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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PINEAPPLES

Job Board | Newly added vacancies

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A look ahead at the Georgia vegetable season

“We need support during the California avocado season”

Early anticipated start for California Breba fig crop

Date brand announces strategic shift to strengthen U.S. market focus

Nova Scotia boosts apple processing for institutional markets

Combining tomato and cactus production in four-season climate of Colorado

José Andrés Pérez, Japaco:

Mexican avocado air freight costs skyrocket by up to 70% during low supply period

California walnut shipments rose 43.6% in March

IFPA’s The Retail Conference tackles packaging pressure with new EPR session

Sector | Vegetables

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"Turkish tomatoes have a strong position in international markets"

Babyleaf spinach adapts to climate and year-round demand
Seasonal perishable products weekly update - 15 March:

U.S. produce market mixed as tomato prices rise and cucumber prices fall

Carrot supply started to rebound in second half of winter
Sener Akdem of ILAPAK Packaging Machinery GmbH:

"Automated carrot packaging improves quality while reducing operating costs"

Demand outpacing supply for Baby Romaine Hearts
Christelle Guyonvarch, Bejo

"Resistance to Bremia is one of the main strengths of our lettuce range"

Sector | Bananas

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The decrease in the dollar's price impacts Colombian banana producers
Hortense Giraud, FARMS Digital

"We are stepping up our expansion in Latin America"

UK banana-shaped synthesizer raises £34k on Kickstarter

Non-browning banana approved in Japan and Brazil

Cameroon deploys trainees to strengthen plantain value chain
95% of India’s banana shipments stay closed for over a month

“Even after the ceasefire announcement, freight rates have gone up, not down”
Joe Manariti - Premier Fresh Australia

Diversity helps banana producer survive cyclone damage

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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“Indian onion exports face double whammy from weather and war challenges”

Caribbean sweet potato project advances varietal identification
Bulltec (Italy)

New technology for separating potatoes and carrots from particles

Jamaican onion growers face losses as imports overlap harvest

San Luis Valley potato oversupply raises storage concerns

Walla Walla onion growers approve marketing order continuation

Individually wrapped, microwave-ready potatoes drive convenience

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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An analysis by Gregorio Pagni - Alimentari Ortofrutticoli ABC

Global and seasonal dynamics reshape the pineapple market
Jason Te Brake - Zespri:

"We have more than five million trays of RubyRed available for consumers across 16 markets"

Mexico's APEAM formalizes a zero-deforestation agreement for avocado exports
Alessandro Pataro of Ananas Panama SA:

"Pineapple supply is currently outstripped by demand"
Rebecca Scurr - Piñata Farms:

"If we grow the pie together it’s a bigger pie for everyone"

California avocado investment launched with 10-year strategy
Mark Everett - Worldwide Fruit:

"Regardless of what happens in the Middle East, we will continue to load fruit in line with our customers' forecasted demand"

Sector | Company news

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STEP-UPP Retail Class completes immersive spring tour

Non-profit releases 2025 Annual Impact Report

ZIM CEO Eli Glickman to step down after nine years

CMA CGM to acquire Fattal Group pending regulatory approval

GrubMarket acquires Schoenmann Produce in Texas

Driscoll’s appoints new vice president, public affairs

Jenna Schulte joins Offshoot Brands

Sector | Greenhouse

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US hobby breeders develop egg-sized watermelons for vertical farming and high-density production

Scaling integrated tri-country greenhouse network for consistent year-round supply
Plastic film shortage delays post-storm reconstruction

Greenhouse builders in Souss Massa under strain

Celebrating flavor with a new cherry tomato medley
"Monitoring and control can be done from Korea"

Korean smart farm technology drives hydroponic strawberry production in Uzbekistan

Organic English seedless cucumber supply picking up

New tomato facility in Al Ain designed to grow 150,000 kg tomatoes annually

Sector | Logistics

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Air freight rates rise on fuel costs and airspace disruptions

African reefer shortages tighten produce export supply chains

High fuel prices weighing on produce industry

What lies ahead for growth at Port Houston?

Global freight rates rise as fuel costs and capacity tighten

Inland logistics capacity expands in southern Brazil

MSC transfers ownership to next generation of Aponte family

Sector | Machinery

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New fruit and vegetable dicer to debut at international trade shows
Flikweert Vision introduces upgraded QualityGrader with higher capacity and AI-driven sorting

New generation of sorting machines for potatoes and onions

Global demand supports shipments of aril extraction and potato sorting systems

AI-powered 4C optical sorter introduced for nuts and IQF processing
Norman Nieder-Heitmann – Gossamer:

"The constraint in most packhouses isn't people, it's flow"

"Growing interest in blueberry sorting machines is not random; it reflects global trends"

AGVs gain ground in the fresh produce sector: “It brings greater control to production”

Sector | General fresh produce

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Brazil targets top 10 position in global fruit exports
From Rotterdam to Scandinavia within 24 hours

Chocolate-coated grapes and mango ripening rooms: Fruity Pack's convenience ambitions
MultiWeigh GmbH celebrates its 25th anniversary:

"Traditional multi-head weighers for fruits and vegetables are increasingly being customized"

Global produce prices rise as input costs and supply chains tighten
“Tourism for us is not simply ‘a channel’, but a key demand driver”

Premium leafy greens, exotics and Greek specialties stand out

U.S. announces $275 million in specialty crop funding for FY2026

India aims to cut fruit imports and focus on horticulture exports

Sector | Management

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U.S. budget proposal cuts fruit and vegetable benefits for WIC

Oil prices fall after US-Iran's conditional two-week ceasefire agreement

U.S. budget proposes 20% cut to USDA spending

Texas establishes Mexican fruit fly quarantine in Zapata County

CBP seizes $17.7 million meth hidden in blackberry shipment

U.S. farmers face water shortfall as Mexico misses treaty targets

WTO talks stall as Brazil blocks e-commerce moratorium extension

Sector | Miscellaneous

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Global economic growth outlook weakens as energy shock hits

Currency markets react to U.S.-Iran ceasefire uncertainty

Second-life batteries for irrigation in Yucatán

South African rand hits 3.5-year high

For sale: Poortcamp 10, De Lier

For lease: New distribution centre at Nieuw-Reijerwaard, Ridderkerk

Fresh produce honored on Syria's new currency

Sector | Fruit

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How a Polish border trader became one of Europe's premium strawberry growers
Cristina Gutiérrez, El Ciruelo:

"The platerina has a very promising future ahead"

Chilean blueberry sector urged to accelerate varietal conversion
"Artificial intelligence drives procurement, sales, and distribution decisions"

India’s street fruit retailers skip pre-dawn wholesale sourcing with AI-powered deliveries

Moroccan tomato growers urged to help alleviate domestic supply crisis

Halt on Moroccan tomato exports more nuanced according to APEFEL and FIFEL

“Watermelon supply will be very favorably regulated this season”

Sector | Herbs

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Aromatic and medicinal plants production in Morocco recovers from prolonged drought
Tom Amery - The Watercress Company:

"We are very proud that for the last 25 years we have not used any pesticides on our beds"

Demand jumps in 2026 for fresh herbs
Herb merchant Ahmed Bouklata on the current market situation:

"Year after year, we offer more cut herbs of Italian origin"

War, rain and flight cancellations disrupt basil supply to Europe

“Uzbek herbs take on Turkey and Egypt in EU markets”

Koppert Cress understands chefs' constant demand for new flavors and surprising products

Sector | Agenda

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Baldor BITE 2026 line up announced

Hort Connections 2026 to take place in Adelaide in June

Full program announced for Fresh Produce India
Key takeaways from ChangeNOW Paris and Chapter Zero by Fatiha Charrat, Delassus

Agriculture cannot escape its paradox: both responsible and exposed
We will be back Tuesday 7th of April

Happy Easter from the FreshPlaza team
Photo report of Fruit Attraction São Paulo

Fruit Attraction São Paulo reinforces its position as a major event in the fruit trade industry
Including the photo report

Fruit Attraction São Paulo trade fair ends with less activity, but positive results for Brazil

Sector | Citrus

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Christo de Jong – CAPAC

In a season of rising costs, packhouse focuses on unlocking value

South African citrus exports projected at 215 million cartons

"Introducing Onix in South Africa shows how innovation can travel between hemispheres"

U.S. expands citrus greening quarantine areas in California
Christo Naudé – Malelane Citrus

Top-notch lemon season makes way for tricky grapefruit

Egyptian citrus exports rely on Ain Sokhna port logistics

Underwhelming campaign for Egyptian orange exports to Asia

Sector | Organic

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How BioOrganic supports organic farmers in a risky, uncertain market

Climate change and retailer pressure squeeze European organic growers
Luciana Zamora of Zamora Citrus:

"Organic lemon supply falls short of European demand"

U.S. Northwest organic sector grows, but processing capacity lags

Ireland sees growth in organic vegetable sales

U.S. organic produce sales reach $22.7 billion in 2025
Long-term strategy outweighs short-term economics

Dutch sauerkraut producer converts entire cabbage cultivation to organic
Gerard Kenens, VerKen Bio Deli-Vers:

"Earlier start for Natyra due to higher volumes, but you do not leave a good apple unsold"

Sector | Health

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Flavonoid-rich foods associated with happiness in U.S. women

Scientists develop vitamin A-enriched tomato

Apple fiber helps fend off colon cancer and more

Moderate fruit and vegetable juice intake and its health effects

The consumption of superfoods continues to grow in France

New dietary guidelines reinforce essential role of fresh produce

Produce industry shows support of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Sector | IT

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AI system helps mushroom growers with crop monitoring and harvest prediction
Siddharth Jadhav - Polybee:

“We can tell growers exactly when to harvest for maximum in-spec yield"
Dr Sivam Krish - GoMicro AI

AI removing the "subjectivity tax" on the supply chain
"ULogs4A is more resistant to humidity and suited for long transits"

Newly launched data logger operates autonomously for up to 300 days without power

"We develop AI-based solutions for growers and nurseries"
BerryWorld live with QC app from FreshControl

“It took a next-level effort to incorporate all requirements into the inspection report”

Robotic apple harvesting

Sector | Innovations

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USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Charleston, South Carolina

“From tissue culture to field trials, container farms allow us to control every step of plant development”
UAE FoodTech Challenge win

Akorn Technology readies for expansion in Africa and South Asia

Monitoring more than one million citrus trees with the help of AI

Pop Its snack cucumbers tap into demand for true bite-sized convenience

Fruit quality meters help manage harvest timing, lot segregation, and shelf-life performance

When efficiency in blueberry harvesting becomes a necessity

Custom LED gains ground as Italian nurseries push for efficiency

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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Rob Langeveld, GreenS & SaladS:

From whole cauliflower to pre-cut convenience: how eating habits are reshaping the vegetable sector

Minions-inspired snacks, salads and vegetable kits unveiled

Alberta vegetable plant closure impacts workers and growers

New ZERO line meets consumer needs for food attributes
AFHORFRESH

The global geopolitical landscape has raised production costs for prepared fruits and vegetables by 5%
The SM2 pomegranate deseeder by PND (Italy)

Advanced technology for extracting arils and optimizing production space

"We're expanding our corn exports to new markets with new flavours in the pipeline"

Sector | Cooling

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Airclima expands in the fresh produce sector with refrigeration projects

"Cooling quality has a direct impact on product quality"
Cool Control expands to four cold stores with 12,000 pallet spaces in 30 years

"By offering a total package, we have grown with the foreign growers' organisations"

New 3,000-tonne freezing complex to be built in Ak-Suu, Kyrgyzstan

Year-round fruit supply in Australia depends on cold storage

“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

Sector | Food safety

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China improves pesticide practices to support exports

Canada recalls Fresh Start Foods salads over Listeria risk

Canada recalls Freshprep cucumber dill salad over Listeria risk

U.S. cucumber Salmonella outbreaks hit 69 cases in 2025,

U.S. recalls peeled garlic over botulism risk in three states

U.S. Tops recalls peeled garlic over storage temperature issue

Mexico and U.S. strengthen food safety cooperation as trade grows

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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California almonds face weaker demand as pistachio sales rise

Pistachio prices reach eight-year high on supply constraints

U.S. almond shipments reach 117,028 tons in March

Australian macadamia program targets Asian markets

U.S. pecan receipts fall 35% to 23.45 million kg in February

U.S. pistachio sector faces heat, water, and market pressures

South African nut exports rise 13.3% as global demand grows

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Labor shortages are driving automation

How automating herb processing can halve the number of staff needed

"The challenge is preserving the quality of cherries across the supply chain"

Reusable packaging supports cost control and compliance

A new packaging approach for leafy greens is being tested

Brand refresh debuting at Viva Fresh Expo

Supply security drives packaging decisions in Egypt’s table grape export season

“With the right ecosystem, pomegranate aril exports become a more predictable proposition”

Sector | Retail

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Prosus has entered into an agreement to sell 4.5% stake in Delivery Hero to Uber

Walmart: Massive store overhaul across the U.S.
Natural Grocers® and Rodale Institute: Annual Ladybug Love campaign

Aldi Süd's globally uniform store concept: Tests will continue in the US in 2026
Amazon and Winn-Dixie have greatly expanded their grocery delivery partnership

Acquisition of Instaleap by Instacart
New York City mayor announced location of city’s first publicly owned supermarket

Walmart No. 1 spot on NRF’s 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers list
Hannaford Supermarkets has named Tony Giunta Store Manager of the Year

Kowalski’s Markets has deployed EmpowerFresh’s AI-powered produce inventory
Instacart: A leading provider of fresh produce is partnering with Instacart Business

Empire has entered into an agreement to acquire Mayrand Food Group
Flashfood is now available at all 100+ Kroger stores in the Mid-Atlantic Division

FreshCo is launching in Atlantic Canada

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW STRAWBERRIES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW LIMES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW BELL PEPPERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GINGER

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CUCUMBERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANDARINS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PEARS

Sector | Climate

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California stone fruit and cherry growers watchful of rains

South Texas growers await word on Mexico’s water deliveries

Florida growers seek federal support after prolonged freeze

Possible El Niño returns raise concerns in Ecuador

U.S. grower tests drone use for frost protection in orchards

Strawberry crop gains expected from California’s heat wave

Georgia growers relieved following last week’s cold temperatures

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 | Rwanda

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Rwanda special (last part): Evergreen Holding

"With greenhouse conditions, we can produce strawberries all year round, even for export"
Rwanda special: Kinvest

Canadian capital, Rwandan fields: Building profitable farms with social impact
Rwanda special

Intercropping, outgrowers, and weekly flights: The operations model behind SOO Agro’s growth
Rwanda special: Kumwe Green Farms

"We have a lot to offer to European buyers"
Rwanda special: Virunga Biotech Limited

"We see a strong demand for chilies, ginger, and gherkins"
Rwanda special: Kotwidika

Promising trial for Valencia oranges
Rwanda special: Souk Farms

Rwanda advances steadily on the global fresh produce scene

Sector | Trade War

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New Zealand exporters assess U.S. tariff refunds after court ruling

U.S. court orders US$165bn tariff refunds as CBP develops CAPE system

Peruvian blueberry exporters have 180 days to claim US$ tariff refunds
Agexport, Guatemala

"Exports to the U.S. continue at 0% tariff after Supreme Court ruling"

Produce industry reacts to Supreme Court tariff ruling

South African agriculture welcomes possible 15% U.S. tariff cut

U.S. farmers divided after Supreme Court overturns Trump tariffs

Sector | Costa Rica

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Luis Gustavo Arrieta, from Ambrosía Fresh

Costa Rican pineapple volumes recover in 2026, production gap is expected mid year
Costa Rica special: PCC – Piñas Cultivadas de Costa Rica

“We are the only pineapple company with pesticide-free certification”
Costa Rica special: Pineapple grower Fertinyc

"One extra week of shelf life thanks to our organic treatments and biofertilizers"
Costa Rica special: Cassava exporter The Golden Products

Drone technology, a five-year soil transformation and navigating wax regulations
Costa Rica special

Corbana takes a fresh look at how it tells the Costa Rican banana story
Costa Rica special: Upala Agrícola

"Demand for crownless pineapple, which now accounts for 15% of our exports, still grows"
Costa Rica special: Grupo San Alberto, banana producer

“If you can't win on size, win on smarts”