How did participants experience PMA’s virtual Fresh Summit?

Last week, PMA organized a virtual Fresh Summit for the first time in seven decades. The event drew more than 360 exhibitors and attendees from 64 countries. The highest representation came from the U.S, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Peru and Colombia. The event featured 31…

“We need to focus on a sustainable crop protection solution for everyone”

The demand for organic produce has continued to grow and expand in the last decade, driven by consumer demand for sustainable and clean products. Conventional and organic produce are often seen as opposites by the consumers: conventional produce as using potentially harmful pesticides, fungicides, and…

Around the World in Fresh Produce: international challenges and opportunities

2020 has proved to be a year like no other and via the PMA’s Fresh Summit session, Around the World in Fresh Produce: An Update on International Challenges and Opportunities, here are some of the developments being seen around the world, discussed by Fernando P. Gómez Molina with Proexport, Nicolás…

Superior Fresh announces new salad variety: Citrus Splash

Superior Fresh is proud to unveil its newest salad blend: Citrus Splash. Filled with bright sunny citrus notes, this blend offers consumers a unique opportunity to expand their culinary experience. Citrus Splash brings more than exceptional flavor to the salad bowl. Paired with our non-GMO, organically…

"North American sweet potato season starts with strikingly strong local market"

The new American sweet potato season has started. “Everyone in the United States is busy harvesting. The harvest is going a bit slower than planned because we have had a lot of rainfall in the United States, which has slowed everything down somewhat. However, we do not see a big difference compared to…

Peru's agro-exports to US on the rise despite pandemic

Although COVID affected consumption and trade around the world, Peruvian agro-exports to the US have increased by 4.7% between January and August to US$1.274 billion.…

The biggest congress on European organic production will be held online next week

The third edition of the BIOFRUIT CONGRESS, the most important forum for the analysis and debate on Europe's organic fruit and vegetable production, will be held online. The…

Autumn abundance in US stores this week

Autumn abundance was reflected in US stores this week as seasonal items became even more prominent. Cranberries, persimmons, and pomegranates adorned the fruit aisles, while cooking greens, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes freshened up the vegetable sections. Total ad numbers this week were 322,232,…

"Excessive rainfall reduces Chinese ginger production by 20%, but organic production increased by 30%"

The new harvest season of Chinese ginger has already begun. The new harvest is expected to enter the Chinese market in the middle of November, after the ginger has spent 40 days in storage. The overall production volume declined last year, while the outbreak of Covid-19 stimulated market demand for…

Chilean northern zone continues to provide bulk of blueberries

The season continues to progress gradually, although with better temperatures registered in the harvest areas last week, which allowed a better dynamism of the harvest. The northern zone continues to provide the bulk of volumes and is focused on early varieties, reporting very good quality. From the…

Fairtrade highlights importance of decent work at international banana convention

At Ecuador’s annual International Convention of Banana Exporters (AEBE), Fairtrade congratulated the Ecuadorian government and banana sector on their commitment to a living wage, while also urging them to go further in establishing sound industrial relations with trade unions and securing decent work for…

The INIA develops new variety of high-yielding sweet potato

The National Institute for Agrarian Innovation (INIA) has developed a new high-yielding sweet potato variety called INIA 331 - Bondadosa, with high genetic quality, which will…

"North American sweet potato season starts with strikingly strong local market"

The new American sweet potato season has started. “Everyone in the United States is busy harvesting. The harvest is going a bit slower than planned because we have had a lot of rainfall in the United States, which has slowed everything down somewhat. However, we do not see a big difference compared to…

"We're now working in 3 shifts, 24/6"

There are several unusual things currently happening in the global onion world. So says Erik Waterman of Waterman Onions in the Netherlands. "We're on track for a new export record. In week 39, we exported almost 40,000 tons of onions in the Netherlands. And up to then, exports totaled nearly 300,000…

"The fruit doesn't necessarily get much bigger but there is more fruit"

Australian atmosphere management technology company, Airofresh Intl has launched a new and unique system that includes a commercial scale Gas Phase Feeding (GPF) capacity, so growers can capitalise on the benefits of atmosphere-feeding of critical nutrients to greenhouse fruit and vegetables. AiroFresh…

Manter introduces AutoMesh + for more speed and efficiency

Manter launches a new packaging machine with a capacity up to 25 bags (at 2.5 kg) per minute. The AutoMesh+ packs fully automatically into mesh bags from a roll and can be adjusted to a different package weight at the touch of a button. Manter thus meets the increasing demand for versatile automation of…

New USAID-Ethiopian Airlines partnership to source food from local farmers for in-flight meals

Ethiopian Airlines and the United States announced a new partnership agreement that will enable the nation’s flagship carrier to source locally grown produce and ingredients for preparing in-flight meals for global passengers. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam and U.S. Ambassador…

Asparagus grower must pay $50,000 in owed wages to workers

A Canterbury asparagus grower's been ordered to pay nearly $50,000 for underpaying staff. Christopher Gray of Motukarara Asparagus was ordered to repay 13 pickers for unlawful…

Australian grape sector focuses on curious Chinese market

The Australian grape production is expected to continue to expand in the 2020/21 marketing season and is expected to reach a record 240,000 tonnes. That is an increase of 15,000 tonnes compared to the revised estimate for 2019/20. This higher yield is due to the increased plantings of table grapes, and…

Namibia expects above average table grape crop

The Namibian Grape Growers Association (NGGA) has just completed its forecast for the 2020/21 season. The crop estimate for export table grapes is 7.4 million 4.5kg equivalent cartons, from week 43 to week 2. “The vineyards are looking good, it’s been a very promising start to the season. We’re expecting…

Positive outlook on South African stone fruit export estimate 2020/2021

The 2020/2021 season is upon us and the stone fruit forecast and overall estimate volumes are looking much better compared to the same time last year. Good winter rains in most parts of the Western Cape during 2020, together with good winter chill and moderate spring conditions contributed to better…

Hologram to protect the origin of Serbian raspberries

Due to recent affairs in Chile's raspberry market, Serbian producers decided to protect the origin of their produce with hologram stickers. The hologram guarantees that goods…

Chilean northern zone continues to provide bulk of blueberries

The season continues to progress gradually, although with better temperatures registered in the harvest areas last week, which allowed a better dynamism of the harvest. The northern zone continues to provide the bulk of volumes and is focused on early varieties, reporting very good quality. From the…

"Excessive rainfall reduces Chinese ginger production by 20%, but organic production increased by 30%"

The new harvest season of Chinese ginger has already begun. The new harvest is expected to enter the Chinese market in the middle of November, after the ginger has spent 40 days in storage. The overall production volume declined last year, while the outbreak of Covid-19 stimulated market demand for…

Massive growth in organic food sector as Canadians spend $6.9 billion annual on organic groceries

New research reveals that the organic food industry has much to celebrate. New August 2020 data shows that organic products sold in Canada now account for 3.2 per cent of all…

Greanggrai Hommalai | Dreamstime.com

Healthy or sick? The tomato knows what to do

Lycopene is one of the best-known ingredients of tomatoes and a lot of research has already been done into the health effects of this nutrient. Hidde van Steenwijk, researcher at Maastricht University, has studied the health effects of lycopene in the context of the Top Sector Project The Value (s) of…

CMA CGM and MSC complete TradeLens integration

Major global container carriers CMA CGM and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) announced they are now integrated onto TradeLens, helping ensure a more fully integrated, timely and consistent view of logistics data for their containerized freight around the world. The digital platform is run on IBM…

Superior Fresh announces new salad variety: Citrus Splash

Superior Fresh is proud to unveil its newest salad blend: Citrus Splash. Filled with bright sunny citrus notes, this blend offers consumers a unique opportunity to expand their culinary experience. Citrus Splash brings more than exceptional flavor to the salad bowl. Paired with our non-GMO, organically…

"With the 100% Sweet Almond certification, we guarantee bitter almond-free marketing"

The Spanish company Citrus Nostrum, which is producing an estimated 400,000 kilos of shelled almonds in this 2020 campaign, and which has approximately 350 hectares, located mainly in the provinces of Seville, Córdoba and Huelva, is presenting the new certification for its almonds: 100% Sweet Almond or "bitter…

Climate change could benefit Argentine garlic

According to a study carried out by scientists from the Argentine Institute of Nivology, Glaciology and Environmental Sciences (IANIGLA), dependent on the National Council for…

Packed-unwashed baby leaves appreciated for their longer shelf-life

"We are optimistic as regards the new winter campaign, as scheduling proceeded without particular changes. Consumption is lively. There is more uncertainty for H&R segment because of the closures in the various European countries due to Covid-19. We will have to wait and see how the various lockdowns…

Chile has already exported 148 tons of Hass avocado to Australia

On August 4, Chile became the second country to be authorized to export fresh Hass avocados to the Australian market, after New Zealand. According to data provided by the…

Taiwan urged to allow entry of coconuts & mangoes from Philippines

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has urged Taiwan to reconsider and allow the entry of Philippine fresh fruits, initially young coconuts and mangoes.…

Cultivar reinforces its commitment to Spanish avocados and mangoes with Tropicsur

Spain's avocado campaign has already started with the harvest of the earliest green-skinned varieties, which will be followed by the Hass avocado until May. Meanwhile, the Spanish mango season is in its final stages. The Spanish company Cultivar began to get ready in early June for the national mango campaign…

HelloFresh SE expects revenue for Q3 significantly above market expectations

HelloFresh SE has experienced a more favorable than expected summer seasonality and continued strong customer growth during the third quarter of 2020.  Based on preliminary indications,…

"Each of us can do it on our own, or do it together"

One of the world's leading container shipping companies is encouraging customers who rely on logistics to transport food to become more collaborative in developing a more digitally advanced industry to cope with future demand. MSC is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and its Global Chief Digital and…

Around the World in Fresh Produce: international challenges and opportunities

2020 has proved to be a year like no other and via the PMA’s Fresh Summit session, Around the World in Fresh Produce: An Update on International Challenges and Opportunities, here are some of the developments being seen around the world, discussed by Fernando P. Gómez Molina with Proexport, Nicolás…

“We need to focus on a sustainable crop protection solution for everyone”

The demand for organic produce has continued to grow and expand in the last decade, driven by consumer demand for sustainable and clean products. Conventional and organic produce are often seen as opposites by the consumers: conventional produce as using potentially harmful pesticides, fungicides, and…

How did participants experience PMA’s virtual Fresh Summit?

Last week, PMA organized a virtual Fresh Summit for the first time in seven decades. The event drew more than 360 exhibitors and attendees from 64 countries. The highest representation came from the U.S, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Peru and Colombia. The event featured 31…

Peru's agro-exports to US on the rise despite pandemic

Although COVID affected consumption and trade around the world, Peruvian agro-exports to the US have increased by 4.7% between January and August to US$1.274 billion.…

Autumn abundance in US stores this week

Autumn abundance was reflected in US stores this week as seasonal items became even more prominent. Cranberries, persimmons, and pomegranates adorned the fruit aisles, while cooking greens, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes freshened up the vegetable sections. Total ad numbers this week were 322,232,…

"Vitalicious is our out-of-home market brand"

Vitacress Real recently introduced a new herb brand for certain European food professionals - Vitalicious. In this interview, brand manager, Renée Peeters, tells us more. More about the new label's positioningn and about how the coronavirus is affecting herb sales. "With Vitalicious, we aim to get more…

The biggest congress on European organic production will be held online next week

The third edition of the BIOFRUIT CONGRESS, the most important forum for the analysis and debate on Europe's organic fruit and vegetable production, will be held online. The…

High demand for grapefruit and quiet lemon market due to lack of good sizes

The Spanish lemon campaign started more than two weeks early this year, as did the grapefruit one. For the time being, the lemon market is quiet, while grapefruit sales are livelier, given the still scarce supply. "We have been marketing Primofiori lemons for 3 weeks," says María Dolores Pelegrín, from…

The value of citrus fruit grows thanks to its health benefits

Citrus fruits have significant beneficial effects for human health, also deriving from the extraction of properly-processed pectin. But how is it processed? Professor Mario Pagliaro from Cnr answered this and other questions. "Except for a minor quantity obtained from the residue of apple pressing, the…

"Between November and December there will be a 30% increase in the volume of oranges and clementines"

"Last week, we started the harvest of the first Marisol clementines and on Thursday, October 15, we kicked off with the handling in the warehouse to be able to carry out the first shipments," says Luis Montañés, commercial director of the Citrus department at the Benihort cooperative from Benicarló, in…

Is this the drive-through supermarket of the future?

What will the supermarket of the future look like? That's something many people are considering. But, there's not yet any single answer. This animation shows a creative store concept. Who knows? In a few years, you might be visiting a drive-through store like this. 

'Vegetable cold storage facilities will grow food self-sufficiency'

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, announced a $1.25-million investment to help establish vegetable cold storage and packing…

“Knowing our customers makes the probability of problems much lower”

Fresh produce travels the globe, and many items are imported into the US from numerous sourcing countries. Being aware of the rules and regulations from both importers and exporters perspective can be quite challenging. “With over 30 years of experience in helping clear fresh produce, we’ve been able to…

France: A 100 % plastic-free packaging for Traditional shallots

The French company, SARL Daniel Cadiou, is specialized in the traditional shallot trade. Concerned about reducing the ecological impact of its business, Daniel Cadiou has been thinking about its packaging for several months now. Jean-Jacques Cadiou explains : “The first step has been to develop packaging…

The new route traced by Fabbri Group awarded “Best Packaging 2020” for “Technological Innovation”

Fabbri Group’s strategy, based on offering complete and effective packaging systems thanks to the most complete synergy of machines and films specific for different applications, is once again a winner. Today it is the “Nature Fresh” project that stands out, receiving the historic Italian Award…

Farmstead coming to the East Coast

US: J.C. Penney sale talks stall - Bloomberg NewsTalks between J.C. Penney Co's lenders and the would-be buyers, Simon Property Group Inc and Brookfield Property Partners LP, broke down in recent days, Bloomberg News reported, citing people with knowledge of the negotiations. Simon Property and…

A mind of its own