Pennsylvania fruit company celebrates 110 years

The fresh produce industry is made of a patchwork of family narratives, stories stitched together by a generation of people making a life for themselves in America. These founding farmers took what they knew from their homeland and created a legacy that continues to this day. Rice Fruit Company is one of…

Produce podcast hits one million downloads

The Produce Industry Podcast, a weekly audio source in the produce industry, has reached a milestone of one million downloads in three years and 300 episodes published. “Rarely am I lost for words. However one million downloads has left me humbled and speechless,” said Patrick Kelly, founder and host of…

Nonprofit celebrates community collaboration in Monterey County

Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that delivers fresh fruits, vegetables and nutrition education resources directly into families’ hands, held its inaugural Monterey County Spring Luncheon on May 11th for a larger conversation on creating communities of health through fresh food. This event…

Miami grower-shipper breaks ground on new Sweetwater facility

Grower, shipper and marketer Alpine Fresh broke ground on its new state-of-the-art facility. The Miami, Florida-headquartered company acquired eight acres of land in Sweetwater, Florida. The land will house the new five-star cold storage facility with a category-five structure and sustainable features…

Delphy Group remains independent

Delphy Group has decided to terminate the merging process with Canadian company AgriFORCE Growing Systems. AgriFORCE, a publicly traded company, gained attention in the international horticulture sector over the past year due to a series of intended investments. Delphy Groep will no longer be a part of this journey. The…

WARNING: reported corporate identity theft against EUROFRUT S.p.A.

All fruit and vegetable market operators are warned that unidentified individuals are making attempts to establish contacts with producing companies, including those overseas,…

Vertical farm Plantx partners with supermarket chain to supply 200 stores

United Super Markets Holdings Co., Ltd. and Plantex Co., Ltd. launched a new vertical farm 'Terrabase' Tsuchiuri in May 2022 and has been operating for over a year now.  To further develop the sustainable urban environment vegetable supply chain development the SEED consortium was established.The SEED Consortium…

Xeneta container contract rates drop 27.5%

Xeneta’s Shipping Index (XSI) has been falling for the past nine months as shippers renegotiated lower contract rates on the back of sharply falling spot rates. However, the…

GEM-Pack & Well-Pict Berries combine forces

GEM-Pack Berries, LLC and Well-Pict Berries are forging a new partnership, combining companies to build an industry leading team of berry expertise. GEM-Pack is excited to welcome the Well-Pict team and its impactful brand into the company’s already dynamic assemblage. In 2020, Gem-Pack added Red Blossom…

Co-chairman of Burnac Produce steps down

Burnac Produce Group announced a significant leadership change within the organization. After careful consideration and 16 years of dedicated service, Domenic Raso is stepping…

IFPA members testify at Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on labor

International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) members testified at the May 31 Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing “From farm to table: Immigrant workers get the job done”. The committee hearing is led by Chairman Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-SC).  Adam Lytch, regional manager…

I Love Produce enters partnership with Chicago holding company

I Love Produce of West Grove, Pennsylvania, marketers of garlic, ginger and shallots, announces a partnership with Promise Holdings, a Chicago-based holding company…

Belgium’s Van Dijk Foods becomes a GLOBALG.A.P. community member

The newest GLOBALG.A.P. Community Member, Belgium-based Van Dijk Foods, is a produce importer and distributor. The company is part of the greater Achiel De Witte Group, which…

FruitMasters' large-scale new build includes 23 m high-bay warehouse

The Dutch fruit growers cooperative FruitMasters achieved a positive result in the 2022 financial year. That was announced during the Members' Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening, May 30. Despite the turbulent market, turnover was €253 million, and almost €1 million was distributed to the members.…

Indoor grower Local Bounti unveils salad kits with chicken

Local Bounti Corporation has unveiled the expansion of its Grab & Go Salad Kit line to include premium, antibiotic-free white meat chicken in two new recipes. Beginning in June, consumers in the Pacific Northwest will be able to find Local Bounti's Artisanal Chicken Caesar and Memphis Style BBQ Chicken…

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British Growers association addressed by PM during Farm-to-Fork summit

British Growers was invited to the Prime Minister’s Farm to Fork Summit held at Downing Street in mid-May. The guest list, which amounted to around 70, included a varied selection of guests from Kaleb and Cheerful Charlie from Clarkson’s Farm through to various major retailer bosses. After being…

Salatrio: Rijk Zwaan demo reveals five insights

The Salatrio concept – a single, colorful head of ‘living lettuce’ made up of three different types – has been around for years and continues to gain popularity worldwide. At the Salatrio Client Demo in early May 2023, Rijk Zwaan showcased 40 innovative combinations of leafies: more robust, more…

Little Leaf Farms inaugurates greenhouse, will add a new one in fall

US lettuce grower, Little Leaf Farms, is announcing it will open a new state-of-the-art greenhouse in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, this fall. This will be the fifth greenhouse for Little Leaf Farms and the brand's second greenhouse in Pennsylvania. With the expanded capacity of 10 additional acres of indoor…

DP World and Standard Bank partner to expand trade finance in Africa

Standard Bank, the largest bank in Africa by assets, has partnered with DP World, a global player in supply chain solutions, to offer trade finance solutions jointly with DP…

'In the first quarter, we have realized the largest quarterly sales in our history'

Organto Foods Inc., an integrated provider of organic and non-GMO fruit and vegetable products today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. All…

Dole sponsors Disney spring run

Spring is approaching, and the Shanghai Disney Resort is adorned with beautiful spring scenery. In May of this year, Shanghai Disney Resort launched a parenting activity as a warm-up for the popular "Disney Run." Adults and children who embrace an active lifestyle gather at Disneyland to experience the joy of outdoor running.…

ClearLeaf secures three new key country registrations for its non-toxic GotaBlanca 500 product

ClearLeaf, a Costa Rican company that creates sustainable crop protection strategies, is thrilled to announce it has secured approval, known as “registration,” of GotaBlanca…

Select Harvests announces net loss after tax of $96.2 million

Select Harvests Limited announces a Net Loss after Tax of $96.2 million for the first six months of the 2023 Financial Year. The result has been materially impacted by La Nina…

Zespri’s 2022/23 financial results reflect challenging season

Zespri’s 2022/23 financial results reflect a challenging period for the kiwifruit industry, with grower returns down on the back of fruit quality issues that have primarily been driven by the industry’s severe labour shortage, along with cost increases and supply chain challenges. The scale of quality costs,…

T&G commissions state-of-the-art automated apple packhouse

T&G Global has commissioned one of the largest apple packhouses in the Southern Hemisphere at its Whakatū site in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. The highly automated facility, with 1.7 hectares of roof space, will be able to pack more than 125 million kilograms of apples per season once its two…

'CMA CGM Group first-quarter results are extremely solid'

The Board of Directors of the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, has reviewed the financial statements for the first quarter of 2023.   Commenting on…

Dole plc set to join Russell 3000 and Russell 2000 indexes

Dole plc is set to join the broad-market Russell 3000® Index and the small-cap Russell 2000® Index at the conclusion of the 2023 Russell indexes annual reconstitution,…

"In the fresh produce sector, we were the first in Europe to set up an Autostore Fresh facility"

The central warehouse of online delivery service Knuspr in Garching covers 10,000 m², together with the Autostore Fresh facility. Up to 7,000 boxes can be filled and delivered to customers daily via the Autostore facility. "For fresh produce, we work with two temperature zones, with one zone at 4 to 6…

IFPA produce manager award winners announced

For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, 15 produce managers have been recognized by the 2023 Retail Produce Managers Award Program from the International Fresh Produce Association.  “The produce industry’s front line – produce managers –…

USDA restricts PACA violators in California and Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased…

Eric Labbate, founder of Climate Control Systems, retires after 38 years

Today, Eric Labbate, founder of Climate Control Systems, retires after an unprecedented 38 years of service. "This is a momentous occasion for our organization as we come together to reflect upon the incredible journey of our founder and say goodbye to a trailblazing leader who has devoted a significant…

GroupDC acquires Hawita

The Hawita Group, based in Germany, Italy, and Latvia, has become part of Group De Ceuster. The integration aims to join forces within GroupDC's "Plant care" division and to take a leading role in making the sector more sustainable. GroupDC is a global player in organic and organo-mineral fertilizers as well as in organic crop protection…

US blueberry grower starts working with commercially reared bees

Bee Vectoring Technologies International  has announced a company record-breaking sales order with one of the largest blueberry growers in the United States, who will integrate…

New communications manager for Ocean Mist Farms

Ocean Mist Farms, a grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in North America, is pleased to announce marketer Lori Bigras has joined the company as communications manager.…

Girteka on the road to becoming global company through Citi Bank partnership

Girteka, an asset-based logistics company in Europe, has announced a strategic partnership with Citibank Europe plc (Citi) to take its financial operations to the next level. The partnership will allow Girteka Group to streamline its financial transactions and operations with the help of Citi's advanced…

Zespri unlikely to list on NZX this year

It seems that kiwifruit marketer Zespri is unlikely to shift its listing to the New Zealand stock exchange this year. Last year, Zespri, now listed in the Unlisted Securities…

Ag tech firm expands produce fresh solutions in Brazil

AgroFresh Solutions Inc., a global agtech innovator that provides produce freshness solutions, and digital technologies that enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of fresh produce, announced today the expansion of its SmartFresh™ InBox in Brazil. SmartFresh InBox offers powerful protection in a small,…

"It's been a terrible blow, but we're getting back on our feet."

Last week there were still 7 meters of water in the warehouse of Italy's Bagioni Technology, but yesterday much of it was gone. "We are almost ready to start the production again," says owner Aurenzo Bagioni, " in order to meet the orders of our Italian and foreign customers." This is what the courtyard of…

Food distributor acquires Chicago wholesaler

FreshEdge, a family of fresh food distribution companies backed by Wind Point Partners, acquired Panama Banana, a wholesaler and distributor of produce in the Chicago…

2023 Chef Invitational finalists announced

California Giant Berry Farms announced its People’s Choice winner and chef finalists of its 2023 Chef Invitational.   The People’s Choice winner is:  David McGurn, Performance Foodservice – Congee with Brulee Berries and Quick Berry Pickles  Left to right: David McGurn, Dontre'al Haigler  The finalists and their recipes are:    Dontre'al Haigler, Denny’s…

Terra i Xufa partners with IMG to promote the sale of organic products

Terra i Xufa, a producer of quality organic food, and IMG, a marketer of agri-food at the European level, have signed an association agreement to join forces to promote the sale of organic products while expanding their network of customers, optimizing processes, and increasing the profitability of the…

Maritime UK appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Maritime UK, the umbrella organisation for the UK’s maritime sector, has appointed Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will move over from Mersey…

Titan Farms expands team through additions and promotions

Titan Farms, grower, packer, and shipper of fresh peaches and vegetables is pleased to welcome James Sparks as its new Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, the company announces the recent promotions of Jason Rodgers and Ross Williams. “As cherished members of the ever-evolving Titan Farms family, we…

Canadian greenhouses report record-breaking harvests

JC Fresh and Orangeline Farms, located in Ontario, Canada, report record-breaking harvests. JC Fresh Farms produces a record 315,700 pounds of grape/medley tomatoes. Orangeline Farms produces a record of over 14,000 cases of sweet snack peppers. Both companies are part of Betterment Harvest. The record-setting…

Latest phase of redevelopment progressing nicely

The last three months have seen more significant and very visible progress in the Market’s redevelopment programme, according to Tony O’Reilly, CGMA’s Project Director. “The weather during February was cold, but dry and that allowed groundwork in preparation for the build of section B2 to continue apace…

Reported revenues of $1.4 billion, net loss of $58 million

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., a global container liner shipping company, announced today its consolidated results for the three months ended March 31, 2023. First Quarter 2023 Highlights Net loss for the first quarter was $58 million (compared to net income of $1,711 million in the first quarter…

"A load of potatoes there, and back with pallets"

It has been four and a half years since Van der Windt acquired the pallet and container business Wipal. These are both Dutch companies. Van der Windt's various branches have been active in potato and fodder trading and transport for many years. "A great combination," says sales manager Huub van Velden.…

Arrival of Xavier Unkovic as CEO of the Bonduelle Group

The Bonduelle Group announces the appointment of Xavier Unkovic as Chief Executive Officer of the Group. This appointment will take effect on June 1, 2023. Until that date,…

Photo report: "Markthallen München represents the food and general interest services that are provided here"

About 300,000 tons are loaded annually at the Munich wholesale market. Despite various challenges, import volumes fluctuated only marginally. "After we had to put up with some crises in recent years, the situation is now stabilizing again," says Kira Weißbach, manager at Markthallen München. "We will not…

Limgroup Experience Days 2023 gets 300+ visitors

Last week, the Limgroup held the third edition of its Limgroup Experience Days in the Netherlands. Wednesday, May 10 to Friday, May 12, were devoted to giving the public a behind-the-scenes look at the Limgroup range's latest innovations and the mutual exchange of knowledge and experience. On Wednesday and…

Two of Scotland’s longest established fresh produce organisations join forces to create Pease Bay Farms

Cupar-headquartered East of Scotland Growers Ltd (ESG) and R&K Drysdales Ltd (RKD) have joined forces to create Pease Bay Farms. This means that two of Scotland’s…

USDA launches organic INTEGRITY database trade partner module

On May 17, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) expanded functionality for the USDA Organic INTEGRITY Database by launching a new Trade Partner Module. This new module is…

Fresh Impact Tours 2023 brings IFPA to members backyards

International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) held the first Fresh Impact Tour stop last week in Salinas, California, in partnership with host Taylor Farms. The tours bring…

fenaco

"Shortage of skilled workers in Swiss catering industry boosts demand for convenience items"

In 2022, the fenaco cooperative achieved the highest net sales since its foundation with CHF 8.06 billion. At CHF 138.4 million and with a return on sales of 1.7 percent, the operating result (EBIT) is also convincing and, as expected, back at the level achieved before the extraordinary pandemic years.…

"Our goal is to offer more than 300 items from regional production this season"

On Tuesday, May 16, Knuspr invited members of the press to take a look behind the scenes and also introduced the regional producers. For around two years, customers in the Munich and Frankfurt areas have been able to order fresh produce via the online service. In doing so, the company specifically…

California table grape grower acquires, expanding growing and shipping capabilities

Four Star Fruit, grower of organic and conventional table grapes, recently acquired 1,100 acres of table grape vineyards and two modern distribution facilities near…

Sarah Frey appointed advisor to Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture

Sarah Frey, founder and CEO of Frey Farms and a best-selling author, has been appointed a member of U.S. Representative and House Committee on Agriculture Chair Glenn “GT”…

Canada’s Bill C-280 passed at second reading

The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC), the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), and the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) are…

"Our Demeter apple expertise and Palm's technical know-how are the foundation of this unique project"

On April 30, the Augustin company celebrated 33 years of organic cultivation on its own fruit farm in the heart of the Alte Land region, as well as the 25th anniversary of the marketing company Bio-Obst Augustin & Co. Parallel to these celebrations, the new premises including sorting and packing station…

Denmark: "Collaborating with chefs in Copenhagen boosts our image"

When possible, Danes prefer local, sustainably produced food. Add Copenhagen's luxury restaurants to that, and you have the ideal breeding ground for a company like Funga Farm: a small-scale urban farm that grows organic, fresh, high-quality specialty mushrooms and supplies them exclusively to about 20…

Ostrom Mushroom Farms to pay $3.4 million fine, resolving lawsuit

Ostrom Mushroom Farms, a major producer in the Pacific Northwest, will pay a $3.4 million fine for gender discrimination and other unfair and discriminatory practices. This…

Plant Factory

Turkey: 1500m2 vertical farm opened inside well-known shopping mall

Recently, Plant Factory, a Turkish vertical farm supplier, opened a 1500m2 vertical farm inside İstinyePark, a popular shopping mall based in İstanbul, located on the -5 floor. “It’s the first industrial-scale vertical farm in Turkey established inside a shopping mall and we’re super proud to play such a…

Fruidor Terroirs acquires Vivy Fruits and strengthens its position in the Loire Valley

On the 5th of May, Fruidor Terroirs signed the acquisition of Vivy Fruits, a French company based in the department of Maine-et-Loire. Specialized in vegetables from the Loire Valley, Vivy Fruits will strengthen Fruidor Terroirs' national strategy and its regional positions in western France. Founded in 1978,…

Very good performance, with revenues up 8.6% and adjusted EBITDA up 25.4%

The Board of Directors of Orsero S.p.A. has approved the Consolidated Results as at 31 March 2023. Raffaella Orsero, CEO of Orsero, and Matteo Colombini, Co-CEO and CFO of Orsero commented: “The Group ends the first quarter of 2023 with an excellent performance slightly above expectations, essential the…

Joerg Sonne appointed Senior Managing Director Region North Europe

Joerg Sonne will become Senior Managing Director Region North Europe, succeeding Martin Rolf, who will take over the position of Managing Director Human Resources. Sonne…

Port of Hamburg in a challenging environment

The problematic trend in the world economy is affecting Port of Hamburg throughput figures. As in other ports of Northern Europe, seaborne cargo throughput is falling, yet the…

First quarter revenue of $2.0 billion, an increase of 1.0%

Dole plc today released its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2023: Announced in January 2023 our agreement to sell our Fresh Vegetables division to Fresh Express, for gross proceeds of approximately $293.0 million. Following this…

Support for funding of I-19 interchange improvements near Nogales

Produce truck traffic will become more efficient and safer with the availability of funding for key interstate intersections along I-19 in Southern Arizona. Left to right: Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA president; Raquel Espinoza, FPAA chair-elect; Senator Rosanna Gabaldon; Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado; Santa…

US (AK): Vertically farmed produce available at import prices to remote communities

"I launched this organization to improve food security in remote Alaskan communities using controlled environment agriculture. The goal is to improve accessibility, affordability, and quality," says Colin McIntosh, founder of the vertically farming non-profit Outpost Agriculture. Colin McIntosh Outpost…

An award to recognize good management, financial reliability and corporate sustainability

For its competitiveness in terms of management, its reliability in the financial field, and its sustainability with regard to an unquestionable balance sheet algorithm, the Campania-based company from Montesarchio (Benevento), ‘Coppola Patate’, has won the Industria Felix 2023 Award from the magazine of…

Grup Serban Holding acquires new farm in eastern Romania

Grup Serban Holding, a Romanian entrepreneurial company active in several fields of agriculture, has acquired a new farm in Bacau County, eastern Romania. The farm spans an…

New owner appoints new CEO and Board of Directors for Maersk Supply Service

As of May 15th 2023, A.P. Møller Holding A/S has acquired Maersk Supply Service A/S from A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S, through closing of the transaction previously announced. In…

Honeybear Brands acquires two Washington facilities

Honeybear Brands®, furthering its growth and expansion initiatives, is pleased to announce its acquisition of two separate facilities in Pateros, Washington. The purchase of the Big River cherry facility will bolster the Honeybear Northern Washington operations by providing additional supply and…

Recipients of 2nd Annual Fresh Chefs Scholarship announced

The Southeast Produce Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2nd annual occurrence of its newest scholarship program – SEPC Fresh Chefs: Salena Chairez, Samantha German and Tyler Custodio. Each recipient will receive one $1,500 scholarship toward their educational goals for the upcoming year.…

Fresh Del Monte invests in plant-based food firm

Fresh Del Monte, Inc., a vertically integrated producer, distributor and marketer of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, and Vertage Inc., a chef-founded company producing foods…

New financing solution supports shipments from Latin America to Europe

ProducePay has announced the expansion of its Quick-Pay solution to now support trade with buyers in Europe via ocean freight from Latin America. ProducePay initially expanded its Quick-Pay offering in October 2022, specifically to help Latin American growers ship fresh produce by ocean freight to the…

"From the new location, we want to expand our delivery area in a staggered manner"

During the night of May 1 to 2, the first goods were scheduled and delivered at Fruchthaus Hulsberg's new location in Ganderkesee. The heart of the new facilities is the Freshcut production, where the latest plant technology is used to produce, among other things, sliced salads, onions and mushrooms for…

Patatas Hijolusa acquires 100% of Agrícola Villena

Patatas Hijolusa, a leading company in the cultivation, selection, packaging, and marketing of fresh potatoes in the Iberian Peninsula, acquired on May 8th 100% of Agrícola Villena, S.L., a company from Alicante that was founded in 1919 and is currently the largest processor by volume and marketing of…

Kenya: Kakuzi Plc maintains focus on produce and markets diversity

According to the firm’s Board leadership, local superfoods grower and exporter Kakuzi Plc will maintain a products and markets diversity strategy geared at enhancing…

Großmarkt Wien

Obsthaus Haller plans sustainable fresh produce logistics center

After the successful anniversary year, 2022, the wholesale market Vienna will implement some renovation works in 2023. The focus will be on further sustainability measures: the GMW lighting system will be converted to LED. All street lighting will be controlled by brightness sensors in the future.…

GrowGeneration partners with Bridgetown Mushrooms to begin selling mycology supplies

GrowGeneration Corp. and GrowLife, Inc. have announced a multi-year partnership focused on the development and sale of mycology supplies, placing both companies among the…

International Women’s Achievement Award for Pat Compres

World Trade Center Miami recognized Patricia Compres, founding and managing member of Advance Customs Brokers & Consulting, as one of five outstanding women in the international trade arena. The International Women's Achievement Award was presented on May 5. The award honors women practitioners who have…

Entre Rios' citrus, blueberry, and pecan sector will participate in Fruit Attraction

Governor Gustavo Bordet met in Spain with the Argentine ambassador, Ricardo Alfonsin, and with the organizing entity of Fruit Attraction 2023, so that the companies from Entre…

HHLA faces challenging start to 2023

The start of 2023 was a challenging period for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions, EU economic sanctions and slower economic growth. The HHLA Group’s revenue fell by 5.6 percent to € 364.7 million in the first three months of the year (previous year: €…

Dutch organic mushroom farm flings open new building's doors

On Saturday, the organic mushroom farm Nesco held an open day for invited guests in Sint Oedenrode. This Dutch company completed its new building - which can be called revolutionary - last year. Especially many local residents came to have a look. Click here to view the photo report.  We spoke to Nesco's owner…

Greenhouse grower sponsors men’s healthy eating guide

Windset Farms® places a high value on health and wellness and is proud to sponsor A Guy’s Guide to Eating Healthy, created by the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF). The…

Belgian companies join forces

The Belgian company Calsa has announced that from May 19, 20203, it will join forces with Vervaeke NV and Vervatrans NV. "This partnership means we can keep building a strong export group. We…

A 75-year history of seeds

Founded in 1948, the Cesena Agricultural Cooperative CAC celebrated its 75th anniversary on Sunday, May 7, 2023, with its annual financial statement meeting. The event was held at the Cesena Fairgrounds. During the morning, members approved the best budget ever, which exceeded that of 2021: 47.48 million euros in sales (+9…

Managing Director Dr. Kristian Moeller of GLOBALG.A.P. to step down

Kristian Moeller, Managing Director of GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH, has announced he will step down from the role effective May 31. Dr. Moeller has been pursuing the…

Israel: Minister of Agriculture visits R&D breeding greenhouses

On Thursday, May 11, the Israeli Minister of Agriculture MK Avi Dichter paid a visit to the R&D greenhouses of the breeding company Hazera Seeds. "We had the honor of welcoming the Minister of Agriculture, MK Avi Dichter, and his ministry CEO, Mr. Oren Lavi, accompanied by members of the ministry's…

CPMA announces new 2023-2024 chair

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is pleased to announce Colin Chapdelaine as the 2023-2024 CPMA Chair following his appointment during the board meeting held concurrently with the 2023 CPMA Convention and Trade Show. Chapdelaine brings to this role broad knowledge and extensive…

National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council announces Jolyon Burnett as next chairperson

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council has today announced Jolyon Burnett as its next chairperson. The much-anticipated appointment follows an exhaustive…

Fine Fruit Company to move to new building next year

Fine Fruit Company has been in Poeldijk, the Netherlands, for two years. It is the Dutch branch of the French premium supermarket Grand Frais. "We're the perfect mix of a small organization's personal involvement and a large company's professionalism," says Almir Dedovic, who has handled the supermarket…

EDEKA / Thomas Schindel

Six EDEKA merchants run Germany's best fruit and vegetable departments

For the 28th time, the trade magazine RUNDSCHAU for the food trade, together with FRUCHTHANDEL magazine, has searched for Germany's best fruit and vegetable departments and this year found six EDEKA merchants. No less than three stores convinced the expert jury at national level with their unique…

Camposol opens first blueberry packing plant in Sinaloa

Camposol has built its first blueberry packing plant in northern Sinaloa, Mexico, which will offer the service not only to the company but also to growers in the area who will be able to pack their products. Camposol's first blueberry packing plant in northern Sinaloa, Mexico. "The plant was initially…

New communications director for USApple

USApple announced Lynsee Gibbons as its new director of communications. Gibbons’ strong background in food advocacy work will help advance the association’s goals. “Lynsee is…

Inauguration of a new plant in Italy for the production of sorting machines

"Ours is a company born from the long experience of two families, Longo and Raimondo, who have been in the fruit and vegetable processing machine manufacturing industry since the early 1970s," said Domenico Longo of Tenco Group Lab, a manufacturing company that deals with the supply of professional…

Stronger cooperation between Florida and the Agrimola group

The cooperation between the Florida company and Agrimola group continues. In 2021, Florida soc. coop. agricola became part of Agrimola and, in 2022, it supplied it with 400 tons of summer fruit, which were then processed by the Agrimola facility.  Luca Sassi and Giovanni Pasquariello Florida boasts 40 partners…

Produce companies make Canada’s Best Managed Companies list

Several Canadian companies, including Mastronardi Produce, Red Sun Farms, Oppy, and Fresh Direct Produce have been included in the annual Canada’s Best Managed Companies list. “The Best Managed program recognizes companies who combine strategic expertise and a culture of innovation with a steadfast…

Study finds positive impact of industry board on watermelon demand

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) has released the findings of a new study, conducted along with research partner Armada Corporate Intelligence, Inc., that…

BelOrta starts using new fully automated top fruit sorting warehouse

BelOrta's new sorting warehouse has been up and running for a few weeks. Its realization was delayed by several months, but the first apples and pears are now passing through the fully automatic optical sorting lines. "It's the world's first facility of its size with such technology. With the new…

Technology platform to reach more than 125,000 Tanzanian farmers

iProcure, a data-driven African agricultural input supply company, announced its expansion into Tanzania through its partnership with the Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA).  FtMA is a consortium of public and private institutions that aims to increase income and strengthen the resilience of smallholders while…

Hnos. Fernández Lopez signs a commercial partnership with Cal Modest to strengthen its organic line

After several years of mutual commercial collaboration, Hnos. Fernández López SAU will start working on organic production with the Agroturisme Cal Modest SL company, located in Tornabous, Lleida, where it manages more than 110 hectares of organic fruit trees, including stone fruit and pome fruit.…

BayWa reports above-average earnings in first quarter of 2023

BayWa AG generated above-average earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) in the first quarter of the current financial year. Despite falling year on year to €91.8 million on…

Omer-Decugis & Cie: strong H1 2022/23, with revenue up 8.1% at €104.4 million

Omer-Decugis & Cie, an international group specialising in fresh and exotic fruit and vegetables, has published its revenue for H1 2022/23 (1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023)…

Hapag-Lloyd Q1 2023: good resilience in weaker market environment

Hapag-Lloyd has concluded the first quarter of 2023 with an EBITDA of USD 2.4 billion (EUR 2.2 billion). EBIT decreased to USD 1.9 billion (EUR 1.7 billion) compared to the same quarter last year, and the Group profit was also below the prior-year level, at USD 2 billion (EUR 1.9 billion). Transport…

Potatoes USA announces New Chairman to lead through 2023-2024

Potatoes USA, the marketing and promotion Board for the potato industry, elected new leadership during its Annual Meeting on March 15, 2023. Mike Carter of Rosholt, Wisconsin, was named Chairman of the Board, leading the organization and the Executive Committee through 2023-2024. Back row (left to right)…

Royal HZPC Group maintains forecasts

Potato breeder Royal HZPC Group maintains its forecasts for the 2022-2023 financial year. HZPC expects turnover to grow 11% from last year (then 352 million euros) with a gross margin of 66,5 million euros (last financial year 63.9 million euros). The potato breeder operates with a financial year from 1…

Leafood officially opens its 4000m2 vertical farm

The first Leafood farm has been officially opened in Vilnius, Lithuania. Celebrated by many invitees, CEO Valentinas Civinskas happily welcomed all guests to the company's vertical farm.  Valentinas Civinskas. An investment of 6 million euros in total delivered the company an initial footprint of 4000m2 in…

Four Star Fruit appoints director of imports

Four Star Fruit, a table grape grower/shipper, is pleased to announce Justin Dixon as director of imports. The company is delighted to welcome Dixon, who will play a pivotal…

Save Foods commences first large scale commercial pilot with Mexican strawberry packer

Save Foods, Inc., an agri-food tech company specializing in eco-crop protection that helps to reduce food waste and ensure food safety while reducing the use of pesticides,…

Fyffes celebrates opening of new packhouse in Costa Rica

Fyffes has built a new packhouse at its farm Victoria in Sarapiqui de Heredia, Costa Rica. The modern design of the new packhouse minimizes bruising to the fruit, increases packaging capacity through multiple processing lines, reduces water consumption by up to 40 percent, and improves occupational…

Substantial drop in kiwifruit volumes this year may push Seeka towards operating loss

Seeka chief executive Michael Franks has stated that early season kiwifruit volumes packed by the company are well down on estimate. This is mainly due to climatic events,…

Grup Serban Holding signs deal with Intersnack in order to supply potatoes for Chio chips

Grup Serban Holding, a Romanian agriculture group listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange’s AeRO market, has signed a contract with Intersnack to supply potatoes for the Chio…

IFPA names chief regulatory & food safety officer

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is thrilled to announce Natalie Dyenson as its new chief regulatory & food safety officer, effective July 17. Dyenson, who…

Produce distributor names new supply chain director

WPS is pleased to announce the appointment of Dirk Updike to the supply chain director role for Wholesale Produce Supply. In his new position, Updike will drive operational…

Charlotte Langerak-Visser appointed as CEO of Viscon Group

As of May 1, Charlotte Langerak-Visser, a third-generation family member, has been appointed as the new CEO of Viscon Group. Charlotte takes over the baton from René de Vos. René will continue in the role of advisor for a smooth transition and will remain involved in Viscon Group as a shareholder. A new season…

Diana McClean joins Mission Produce

Mission Produce has announced the appointment of Diana McClean as Director of Marketing and Communications. McClean is responsible for leading Mission’s marketing strategy to…

Donna Bella Farms in Berks County is closing; 161 people to be laid off

Donna Bella Farms in Berks County is closing and its leased mushroom growing operations will permanently cease operations. The company filed a WARN (Worker Adjustment and…

Grower-shipper donates $3 million to education center for migrant children

Lipman Family Farms is proud to have presented a check for $3 million to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association’s (RCMA) Immokalee Community Academy. The donation represents the single largest one-time private gift made to RCMA in its 47-year history. “We are delighted to support RCMA, a dedicated…

A Canadian pension fund launches takeover bid for 49.9% of Hortifrut

According to information published by Diario Financiero, the Canadian pension fund PSP Investments has initiated a Public Offer to Acquire Shares (OPA) with which it will seek…

Greenyard expects to reach €5.4bn sales by March 2026

Greenyard has decided to reinstate a dividend policy with a dividend of € 0.10 per share proposed for the full financial year, which ended in March 2023. This is based on its…

Chitosan technology to be tested for post-harvest storage of fresh produce globally

KitoZyme, the developers of fungal chitosan and Janssen PMP, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, have signed an exclusive collaboration agreement to evaluate and develop…

"New harvesting system allows us to continue offering our organic mushrooms at an attractive price in the future"

Organic mushroom farm Heereco has almost the entire mushroom chain under its own control. For instance, Heereco has its own organic composting facility, the company has three nurseries in Uden in Brabant, which collectively produce around 45-50 tonnes per week, and it also has its own certified (FSSC and…

Hubert Vortkamp GmbH

"Retailers have very rigorous regulations these days when it comes to fresh produce logistics"

For 40 years now, Hubert Vortkamp Ltd has been involved in the transport of temperature-sensitive products, including fruit and vegetables. The company, which has locations in Ahaus and Billerbeck, has gradually expanded its range of services over the years, as Andreas Vortkamp, who is the second…

Produce advocates join Amazon’s Influencer Program on Alexa

The Produce Moms® announces its recent partnership with Amazon’s Influencer Program on Amazon’s Alexa platform. Alexa users can ask Alexa to show them recipes from The Produce…

Michigan apple and vegetable supplier expands reach with acquisition

Michigan-based BelleHarvest is proud to announce the recent acquisition of Valley View Company, LLC, which represents a significant milestone for the company. The company’s acquisition significantly increases its overall growing and storage capacity by 20 percent, providing the company with a greater…

Consumption slowdown weighs on Bonduelle revenue growth for Quarter 3

The Bonduelle Group's revenue stands for Quarter 3 of FY 2022-2023 at € 572.2 million, a change from the previous financial year of +4.7% based on reported figures and +3.6%…