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December rains impact mandarin supply and increase calls for Force Majeure in California

Colombia and now Peru are moderately chipping away lime market share in the USA

Fresh cooking spinach aims to reach frozen consumers

Early bird registration opens for CPMA 2026

Mark Munger joins IPR Fresh

China raises cranberry import tariffs to 30%

Nova Scotia wild blueberry crop reduced 55% after drought

Agricultural imports into the United States continue to grow

Focus turns to bagged pepper line for 2026

Scientists aim to solve devastating citrus greening

Sector | Vegetables

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Storm damage hits as cold weather slows Spanish supply and pushes cucumber prices up
Benny Cuypers, BelOrta:

"Leeks and Belgian endive benefit from winter weather, but Brussels sprouts see no lift"
Cristina Albuquerque, from Danper (Peru):

"Asparagus supply has been increasingly limited in recent years"

Michigan vegetable sector worth US$5.39 billion
Kees Havenaar (Frutas Luna) on extreme conditions in Spanish greenhouse vegetable production

“In fact, I think many crops are not going to recover for the time being”
Strong sweet corn market

Florida grower-shipper adds bell peppers to offering

Heavy rains slow down pepper harvest in Souss Massa

Sector | Bananas

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Taiwan develops TC9 banana resistant to Panama disease

Vietnamese research targets banana Fusarium wilt

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

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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“This season, Greek sweet potatoes will be depleted by June”

The Egyptian potato export season kicks off on a stable note
Kartoffel Deyerling Dollbergen GmbH and Hermann Otte Landhandel GmbH join forces:

"With OTTE GmbH, we combine regional proximity with national clout"

Indian onion exports rise after Bangladesh lifts import suspension
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

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Peru ships record 3 million tons of produce to 115 markets
Post-harvest expertise bridges the gap between origin and consumer

Dutch ripening facility focuses on quality, not speed

Sunyani mango farmers open resource centre in Ghana

India sees early mango arrivals in Bengaluru winter markets

EU import rules shape mango trade
Proefcentrum Hoogstraten starts cultivation trials for passion fruit

“We expect local passion fruit to be distinctive”
Seasonal perishable products weekly update:

Mexico crossings shape avocado, berry and vegetable markets

Sector | Company news

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Change in management structure at Combilo
Alongside the New Year slowdown, Mark Grim takes a leap of faith on 1 January

From banana and ginger sales to recruitment
'Embedding environmental and social responsibility in all processes'

REWE Group joins international sustainability initiative SIFAV
Inside 4Climate’s automation suite with CEO Subhajit Sinha

“Interoperability is important because farms rarely rely on a single supplier”

Fresh produce distributor expands traceability across supply chain

New business development manager for Kapi Kapi

IFPA’s 2025 Impact Report showcases major wins for produce and floral industry

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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Midwest anchors United States food distribution network

Moroccan carriers complain of surge in Schengen visa refusals

Cayman Islands fresh produce shortages linked to shipping delays

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

Port Houston greenlights key initiatives for global trade and future capacity

Christmas under blockades: Greek farmers brace for a combative 2026

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

Sector | Machinery

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PND -Italy

New technologically advanced machinery designed specifically for apples

Turkish citrus exporter upgrades processing facility with 8-lane sorting system
Dutch company uses smart machines and sustainable solutions to transform French fry byproducts

“Our shredders and grinders turn potato waste into valuable products”
Ingrid Eeckhaut, Vanderhaegen Potatoes:

Convenience potatoes gain ground in retail and foodservice

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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Encouraging retailers to reset their relationship with trends

Chinese agricultural exports rise 35% since 2021
The era of Cologne's wholesale market comes to an end:

"It's a shame what has happened here"

Vietnamese fruit and vegetable sector targets $10 billion in exports

Texas growers skeptical over water deliveries from Mexico

South African agriculture shows mixed 2025 results, brighter 2026 outlook

UK horticulture assesses implications of farm profitability review

Sector | Management

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New Zealand responds to Queensland fruit fly find in Auckland
2026 finds Greek farmers stepping up their fight

Full highway and customs blockade paralyzes Greece Thursday–Friday

USDA announces agribusiness trade missions for 2026

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

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

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

UK Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme closed indefinitely

Sector | Miscellaneous

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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
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"

Sector | Fruit

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U.S specialty crop growers report billions in 2025 losses

Peruvian blueberry exports reach 333,284 tons by week 52
Eddy Kreukniet (Exsa Europe):

"Grape volumes continue to shift due to poor Cape Town port performance"

Stronger supply on Chilean stone fruit

South Korean strawberry prices rise as harvests decline

Canada and Taiwan drive southern hemisphere blueberry exports

Japanese premium cherries fetch US$12,000 per box at early auctions

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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FreshPlaza mobile app launched today!
We'll be back on January 5th

Happy Holidays from the FreshPlaza team!
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

Sector | Citrus

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Recent rainfall boosts Moroccan orange growers’ morale

Florida trials UF-1424 mandarin in cold-hardy citrus region

More Chinese kumquats enter the Middle East, diversifying local supply
AUstralia Citrus Annual 2025/26:

Australian orange production rises to 590,000 tons

Chinese study examines boron deficiency in sweet orange plants

"We see a solid demand from Russia for Moroccan Nadorcott"
Orri is launching its consumer promotion campaign in France and Italy for the first time

2026 Orri mandarin season will start earlier and see a 22% increase in volume

Sector | Organic

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Demand for Swiss endive remains stable
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

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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France to block fruit imports with banned pesticide residues

Cadmium detected in Moroccan tomatoes

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

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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Plant-based proteins position nuts as future meat alternatives

European nut and dried fruit market expands

Oregon hazelnut acreage expands as other crops struggle

China sees opportunity in production and demand for chestnuts
2025 State of the Almond Industry

A year of resilience for Californian almonds
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"

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Rocco De Lucia of Siropack

"We innovate and make progress despite the obstacles presented by European choices"
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"

Sector | Retail

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OGSCC: Canada Grocery Code is fully implemented

Natural Grocers has won its challenge against USDA
Kroger plans to open several stores in the Houston area - Report

HCWC reached a new financial milestone in 2025
'Happier, Healthier with Harris Teeter' initiative

Kroger's Verified Savings Program offers eligible shoppers 20% off fruits and vegetables
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

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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Danie Kritzinger – Agrimotion

How deep is the Cape into the next drought?

Some HGV restrictions lifted, but traffic remains difficult due to the snow

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

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"

Sector | Rwanda

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Next week's special: Rwanda