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We'll be back on January 5th

Happy Holidays from the FreshPlaza team!

Pricing has been lower compared to years past

Uncertainty in the tomato market continues

Peru’s mango exports to the U.S. expected to be down about 25 percent

Winter strawberry yields strong

Ecuadorian dragon fruit growers regrouping following low prices

Limoneira Fiscal Year 2025 fourth quarter and full year results

2025 represents a transformational year from lemons to avocados

Pacific Northwest growers say Trump's bailout offers little relief for their specific challenges.

2025 State of the Almond Industry

A year of resilience for Californian almonds

USDA announces agribusiness trade missions for 2026

PromPerú

Peruvian fruit exports grow by 13%

Sector | Vegetables

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After long road, Jongfresh introduces new radish variety

"With graffiti radish, we are re-engaging the younger target group"

“Promising start for Bangladeshi cabbage exports in peak Rabi season”

"Egyptian greens are finding a favorable market"
First Belgian Edamame season at De Aardappelhoeve goes positively

"The goal is to start supplying Belgian Edamame year-round"

Bringing ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes to southeast Europe

Prices could moderate on leafy greens

Ethiopia urged to develop Horticulture Resource Atlas to unlock sector growth

Sector | Bananas

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Taiwan banana genome studies reveal breeding solutions to combat Fusarium Wilt

Trudi’s bananas drive category growth in Europe

Fusarium TR4 phytosanitary alert in Ecuador triggers emergency protocols in the banana sector

Magdalena producers ask for actual costs of Colombian bananas to be acknowledged

Banana farmland acquisition supports renewal in North Queensland

Costa Rica assesses progress in developing disease-resistant bananas

Russia becomes top destination for Ecuadorian bananas

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Wouter van der Beek, Bruin Export:

"Tension between farm and bale price, good quality onions becoming scarce"

Egypt exports record volumes of garlic to U.S. market in 2025

N.C. Irish potato growers vote to continue assessment program

NPC requests USTR investigation into Canadian trade practices

US and Canadian potato estimates slightly down on last year
Lower Rhine:

"Despite delayed planting, our sweet potatoes have grown well"

Fresh sweet potato consumption in Spain has increased from 4 to 6 kg per person annually

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Morocco steadily strengthening its position in the global avocado market

Spain remains the EU's largest garlic producer

Türkiye’s Bursa black figs and peaches, a lucrative labour of love
Kai-Uwe Molzahn – Pomegranate Producers' Association of South Africa

Strengthening the global position of South African pomegranates

Stronger pricing on Mexican papaya

Avocado demand in foodservice stagnant for now

"The current prices of Moroccan avocados are excessive"

Sector | Company news

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Sale of Israeli shipping company ZIM enters final stages

Middle East market embraces Chinese mushrooms through Onedayone–Finc partnership

New office Prime Fruit Partners

Aartsen operational in its fifth branch in Mumbai
What five years of growing taught ZGreens’ founder Juan Naudin

“People buy shelves thinking they can start growing tomorrow. That’s not how it works”
Rob van Opzeeland: 'This will not be the last new building'

Second cold storage Kivits Logistics Group in Ridderkerk completed
Viscon Group, Division Q and Koppert Cress

New partnership for post-harvest automation

Sector | Greenhouse

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Green Gardens Dobrovnik: from rumours to facts

New baby leaf production in Slovenia, the centre of Europe
Breedx shows their tomato breeding strategy in Israeli greenhouse Open Day

“The 'wow' responses when eating our crunchy varieties were enough”
Enza Zaden lettuce trial in Leamington:

"Glimpse of performance in real-world conditions for Canadian and U.S. growers"

U.S. tomato growers rise to opportunity
Anna Wize, Under Cover conference:

"Dynamic changes in the production of vegetables under cover – both in Poland and throughout Europe"

California-grown snacking tomato program strengthens West Coast supply

U.S. (ND): MHA Nation celebrates opening of new greenhouse

Sector | Logistics

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MSC's IROKO service has new direct call at Cape Town, connecting Asia, South and West Africa

Container shipping lines weigh varied risks as Suez Canal transit decisions split

Port Houston greenlights key initiatives for global trade and future capacity

Christmas under blockades: Greek farmers brace for a combative 2026
World Container Index - 18 Dec:

World Container Index increased 12% to $2,182 per 40ft container

Port Houston cargo volumes down in November, year to date remains up

Long-term synthetic SAF offtake agreed to support aviation sustainability

Sector | Machinery

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Yayoi Suzuki - Shibuya Seiki

“Our AI system supports multiple AI models simultaneously and uses multi-spectral imaging"
Automation boosts productivity amid labour shortages

Waste reduction delivers immediate cost savings for food processors
Ingrid Eeckhaut, Vanderhaegen Potatoes:

Convenience potatoes gain ground in retail and foodservice
Growpipes and HSB Living Lab collaborate on hydroponic systems for residential buildings

"Technology succeeds when it fits into people’s lives"

Turkish organic producer adds 6-lane apple pre-sorting line
'First-hour customer' Theunissen Fruit orders mobile wind machines from Frost Fans again

"I already know that these machines are going to pay off"

"The packaging line is ideal for large scale tomato packaging"

Sector | General fresh produce

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MAL conclude vegetable farming systems project to upscale production

Indonesian government reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on illegal imports

Winter citrus and seasonal veg frequently advertised this week

Significant improvement in the EU agri-food trade balance in October

Apples, citrus, grapes, pineapples and blueberries continued to lead fruit ads

Michigan opens specialty crop block grant applications for 2026

U.S. farm labour shortages linked to higher food prices

Sector | Management

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Peru and Thailand reach 'substantive agreement on core issues' on FTA

New Zealand's topfruit and kiwifruit sectors welcome India free trade agreement

Farmworkers sue federal government over DOL rule which allegedly could cut wages

UK Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme closed indefinitely

U.S. farm labor shortages add pressure under trade tariffs
Government insists on not responding to farmers’ red lines

Now underway: Greece at a standstill. All roads blocked until 7pm

Congress urged to include specialty crops in farm aid relief

Sector | Miscellaneous

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$336,560 awarded by USDA through Arkansas Department of Agriculture

South Africa citrus sector mourns Deon Joubert
Inside the student-run agtech lab producing hundreds of pounds of greens

“I believe the space is an incubator for the CEA industry”

Tasmanian fruit industry mourns the passing of Carl Hansen
Greeneration highlights vertical farming’s fine-dining potential at AgraME 2025

"We are focused on addressing the import-reliance challenge of the region, one restaurant at a time”
Airlux Technologies’ Reinier Donkersloot:

"Smart farming isn’t plug and play"
Zambezi Eco Sprouts is using low-tech aeroponics to change mindsets

Building a circular farming movement in Southern Africa

Sector | Fruit

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A truly inauspicious 2025

What happened to the Italian table grape campaign?

Selling berries direct to consumer for over three decades

Former sales manager launches own Polish apple export company
Randy Dijksman, Combilo:

"It is critical to ensure timely culling of Conference now"
Haydelin Hoffmann, Greenex:

"Being the first to arrive is no longer enough; arriving at the right time with the right variety is crucial"

Guanajuato expands exports through Driscoll's partnership

Blueberry exports to U.S. from Ica region up by 38%

Sector | Herbs

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Fresh herb demand strong and steady for holiday season
Kruiden Claus celebrates 125th anniversary

"Strong demand for ginger and turmeric plants as cultivation becomes more viable"

Microgreens and in vitro cultivation pioneer reach for the skies with their vertical farm
Anthony De Ieso - Thorndon Park Produce:

"In easier to grow conditions, such as spring and summer, there are higher volumes to compete with"

Demand for Kenyan chives expected to increase as European production ends

Demand for fresh herbs, and new varieties is picking up

United States study details cilantro and parsley costs

Sector | Agenda

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March 18-20, 2026

International Mango Organization announces 2026 conference in Puerto Rico

A look ahead at SWIPE 2026

Tuttofood 2026 to expand fruit and vegetable area
“Spotlights India as sourcing hub and premium import market”

Fresh India Show 2026 dates announced

Photo report: Food Africa 2025
Fruit Business Conference:

Moldovan producers' solutions for modern orchards and access to foreign markets

The Mauritanian pavilion makes its first appearance at Food Africa

Sector | Citrus

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Pieter de Ruiter, 4Fruit Company:

“Spanish season: lemon and persimmon shortage, while Tango and Nadorcott remain positive outliers”
Jeroen Schenkels, de Groot fresh group:

Climate pressure reshapes citrus and vegetable sourcing strategies
Japan citrus annual

Japan’s citrus sector faces continuing structural decline
China citrus annual

Consumer demand will drive Chinese citrus production in (MY) 2025/25
Morocco citrus annual

Morocco’s tangerine/mandarin production for MY 2025/26 expected to increase 4 percent

"The citrus and pomegranate season are grappling with a mix of persistent challenges"

The Alizza Fruit enters its fourth season at an extraordinary moment

Sector | Organic

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Apofruit Donnalucata opted for Bulltec

A new technology ensures the guaranteed minimum weight of tomatoes

U.S. introduces bill to expand domestic organic infrastructure
Melvin Middelham, GreenFruit:

"Organic ginger and turmeric available year-round"

French grower experiments with organic aloe vera juice
November 30th to December 2nd

Natexpo 2025 puts the spotlight on fruit and vegetables

Organic frozen vegetable range expands at Natural Grocers
Reichenau eG presents German organic sweet potatoes for the first time at the Nordic Organic Food Fair

"More than just a trend product"

Sector | Health

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Certain compounds found in garlic can increase the lifespan of mice

Italian study tests citrus and grape supplement for glucose control

Cranberry Institute updates health research guide

Israel study finds compound in vegetables fights plaque

How to market the wellness factor of mangoes

New IFPA campaign spotlights produce as nature’s original prescription

Flavonoids linked to healthier aging

Sector | IT

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Robotic apple harvesting

Indonesia advances digital agriculture with new farm-app deal
Johan Mostert – DiPAR Systems

Inside the architecture driving real-time fruit supply chain decisions

U.S. to turn to AI and robots to support farm production
Bradford Warner - AgroFresh

"This is valuable business intelligence for the fresh produce industry"

“Blockchain traceability enhances the management of fresh produce supply chains”

“We’re introducing a single-use real-time monitoring solution for perishable goods transport”

Sector | Innovations

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Custom LED gains ground as Italian nurseries push for efficiency

Extending shelf-life of blueberries and avocados by storing and shipping under low pressure

Enza Zaden to introduce new tomato variety

Fresh Del Monte launches robot that interacts with shoppers

Tanzania unveils digital platform to aid horticulture market
Stiaan Hugo - AGI Frost Fans

Entire frost protection package, honed in South Africa, available in EU
South African growers report significant increases in quality, size and shelf life

Introlab biostimulants approved for EU distribution

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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New Toum garlic dips hit the market

Limited supply and persistent demand keep IQF market positive
Agristo doubles production capacity

Rising global fries demand drives investment across the potato value chain
La Cupa Società Cooperativa Agricola

Beyond price: Provenance and supply chain in the gourmet fruit and vegetable world
Giuseppe Pellegriti (Terre di Sicilia) on the attendance of Artigiano in Fiera 2025

"The strategic role of trade fairs makes us grow in the segment of artisanal processed products"

New Heartichokes line launches

New seasoning system launches with updated safety and capacity

Sector | Cooling

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“Bringing cold storage costs back to the levels of ten years ago is our principal aim”
Isolcell's vision for the future of fresh produce

"Controlled atmosphere, tailored ripening, and new global balances"

One Frio launches European cold storage platform after seven acquisitions

“The new cooling facility brings increased flexibility”
Matthias Cuvelie, Airclima:

“CO2 cooling is a strategic investment in sustainability, product quality, and operational reliability”
Frigotec:

“The fruit is the boss, the Softripe system listens”

Bridging global ripening markets with ethylene solutions

Sector | Food safety

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Effect of the quality of washing water on shelf-life and product safety of rinsed produce

Diced ginger recalled in Canada due to metal pieces

Inspiredgo salads recalled in Alberta over Listeria risk

McCain recalls crispy potato bites for plastic contamination

Why provider of conveyor solutions offers food safety training

Salmonella concerns prompt Canada warning on Iranian pistachios

Certain Your Fresh Market brand Broccoli Florets recalled in Canada due to Salmonella

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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Ranobo achieves 15% growth despite volatile nut market

Belgian nut specialist strengthens operations and structure
USDA report

Pistachio demand steadily rising in China
Yotam Shlomo, Shlomo Farm:

"Medjool dates as iced treats are popular during the festive season"

U.S. pistachio November shipments up 8.8 percent compared to November 2024

New ‘Parpareil’ almond approved for public release

Stronger pricing on pistachios, though kernel prices stay the same
Martin Reynolds – Cape Dried Fruit

Growing demand for South African dried fruit

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Massimiliano Persico, Cartonpack Group’s Marketing Department

"A year of consolidation, product range innovation, and growth in international markets"

"We have successfully created an innovative paper punnet for strawberries"
Mark Rohrlach - Detpak:

“The punnet focuses on sustainability, protecting both the produce and the planet"

Packers shift to flat blanks to cut lid costs and storage needs

Pear trials in Argentina show slower ripening with 1-MCP

"Modified atmosphere packaging puts fresh produce into rest mode to make it last longer"

Reindeer carrot snacks arrive in time for Christmas

Sector | Retail

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The National Grocers Association released statement on the implementation of SNAP waivers

Carrefour has partnered with Mercado Libre in Argentina: Fruits, vegetables
Instacart said that it’s ending a price testing program

7-Eleven: Retirement of CEO after more than 20 years of service
Instacart will pay $60mln in refunds

HelloFresh study: Canadians' multicultural tastes
Walmart: The reindeer-carrot tradition continues to grow

Trader Joe’s: 8 new stores this December
Kroger plans to build a distribution center in Franklin, Kentucky

Aldi plans to finish out the year by debuting four more locations
Whole Foods stores will use automated system designed to process fruit and vegetable scraps

Costco shows interest in sourcing fruits, vegetables and processed foods from Uzbekistan
Swiftly: Revealing a powerful and timely advantage for independent and regional grocers

Major retailers and trade groups are urging a federal judge in Brooklyn

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW POMEGRANATES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PAPAYA

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PEARS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GARLIC

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANDARINS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CUCUMBERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PINEAPPLES

Sector | Climate

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Emilia storm leads to falling prices for Moroccan fresh produce

Storm Emilia suspends Moroccan fresh produce exports

Produce shipments making it through this week’s Polar Vortex

Global climate volatility disrupts perishable supply chains

China: Yunnan hit by early frost, blueberry and fresh-cut flower industries affected

"Seawater desalination is becoming essential in Morocco"

Belgian farmer sues TotalEnergies over climate impacts

Sector | Cartoons

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Madhya Pradesh banana farmer protests low prices with half-naked vow

North Korean forest rangers fired for turning tree nurseries into vegetable gardens

TikTok-fueled fruit ice cream craze empties freezers across New Zealand

Cows wearing e-collars help boost potato yields in P.E.I. pilot project

Domino’s seeks Vatican forgiveness for pineapple pizza

Aomori’s ‘designer apples’ turn orchards into art

Fruity overdose: The bold new trend transforming perfumery

Sector | Trade War

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Importers to U.S. react to lifting of Brazilian tariff

Importers react to U.S. tariff reduction on Latin American countries

Removal of tariffs on tropical fruits is a relief but not for Brazil

Trump cuts tariffs on tomatoes, bananas and other agricultural products

Border Trade Alliance prepares for first formal review of USMCA

China and U.S. reach trade consensus after Xi-Trump meeting

U.S. Senate votes to overturn Trump tariffs on Brazil

Sector | Peru

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Special Peru - Nature's Pride

Working together on responsible water management in Peru to support future food systems
Peru Special: Agrícola Pampa Baja

25 years of producing and exporting avocados, table grapes, pomegranates, and mandarins in southern Peru
Peru Special: Premium Choice Global

"A key pillar of our model is its international presence in destination markets"
Special Peru: Westfalia Fruit Peru expects to grow 15% in avocado by 2026

"We are constructing a new freezing facility in Chiclayo"
Special Peru: Packing del Carmen provides packing services to exporting companies

"As we do not have our own production, we can guarantee clients the priority for their fruit"
Peru Special: Provid and Proarándanos

Peru strengthens its world leadership in blueberries and consolidates its expansion in table grapes
Peru Special

"The day Peru sets out to export everything it produces, it can change the international chessboard"