49%, shatters 1 billion euros level in 2023

In 2023 potatoes were not exported from Armenia

What are the reasons?

Prices for onions in Uzbekistan hit historic lows

Potato prices surge in India due to impact of erratic rainfall

Onion farmgate price drop in Oriental Mindoro

India lifts ban on onion exports to Sri Lanka

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Canadian farmers received $22.9 million for their garlic in 2023

Election period is positively impacting Indian pineapple farmers

South Korea witnessed highest-ever imports of pineapples and mangoes in March

“The imported avocado market has been subject to frequent fluctuations recently.”

Boosting MD2 pineapple cultivation in Sabah

Exploring new pineapple cultivation in Sri Lanka

"The Dutch market tends to prefer Moroccan avocados"

Sector | Company news

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Greenyard acquires dairy-free ice production facility

New Citri&Co sales rumors

Orient Overseas Container Line reported a 9% decline in total revenues in the Q1 2024

Allan Dodge with Pro Citrus Network

“Relationships are the biggest driver of our success”

A new project for trade among European production districts

Maersk appoints new managing director for Central America

WiseTech Global acquires Aktiv Data to expand global customs capability into Finland

Sector | Greenhouse

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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

Prior to launching, demand for purple tomato already exceeds supply

New greenhouse operations in New Hampshire to launch this spring

Med Group showroom dedicated to the greenhouse sector

How high-tech greenhouses are designed

Greenhouse grower puts more emphasis on buying local

Bill Boutros with Mucci Farms:

“We place a very high emphasis on expanding our network of grower partners”

Sector | Logistics

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Spot rates experience a steady decline over recent months

Qinzhou port's role in the new international land-sea trade corridor

Analysing the landscape of logistics in India

Iran's capture of the MSC Aries escalates tensions Middle East

'Potential for heightened war risk premiums and volatility in freight rates'

Panama Canal Authority to increase daily transits to 32

India-Persian Gulf corridor is witnessing series of rate adjustments

Multimodal Dry Canal project

Panama turns to a 'dry canal' amidst maritime challenges

Sector | Machinery

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Video of the Calderoni inter-row tiller below

Interesting market trend also in North Africa

Autonomous robot harvester makes the cut with asparagus

Tomra food inaugurates new center in Valencia

FrostBoss launch new laydown fan tower:

The elegant solution to frost protection

Solar irrigation offering to be rolled out across sub-Saharan Africa

Ray Rotar - Intralox:

Conveyor solutions supporting fruit and vegetable handling and processing applications

TechNature's optica sorters are gaining ground in onions and seed potatoes

"Side-camera technology picks up far more product defects"

Sector | General fresh produce

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Looking at vegetable supply chain issues in Bangladesh

Ruud Krul, Freshclusive:

"Lower air freight rates boost exports to distant destinations"

Raiffeisen Obst & Gemüse GmbH

Johann Bergmann from Raiffeisen Obst & Gemüse in Leverkusen:

"The conflict has not affected the volumes, quality, or prices of Israeli produce"

Turkish agri sector ships record exports in first quarter of 2024

Engaging market players from Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Tajikistan

The most profitable crop in 2024/25 – survey’s results

Reports include severe impacts on crops and fruits on over 40,000 hectares

Maharashtra officials initiate assessment for crops affected by unseasonal rains and hailstorms

HortNZ calls for urgent changes to RMA to protect New Zealand fruit and vegetable production

Sector | Management

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Major challenges in the future require water knowledge

Highlighting the potential of the Brazilian fruit sector

Fruit Attraction São Paulo has had a successful start

Japan open to employ broad range of strategies in response to the yen reaching very low value

Mercosur meeting concludes with new initiatives in Paraguay

PAYR, the Finnish Potato Sector Association, joins Europatat

Kiwi rugby star Renee Holmes partners with First Fresh

AJ Griesel appointed as Managing Director for InteliGro Crop Solutions

Sector | Miscellaneous

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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?

Fresh commodity exports to Fiji require additional declaration

Two containers with US-imported oranges caught fire in separate South Korean ports

Eight Myanmar nationals concealed within vegetable crates

Human trafficking operation intercepted on Thai-Myanmar border

Sector | Fruit

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Egyptian watermelon season kicking off:

"We have tripled our greenhouse acreage"

Fruit trees are blooming in Lapseki, Turkey

DG agri dashboard: apples

France saw highest February monthly average apple prices at €1.36 per kg

Longest and largest cherry season in the Pacific Northwest anticipated

Freshfel Europe’s Consumption Monitor -

Europeans still not consuming minimum recommendation of 400 g/day of fresh produce

Armenia poised for bountiful apricot harvest this year

"Ancient varieties in melons have experienced a new enthusiasm from consumers"

Sector | Herbs

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Peter Mair of Gruppo Mec:

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

Ton Verheijke, Janyra Organics:

"With our first full-scale herb harvest, we should gain a foothold in the Netherlands"

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"

After 15 years in the herb industry, Drona Pantjoe launched Kenya Fresh.

"We'll get the first Portuguese salicornia in the second week of January"

Sector | Agenda

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May 28, 29 and 30

The Citrus Forum will feature over 50 international citrus cultivation experts

IFPA opens registration for the 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show

Unido Itpo Italy

Iraqi buyers and operators will also be in attendance at the fair

Fruit attraction in São Paulo to showcase Brazil's agricultural prowess

Held on June 19 and 20 in Huelva

"Freshuelva is already preparing the 9th International Berry Congress"

We will be back Tuesday 2nd of April

Happy Easter from the FreshPlaza team

“This an opportunity for our growers, and suppliers to find a new market in supplying directly to these customers"

Sector | Citrus

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The European Commission is open to requiring cold treatment for all imported citrus fruits

A look at import citrus this spring and summer

Justin Chadwick, CGA:

“South Africa’s WTO call to consultation on CBS not aggressive to EU, but to clear up technical issue”

Surge in lemon demand observed in Kochi district

The nightmare continues in ECJ Nadorcott decision (2019)

Worldwide challenges for lemon exporters

South Africa initiates WTO dispute against EU citrus blackspot regulations

Sector | Organic

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Restoration of organic fruit and berry cultivation in Kyrgyzstan's regions

Hanoi's organic agriculture is still facing challenges

New "Inverted Natural Branding" of organic fruit and vegetables

Astrid Rog and Geoffrey Harreman, BIO-Center Zann:

"Our organic fruit and vegetable range goes all over Europe"

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

Turkey's organic product exports surpass expectations

New Zealand's organic kiwifruit sector sees growth and potential

Sector | Health

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Looking at vegetable intake and cancer risk reduction

Bananas facilitate quicker recovery after running

More research into dietary patterns and brain health in Japan

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

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

Avocado consumption linked to improved health in Australian survey

Is there a correlation between avocado consumption and heart health?

Sector | IT

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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"

Orchard Robotics creates data-driven module for existing farm machinery

Harry Tinson - Harvest Eye:

"The possibilities to adapt the technology for other crops is almost endless"

Tech is bridging the gap between farms and politics in Spain

AI will help Spanish exporting companies find new European importers more easily

Drewry launches interactive version of Container Capacity Insight through Container Freight Portal

Sector | Innovations

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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

Avocado ripeness checker debated by Australians

AgrigateOne invites industry to test-drive its market intelligence beta product

South Korea advances in cryopreservation for pear genetic resources

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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Second biggest processing factory in Nigeria formally opened

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

In Turkistan, a fruit berry processing workshop has been inaugurated

Softer sales for salad kits at retailer's deli counters

Fresh apples for processing – a new popular export product in Europe

Sector | Cooling

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To support food security in Lincolnshire

Magnavale Easton development approaches finish line

Launch of new refrigerated ocean transportation service utilizing electric field technology

Addressing logistics and storage to mitigate inflation in the Philippines

Bangladesh looks to US investment in cold storage to curb losses

"Demand for frozen round onions remains robust in international markets."

Chongqing welcomes first ILSTC China-Laos-Thailand cold chain train in Year of the Dragon

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

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

Sector | Food safety

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Industry input needed for Australian certification standards

China returns 30 durian shipments from Vietnam due to cadmium contamination

19.8 tons of contaminated tomatoes imported from Uzbekistan to Yekaterinburg, Russia

Taiwanese Ministry assures safety of local pineapples and mushrooms

Excessive pesticide residues found in Japanese strawberries at Taiwanese border

South Korea suspends sales of Chinese carrots due to pesticide concerns

Artificial mango ripening raises health concerns in Telangana

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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

Iranian annual date exports reached $345 mlns in the past calendar year

Pine nut export duty implemented to boost domestic processing in Russia

Pistachio export surge from Turkey in the first quarter of 2024

Hazelnut exports from Azerbaijan at $22.4 million in first two months of 2024

Asia and Europe are key markets for California pistachios and almonds

Turkmenistan's Hemsaýa enterprise commences dried fruit production

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Vietnam introduces new regulations on product traceability

White paper outlines new technology solution in PE cling film

QR code innovation in India for mango authentication

IFPA A-NZ calls for national approach to fruit sticker ban

Spanish supermarket uses Finnish technology to reduce packaging waste

Presenting premium tomatoes like sweets in a cardboard tray

Comparing the savings of pooled reusables vs. single-use crates

Sector | Retail

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Albert Heijn has established a Food Transition Advisory Council

Kantar: Wonky vegetables have found favour with cost-conscious consumers

Ocado Group: ISF rollout with Auchan Retail Poland

Just Eat Takeaway's total orders fell 6%

Just Eat Takeaway.com to discontinue all operations in New Zealand

HelloFresh opens its largest and most advanced European distribution centre

Coop amba and OK have agreed on a 50/50 ownership structure for Coop Danmark

Woolworths officially launches in New Zealand

CEO: Aldi has 'no current plan' to come to Tasmania

Fruits, vegetables, and wine are particularly popular in Carrefour Itali's exports

Antitrust fine for Norway's top 3 food retailers less than quarter of originally proposed penalty

Retail group REWE has reported sales growth

The Warehouse expands its fresh produce range to a third of its stores across New Zealand

Tesco has said price pressures on grocers have eased as it reported bumper sales and profit

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW SWEET POTATOES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW STRAWBERRIES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW LIMES

Global market overview peppers

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GINGER

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CUCUMBERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANDARINS

Sector | Climate

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Dutch importers climate targets approved by science based targets initiative

First public consultation -

Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for fresh produce is now open

Impact of La Niña on Chilean agriculture: challenges and expectations

Climate change may affect grape cultivation in Turkey

In a month, Sinaloa’s water supply will be reduced

Water supply issues in Mexico force growers to make tough decisions

Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests

Mohammed Sadiki: "We are working on the extension of cultivation areas"

Sector | Cartoons

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Pineapple Passion

Man made a flute out of a carrot and it works perfectly

Why are vegetarian meals on planes so bad?

Local identity fuels fashion: Uttaradit's Durian-themed apparel attracts tourists

Students innovate with eco-friendly inks from fruit and vegetable leftovers

Banana outrage: the new focus of Delta Airlines lounge controversy

Cost-benefit analysis of banana peels and sweet potato vines in rabbit diets