Kaluga region of Russia exports 645 tons of mushrooms

The Interregional Department of Rosselkhoznadzor summed up the results of exports from the Kaluga region. The department reports that in 2022, the region's farmers sent 645…

Cucumber season expected to end two to three weeks earlier

The cucumber export season is underway in Almeria and Granada with very good results and is expected to end a few weeks earlier than usual due to the advanced state of the crops. The unusual temperatures recorded until the first half of January have accelerated the ripening and caused the production to…

Zero-residue radicchio, an extra chance to gain interest among consumers

The range of pest-free vegetables offered by the Italian company Fellini Patrizio continues to expand. Red, pest-free radicchio started to be available a few weeks ago. "Right now, the product is from the Marche region. We have grown in Romagna until November. The quality is good and the harvest is…

Garlic insurance returns to normal after two years of high incident rates

After two years of negative results, with more than 45 million euro of compensation in the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, last year, garlic insurance -which gives ample coverage to…

“The artichoke processing industry should also adapt to the Green Queen”

The fields of the largest artichoke production area in Spain have been covered with a layer of ice for several days, which will have a considerable impact on production. “There have been frosts recorded from Alicante to Lorca, and in the Guadalentín Valley almost all the fields are affected,” stated Pepe…

"Guatemala always set the tone - that is now slowly changing"

In the field of sugar snap peas and snap peas, batches from three countries of origin, namely Egypt, Guatemala and Kenya, are now hitting the market. "We have plenty of goods available to us at the moment, whether sea or air freight. Although we try to offer the buyer ship goods if possible due to the CO2…

UK to eliminate tariffs on more than 3,000 export products from Nigeria

The UK government will eliminate tariffs on more than 3,000 products it imports from Nigeria. Nigerian exporters of plantain, fertilizers, tomatoes and more are among those…

EU three-week average price of European bananas at €101 per 100 kgs in week 2 of 2023

In week 2, the three-week average wholesale prices of bananas from Latin America stood at €112/100 kgs. Average wholesale prices of bananas from Latin America were at €119/100 kgs in the Netherlands. Prices in Belgium stood at €96/100 kgs, while Italians paid €129/100 kgs and the French paid €115 per 100…

Building a secure and sustainable future for our industry

It has been a Spring-Summer spud season of weather extremes, with either too much sudden rain or not enough. I asked around the industry to see how that has impacted quality,…

Governments of Canada and Manitoba invest nearly $100,000 to upgrade horticulture storage facility

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $98,970 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to upgrade the University of Manitoba’s horticulture storage…

Filipino president Marcos wants meeting to discuss high prices of imported onions

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a stakeholders’ meeting next week after discovering that imported onions are sold up to ₱ 200 per kilo.  Presidential Communications Office…

'UK potato growers are underestimating their own industry’

Industry experts claim that UK potato growers are massively underestimating the economic significance of their sector. This could be as high as £4.5 billion, rather than the…

New generation kiwis find firm footing in the right South African localities

The advent of Actinidia chinensis yellow and red kiwi selections with lower chilling requirement has opened the door for South Africa, which had a stab at creating a kiwi industry in the 1980s, but with a focus on green kiwis “South Africa’s big opportunity is not to be a big player but to be a player of…

Almost 3,000 tons of Vietnamese produce exported to China via Lạng Son's border gates

Exports of agricultural and fruit products, mainly dragon fruit and mango, reached approximately 2,700 tons to China through Lạng Sơn Province border gates on January 24. It…

"Major shortages, high prices in ginger market"

Considerable shortages and high prices currently characterize the European ginger market. That is according to Sophie Ye of KX Food in Belgium. "Lower yields mean imports from China are at only half those of previous years. That results in high prices; import costs alone [from China] are around €3 per…

"The consumption of exotic fruit has drastically dropped"

The consumption of exotic fruit has drastically dropped. No product is doing better than the others, as buyers prefer purchasing basic food rather than niche products due to inflation.  "The post-Christmas period has been the worst of the part 10 years. Demand is so low that we even managed to contain the…

Focus Fresh GmbH

"We are now offering organic Turkish pomegranates for the first time"

As one of the most important source countries for fruit and vegetables, Turkey, is also confronted with considerable cost increases in the areas of production and fruit logistics. "A certain reluctance to buy is being felt, which is simply having an impact on the volume purchased by our customers -…

Increasing consumer consumption is the key to growth in 2023 for a North Queensland Papaya grower

A leading North Queensland papaya grower says it is important to increase consumer awareness of the fruit, and in turn consumption, to help grow the category and help meet rising production costs. Skybury Farms, General Manager Candy MacLaughlin says input costs over the past twelve months across the…

Strong export market for Australian lychees in New Zealand, Canada and US

According to Australia Lychee Growers Association president Derek Foley, who also grows the fruit in the Bundaberg region, the season is going well and lychee lovers can look…

“The red guava would be an exclusive, ultra-exotic fruit in this market”

The red guava season has recently kicked off in India. The history of India and guava is a long one, says Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Indian fresh produce exporter Kay Bee Exports: “India has a long-lasting and extensive expertise at growing various varieties of guava. For several years, it has remained the…

Seeka collaborates with Ministry of Social Development to deliver series of job expos

Over 400 jobs are up grabs as this year’s Kiwifruit season takes off in Taitokerau, and there’s something for everyone. Horticulture employer Seeka has collaborated with…

Desaru Fruit Farm loses RM600,000 due to flood

The well-known Desaru Fruit Farm in Malaysia has suffered losses of about RM600,000 (€132,000) after 90 per cent of its orchard was flooded. Desaru Fruit Farm director Alice…

Garlic may be next to experience supply troubles and price hikes in Philippines

As Filipinos slowly try to recover from months of inexplicably high onion prices, some are now bracing for higher costs of another kitchen staple; garlic. Again, a supply…

Dutch company warns of defaulter

The Dutch company, Gebr. De Mooij Amsterdam warns fellow fruit and vegetable companies against doing business with Eurostar e.k. from Hamburg, Germany. Eurostar e.k.28 Bank StreetD-20097, Hamburg,…

The Natural Fruit Company joins the EsAgua Network

Agriculture plays a key role in meeting the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. An example of this commitment to environmental sustainability is that made by The Natural Fruit Company, the last company to join EsAgua, a network of companies committed to the sustainable use of water and the measurement of the water…

Shropshire tech start-up Upp advocates for big automation

Upp, a Shropshire, UK-based tech start-up, is using computer vision AI plus farm-sized proprietary machinery to expand crop yields. Its specialist, AI-driven harvester will…

Village Farms raises $25 million

Village Farms, the produce grower that also grows cannabis under the Pure Sunfarms banner, has raised $25 million.  The capital was raised through the sale of shares and warrants with a combined price…

Drewry

Drewry’s composite World Container Index dropped 2% this week

Drewry’s composite World Container Index decreased by 2% to $2,046.51 per 40ft container this week. The composite index has dropped by 78% when compared with the same week last year. The latest Drewry WCI composite index of $2,047 per 40-foot container is now 80% below the peak of $10,377 reached in…

Teesside Airport in the UK approved for handling of perishables

Teesside International Airport in the UK has been approved as a Border Control Point (BCP). This means it can handle perishable produce. The airport said it is now in talks…

Europe to Asia reefer rates slide

Freight rates on the Europe to Asia trades have begun to follow the wider container market down after a period of resistance. According to a market update from freight rate…

Potatoes transported on 135 meter long conveyor belt to Middle Eastern French fry factory

The Dutch company Bijlsma Hercules has delivered a conveyor belt of no less than 135 meters to a business in the Middle East. This belt will transport potatoes from the crate offloading system to a French fry plant's feeding line. These photos give a nice overview of the conveyor belt's dimensions. For more information:Bijlsma…

Italian vegetable harvesters are partnering with the Netherlands

Dari Ecomeccanica is a young and dynamic Italian company that stays abreast of innovation and makes important changes in the field of agricultural mechanics. The company specializes in the production of advanced and environmentally friendly harvesters for vegetables and baby leaf. It will attend Fruit…

Showcasing a flowpacker for increased sustainability

After spending 2022 consolidating its position on both a domestic level and on the foreign markets, GNA is ready to attend Fruit Logistica with some news. "Over time, packaging material has changed, and the market is requesting them to be more sustainable. We, as manufacturers of packaging lines, need to…

Russia and Turkey intend to strengthen control over the supply of fruits and vegetables

Negotiations between representatives of the Rosselkhoznadzor and the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkey took place via video link, to discuss how to strengthen the control over…

Market with cheap vegetables and fruits to be launched in Omsk, Russia

Alexander Burkov, governor of the city of Omsk at a press conference, which took place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, announced the launch of a logistics center for fruit and…

The fruit and vegetable department determines consumer preference for the store and drives the sales

The shelf placement of fruit and vegetables in the shops, as well as the key role played by innovation to increase consumption, are some of the topics that emerged from the interview of FreshPlaza to Andrea Cialone, marketing manager of Dem Supermarkets, Serena Marilungo, fruit and vegetable manager at…

France is preparing a law allowing the industry to better negotiate with retailers

The French National Assembly has just passed a bill aimed at giving more weight to the industry in negotiations with retailers. So far, in France, if suppliers and retailers…

New CEO appointed for the National Fruit Show

The Marden Fruit Show Society (MFSS) has appointed Sally Flanagan, a long-standing committee member and former Executive Director of The East Malling Trust as its new Chief…

Crisis update: "European price cap could cause sudden market changes"

Friday, January 20, the short-term TTF gas price closed at just under 67 euros per megawatt hour. During last week, the price rose due to more wintry weather. Electricity prices are also on the rise. In this new crisis update, we list the price and market developments again. TTF gas price for February…

"With the Limvalnera strawberry, we can supply retail programs from October to June"

High temperatures in autumn set the pace for the start of the strawberry season in Huelva and delayed the planting phase until almost the end of November. Every year, the weather conditions are one of the most important factors faced by Huelva growers, so choosing the right variety that combines climate…

"We are entering the Valentine's Day campaign with good demand for strawberries and rising prices"

The drop in temperatures starting the second week of January reduced the supply of strawberries in Huelva, increasing prices, which continue on an upward trend. Loli Garcia, Grufesa's Sales Director. "European markets are relatively empty of strawberries, and it seems that this will continue to be the…

Frosts affect more than 40% of the extra-early fruit in the Murcia region

The Secretary of Agriculture of the Union of Small Farmers (UPA), Antonio Moreno, estimated that the repeated frosts of the last days in large cultivation areas of the Region…

Increased local demand for Ontario Red Prince apples

Ontario apples are continuing to see a strong year--a welcome change from the last two years where smaller crops followed challenging weather conditions. “This year overall we had a bumper crop. Not only was it larger in yield but it was larger in size and had great color. All regions had a great year…

“We did sell much more of Gala variety”

The sales of Polish apples has been rather stable, but there was one specific variety that did exceptionally well in Western Europe, says Jakub Krawczyk, export manager for Polish apple exporter Appolonia. “We sold similar amounts of apples as we did during other seasons and quantities that we have left…

“Turkish apple exports mainly went to India, Russia and Syria”

Their first apple export season in 2021 had its challenges, but Turkish produce exporter Ani Tarim is very confident about the current Turkish apple season, says Mehmet Çakmak, sales and marketing manager for the exporter. “Our ongoing apple and pomegranate export programmes make us quite happy, so far…

Lesotho to increase fruit production

The Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project, working together with the Lesotho National Farmers’ Association (LENAFU) will teach farmers the necessary skills…

Ukraine exported record high volumes of raspberries in 2022

According to EastFruit analysts, Ukrainian producers were able to increase exports of frozen raspberries in 2022 beating the previous record! This is especially amazing…

Moldova sharply increased exports of table grapes to the EU

Representatives of the Association of Grape Producers and Exporters of Moldova noted that in 2022 exports of table grapes from Moldova to Romania almost doubled compared to…

"No other herb brand in Australia has such an extensive range of punnets and sleeves which are fully barcoded"

Butler Market Gardens has been established for decades, CEO Rick Butler is the 6th generation of the family owned business based in  Heatherton, Melbourne. The company specialises in a wide range of vegetables and herbs. In 2018 they launched the Butler Gourmet Pantry range. "From a strategic perspective we…

Dutch ambitions to make the international fresh food chain more sustainable

In terms of sustainability, the Dutch fruit and vegetable sector is an international leader. In which aspects is the sector different from other countries in this regard? What…

Citrus growing in Florida still perseveres focuses on juice market

As has been reported for years now, Florida's citrus crop has been decreasing and things are not yet looking to be picking up. Centuries ago, growing and producing citrus…

Citrus grower fights to keep crop healthy as Phoenix area is faced with cold spell

Arizona citrus growers are working hard this week to keep their plants thriving during this cold snap as overnight temps are hovering around the freezing mark. Fortunately,…

"Moroccan and Egyptian clementines being pushed on Belgian market"

Spanish citrus prices have been quite high this whole season. "The supply's not limited, but volumes are lower than in previous years. So, prices, especially for juicing oranges, are much higher than in other years," says Peter Breels of the Belgian wholesaler Rodiers. Quality is not lacking, though, he adds.…

Small citrus fruits drive sales

“This is a good citrus fruit campaign with good grades and constant consumption. What is more, temperatures have dropped and, as is known, consumers prefer to have oranges when it's colder. Temperature changes favor pigmentation, which is what makes our Tarocco di Francofonte oranges stand out," reports Giuseppe Guagliardi,…

New companies join the PGI Cítricos Valencianos quality seal

The PGI Cítricos Valencianos incorporated new firms from Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón. This expansion reinforces the presence of the Valencian seal in national and…

USDA

South Africa tangerine/mandarin exports forecast to reach a record 560,000 tons in 2022/23

South Africa exports of tangerines/mandarins are forecast to grow by almost 8 percent in 2022/23 to reach a record 560,000 tons on higher production and strong overseas demand. The European Union and the United Kingdom account for 45 percent of total South Africa exports followed by Russia (10 percent)…

HEV label attacked by organic organizations before French Council of State

Some French organizations, federations and unions of the organic sector, including FNAB and Synabio, have decided to attack the HEV label before the Council of State. Here is…

Consuming more vegetables might benefit your prostate

Faced with a diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer, surfing writer Tim Baker decided to try different diets including vegan, vegetarian and keto. After seeing a…

"We offer the industry a solution that maps consensus from multiple perspectives"

Since April 2022, producer companies can prepare for certification with the latest version of the IFA standard V6 from GLOBALG.A.P.. "We are trying to improve the efficiency…

GreenOnyx

Israeli startup growing ready-to-eat duckweed-based green for daily intake

GreenOnyx has developed a sterile, fully autonomous modular tech farm to grow fresh ready-to-eat duckweed-based green superfood for daily intake. An Israeli agritech startup that set out on a mission to make highly nutritious superfoods as accessible to the masses as Diet Coke recently revealed what it…

Differences in price of tomato products between Northern and Central-Southern Italy

“Compared with previous years, the shelf price of tomato products has increased making it impossible to find anything that costs just 59 eurocents," explains Giuseppe Stasi, sales manager at Rosso Gargano. "The big retail chain has absorbed part of the costs so as not to reduce the purchasing power of…

Nigerian cold storage startup eyes markets of Rwanda, Kenya and Benin

ColdHubs is a Nigerian startup intent on opening solar-powered cold room hubs across Rwanda, Kenya and Benin, among other markets. The company said that after launching 40 more hubs to reach 72 solar-powered cold rooms in home country Nigeria, they plan to expand to key markets on the African continent.…

New FDA rule aims to reduce illness, deaths from food

Every year, an estimated 48 million Americans get sick from bacteria and viruses in their food. Now, the Food and Drug Administration is trying to reduce the number of…

Mexico offers potential to grow date industry

Medjool dates are known to be grown in the Middle East and Africa, but the Bard Valley region in the United States is a well-known sweet spot for Medjools as well. However, more recently production into Mexico has witnessed an expansion. “In Mexico’s Sonora desert, the climate and growing conditions are…

Ariston seeks to grow export volumes earnings

The Ariston Holdings Limited group is focused on improving product quality, while also increasing volumes in the export market and boosting foreign currency earnings.  According…

Study reveals environmental benefits of modified atmosphere packaging

StePac, L.A. Ltd. analyzed supply chains it is closely involved with to assess how its packaging preserves the quality of fresh produce during handling, shipping and storing, and by doing so reduces waste and saves GHG emissions. The company commissioned researchers at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research…

Fibre-based packaging provider makes €11 mln. investment in retail packaging

Solidus Solutions invests €11 million into FUTURLINE, a range of innovative retail ready packaging solutions, including skin packaging, MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) and punnets which are already being rolled out across Benelux, France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and Spain. Driven by the…

California rains highlight inability to capture enough rainwater

It’s been said that California doesn’t have a water issue but rather a water storage issue. Following recent record rains and even flooding in the state, where does that leave things? “A lot of water came down in California. There was the ability to catch some of it, but the main problem here continues…