February 2007

News of 2005 | News of 2006 | January | February

Wednesday February 28

• British Field Day Winter Gem
• Warm welcome to Dorita Premium Bananas from banana market
• Oppenheimer and Origin Announce Long-Term Agreement
• Export dollar bananas to EU increased with 10,2% in 2006
• European Union increased banana imports with 12,3% in 2006
• Macfrut 2007: growing foreign presence
• ASPROCAN concerned about prices of Canary bananas
• New Zealand: T&G harvests bumper profit
• EU: local banana growers cover 13% of EU supply
• Biodegradable shopping bag presented in Brussels
• Spanish imports increase volumes, decrease prices
• France: crisis in the lettuce industry
• Latvia: domestic vegetables will become delicacies
• Russia: growing import of Chinese apple juice
• Fresh Del Monte earnings slip on banana market
• Waitrose: Food differentiation is future of UK farming
• UK: Fairtrade seeks £50m investment
• UK: Banana eating bonanza at Co-op with fairtrade introduction
• BioVittoria Tastes Sweet Success at China Trade Awards
• Silbermann Speaks at Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s Produce Safety Symposium
• Ecuador Loses Millions in Drought
• US: Celery Prices Surge Following Freeze
• Food washing needs inspiration
• Vietnam: nearly 1,000 tonne of cashew nuts exported to US, EU
• Cuba: fields of fruit trees increased in Camagüey
• India: Almond eases on sluggish demand
• Philippines: ‘Safety nets’ sought for vegetable industry
• Vietnam succeeds in growing sea grapes
• Panama: investments of US$1.5bn to double port capacity
• India: Pistachio declines in thin trade
• Pakistan: oranges, bananas and turmeric prevent leukemia
• EU Accession: Expected Short Term Impacts on Romania's Agri-Food Sector
• Australia: macadamia production forecast at 42K MT
• China expects 35% increase in strawberry production
• SIFE expects 1,5 mln. boxes of bananas in 2007
• Costa Rica banana exports to Europe jump 37% in 2006
• Economy news:
  • Irish Economy at risk of significant reversal
  • UAE economy estimated to score 9.7% real GDP growth for 2006
  • US consumer confidence index hits five-and-a-half year high
  • Georgia up to No. 18 on 'New Economy Index'
• Retail news:
  • Westfield's Steven Lowy Says Buyout Offers Good for Retailers
  • Ahold Dismisses Reports Of Move Into Danish Market
  • Wal-Mart seals Trust-Mart takeover

Tuesday February 27

• SIFE expects 1,5 mln. boxes of bananas in 2007
• Costa Rica banana exports to Europe jump 37% in 2006
• Ecuador makes WTO arbitration in banana dispute irrevocable
• Stability in European banana market
• Pakistan to end Kinnow season in next few days
• Chile: Mediterranean fruit fly found in Santiago forces to extreme controls
• China, Russia: safety of fruit and vegetables
• RayTec Vision: sorting machineries for fresh and semi-finished food products
• Mexico: mango exports decreasing extremely
• Brazil successfully exports organic produce
• Russia: growth of vegetables and fruit sales during the Great Lent
• New Zealand: Aussie apple growers lose appeal
• Apple growers bitterly disappointed by decision
• Produce Marketing Association Names Julie Koch Vice President, Member Relations
• Italy first, Greece second and Spain third producer of organic citrus
• Chiquita Brands South Pacific Ltd's posts fall in net profit
• Canaries to grow South American banana varieties
• United Arab Emirates: Del Monte says yes to production
• Emma Thompson urges Tesco to make South African suppliers respect employment laws
• Australian effort to ban NZ apples seen as beyond a farce
• 7,000 tons of Israeli apples sold to Syria
• Pakistan: kinnow mandarins soar to Rs120 per dozen
• Are EU GMO rules starving the poor?
• Report highlights economics behind food quality schemes
• English apples 'from central Asia'
• US: food safety inspections languishing
• UK: Miliband proposes eco food labels
• Study: Garlic only good for bad breath
• Potato grower considers $4 million lawsuit against state
• UK: public want food 'traffic lights'
• Shortage of new trees threatens citrus' future
• US: organic farmers weigh in on 2007 farm bill debate
• US: more fruit growers ready to use guest-worker program
  
• Economy news:
  • German consumer confidence dips to 14-month nadir in March
  • Australia: business, consumer confidence up
  • India tops consumer confidence index for a second year
• Retail news:
  • Woolworths First-Half Profit Rises 28% on Groceries
  • Wal-Mart takes stake in China retailer
  • Royal Ahold to enter Danish market, possibly by buying AP Moeller-Maersk chain
  • Kesko Food and Finnish Association for Fairtrade deepen cooperation
  • New retail chains are shaking up the traditional markets in India
  • Dubai: Carrefour heads for plastic-free future

Monday February 26

• California Ag Agency Causing Trade Disruptions
• UK: David Macaulay leads Redfox Growth
• Australia: RIS comes up short
• Banana production Costa Rica realises highest productivity in the world
• US citrus market still disappointing to Valencia
• Initiative on export of organic onions from Bolivia to the US
• Italy: 400 kg of cocaine hidden under rotten bananas
• Ecuador: 60 kg of cocaine found in banana vessel
• Morocco: two victims because of explosion in banana storage
• Poland: good outlook for sweet cherries
• Spain: export balance on fruit and vegetables 2006
• Frauds rob 10% turnover from Italian fresh produce sector
• North American potato growers show united front
• Peru: good mango export price to compensate lower production
• Kazakhstan: better times for fresh produce importers?
• US: citrus experts upbeat at Sunkist meeting
• UK retail giant backtracks on 'food miles'
• Oregon Cherry Growers and Sage Fruit to build packing facility
• Malaysia urged to plant more pineapples
• US: blueberries will grow, not boom
• India looks to build grape brands
• China: Jiangxi Taina Nanfeng Orange Co. Ltd. Acquired Huangjia Nanfeng Tangerine Orange Co. Ltd.
• Florida citrus growers go organic
• China develops taste for organic produce
• Organic products are becoming increasingly popular in eastern Europe
• India: Apeda seeks 172 mln. Euro for IndiaGAP certification
• Japan brightens US spud export picture
• US: Michigan growers face farm labor shortage in apple, asparagus harvests
• UK: Tesco to sell Malawi Fairtrade groundnuts
• Thailand to contest Australia's claim about fruit contamination
• Persimmon supplies to Ukraine were significantly reduced
• India: official apathy hits mango pulp industry
• Sri Lanka loses Rs. 1 billion due to drop in fruit and vegetable exports
• Fiji: pawpaw harvest to be exported to Australia
• BASF offers products and services throughout the whole value chain of fresh produce
• Peru achieves a record in exports of organic bananas
• Russian market wakes up
• Canada: grape grower fears threat posed by toxic pesticide
• Valencian citrus discharged in Hong Kong and Singapore

• Economy news:
  • Brazilian Trade Surplus in 2007 Grows to US$ 1.7 Billion
  • India to become a trillion dollar economy by '08
  • Palestinian economy shrinks 21 percent in fourth quarter of 2006
  • UK economy 'still growing strongly'
  • Vietnam: consumer price index sharply rises in February
• Retail news:
  • Reduction of plastic packaging at Sainsbury's
  • UK: local produce 'the way to beat supermarkets'
  • Corrugated sector backs retail-ready packaging project
  • Save Mart Supermarkets Confirms Sale of Albertson's Northern California Division
    

Friday February 23

• US: Chiquita reports fourth quarter and full-year 2006 results
• Valencian citrus discharged in Hong Kong and Singapore
• BASF offers products and services throughout the whole value chain of fresh produce
• Simone Naggiar joins Oppenheimer as BDR for Western Canada
• US: Indianapolis Fruit and Piazza Produce acquire McCartney Produce
• US: Sunkist growers celebrate an excellent year and look ahead to an exciting future
• Russian market wakes up
• Peru achieves a record in exports of organic bananas
• Joint Venture: Fresca and Martinavarro shake up citrus
• Mexico retakes banana exports to Syria beginning of March
• Italy: first commercial platform for organic fresh products
• Spanish president: citrus industry healthy as it can be
• Poland: COPA-COGECA stands up for strawberry growers
• Serbia: changes in raspberry production
• President of EU parliament supports Spanish citrus sector
• The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture features a new strategy of organic production
• Australia: Growers and business unite in aid of owl box project
• Ecuador: slight increase of banana exports
• Bulgarian authorities seize another shipment of toxic nuts
• Italy: Apple Proliferation stable in Trentino
• UK: Fairtrade passing the taste test
• After a slow ripening period, New Zealand blueberries are enjoying a bumper season
• Australia: Mango season coming to a close in Sydney
• New Zealand: Few fears over apple staff
• UK: Bananas - can't say fairer than that!
• Botswana: Central expects low crop yields
• Onion prices start falling in India
• Malaysia: Sabah aims to be Malaysia's main mushroom producer in five years
• New Zealand: Ports must keep eye on big picture
• Turkish organic juices splash into US market
• Fiji: Breadfruit in high demand locally and overseas
• US: Chiquita 4Q loss widens
• Vietnam: Square watermelon sold in Can Tho
• US: New leafy greens board meets Friday
• Australia: Dodging the drought
• US: PepsiCo to start selling fruit chips
• USDA announces $200 million in international assistance under two programs
• Australia: Growers and Great Barrier Reef to benefit from nutrient management project
• Economy news:
  • Israel: Economy grew rapidly after war
  • World mkts up on strong Japanese economy
  • Malaysia: Economy doing well, it's no artificial push
  • New Zealand: Time to start saving - Peters
  • Tanzania: Inflation reaches 7.0 percent in January
• Retail news:
  • India: Retail giants not good news for all
  • Japan: Supermarket sales down for 13th straight month
  • Russia: Local retailers ask for entrance fees and discounts, reports oil and mayonnaise producing company
  • UK: Asda to create 485 jobs in North
  • UK: Netto quietly bags environmental points
  • US: J.C. Penney '06 Sales +6% to $20B, Profits +6% to $1.2B
  • US: Safeway 4Q profit climbs 77 percent on tax gain, sales rise

Thursday February 22

• Dole keeps confidence in Costa Rican melons
• Manager looking forward to a new challenge in produce industry
• Italian Aosta Valley: -28% apple production in the last ten years
• Australia: Royal Gala arrives
• Spain: FEPEX committees prepare apple, pear and stone fruit campaign
• Cuban fruit and vegetable plantations
• Spain expects lower pome fruit production
• Peru watermelon exports increased 1586% in 2006
• Belarus: new greenhouse complex
• Italy: crisis for vegetables production due to climatic changes
• Emergency support for fruit and vegetable producers in Argentina
• Italy: man dies in attempt to steal apples
• Poland: leading producer of carrot in EU
• Lemon exports to the US “positive”, says ASAJA Murcia representative
• Peru exports mango to the Chinese market
• Speakers to share consumer expertise at Consumer Trends ’07
• US: Mushroom recall due to E.Coli detections
• Norway: Spanish produce and exotic fruits most successful
• Italy: collaboration project between Puglia and Tunisia
• India: Technology that triples total tomato tonnage
• Canada: Survey indicates Canadians want RFID in grocery stores
• Gambian president says herbs and bananas are cure for AIDS
• India: Experts warn against citrus greening
• UK: Contract with M&S bears fruit for tomato grower
• US: Panel explores citrus taxes
• US: Fresh crops tainted by E. coli suspicion
• Philippines: Vegetable frost unlikely in NegOr, PAO assures
• US: The amazing fruit sculptor
• Ivory Coast: dwindling rains, falling harvests
• US: blueberry growers uneasy about latest honeybee die-off
• Canada: Amazing avocados
• US: Along US-Mexico border, not enough hands for the harvest
• India seeks investments from gulf region in agro-processing
• US: Possible recourse for produce haulers?
• Agrifood technologies conference, Montpellier, France
• US: Vita-Pakt working overtime
• Australia: Three new fruit fly outbreaks
• Citrus industry leaders agreed they would not recommend dismantling the Florida Department of Citrus unless doing so would resolve the "free rider" issue
• Economy news:
  • Spanish '06 GDP growth jumps, little let-up seen
  • Ukrainian delegation arrives in U.S. for talks on WTO accession
  • US: Economy seen expanding modestly in 2007
  • Budget surplus heralds thriving South Africa economy
• Retail news:
  • Denmark: Coop planning 60 new stores
  • UK: Asda unveils £500m store growth plan
  • UK: Marks & Spencer wins tax victory in UK court
  • UK: Morrisons boosts Fairtrade focus
  • US: Wal-Mart Profits Increase 9.8%

Wednesday February 21

• Video interview with Ron Lemaire on upcoming CPMA convention
• Poland: bananas are by far the leading imported fruit
• Is Chinese market really open for Spanish citrus?
• Emilia-Romagna aims to become leader in pear production .
• Floor plan of SIFEL Morocco updated
• UK: Amcor Flexibles - exclusive supplier of peelable
  PLA for fresh produce
• Italy: Roberto Cera becomes new chairman of Naturitalia
• China: Jiangxi Taina Nanfeng Orange Co. Ltd. has expanded
• Argentina: expectations on avocado exports from Tucumán
• Panama monitors pesticide use in banana plantations
• Peruvian native potatoes nominated for UN award
• Costa Rica: banana growers hope for improved EU market access
• Belarus: vegetable juice extraction factory to be built in Minsk
• Italy: Coldiretti welcomes project for national organic label
• Spain plans changes in support for reconversion of fruit
• United Arab Emirates: Hussain Lootah opens conference on food safety
• US: INTTRA Introduces Desktop File Master for Shipping Instructions
• Spain: new agency announced
• Europe: Amcor sees best growth in eastern Europe
• Ethiopia: MoARD sets forth to privatize three fruit, vegetable enterprises
• Israeli apricots and plums in winter?
• India: Commodity prices to be checked regularly
• Italians eat unhealthy
• Japanese Government Funds Fruit Processing Project in Top Mountain
• Production of Sweet Kiss melons in Costa Rica
• The Netherlands: VDL Cultivit presents first serial build cultivit machine at the international fair SIMA in Paris
• New Zealand: Innovation can bear fruit
• NZ food supply threatened by genetic modification
  
• New Zealand: Port bouyant with 56% jump in profits
• Peru: Growth of peruvian tangerine exports
• Ukraine: The limited volumes of cucumber supplies resulted in another price growth on market
• Uganda: solar drier making fruit processing easier
• UK: Why going organic could cost the earth
• UK: Sainsbury to buy Windward bananas
• US delays APHIS inspection program - again
• US: Cold weather takes bloom off some citrus
• US: Specialty crop producers get front row seat in ’07 farm bill debate
• US: Farmers feel financial chill from weekend weather
• US: Freeze topics on agenda for Sunkist meeting
• July deadline for Caribbean/European economic negotiations
• US: Stevenson appointed to National Potato Promotion Board
• Canada's premier horticultural event
• US: The power of pomegranate antioxidants in Pomology's new supplements
• Chilean Reception - Fruit Logistica 2007
• Economy news:
  • Australia: Economic growth to pick up - WMI index
  • Australian economy grew moderately in second half, Stevens Says
  • Greek economic sentiment index up in January
  • Japan: BoJ weighing economy's health in rate decision
  • New Zealand: Confidence in economy up
  • US Consumer Comfort Index up to +1
• Retail news:
  • Canada: Glengrove Organics set to launch in Loblaws -
    Canada's largest grocery chain
  • Canada: Planet Organic Market opens first store in Ontario
  • France: EU inquiry deadline into Carrefour buy of Ahold's Polish retail ops March 23
  • UK: Marks & Spencer extends RFID technology to 120 stores
  • US: Consumers find more retail satisfaction online than offline
  • US: Publix, Costco Top Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • South Africa: PIK - Pick `n Pay Stores Ltd - Fruit & Veg City,
    Pick `N Pay, withdraw from deal

Tuesday February 20

• Ecuador: water shortage limits banana production
• Production of Sweet Kiss melons in Costa Rica
• EU will investigate efficiency of phytosanitary inspections on citrus imports
• Poland: fast development of tomato production
• US: woman finds a scorpion in her fruit
• Zeraim Gedera’s nova cucumber - a huge Breakthrough in China
• US: live scale insects in Mexican avocados
• Sicily: decrease for citrus demand on last week
• Advantage for Africa in banana exports
• Italian hallmarked products increase up to 160
• Spain will ask the EU Commission for support to the tomato production
• Chilean Reception - Fruit Logistica 2007
• Australia: Scientists seeking growers’ knowledge on fruit orchard pests
• India: GAIC to roll out its banana pack house this year
• Uganda to introduce genetically engineered banana
• UK: Co-op set to double fairtrade banana sales
• Horticultural Product CAP Reform Developments – Greece
• Australia: Navel orange crop to increase
• UK: Recalls up at British firms
• EU standards to be adopted for fruits export in Pakistan
• India: Chennai vegetable prices
• US: Cold Snap: citrus crops undamaged
• Canada: AAFC: Potato Research Centre Marks Milestone
• US: Waste not: cranberry leftovers get new life in greenhouses
• UK: Report questions environmental impact of organic and local production
• US: New fruit hybrids could rescue Florida's citrus industry
• Moldova: organic vegetables will be grown in cooperation with Israel
• US: New tomato virus identified in Arizona
• Spain: autonomous communities will receive € 88,7 M in support
• US: Zebra chip affecting tubers used to make potato chips
• Pakistan: 10% tax on income from agri produce likely soon
• US: Food banks need harvest workers for citrus crop
• GM food and the harm of hysteria
• India: Companies go mango shopping
• Economy news:
  • Canada: Surprising wholesale figures another sign economy strong
  • Germany: Bundesbank: German economy strong
  • Indian economy is on sound footing: Kamath
  • US: The economy is more stable. But is the market?
• Retail news:
  • Chile: Cencosud profits lifted by expansion
  • India: Tata Denies talks with Tesco, happy with Woolworths
  • Moldova: Carrefour planning move into Moldova?
  • Malaysia: Changing fortunes for small retailers
  • UK's largest Co-ops to merge
  • UK: Marks & Spencer not in talks with Qatari group over Sainsbury bid - sources
  • UK: Qatar looks to Sainsbury deal

Monday February 19

• Chilean Reception - Fruit Logistica 2007
• 360 Quality ensures fruit quality throughout the supply chain
• US: Recall on tainted melons
• US: Taco Bell to test lettuce at the farm
• Rain threatens grape crop in Chile
• US: Chiquita Brands International names Michael J. Holcomb VP of Corporate Sales & Customer Development
• Proposal for a quality brand for Murcian tomatoes
• Czech Republic: growing production of apples and cherries
• Costa Rica – A dreamland for melon trials
• Italy: Fair Trade bananas from Ecuador
• Ecuador: ministers decide on EU banana imports
• Canary banana exports increase 22,09% in January
• Brazil: agreement to promote fruit from the Sao Paulo region
• Poland: onion market still sees prices rise
• Restrictions and recommended chemical limits for citrus plants in South and Southern Africa
• US: Florida fruit growers prepare for freeze
• US: Two American Classics In New Product Line: Idaho® Potatoes & Betty Crocker®
• China: Asian Citrus says still excited about growth prospects from rising demand
• Superberry is facing EU ban
• Regulations on protected designation of origin and protected geographical indications
• Fresh outside grown vegetables from exotic origins in Europe
• New Zealand: Pipfruit exports grow
• UK: Welsh chippie succeeds in its Guinness World Record bid
• Germany: Investors seek takeovers in organic farming and processing
• Pakistan possesses great potential for fruit, vegetable export
• US: Study shows first peck of peppers picked 6,100 years ago
• Russia: Kinnow exports to Russia may help achieve $30m mark
• Ukrainian vegetables from storages are sold twice as cheap mid February 2007 than a year ago
• UK: Suppressed report shows cancer link to GM potatoes
• US: Citrus experiment station marks 100th year
• USDA to measure impact of January freeze on citrus crop
• Lombardy: 70% decrease in tomato production for industrial processing
• US: Dwarf apple trees produce good fruit without overabundance
• US: We need a better year for county peaches
• US: Broccoli, tomatoes, raspberries & carrots become popular with kids, thanks to the "food dudes" of Ireland
• USDA agrees to import Pakistani mango
• US: State inspectors find invasive pest on Mexican avocados
• India: KVK trainee starts cashew apple processing unit
• US: prices still 'out of sight' for citrus, vegetables
• WTO: developed countries ask developing countries for non-agricultural compromises
• U.S. Producer Price Index declined 0.6% for January
• Chinese New Year boosts pistachio demand
• US: Shoppers tricked by 'healthy' food labels
• Ireland: €4m project to encourage children to eat fruit and veg
• US: Jack Dillard: Greenhouse tomato seminar scheduled Friday
• World production of fruits and vegetables reached 1.4 billion tons
• UK: First victory in Zamora justice campaign
• Economy news:
  • Egypt: Steady as she goes
  • EU Issues 2007 economic growth forecast
  • EU: Eurozone economies to grow by 2.4 percent
  • Greek Jan economic climate index 107.7 vs 107.1 in Dec; consumer confidence dips
  • Mexican economy slows in fourth quarter on auto, oil declines
  • Philippine economy to improve if political problem is solved
  • US: Report: Consumers more optimistic
• Retail news:
  • Germany: KarstadtQuelle’s new product strategy revealed
  • Spain: Carrefour to invest in own brand ranges
  • India: Carrefour close to Wadia deal
  • UK: Asda to cut packaging dramatically - using lessons from the past
  • US: Supervalu to close 3 distribution centers; sees $30 mln-$35 mln in charges
  • US: Wal-Mart RFID hits road block

Friday February 16

• Germany: Edeka extends organic product range
• Russia: weather hinders Moscow trade
• Fresh outside grown vegetables from exotic origins in Europe
• Spain: dialogue between supermarkts and citrus growers
• FreshPlaza meets Italian Institute for Foreign Trade
• Russia: growing interest in healthy products
• Spain: An international reference in wooden crates
• Ecuador: WTO complaint in banana dispute will not be put off
• Oranfrizer: premium market is the future for Sicilian oranges
• Poland: negative trend in cauliflower and broccoli production
• France: no more concessions from the EU Commission to Doha
• Colombia: there are more than 200 varieties of physalis
• Spain: citrus sector requests second promotion campaign
• Third Congress of Agro-food Quality in Murcia
• Organic production: the right ground rules for a growing sector
• Taiwan will export mangos and lychees to Chile and Australia
• Citrus mission hopes to return from Brazil with ideas on controlling disease and pests
• Fedefruta will impulse “technological nodes” for the sector
• Switserland: Government "should spend more on aid"
• Chile to take Argentina to WTO over agriculture subsidies
• EU set to vote against tariffs on strawberry imports
• India: Nature vents her fury on potato, 20% crop lost
• Video interview with Dr. Roger Hellens of HortResearch NZ
• Moth could be major threat to Mexico's prickly pears
• New Zealand: Southern ports in merger talks
• Romania: Frozen vegetables, the champion of food distributors
• US: Packaging can help wrap up brand loyalty,
  consumer research indicates
• Russians prefer buying national cucumber
• UK: Local fruit varieties set to be revived
• US: Organization urges Sodexho to buy locally
• India: More rain may spell doom for crops
• Fruit Logistica 2007 Exhibition in Berlin
• US: Produce processors need to clean up their act
• China's trade deficit in farm produce down substantially
• US: Fresh offerings from ARS Peach Breeders
• Polish farmers are not satisfied with the price for cabbage
• US: '06 grape harvest smaller, worth more
• China: Jiangxi Taina Nanfeng Orange Co. Ltd. enters into European union market
• US: A juicy business: UC Riverside's citrus center experiments with designer fruit
• USDA publishes food forecast to 2016
• Vietnam: Attractive orchards inwestern region
• More produce news :
  • Al Gore to keynote organic produce conference
  • Unger: John Catlin was ‘a giant in the industry’
  • Supervalu reveals distribution, retail changes
  • Carton could prolong iced shipping for veggies
  • Colorful Harvest expands to new Salinas office
  • Fire strikes fruit warehouse
  • Health: Organic Food Shopping Guide
  • Healthy snackers opt for fruit
• Economy news:
  • Isreal: January consumer prices down 0.1 percent
  • Japanese economy expands 4.8% - best in nearly three years
  • Japan: Economy grows 4.8% at yearly rate
  • Bio-economy 'still major driver of NZ's prosperity
• Retail news:
  • UK: Retail sales sharpest drop for four years
  • UK: Waitrose launches its charity week
  • Venezuela: Chavez threatening to seize supermarkets

Thursday February 15

• EU: Freshfel voices sector’s views on Greenpeace Germany’s supermarket ranking initiative
• Video interview with Dr. Roger Hellens of HortResearch NZBelgium: WAPA releases southern hemishere apple and pear crop forecasts
• De Ruiter Lyco+: a taste of health
• Alegra: promotional campaign for Sicilian PGI red orange in Poland
• Valencia wants to export more citrus to Hungary and Rumania
• Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia's main trade centers
• Italy: La Veneta launches new organic vegetable line
• Spain expects a strawberry production of 300K MT
• Italian presence at Fruit Logistica 2007
• AENOR Spain will promote organic standards in quality certification
• Australia: Fruit fly outbreak reported in major fruit growing area
• Portugal: food and drink exports increased with 11%
• Bulgaria: Organic food for thought
• Grape expectations for exports to China
• Belarus: new apple varieties
• Peru: agricultural exports are concentrated in 8 departments
• Germany: Organic-food opportunities expand fast,
  Nuremberg Fair says
• France: Growers advised to use fungicide to maintain crop resistance
• India: 'Late Blight' hits potato, tomato crops in Punjab
• India: Onion prices: Delhi govt comes to rescue
• Nigeria: Booming potato trade in Jos
• Kinnow exports to Russia may help achieve $30m mark
• US biotech firms address analysts at ag forum
• Ecuador: banana policy to be implemented in second semester
• US: Dutchmen opens RV manufacturing facility in Idaho
• US: Dole Food Company, Inc. launches new tool bringing consumers closer to organic banana farms
• Dominican Customs responds to Agro-Manufactureres Association on tomato issue
• US: Kiwifruit colorful, loaded with nutrition
• Australia: Quarantine officials defend NZ apples
• US: California freeze limits citrus supply, sending prices up
• US: Sweet tooths fuel strawberry sales
• Moldova: plans to double acreage of vineyards
• US: Texas crop report
• Venezuela may nationalize supermarkets
• Economy news:
  • China's consumer price index increased slightly in january
  • Indonesia's economy probably grew fastest in 2 years
  • Japan's economy grows 4.8%, fastest in almost 3 years
  • Palestinian Consumer Price Index increases 0.35% in january 2007
  • Singapore's economy expanded an annual pace of 7.9% in the fourth quarter
• Retail news:
  • Bulgaria: French retailer Carrefour shopping for store site in Pazardjik
  • Russia: Wal-Mart: new expansion strategy
  • Russia: X5 Retail Group N.V. announces new appointments
  • UK: Crimsonwing helps Morrisons launch supply chain
  • US: J.C. Penney aims for brighter image
  • Tesco ready to take on U.S. grocers, analyst says

Wednesday February 14

• Fruit Logistica 2007 Exhibition in Berlin
• Germany: FRUIT LOGISTICA: A total success
• Chile: fruit exports growth expected in 10%
• Apofruit Italia: strategic partnership with Sun World and expansion on East European markets
• Al Shams profiles itself as supplier of quality citrus
• Italian agricultural firms to visit South Africa in March
• Rubens® and Modì®: two outsiders on the red apple market
• US: government is “anxious” to ratify the FTAs
• Cherries under pressure:
  delicate stone fruit could suffer from late bloom
• EU may cancel tariff on China strawberry imports
• Spain: How the thirst for strawberries is draining Spain's precious water
• India: Pistachio prices down on poor demand
• Argentina: difficult times ahead for lemon exports
• Vitaminis wins prestigious Fruit Logistica Innovation Award
• India: Potato volume picks up on MCX
• Valencia asks for crisis fund for citrus sector
• Mexico: citrus production decreases 20%
• India: Bengal to brand potato varieties
• Bio Bank Report 2007 published in Italy
• Japan: Pins found in bananas imported from the Philippines
• Bahrain: 200 exhibitors for horticulture show
• Malaysia: T'ganu introduces strawberry cultivation via fertigation
• US: Macadamia nut harvest: 55 million lbs.
• New Zealand: Poultry and apples main factor in food price rise
• Philippines: Banana chips regains confidence
• Ukraine: Another price jump for fresh herbs is recorded in Kyiv
• UK: Industry benefits from new blight research
• St. Claire's Organics™ Welcomes Bobbie Grennier
• UK: Website links shoppers to organic food
• UK: Office of fair trading investigating Woolworths' acquisition
• India: Scheme to boost vegetable production
• US: Quincyfacility under ConAgra investigation
• US: EPA urged to expedite phase-out of pesticide
• China: 'Space potatoes' new Valentines dish
• US: Move that lettuce! Workshop focuses on produce sales
• China: Abundant fruit and vegetables before Lunar New Year holiday
• US: Watermelon growers to meet
• India: Soaring onion prices a headache for Delhiites
• Hutchison bags $260 mln Vietnam port project
• More produce news:
  • Ukraine: cabbage prices started growing
  • Characterized by the leading carrot production growth rates, Ukraine is among the top ten carrot producers
  • Moldova: walnut export growth
  • Ukraine: most growers of root crops are not able to sell their produce even for the minimal prices
  • Another price jump for fresh herbs is recorded in Kyiv
  • Ukrainian market is oversupplied with apples
  • Farr seeks federal aid for spinach
  • ’Perfect Pears’ contest features multiple prizes
  • TV exposé prompts changes at L.A. market
  • Wal-Mart’s direction pondered after job changes
  • Spinach survey criticized for causing confusion
  • Security consciousness hurries crossing upgrades
  • 2006 PMA Consumer Research Offers Tips for New Year’s Growth
  • Poll: Most Foodborne Illness Goes Unreported
  • Fruit fly outbreak reported in major fruit growing area
  • US: FruitaBü launches organic fruit twirls range
  • Bad news for citrus is good news for stone fruit
  • Fruit 'the perfect Valentines gift'
  • FruitaBu Introduces Smoooshed Organic, Real Fruit Twirls
  • Legislators protest against price rise with onions
  • Banana growers warn of retrenchment
  • Hawaiian Pineapple Production Plummets
  • Japan to resume imports of U.S. potatoes; use limited to potato chips
  • Meghalaya farmers encouraged to grow strawberry
  • CARREFOUR launches new strategic plan
• Economy news:
  • Australian Consumer Sentiment Index +1.7% In Feb Vs Jan
  • China: Euro-zone economy grows by 0.9 percent in fourth quarter of 2006
  • India: Riding on weather whims
  • Japan Jan consumer confidence index 48.1 vs 45.9 in Dec; first rise in 2 mths
  • Uganda: confidence in economic climate grows
  • UK consumer inflation down in January
• Retail news:
  • Major grocers eyeing Bulgarian city of Kyustendil
  • Colombia: Exito posts higher profit
  • Wal-Mart De Mexico Sets 2007 Expansion
  • UK: Tesco goes green in US
  • US: J. C. Penney to launch new brand positioning

Tuesday February 13

• Fruit Logistica 2007 Exhibition in Berlin
• Vitaminis wins prestigious Fruit Logistica Innovation Award
• Italy at the Fruit Logistica 2007
• Alegra export manager Diego De Lucca points out future role for Emilia-Romagna
• Hortiberia launches a strategic alliance with international supermarkets
• Brazil: Sudden death of citrus is controlled to 31 municipalities
• Poland: low cabbage prices
• Kiwigold launches new logo for Italian yellow Kiwi
• Ailimpo: 250K to 300K MT of Spanish lemons remains unharvested
• Ecuador: price increase Panama Canal not without consequence
• Italian kiwi to the USA under Weight Watchers label
• “Alhóndigas” the window of Murcian fruits and vegetables to the markets
• New chief at Agrofair UK
• US: Organics conveyed to a wider audience
• Ecuador: agriculture minister proposes annual banana price
• US: Some insects can cope with cold weather
• Lawmakers take citrus trip to Argentina
• Australia to help boost mango output
• Belize: Citrus growers’ directors reestablish unity
• Canada: Hydroponic lettuce operation picks Overton Co.; could bring 300 jobs
• USDA announces $4.6 mln to promote business development and job creation
• Pineapple production slid in 2006
• Panama: important advances on the development of exotic fruits for exports
• Exports power China's trade surplus
• Huge UK boost for fairtrade nut farmers
• Uzbekistan: larger export of fruit and vegetables to Russia
• Chinese gobble organic produce as toxins, pollution foul food
• China: 'Space potatoes' grown from mutated seeds latest food fad in Shanghai
• Germany: EUREPGAP launches 3rd version of its good agricultural practice standard
• Dominican tomato growers to harvest 8.2M quintals
• Guyana: Govt building more packaging facilities for export produce
• India: 100 bags onions seized
• Philippines: Cashew seen as potential export commodity crop
• Philippines: Agri agents ready control over banana wilt disease
• Turkey to become EU’s vegetable depot, report looks ahead
• UK: Has setting serious records had its chips?
• US: Fizzy Fruit(TM) and HarperCollins to Launch KEEP MOVING FORWARD sweepstakes to promote newest Disney animated feature
• US: California's 2006 grape crush totaled 3.5 million tons, down 20% from the record 2005 crush
• Canada: New Minute Maid(R) Fruit Solutions(R) contains MEG-3(R)
• US: Mona Vie Acai juice concoctions offer fruitful choices for consumers
• US: Scientists near 'consensus' on safety, advocate says
• US: Superior lettuces fend off two destructive viruses
• US: Gap in vegetable supplies relates to freeze
• US: Viva la fiesta! Come celebrate with 'Avocados from Mexico'
• Indian cashew processors to seek cooperation opportunities in Vietnam
• More produce news:
  • Natural Selection president shares lessons learned
  • Poland's reaction to proposed EU Fruit and
    Vegetable Sector Reform
  • Weekly Highlights and Hot Bites #5
• Economy news:
  • Canada: Consumer confidence remains solid
  • Hungarian economic sentiment rose on higher business confidence
  • Irish economy growth 'to top Europe'
  • Sri Lanka to change the Colombo Consumer Price Index
  • Pakistan: CPI up 6.64 per cent
  • UK inflation 'expected to ease'
• Retail news:
  • Canada: Loblaw takes big hit in Quebec
  • France's Auchan in talks with Bombay Dyeing for possible India foray
  • Wal-Mart enters India
  • UK: Sainsbury bid talk revives