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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW BELL PEPPERS

Job Board | Newly added vacancies

more job offers

Yuma melons could see earlier start following record heat

New CEA greens products designed to stand out on Ontario store shelves

Positive signs for Canadian cherry season

Costa Rica special: Manga Rica

Against the mango giants: How Costa Rica carves out a niche between Peru and Mexico

Lipman Family Farms remembers former CEO Larry Lipman

2026 Michigan apple research funding announced

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

Foodservice class gains insights during spring tour

"We will discontinue this strawberry variety"

Sector | Vegetables

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Danwille September – Yukon Pty Ltd:

“We have just the right kind of client for niche fruit crops”
Arjen Bouma, Gilad Produce:

"Dutch chilies offer relief in tight market"
Pasquino De Vuyst, Square Melon:

"Asparagus, strawberries, and wild garlic: Easter has overtaken Christmas in demand for us"
From the perspective of an Italian wholesaler

Wholesale prices of peppers and tomatoes are skyrocketing
Ángel García Izquierdo, Soltir:

"High quality and elevated prices suggest it will be a positive pepper season in Murcia"
Joshua Guerrero, Tropifoods:

"Ten years ago, you could only find cassava in specialized stores; today, it's available in supermarkets"

Volatile cucumber pricing expected for near future

Sector | Bananas

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Searching for genetic gold: How Yelloway and Chiquita are tackling a global threat

"We want to develop new varieties that diversify production and address those threats"

Belize banana output rises while citrus declines in Q4 2025

Belize banana exports reach US$7.8M in January 2026

Jamaican banana recovery under way as TR4 threat grows
A Better Choice

A new cultivation system doubles Cavendish banana yields in the Philippines
Pietro Cipriani of the Hame Group

Guatemala strengthens its position as a banana supplier in Europe
Software benefits banana importers:

“Thanks to FIPS, delayed cargo ships are immediately centrally displayed"

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Potato trader Marco Sion from the Frischezentrum Köln-Gremberghoven:

"Delays in harvesting could potentially further exacerbate the situation with Italian early potatoes"
Chayenne Wiskerke and Lynette Verweel, Wiskerke Onions:

“First regenerative yellow and red onions will be available in the 2026 season”
Potato price drops below 0 euros

"Growers sometimes have to pay to market their produce"

"India’s table potatoes need processing sector's value-chain discipline"

Uzbekistan seizes 72.3 kg of hashish hidden in potato replicas

U.S. potato growers face H-2A visa delays ahead of 2026 season

Taiwanese biodegradable films increase sweet potato yields up to 3x

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Intertropic launches campaign to promote European avocados and mangoes

“India’s Konkan alphonso season lags by 25 days, prices double”

First months of the year offer a strong export window for Peruvian avocados
Martin Oudenes, My Roots & More:

"Strong demand for Chilean onions and Vietnamese coconuts"

California Crema GEM avocado season getting underway

Zespri forecasts 220 million tray kiwifruit crop for 2026/27
Danie Meyer – Nooyenskopje

Green kiwis support grower as Middle East business falls away

Sector | Company news

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Bom Group and HX Agriculture sign:

Long-term partnership for HX AGF high-tech greenhouse projects across China
Area 2 Farms bets on the franchise model to bring vertical farming into the neighborhood

“Networks of farms are always better for people”

FirstFruits strengthens Applewood Fresh team with leadership additions

New Zealand T&G appoints Goldman Sachs as BayWa plans sale

CN Seeds announces opening of U.S. offices

Hapag-Lloyd reports USD 1.0 billion earnings in 2025

HHLA container volumes rise 5.4% to 6.3 million TEU in 2025

Sector | Greenhouse

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Taylor Farms acquires Equinox Growers

Largest mid-Atlantic commercial greenhouse acquired
Broader change in how CEA is viewed

"New UK Land Use Framework puts greenhouse sector on the map"

New greenhouse greens product introduced in Ontario Costcos
Martin McAdam - Shockingly Fresh

"We need to encourage more investment in this type of production to keep fresh produce on the shelves"
Marco de Bruin:

“If you want to make impact in the market, you have to compete with outdoor lettuce”

From snack packs to centerpieces: Evolving greenhouse varieties for changing consumer habits
Building propagation as infrastructure: Ontario Plants advances system-level control in CEA

“The propagation layer in North America remains fragmented”

Sector | Logistics

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Gulf cargo shifts to land routes as regional shipping still disrupted

"Fresh produce margins are too sensitive for logistics to ignore"

Global port congestion and delays disrupt trade flows

Global shipping rates rise as oil prices drive fuel surcharges

Brazil highlights maritime security as Santos handles 29.6% of trade
ESC webinar: Rising fuel prices and route diversions put pressure on global logistics

"Like during the pandemic, a problem can quickly escalate"

Maersk reroutes vessels via Cape due to Red Sea constraints

Sector | Machinery

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Boost your fruit processing capacity immediately

Complete sorting, weighing, and packaging line for frozen fruit

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

Manufacturer expands automation range with three new machines
Avocado processing line from Apeel Sciences available at Industrial Auctions online auction

Keep fruit fresh for longer and process vegetables more efficiently

Robotic hand developed to handle fragile items such as fruit
Calderoni launches a solution on which to apply different components

Weeding - more and more space for "precision" mechanics
Marcel Beelen, FineField:

"Within 5-15 years, fresh berry harvesting will be entirely mechanized"

Sector | General fresh produce

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Local eyes and ears in Spain
Fruit and tree nuts outlook - March 2026:

U.S. orange output forecast steady at 1.746 million tons

California proposes US$100M expansion of CalFresh produce program

Lam Dong produces 3.5 million tons of vegetables annually

Oman buyer explores Brazilian fruit sourcing under ApexBrasil program

Supplier introduces 6% price increase and 3% surcharge

"Risk surcharges are suffocating us"

Sector | Management

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Cermac, Promos, and the Ministry

Agreement signed for companies from Italy and Uzbekistan

California names March 31 Farmworkers Day

U.S. states sue USDA over funding conditions tied to policy compliance

U.S. lawsuit challenges USDA funding conditions for agriculture

U.S. lawmakers push tariffs on Mexican produce to support Florida growers

U.S. and Mexico launch talks ahead of USMCA joint review

U.S. and Ecuador sign reciprocal trade agreement

Sector | Miscellaneous

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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

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

South Africa citrus sector mourns Deon Joubert

Sector | Fruit

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Sunfruits Peru, which grows 1,000 hectares of table grapes, relies on TopControl

"We chose smart weighing and process management solutions"
Prices have been affected

"The supply of Spanish strawberries is recovering and is even higher than usual at this time of year"
German BLE week 12:

'Moroccan and Turkish mandarins have disappeared from the market in some areas'

Blueberry sector focuses on quality as supply rises

Michigan fruit crops remain dormant after heavy March snowfall

"We supplied the largest number of Royal Gala apples in our company's history"
Positive expectations for upcoming Turkish cherry season

“Thankfully, the weather seems to be much more stable this year”

Sector | Herbs

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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

Basil demand picks up ahead of Valentine’s Day
Mixed herb packets and baby leaves

Flexible solutions for changing demand

Fresh herb demand strong and steady for holiday season

Sector | Agenda

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European importers and a large number of visitors on day 2 of Fruit Attraction São Paulo
Turkish exhibition postponed

Fresh Antalya sets new date for May 2027

The third edition of Fruit Attraction São Paulo begins with hopes for regional growth

Spring Policy Summit to feature USMCA roundup

Speakers announced for Southeast Asia fresh produce meet-up in Bangkok

Interfresh Eurasia to take place between 8 and 10 September in Izmir

IFPA moves Global Produce & Floral Show off the weekend

Sector | Citrus

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Cautiously more optimistic outlook for South Africa citrus exports to the U.S.

The Mercosur-EU agreement creates new opportunities for Uruguay's fruit sector

Global orange juice demand weakens as market uncertainty grows

Texas citrus harvest advances as drought limits irrigation

Improved quality but very low sales for Greek Valencia oranges
Henk Nijhoff, Exsa Europe:

"Lime market recovers after dip, but quality differences remain wide"
Daniel Badger - Vitafresh Produce:

“No grower has enough lemons to satisfy the global demand"

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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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

Indonesia advances digital agriculture with new farm-app deal

Sector | Innovations

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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

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

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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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"

Four new flavors for value-added salad lineup

Brazilian orange juice inventories rise 75.4% by end of 2025

Brazilian processor installs 30-ton-per-hour frozen potato line
Simon Matthews - AgriCoat NatureSeal

Cost-effective sulphite-free anti-browning dip for peeled, sliced, and diced potatoes

Sector | Cooling

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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

“The new cooling facility brings increased flexibility”

Sector | Food safety

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

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

Canada recalls macadamia nut products over Salmonella risk

Canada recalls Dan-D nuts in over Salmonella risk

The European Commission updates the MRLs for various pesticides starting this year

“If Canada’s Destination Inspection Service closes, we destabilize the market and create long-term reputational damage”

Canadian Food Inspection Agency plans on discontinuing their produce inspection services

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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Brazilian nut exports reach US$6.5 million in early 2026

California almond growers monitor red leaf blotch risk early season
Deon Steicke - Sunny Boy Nuts

Pistachio grower hits stride as demand grows

South African macadamia prices diverge as tariffs ease

Faced with growing demand, Morocco is stepping up the development of its pistachio sector
Tim Jackson - Almond Board of Australia:

“The potential for quality downgrades because of the rain becomes much higher”

Kenya focuses on value addition in macadamia, avocado, and blueberries

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Italy fresh-cut supplier builds logistics around reusable packaging

Mexico introduces linerless tray packaging for fresh produce

Growing demand for automation is driving upgrades in fruit and vegetable mesh bags

Corrugated cardboard emerges as a logistical alternative to wooden pallets in exports from Costa Rica

“Peaches for Pink” campaign launches for summer stone fruit season
Michael Dossor - Result Group

Packaging benefits from connected approach

Clip packaging technology targets fruit and vegetable applications

Sector | Retail

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Whole Foods Market named 16 vendors as recipients of its 14th Annual Supplier All-Star Awards

Grupo Mateus saw strong growth in its 2025 financial year

Walmart Canada's Easter Meal Veggie Sides: Yellow potatoes, carrots, onions, broccoli or cauliflower
Food Lion's fourth new store opening in the first quarter of this year

Harps Food Stores announced plans to deploy SmartMeals
La Anónima: Acquisition of 12 hypermarkets and a logistics centre

AWG is celebrating its 100th anniversary
Newest Needler’s location offers a wide selection of fresh produce

AWG expands SmartMeals meal planning and shopping tool to member stores
Amazon and Winn Dixie have expanded their grocery delivery partnership

Hannaford Supermarkets donates record 29mln pounds of food
UNFI plans to close a distribution facility in Racine, Wisconsin - Reports

Grupo Éxito’s 2025 net profit a tenfold increase from 2024

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GINGER

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CUCUMBERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANDARINS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PEARS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GRAPES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW ONIONS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW AVOCADOES

Sector | Climate

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Strawberry crop gains expected from California’s heat wave

Georgia growers relieved following last week’s cold temperatures
Ernst Slabbekoorn, Swift International:

"Reliable night frost protection high on the agenda after recent erratic weather"

North Carolina freeze risk for fruit crops in Henderson County

Catastrophic losses in greenhouses and crops in Souss-Massa, Morocco, plastic shortage

Irrigation infrastructure and crops in main agricultural valleys affected by heavy rains in Peru

Weekend blizzard stymies logistics in Northeast

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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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

U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs, new 15% levy announced

Sector | Costa Rica

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Next weeks’ special: Costa Rica