OVERVIEW GLOBAL MANGO MARKET

The situation in the global mango market is relatively calm at the moment. The supply is limited, but so is the demand in many countries. This is resulting in a market with "low, but reasonable prices," as most traders describe it. In addition to Brazil, Peru is currently also entering the market in full force, and Mexico will…

Washington growers concerned over state’s COVID-19 labor rules

Following a year where growers and shippers consistently contended with serious labour shortages, in Washington State, agricultural groups are appealing recently renewed state COVID-19 emergency rules for 2021. The groups say the rules are triggering another labor shortage that could force many farms out…

UK: Mixed demand and increasing prices for US sweet potatoes

The availability of American sweet potatoes on the UK market is good at the moment, but prices are steadily increasing. “The US domestic market is strong, and the Canadian market is in good shape,” explains Simon Hobbs, Commercial Director at Scott Farms International. “International sales are also…

New year kicks of the 10th season of Sumo Citrus®

The start of the new year signals the return of a special citrus variety: Sumo Citrus®.  This citrus variety, which originates from Japan, is grown in the Central Valley of California. The harvest kicked off in late December and limited shipping began on January 4th.  10th season of Sumo Citrus®With shipping for…

"Our initiatives revolve around finding even more efficient equipment designs that translate to efficient manufacturing"

ProEx Food is looking forward to a year of growth in 2021, and is expanding their product portfolio to address customer needs. “We know there are more fruit and vegetable processors that still have ambitions to put new capital projects in place for 2021 installs, but have not yet put in their orders. We…

Sakata Seed America increases food bank donations

Through its Woodland Innovation Center, Sakata Seed America significantly increased its volume of fresh produce donations to the Yolo Food Bank in Woodland, CA. Sakata Seed America increased its food bank donations in 2020. “Sakata Seed has been an amazing partner,” says Aliyah Moreno, Yolo Grown program…

Guac Bowl Stadium digital experience is launched

Avocados From Mexico is bringing the Big Game stadium experience directly to fans with the launch of its Virtual Guac Bowl Stadium. This digital experience is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to score big in celebration of the Big Game: inside AFM's Virtual Guac Bowl Stadium, visitors can access…

Teamsters Local 202

Hunts Point market workers threaten strike over wage dispute

Workers at New York’s largest supplier of fruit and vegetables claim they are ready to go on strike for the first time in nearly 35 years over a pay dispute. Members of Teamsters Local 202, which represents the workers at the sprawling Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market in the Bronx, said they will cast…

‘Yunnan spring onion freeze does not affect US exports, but could be significant in world market'

According to Stu Follen of SL Follen Co. in Portland, the spring onion freeze in Yunnan, China,  does not affect US exports, although it could be significant in the world market.…

PMA expands virtual learning course offerings

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Center for Growing Talent (CGT) are expanding their virtual learning opportunities. FreshEd Academy is a growing portfolio of…

Paraguay's banana exports increase by 33%

According to data from the Single Export Window (VUE) of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) of Paraguay, in 2020 banana exports grew by 33% over the previous year, totaling $15,621,246. The representative of the National Intersectoral Banana Competitiveness Table (Menicob), Hugo Franco, said…

Carzo to export Malaysian pineapples and Durian to international market

Established in 2011, Malaysian company Carzo has gone from being a wholesaler to importing and supplying supermarkets, hypermarkets, catering, hospitals, airlines and more. "Currently we import all different of types fruits from all around the world. Apples, pears, citrus, berries, stone fruits and much…

Exports of fresh Peruvian mango could fall by 12% due to weather issues

Peru exported 235,000 tons of fresh mango in the 2019-2020 season, i.e. 38.23% more than in the previous season, according to estimates by the Peruvian Association of Mango…

Guac Bowl Stadium digital experience is launched

Avocados From Mexico is bringing the Big Game stadium experience directly to fans with the launch of its Virtual Guac Bowl Stadium. This digital experience is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to score big in celebration of the Big Game: inside AFM's Virtual Guac Bowl Stadium, visitors can access…

"In winter, hydroponic irrigation must be adjusted to avoid problems caused by excess water"

In winter, low temperatures, high humidity and a lack of light can lead to the appearance of pathogenic fungi or to problems caused by the degradation of the plants' root system, mainly due to inadequate irrigation. Although the meteorological conditions that affect the crop are not the same in summer as…

"Our initiatives revolve around finding even more efficient equipment designs that translate to efficient manufacturing"

ProEx Food is looking forward to a year of growth in 2021, and is expanding their product portfolio to address customer needs. “We know there are more fruit and vegetable processors that still have ambitions to put new capital projects in place for 2021 installs, but have not yet put in their orders. We…

WHO urges governments to promote healthy food in public facilities

A new WHO Action framework for developing and implementing public food procurement and service policies for a healthy diet aims to increase the availability of healthy food…

Antioxidant-rich Queen Garnet plum now in season

Perfect growing conditions have delivered fantastic fruit quality and doubled the yield of the Queen Garnet plum, which is now available in stores nationally until the end of…

“This season we expect the growth of Egyptian strawberry exports to be about 20 to 30%”

The Egyptian strawberry season is currently in full swing. After the next two months of exporting fresh strawberries, the shift will be made to frozen strawberries, which are also being exported right now. According to one exporter, the strawberry production in Egypt is growing significantly, and as…

Handsome South African stone fruit crop meets uncertain market conditions

South African stone fruit exporters are optimistic about the stone fruit season after ideal weather conditions during the season – no heat waves, a cool spring and good winter chill, little wind. The Cape drought seems largely to be broken. The latest plum estimate is 11.5 million 5.25kg equivalent…

"Expansion of acreage and volume increase for mini watermelons"

Caribbean tropical storm "Iota", as well as several heavy rain storms have caused a delay of eight days in Costa Rican melon exports. Harvesting began last Monday and the first containers of galia, yellow watermelons as well as different types of watermelons have been on their way to Europe from Puerto…

"Halted soft fruit production clears up market uncertainties"

The recent snows in Spain didn't reach Huelva on the coast. Nonetheless, the current icy weather has severely affected soft fruit production in the area. "There were many uncertainties on the market. These have all been resolved now because there's no product available," observes Jan van Bergeij. He's…

Australian cherry growers deny Chinese claims their fruit is inferior

Australian cherry growers have countered Chinese claims that their fruit is inferior to that from other countries. This came after a report in Chinese state-owned media that…

Dream season for South African apricots

South African apricot volumes and exports almost doubled this season to 674,000 x 4.75kg equivalent cartons, as production in the parts of the Klein-Karoo rebounded after a better winter rainfall season over most of the area. Right: Imperial/Palsteyn apricots In the Klein-Karoo, where 75% of South…

DG Agri Board

Apple prices remain firm due to smaller crops, particularly in France and Poland

During the ongoing marketing year prices remain firm above the historical reference period, as expected, due to a smaller crop, especially in France and Poland. Although the fresh market is doing well, some tensions are observed in the market of apples for processing in Poland with high levels of supply…

EU agrees to recognise UK organic standards until 31 December 2023

UK growers are happy about the news that the agreed UK-EU trade deal includes an agreement on organic equivalence; this means the EU has agreed to recognise the UK as…

Including unhealthy foods may diminish positive effects of an otherwise healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, has a positive impact on health, but little is known about the effects of including unhealthy foods in an otherwise…

Australian tree crop severe weather app successfully tracks its first tropical cyclone in North Queensland

A new Australian tree crop weather monitoring app has been able to track its first major weather event since launching. The Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARSC) at the University of New England launched its "Australian Tree Crop Map: Severe Weather App" last year, which covers the growing…

"Bringing people closer to more unfamiliar tastes"

Necessity is the mother of invention, as the current Corona crisis has shown. Numerous new marketing initiatives are being launched in the fresh produce sector. Stuttgart-based entrepreneur Deniz Sever (Miss Peppas LLC) has also opted for a new business model. Under the name Good Stuff, a versatile…

United Fresh announces class two of produce safety immersion program

United Fresh Produce Association announced the class two fellows of the Produce Safety Immersion Program, sponsored by Renaissance Food Group at the gold level, and Ecolab as…

New plastic-free crate cover

Kuku International Packaging, a company located in Palata Pepoli (BO) and specializing in flexible packaging, has introduced a new crate cover made up of natural elements (95% cellulose) obtained from natural fibers and developed readapting the material used for other solutions.  Photo provided by Kuku International Packaging "This…

Industry council launches immunity campaign

Consumer concern for immune health is on the rise and with the pandemic converging with peak cold and flu season, the Mushroom Council® has launched a “Feed Your Immune…

‘Yunnan spring onion freeze does not affect US exports, but could be significant in world market'

According to Stu Follen of SL Follen Co. in Portland, the spring onion freeze in Yunnan, China,  does not affect US exports, although it could be significant in the world market.…

UK: Mixed demand and increasing prices for US sweet potatoes

The availability of American sweet potatoes on the UK market is good at the moment, but prices are steadily increasing. “The US domestic market is strong, and the Canadian market is in good shape,” explains Simon Hobbs, Commercial Director at Scott Farms International. “International sales are also…

Farming tech company expands leadership team

Vertical farming company Plenty announced that Dana Worth has joined its leadership team as senior vice-president of commercial to help drive the company through its next…

Sakata Seed America increases food bank donations

Through its Woodland Innovation Center, Sakata Seed America significantly increased its volume of fresh produce donations to the Yolo Food Bank in Woodland, CA. Sakata Seed America increased its food bank donations in 2020. “Sakata Seed has been an amazing partner,” says Aliyah Moreno, Yolo Grown program…

"We knew it would snow, but we didn't expect anything close to this"

Mercamadrid, the second largest wholesale market in the world and the first in Europe, is recovering its activity after having been closed from Saturday to Monday as a result of the impact of storm Filomena, which has covered the central-northeast of the Iberian Peninsula with snow, including Madrid. The…

"Closure of gastronomy sector and high air freight charges affect Kenyan fruit exports"

The Kenyan export industry was brought to a substantial standstill in the wake of the Corona pandemic. Due to the lack of air freight capacity and correspondingly high freight charges, there were extraordinary price increases and a tight supply situation. The closure of catering outlets in many European…

Auditor: Hawaii’s agriculture agency is failing diversification mission

According to audit data released yesterday, the state agency set up to help convert Hawaii’s agriculture lands from plantations producing mainly pineapple and sugar for export…

Teamsters Local 202

Hunts Point market workers threaten strike over wage dispute

Workers at New York’s largest supplier of fruit and vegetables claim they are ready to go on strike for the first time in nearly 35 years over a pay dispute. Members of Teamsters Local 202, which represents the workers at the sprawling Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market in the Bronx, said they will cast…

Washington growers concerned over state’s COVID-19 labor rules

Following a year where growers and shippers consistently contended with serious labour shortages, in Washington State, agricultural groups are appealing recently renewed state COVID-19 emergency rules for 2021. The groups say the rules are triggering another labor shortage that could force many farms out…

Chinese currency is strengthening

The Chinese economy is the world's first economy to recover from the pandemic, and it seems its currency is coming along for the ride. The yuan has shot up to its strongest…

Pennsylvania gets $1.5 million from USDA to fight spotted lanternfly

The USDA is providing Pennsylvania with an additional $1.5 million to fight spotted lanternflies through the Plant Protection Act. The flies have spread to nine states,…

Organto finalizes acquisition of Fresh Organic Choice BV

Organto Foods Inc., a provider of organic and value-added organic fruits and vegetables today announced that it has finalized definitive agreements to acquire 100% of the…

PMA expands virtual learning course offerings

Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Center for Growing Talent (CGT) are expanding their virtual learning opportunities. FreshEd Academy is a growing portfolio of…

"Dutch imports of Mexican citrus have been falling since 2017"

In December 2020, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its yearly Mexican “Citrus Annual”. It includes harvest forecasts for the current (2020/2021) season. So,…

New year kicks of the 10th season of Sumo Citrus®

The start of the new year signals the return of a special citrus variety: Sumo Citrus®.  This citrus variety, which originates from Japan, is grown in the Central Valley of California. The harvest kicked off in late December and limited shipping began on January 4th.  10th season of Sumo Citrus®With shipping for…

“The issues in Spain will have a positive effect on the Egyptian citrus season”

The Valencia sizes appear to be smaller this year than they were last season. This could put pressure on some markets, while causing shortages in others. Overall production of the Egyptian citrus has increased by about ten per cent this year, according to one exporter this means they have the potential…

Fresh Florida citrus marketing order continued

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that fresh citrus producers voted to continue the marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit,…

More colour and a brighter future for Nicaraguan red pitaya farmers

Thanks to its vibrant colour, fresh flavour and nutritional benefits, pitaya, or ‘dragon fruit’, has become a popular ingredient in fruit drinks, smoothies and desserts. Although commonly associated with Asian cuisine, this fruit is native to Central America. Nicaragua-based agricultural development firm…

Eight-week organic blueberry storage trial shows positive results

RipeLocker has completed a trial in which its containers held freshly harvested organic blueberries in pristine condition for eight weeks. In the trial, the company used six pallet-size RipeLocker containers to store fresh organic blueberries from blueberry grower Blueberry Hill. Blueberry Hill also owns…

The benefits of vacuum cooling in mushrooms

In the past few years more and more systems have been installed at mushroom farms using vacuum cooling as a rapid cooling method for mushrooms. Having the correct cooling processes in place is important in the handling of any fresh produce but for mushrooms it can be even more critical. While consumer…

Walnuts: competition from California is stronger this year

Although Italy produces less than half the walnuts it consumes, the market is rather static at the moment and national produce stocks are still rather high, while they used to finish before Christmas in the past. Without mentioning the fact that the produce from California has increasingly competitive…

Study forecasts northern Chile will lose 50% of its water resources by 2060

Chile is experiencing its worst drought in six decades and it is the country with the greatest water crisis in the entire Western Hemisphere. According to Greenpeace, 76% of…

Dreamstime

GrubMarket has completed the acquisition of Bengard Marketing

Not just snacks: Albertsons says US customers now make more trips to load up on fresh productsSnacks have proliferated in American grocery baskets during COVID-19. But Albertsons Cos. Inc. says customers are also visiting its stores to stock up on fresh items, whether meat or produce or flowers. “We…

Camouflage