"I've never sold as many chives as this year"

In August, heavy rain and hail led to increased fungal and bacterial infestation in many production areas, including Stefan Seischab's vegetable cultivation. "Bacteriosis caused parsley to suffer considerable losses. However, this seemed to have been a problem throughout Germany, which is why prices were…

Bananatex launches compostable jersey made from Abacá banana plants

Swiss textile company Bananatex has developed a biodegradable lightweight jersey fabric by extracting fibres from the stalks of Abacá banana plants. The material is the latest version of a fabric made from the banana plant that Bananatex first launched in 2018. Bananatex developed the fabric by…

Elevating sweet potatoes for the holiday season

Bako Sweet is partnering with retailers to transform holiday produce displays and champion sweet potatoes as the ultimate holiday must-have this season. The brand’s product line and packaging make it easier for shoppers to stock up on what they need to create a perfect holiday spread. Bako Sweet…

Potato breeder introduces variety set for faster scientific research

Potato breeder Royal HZPC Group introduced its universal potato variety set on Nov. 3, 2023. This development, designed specifically for academic institutions, promises to simplify and accelerate basic research on potatoes. From Jan. 1, 2024, academic institutions within the European Union will have…

Swiss potato crop expected to drop by a third

This year's Swiss potato harvest has been disappointing. Growers are expecting a drop of about a third compared with recent years. However, yields are still difficult to…

FIWAP and PCA explain challenges and trends in the European potato sector

Walloon potato industry organization FIWAP and the PCA (Interprovinciaal Proefcentrum voor de Aardappelteelt) have reported that the potato harvest in Europe has been slow and…

Indian government initiates aggressive disposal of onions from its buffer

The Indian government has initiated aggressive retail sale of onion from the buffer at subsidized price of Rs.25 per kg to protect the consumers from recent increase in onion prices due to delay in the arrival of kharif crop. This comes as another measure in addition to the slew of measures put in place…

"Our first shipment of Edward mangoes from Peru was quite a challenge"

Peru’s mango harvest season has started slowly with very low volumes due to a warm winter that led to very little flowering and fruit available to be harvested. According to Fernando Hidalgo, from Grupo Cultivemos in Peru, the effects of El Niño are very serious for their industry: “As for our first…

"Morocco has become 'the ninth Andalusian province' for avocado production"

The Moroccan avocado campaign is underway with some volumes affected as a result of storm Bernard, although the impact on the country's total volume won't be very representative. The first truckloads of Moroccan avocados are already departing from Alcoaxarquia Maroc's new processing plant, located in…

“The French kiwi sector has found ways to renew itself”

Diseases and weather hazards are just some of the difficulties French kiwi production, like other sectors, has had to deal with. For Jean-Baptiste Pinel, managing director of Primland, this negative situation has actually forced kiwi producers to evolve towards something positive, while transforming the…

Larger persimmons from California this season

‘Tis the season for persimmons and supplies are steady out of California for the fruit. “We are about seven days behind due to a wet and cool spring but I think supplies are…

Will dragon fruit become a tropical substitute for mangos this season?

Ecuador’s dragon fruit window is expanding. Up until last year, the country had production volume 10 out of 12 months. This year, however, dragon fruit will be available year-round for the very first time. “Although Ecuador had some production every month this year, October showed incremental volume and…

"Demand for pomegranate increases, export volumes will be higher in December"

As Christmas is coming closer, demand for pomegranates is increasing, says Yigit Gokyigit, commercial coordinator for Turkish fresh produce exporter Alanar: “The Turkish pomegranate season started last month with the first crops. Demand so far has been satisfying for the whole market. We think that the…

Maersk decides to cut at least 10,000 jobs

Danish container shipping company Maersk has announced it will cut more than 10,000 jobs after the financial downturn in the third quarter of 2023, when it saw its revenue and earnings shrink. The company said it has imposed "rigorous cost containment measures" during the year to cushion the impact of…

Plans for 40 hectare greenhouse in Essex

Oasthouse Ventures (OHV) Limited has unveiled plans to develop a 40-hectare greenhouse project named 'Rivenhall Greenhouse' on previously quarried land to the east of Braintree, Essex. OHV is partnering with Wren Renewables as the landlord and the Indaver Integrated Waste Management Facility, which is…

Panama Canal targets vessel traffic reduction of 40-50% due to drought

Starting Friday, the Panama Canal Authority is implementing additional vessel reductions in an effort to conserve water. A drought, exacerbated by a severe El Nino weather system, continues to plague water levels in the canal locks. According to Panama Canal authorities, the drought requires them to…

Yilport acquires Takoradi Port stake from Africa Finance Corporation

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), an infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, has sold its 35% equity stake in Atlantic Terminal Services Limited (ATSL), the concessionaire for the expansion of Ghana’s Takoradi Port, to the global port operator Yilport Holding. In 2019, AFC committed to invest up to…

Packing line for soft fruit and mushroom sector presented

A busy afternoon at an open day with little chance of talking with customers properly? There must be a different way the folks at Ulma Packaging and Arco Solutions thought. Over the last two weeks, these two Dutch companies organized joint demo days for the soft fruit and mushroom sector at Ulma's…

HEPRO GmbH

HEPRO's asparagus peeling machine wins the German Design Award

The ultra-compact asparagus peeling machine "spargel to go" from HEPRO GmbH has been awarded the German Design Award Special 2023 for 'Excellent Product Design Retail', an internationally recognised seal for design achievements. "The world's smallest asparagus peeling machine - for self-service and…

Technological and energy innovation at the basis of company growth

"Considering the multiple economic crises that have occurred over the past few years, some European retail chains and other operators are pushing on imports from extra-EU countries," reports Vittorio Gona from Alba Bio OP. "These dynamics are increasingly attracting countries such as Turkey, Tunisia and…

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Breeders welcome the adoption of the new Explanatory Notes on Essentially Derived Varieties by the UPOV Council

After four years of debate, the UPOV Council, in its 57th Session on October 27, 2023, adopted the new Explanatory Notes (EXN) on Essentially Derived Varieties, which replaced the EXN of 2017. During the revision process, the worldwide breeders’ community was represented by the International Seed…

"Africa undervalued: there's potential for growth in the fresh produce industry"

Africa is a continent not to be underestimated when it comes to fruit and vegetables. It is so vast and diverse that it needs both the know-how and the technology to produce on its own, while at the same time importing fruit from Italy and Europe. Renzo Piraccini, President of Macfrut, who is in the…

"Big retail chains and wholesale markets can cooperate bringing advantages to all"

With three medium-sized supermarkets and a brand new large stand (Cristal) at the Cesena wholesale market, Alessandro Moretti shows just how much he believes in fresh produce. Left to right: Alessandro Moretti (Cristal), Carlo Palmieri (Coal), Alessandro Giunchi (For Mercato) "I am very pleased with this…

Price of some fruit has risen by almost 100% in Tajikistan

Currently, agricultural activities are in full swing across the country. In the first 10 months of 2023, Tajikistan experienced varying yields of crops. Due to winter damage…

USDA

Roma tomatoes, cilantro, baby carrots and cucumbers well advertised

Seasonal favorites like pomegranates, persimmons, cranberries, sweet potatoes, pineapples, potatoes, carrots, and celery were front and center. As were football party staples such as avocados, jalapeno and serrano peppers, onions, Roma tomatoes, cilantro, baby carrots, and cucumbers were well advertised…

The top 7 companies of the fruit and vegetable industry

Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. The global fruit and vegetable industry continues to grow as consumers become more health-conscious. This article will examine the top 10 companies that are leading the way in producing, distributing, and marketing fresh produce around the…

South African Minister supports call for reauthorisation of AGOA

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, has thrown his weight behind the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as swiftly as…

Ebenezer ag training center's a beacon of hope for young growers

In the heart of Zimbabwe, just 65 kilometers from Bulawayo, lies a farm with a profound mission. Ebenezer Agricultural Training Centre, affectionately known as 'Ebenezer,' isn't just a place where crops grow and livestock are tended to. It serves as a beacon of hope and knowledge for young, aspiring…

Post-Brexit, out of stock supermarkets are once again a thing in the UK

Out of stock supermarkets are once again a thing in the UK, and images of them are being shared on social media. According to some, there is a simple reason why stock-outs…

Bernardo Calvo joins Sun World as President/COO

Sun World International has been engaged in adding top talent to their leadership ranks over the past several years. Today, the company announced that Bernardo Calvo has…

US dollar tumbles to six-week low

Late last week, the dollar fell to a six-week low after data showed the world’s largest economy created fewer jobs than expected last month. This supports expectations that…

Sakata fully enters the F1 strawberry seed business

Japanese strawberry varieties are highly appreciated internationally for their delicious taste. However, they are quite soft, which poses problems in storage and transportation. They can also affected by diseases, which vary from region to region. Sakata Seed Corporation started planning a strawberry…

Indian market open for German apples

German apples can now be exported to India. This marks the positive outcome of a long and intensive market liberalisation process. For a long time, local apples were not…

“We must bring French pears back to supermarket shelves”

France produces 50% of its needs in pearsThe French market has the capacity to be self-sufficient in terms of apple production, but the situation is quite different for pears. French supply remains below the national demand. “Generally speaking, French pear consumption is around 200,000 tons, depending…

Growers anticipate a strong crop with larger, sweeter plums, peaches, and nectarines

This summer, Australian fresh produce business Montague is going to see a larger stone fruit crop compared to last season and the team is ready to pack the additional fruit in its state-of-the-art pack house facility in Narre Warren. With a warmer summer expected, stone fruit production is providing much…

Egypt’s skyrocketing exports to Saudi Arabia in 2023

Egypt has already managed to double its export volumes of melons to the Saudi Arabian market in just the first eight months of this year, reports EastFruit. This increase in shipments includes both watermelons and melons, with the latter expected to continue rising until the end of the year. From January…

USDA

Fresh pear production expected to decrease 20 percent in MY 2023/24

Korean fresh pear production is expected to decrease 20 percent in Marketing Year (MY) 2023/24 as adverse weather events struck orchards throughout spring flowering and into the summer. Supplies of high-quality pears are expected to be below average because of high rates of damaged fruit. Prices for…

"We are quite a small business, but even we are already having problems finding new employees"

The cold and wet weather led to a much later start of the herb season at Johannes Adams' business in Düsseldorf. "The heat during the summer was also rather suboptimal for the herbs. But we can be glad that we were not affected by further flooding or longer periods of heat," says Adams. "Next year, we…

Citrus Australia presents inaugural Australian Citrus Congress

Citrus Australia is excited to present the inaugural Australian Citrus Congress, a world class event focused on all things citrus. Join us at the spectacular Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort from 5-7 March 2024 to learn about the latest industry trends, meet people from across the citrus supply chain, and…

Introducing Climate Smart Lemons

Limoneira is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest campaign, Climate Smart Lemons™. “Before the world began thinking of regenerative agriculture, we have been dedicated to ensuring that each generation can continue growing a sustainable lemon,” said Harold S. Edwards, president & CEO. “At the core, our growers and trees…

“Highlight of a decisive year for the sector”

The 2023 edition of Natexpo took place at Paris Nord Villepinte from October 22nd to 24th. The event, which is 100% dedicated to the organic sector, was seen as a “rebound event” by the organizers, given the “economic and structural challenges facing the organic sector.” ©Natexpo New dynamic?2,500 exhibitors…

New study suggests that ‘one avocado a day may keep diabetes at bay’

In a recent study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, researchers looked at the associations between avocado consumption and diabetes risk. In a recent study, researchers…

The role of AI in the produce industry

Artificial Intelligence, often referred to as AI, is creating waves across a multitude of industries, and the produce sector is no exception. While the term “artificial intelligence” may be novel in the context of farming, it’s important to note that the agricultural industry has long relied on research…

"Cold chain temperature monitoring maximizes shelf-life and reduces food waste"

Fresh produce travels the globe to find its way to the end-consumer and in some cases, the product spends three weeks or more in transit before it reaches its final destination. During the transit process, different factors determine the quality of produce upon arrival. In the end, visual quality and…

Nativosfood

"We entrepreneurs have a responsibility to act in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way"

Colombian passion and German care: these are the two cornerstones of the Cata's brand of the Freiburg-based start-up NativosFood. The founding couple Adam Sikora and Catalina Montoya specialise in the production and distribution of plantain crisps and other innovative foods from South America. The young…

Import Reefer costs settlement process for port of Incheon container terminal

A.P. Moller-Maersk has issued the following press release on the situation around Incheon container terminal: We would like hereby to announce the important change in reefer costs settlement process applicable to import cargoes to Hanjin Incheon Container Terminal (HJIT). With effect from 1st of January…

Greenyard turns to online platform to monitor sustainability efforts of global suppliers

In an era where sustainability is a big priority for the fresh produce industry, Greenyard has emerged as an example of unwavering commitment for a healthier future. Dedicated to improving lives through pure-plant food experiences, promoting healthier lifestyles, and fostering more sustainable food…

"Our Belgian walnuts should be able to compete with overseas supply"

Belgian walnuts are not yet abundantly available in supermarkets. Nonetheless, growers in Flanders should be able to reap this emerging crop's fruit in the coming years. To draw attention to local nuts, a Walnut Day will be held on November 12. It will include a tour of Hugo Vets farm. Hugo started…

"Wooden containers have the lowest environmental impact"

The Observatory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) has published an "Analysis of the life cycle of wooden packaging", a study commissioned by ASYFE (Association of Sawmills and Wood Packaging Manufacturers). The report was presented at a special conference…

How could climate and economic changes affect the organization of European markets?

Although imported fruit and vegetables currently occupy an important place on the French market, the recent economic and climate changes could transform the market in the years to come. Alexandre Picault, sales director of Kultive (producer of greenhouse vegetables and leading producer of cucumbers in…

Bearbrunch

Residents of Thousand Oaks, Florida, have had to adapt to a black bear's unwanted appetite in recent months. Resident Lynn Wracan has caught the bear several times while feeding on avocados growing in her backyard. Although she contacted authorities, it appears the bear continues to roam, unperturbed by their efforts, reports ousider.com.