East Texas blueberry crops struck hard by late season freeze

With the Nacogdoches Blueberry Festival just over one week away, this year’s blueberry crops look a little different. In mid-March, deep East Texas was affected by a freeze…

Chinese scientists provide dietary recommendations for consuming fruit peels

A group of Chinese researchers has looked into the inclination of Chinese consumers toward consuming fruit peels. In the research, published in the journal Food Research…

British Columbia cherry pollination shortened due to hot weather

“This year, it felt like we moved from winter into summer without any spring at all – during and since blossom we experienced unseasonably warm weather,” says Richard Isaacs with Global Fruit in British Columbia. “Things are moving quickly now.” “We are happy to report that we are seeing a good crop…

Connecticut hopes for disaster relief after severe mid-May frost

According to the state Department of Agriculture, frost and sub-freezing temperatures on May 18 destroyed millions of dollars in crops in Connecticut. The frost primarily…

AVA Magnum® grows perfectly in the Scottish climate

The Scottish strawberry season got off to a later start this year, as did the whole UK crop. This was due to the low light levels and colder weather, but picking is now in full swing at Angus Soft Fruit’s Arbroath farms. “We started picking on 6th of May,” said Allen Innes, Farm Manager at East Seaton…

Californian growers forced to pick cherries later than usual

Near Easton, in Fresno County, California, rapidly ripening cherry crop are showing off their deep red color. Tony Yasuda, field operations manager for the Rivermaid brand,…

Domestic cantaloupes also starting late this spring

Joining the many crops that are late this year coast to coast, the domestic cantaloupe crop is seeing a delayed start as well. “Typically we start around the first or second week of May. This year we didn’t start packing until May 23,” says Justin Bootz with Legend Produce LLC. “We didn’t change planting…

Extreme precipitation is ruining apple cultivation in Kashmir

This year, cold weather and extreme precipitation are persisting longer than usual, which is worrying farmers in the Kashmir region. During the months of April and May, cold…

Serbian blueberry exporter looking to expand in Europe during 2023 season

Late spring rain and cooler weather in Serbia, is making the mainly blueberry producers anxious as they hope to have a good season, which is due to start in two weeks’ time. According to Sladjana Vuković, CEO of the Serbian exporting company Srbovoće: “Some blueberry producers might start a bit earlier…

European apple stocks in May were 17.4% lower than in 2022

European apple stocks in May were 17.4% lower than in 2022 according to WAPA, the World Apple and Pear Association, who released the apple and pear stock figures for 1 May 2023. The figures show that in Europe apple stocks decreased by 17.4% compared to 2022 to reach 1 270 523 T, while pear stocks…

"Sicilian grapes off to a good start in empty market"

The market was virtually empty when the first Sicilian grapes arrived at Zoutewelle in the Netherlands two weeks ago. "The overseas season, including that of seedless grapes, was a done deal. Egypt had yet to start, so those Italian grapes arrived at just the right time," Bertus Schipper says. "Price-wise,…

"Problems with early stone fruits in Italy, but the late season will see Le Meraviglie."

In the case of cherries, the situation is compromised, while problems for apricots are limited to the early segment; for the medium and medium-late crops, however, yields should meet quality requirements. This is a snapshot of the situation provided by Vincenzo Finelli, director of Italy's Orogel Fresco…

Protecting blueberry blooms from extreme heat injury using overhead irrigation

Michigan’s blueberry industry has been increasingly affected by climate change with spring heatwaves, long dry periods and heavy rains all causing a potential for yield losses. To illustrate this, in February-March 2012 daily high temperatures were the hottest on record since 1880, according to the…

International Blueberry Seminar shows desire for reinforced growth

With the completion of the second day ended the XXVI International Blueberry Seminar in Guadalajara this May 31 and June 1. On the first day, there was the important analysis…

Obsthof Spinner

"Compared to strawberries, a bit of seasonality has been lost with raspberries"

In week 21, the first tunnel raspberries of this year's season could be harvested at Obsthof Spinner in Oberkirch. "We started a few days later than last year, but the stands and budding are all very nice. Overall, we are expecting quite a bountiful yield of both raspberries and strawberries this year,…

EastFruit

Georgia wants to become a global blueberry market player

A massive harvesting of blueberries will begin in Georgia in a week. In the last two seasons due to relatively cold weather and rains in producing regions, the beginning of the harvesting season moved to June. However, the early harvest is already sold on the local market. Growers avoid making a…

"Exhibiting at OPS is a natural fit for us"

Sage Fruit Company, a grower, packer and shipper of Washington tree fruit, is gearing up for the highly anticipated Northwest cherry crop. This season, the industry will see a significant increase in volume after a year when the crop was marred by Mother Nature. During the summer months, Sage Fruit will…

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…

Italian stone fruit exports will go back to normal in two weeks

The shortage of Italian stone fruit is messing up the plans of Italian suppliers and European buyers. We spoke with Claudio D'Alba, CEO of Plantis Group, a company from the southern Italian region of Apulia specialized in exporting Italian fruits and vegetables. "It has not been a normal start to the season,…

Native raspberries, limes and more: how did these curious plants end up in Australia?

While plants can’t walk, they can certainly travel. Some species have travelled vast distances over millennia, moving by different and varied modes. Some found new habitats…

Phytosanitary inspections support citrus, grape and mango producers in Brazil

The inspection work out by the Agricultural Defense Agency of Bahia (Adab) follows the flow in the Territory of Piemonte Norte do Itapicuri. The team made up of state…

Taiwan: Kaohsiung again fines Costco over frozen berries

The Kaohsiung Department of Health has fined Costco NT$4.5 million (US$146,000) over contaminated frozen strawberries. The Food and Drug Administration said that although 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…

Bhutan’s drop in cash crop production puts export targets at risk

Bhutan’s production of the top three cash crops, apple, areca nuts and mandarin orange, has declined. Apple, mandarin, and areca nut are the leading cash crops among the fruit…

"A hailstorm impacted part of our apricot production"

The stone fruit sector has been mainly concerned about the drought for the 2023 campaign. But for Anthony Oboussier, who produces cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines and kiwis in the Drôme department of France, this year’s harvest has been severely impacted by the excess of rainfall. “Since the…

Seasonal worker program essential part of Canada's ag industry

“It’s a very important program for us. It has enabled our industry to grow and if we did not have access to these workers who do great jobs and want to work here, we could not have large orchards in the apple industry.” So says Cathy McKay, chair of the Ontario Apple Growers and a grower with Nature’s…

Envy apples gain brand following

CMI Orchards’ CatStats report shows Envy™ apples are growing as a popular apple. Originally from New Zealand and crafted through natural plant-breeding methods, this cross between Gala and Braeburn is sweet and crunchy, with white flesh that stays white even after being cut.    According to NielsenIQ, the demand for this apple is growing. “Envy’s…

More British Columbia blueberries expected for the fresh market this season

British Columbia blueberry growers, packers and shippers see some new opportunities in the fresh market for the 2023 season. “We anticipate fresh market pricing in the peak season to be more competitive than what it has been the past two years,” says Rhonda Driediger of Langley, B.C.-based Blueridge…

Interfresa releases a statement regarding the German campaign against Spanish strawberries

"Interfresa would like to clarify some things regarding the campaign carried out by Campact (the German platform) urging citizens to ask German supermarkets not to sell…

Brazilian apple exports in April did not surpass volumes of 2022

Brazilian fresh apple exports in April showed growth compared to March, which is a typical trend. However, they did not surpass the volume recorded in the same month of the previous year. According to data from Secex, the total exported amount reached 23,000 tons. This can be attributed to the decision…

Industry meeting focuses on solutions to shortcomings

At the XXVI International Blueberry Seminar in Guadalajara, an interesting Round Table was held: "Mexican leaders analyze the present and future of the blueberry industry".…

"We have never had to commit so many organic pears so early for next season"

Whereas Belgian organic apples are still having a tough time toward the end of the season, organic pears are already in particularly high demand. "We have never had to commit so much volume so early for next season," says Gunther De Vadder of the Belgian Fruit Auction (BFV). "Severe climatic problems seem…

"Last year's lack of water caused a large part of Italian pears to be of smaller calibers"

"We have pears on offer all year round. Through a supplier called Sandri, who grows pears himself, we will obtain our goods from Italy. As soon as the Italian season is over, we purchase overseas produce from Argentina and Chile, via the same supplier. The next season for Italian produce will start in…

“We want to offer tastier and more resistant melon varieties”

Gautier Semences offers a complete range of melon varieties, particularly adapted to the three main production basins in the southwest, center-west and southeast of France. All of these varieties meet resistance and productivity criteria. “We wanted all our varieties to be resistant to the main pests and…

British strawberries: Larger and sweeter after cool spring and recent sunny days

The British strawberry season has arrived a bit late, but it seems that the fruit will be larger and sweeter than in previous years. According to British Berry Growers, the…

Researchers design a robot to optimize the blueberry harvest

A team of researchers from the Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego (UPAO) managed to field test a mobile robot to optimize the harvesting of blueberries, which has the ability…

Kashmir cherry harvest brings economic relief

Cherry cultivation is quite significant in the Kashmir Valley, a Horticulture Development official emphasized. "Cherry holds a crucial position in Kashmir's horticulture…

Massachusetts fruit growers evaluate frost damage

In Massachusetts, fruit farmers are assessing damage to their crops in the wake of a hard frost May 18 that has affected grape, apple and blueberry growers. In Whately,…

More Nova Scotian Honeycrisp apples in 2023

Gala apples are in demand. “We see Gala movement going really well and will lead to strong summer pricing for them,” says Michael Van Meekeren of Van Meekeren Farms. “On pricing, some varieties are higher than average and probably influenced by the shorter volumes out of Washington, for example, Galas.”…

A large part of the cherry harvest in the Jerte Valley was damaged by the rains

Heavy rains in Extremadura are severely impacting cherry plantations in the Jerte, Hurdes, and Vera Valley, which is currently in the middle of the campaign. Nearly 70% of the production, which still has to be harvested in the coming weeks, has been affected by the excess humidity and hopes are now…

Peruvian table grape exports have increased by 35%

According to data from Fresh Fruit, last week Peru exported 508 tons of grapes, i.e. 3% more than in the same week of the previous year. So far this season, the country has…

The Ferrovia cherry variety harvest in Apulia has just started

After weeks of bad weather that compromised several volumes of the early and intermediate varieties, the harvest of the Ferrovia cultivar is now underway for the Apulian cherry season. The current situation of the Ferrovia variety in its orchard "Last Friday, 26 May 2023, I picked the first Ferrovias. At…

Greater trust in cooperation: the case of Consorzio Uva di Puglia Igp

"Many agricultural businesses have been applying to join the consortium lately to enjoy greater contractual guarantees or more profitable commercial opportunities. We are talking about 3-4 applications a day, so much so that we believe certified vineyards will reach 3,500 hectares next year, i.e. almost…

India: Courier-based, direct marketing model could substantially increase income for small holdings

Before 1947, a contractor would buy most of the meagre standing crops from Ilaqa Kotgarh and transport them on mules for sale to a commission agent in Shimla. Following…

"The price of apples in the northern hemisphere has risen, and products with a long shelf life are more popular"

The apple production season in the northern hemisphere has just started, but many production areas are facing big challenges. Producing areas such as Germany and Poland had to increase product prices due to rising labor and agricultural materials costs. Even so, many exporters are still optimistic about…

"Demand for the Clery variety is extremely high in the retail sector"

The Clery variety seems to have become increasingly established in the German retail trade. "The demand for Clery is always extremely high, as it is characterized by an excellent taste as well as very good coloring," buyer and seller Granit Sumaj of Früchtewelt GmbH, an operation in the Munich market…

Sparer Obstvermittlung KG

Fewer apples exported from South Tyrol to Egypt

The South Tyrolean apple industry is now preparing for the final phase of the 2022/23 marketing season. "We had a relatively small yield overall, which is why some varieties will be cleared relatively early," said Michael Sparer, who works as a fruit broker in the global apple market. "In Red Delicious,…

New automatic packing robot for peaches and nectarines

The MAF RODA Group has been innovating and developing robotics systems for years to automate the tasks of fruit and vegetable processing plants. “Robotics is one of the group's six major lines of innovation, which also include electronics, automation, electricity, mechanical engineering, and…

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.…

"May had very ordinary melon prices"

On the European melon market, May was nothing to write home about. "That applies to not only the overseas season's tail end," says Leon van den Hombergh.  "But also the Spanish season's start." Leon is the Dutch company Frankort&Koning's commercial director. "The initial high temperatures in Spain accelerated production,…

Jordan: Melon farms in the Wadi Rum region swept away by floods

Last Monday, floods swept away crops and affecting roads in parts of Jordan, while large hailstones added to the destruction. Heavy overnight rain on Sunday in the southern…

Early apricots in Greece suffered from weather conditions

The weather has caused some issues for the early apricot varieties in Greece, says Paris Karastergios, import-export coordinator for Greek produce exporter Kastargiou P. Bros S.A.: “The Greek apricot campaign started only two weeks ago, with some Mogador apricots from southern Greece at the beginning and…

West Michigan expects record blueberry yield this season

West Michigan blueberry fields are inching closer and closer to peak blueberry season. Farms throughout the region have had to suffer weather problems, but this season, the…

Stone fruit in Murcia still affected by heavy rainfall and hailstorms

Since the European stone fruit harvest forecasts were announced, adverse weather conditions have been reported in various producing areas. There have been storms accompanied by hail in Italy, Spain and southern France, and volumes continue to fall. In Spain, the storm persists in the Levante area, with…

Port Augusta's fruit fly facility to double in size

The $3 million expansion of the National Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) facility at Port Augusta is now underway, helping to drive down fruit fly numbers in South Australia.…

Serra da Mantiqueira produces more than 60% of Brazilian strawberries

In the south of Minas Gerais, 25 municipalities represent more than 60% of the national cultivation of strawberries. An example of this region is Serra da Mantiqueira, known…

New Columbia Fruit Packers: Employees concerned about working conditions

More than a dozen workers have shared concerns about the working conditions at New Columbia Fruit Packers facility in Yakima. Laborers at the fruit packing company, formerly…

Key to high Flash Gala™ packouts lies in measuring starch breakdown

The South African 2023 Flash Gala™ picking season has come to an end. According to Anthony Rawbone-Viljoen, a veteran grower at Oak Valley Estate in Elgin, and one of the…

South Africa: New Hortgro-funded initiative aid pome and stone fruit growers

South African pome and stone fruit growers have to always chose the best cultivars for their location. This requires an understanding of ecophysiology: the interactions…

'South African fruit industry has a “can do” attitude'

The South African fruit industry has a “can do” attitude, says the newly appointed chairperson of Fruit SA, Anton Kruger. In an interview with Food For Mzansi, Kruger talks…

"We are seeing a higher demand for cherries in Italy due to the impact of the floods"

The cherry season is underway in Zaragoza with a good demand and acceptable prices, since the supply from other areas has been affected by adverse weather conditions. Given the high yields, prospects point to a large stone fruit production, with generally smaller sizes than usual. "We have been harvesting…

“Consumer preferences for Chilean table grapes changes dynamically”

The Chilean table grape season is coming to an end. The dynamic changes in consumer preferences and market demands demonstrated the importance of varietal renewal in staying competitive in the global market. Julio Ruiz-Tagle is the Asia & Americas Manager at the quality service provider D-Quality Survey.…

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…

"A super-intensive cherry tree system cannot be exposed to risks"

Entering the market earlier with early varieties of outstanding quality is an undeniable advantage in the cherry sector; just as much as being able to guarantee that the production won't be affected by any weather adversity. Cherry producer and international cherry growing consultant Javier de Pablo…

US senators call on USDA Secretary for disaster assistance to help NY growers

Late may frost and below freezing temperatures wreaked havoc on orchards & vineyards across New York state last week. With more frost forecast this week, senators are now…

California underway with late but great quality stone fruit

The California stone fruit season is off to a delayed start by approximately two weeks. “We have some earlier ranches in Kettleman City that we start about two weeks ahead of the valley and so we started around May 1st this year. Typically we would have started about April 15,” says Chad Allred of…

“Overnight, producers discovered they had no harvest to pick”

According to the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of the Region of Murcia (Fecoam), the heavy rains have caused damages to apricot crops that range between 15 and 20…

"Water shortage by far this Spanish stone fruit season's biggest challenge""

In the Netherlands, Marni Fruit is currently transitioning from stone fruit from southern Spain to that from that country's north. "On Tuesday, we'll start getting supply from Zaragoza - peaches and then nectarines. Flat peaches and Platterinas will soon follow," says Erik-Jan Thur. He says this season's…

"We also didn't expect to offer Flemish cherries now already"

In Belgium, the season's first Flemish cherries came from the Demedts - De Mey strawberry farm's greenhouse. These are the region's very first cherries grown under glass. "We had to wait and see how it would all go, but the quality is surprisingly good, as is the production," begins Benoit Demedts. He and…

Abrafrutas sets up meeting to address demands from the fruit sector

The Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Derivatives (ABRAFRUTAS) has met with the secretary of Agriculture and Supply of the state of São Paulo,…

Hail damage costs Victoria’s fruit growers millions of dollars

Since November last year, up to 100,000 tons of fruit was lost to hailstorms in the Goulburn Valley. A survey by Fruit Growers Victoria has estimated the total value of the…

EastFruit

Saudi Arabia leads in imports of Egyptian grapes in 2022

In 2022 Saudi Arabia became the biggest importer of grapes from Egypt, leaving behind the Netherlands, the previous year’s leader, according to EastFruit. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia showed the most active growth rates of imports from Egypt, with trade to have grown manyfold over the past years. In 2018-2022…

Demand for Italian strawberries keeps expanding abroad

Italian strawberries continue to occupy a primary position in wholesale markets and supermarkets. Italian and European traders continue to order large volumes from the southern regions, mainly due to the current shortage of summer fruits on the shelves.  Luca Zuccarella with pallets of strawberries for supermarkets…

Latvian growers say devastating spring frosts have led to critical situation

As reported by representatives of the Latvian Association of Agricultural Cooperatives (LLKA), losses due to spring frosts are reaching approximately €10 million in the…

China: Spacefaring cranberry seeds to sprout on Earth

Cranberry lovers may have the chance to savor the fruit with an out-of-this-world origin: A new variety will be developed from seeds that survived a trip to space. When…

J&K government attempts to double fruit growers' revenues

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a growth in the quantity of land being utilized for fruit cultivation. According to an official report of the J&K government, the area under…

Kashmir fruit growers face enormous losses as a result of hail and storms

Late last week, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union expressed concern over the damage caused by hailstorm to the fruit orchards in the valley. Chairman Bashir…

Imported fruit sales down as Bangladesh consumers opt for seasonal produce

A wide variety of summer fruits, including mangoes, blackberries, jackfruits and litchis, has flooded the fruit markets of the capital of Bangladesh. The sale of imported…

Hydroponic strawberries from Turkey are exported to various countries

Strawberries produced in the 7.500 square meter strawberry greenhouse established in Mertoglu, a village in Sinop by the investor Yasin Gungor, are admired around the world.…

More Turkish farmers turn to peaches and nectarines

Overall production of Turkish peaches and nectarines is increasing as more farmers turn to the specific crop. Mustafa Arslan, owner of Turkish fresh produce exporter MDA Agricultural Products, says: “Although peach and nectarine vary from year to year, Turkey ranks 6th in world production with an average…

The arrivals of mangosteens have increased, and a large number of bayberries enter the market

In the fruit market, more and more domestic fruits are arriving. Seasonal fruits include bayberry, lychee, peach, and cherry. Among the imported fruits, durians are still selling well, mangosteens from Thailand are increasing, and grapefruits from South Africa are selling smoothly. The arrival of…

Growers hopeful as China opens doors to Pakistani cherries

Gilgit-Baltistan growers hope to double their incomes and profit margins as China has for the first time allowed the import of cherries from the northern region and other…

Back end of Pacific Northwest cherry crop to be lighter with bigger cherries

Last week’s jump in temperatures in Washington was welcomed by Pacific Northwest cherry growers. In turn, this also means that the back end of the cherry crop is likely to be a more moderate crop. Northwest Cherries president B.J. Thurlby notes that the increased temperatures, which reached the 80s…

Scientists assemble first complete genetic sequence for blackberries

An international team of scientists has assembled the first complete sequence of the blackberry genome, creating a genetic tool that will help guide fruit breeders to develop new varieties with improved flavor, hardiness, and other desired characteristics. Margaret Worthington, associate professor and…

“Right now, everybody in the US is desperate for grapes”

Up until May 23, only 728,000 boxes of Mexican grapes were harvested compared to 2,957,000 boxes harvested by May 23 of last year, a difference of more than two million boxes. Although harvest started about ten days ago, very little volume is available at the moment. “The start of the Mexican grape…

"There will be a greater watermelon supply than last year, but lower than we expected"

The rains and lack of sunlight persist throughout the Spanish Levante, casting some doubts as to their possible impact on the supply of upcoming crops, such as watermelon, in the Region of Murcia. To make matters worse, in Lorca, a heavy hail storm was recorded on May 13 which took a toll on more than…

Soaring labor costs push West Michigan fruit growers to the brink

While many farmers today are turning to automation to meet their production needs and save on labor costs, Crossroads Blueberry Farm LLC likes to ensure a large percentage of…

Demand for Turkish cherries stronger than it was last year

After a couple of years of low volumes during the cherry season, Yigit Gokyigit, commercial coordinator for Alanar, thinks this is finally the year that turns it around: “We expect a higher volume of cherries in Turkey this year, compared to the last couple of years. Last year, 2022, was very challenging…

Strawberry farm provides intimate You-Pick experience to the public

The story now goes that local production is superior, and consumers are mainly looking to buy products that are cultivated close to home. Yet, sometimes this goes one step further, and that’s exactly what Warm Belly Farm has been doing with their You-Pick experience. “Our You-Pick experience is slightly…

"Egyptian table grapes will chase Indians and Chileans out of the European market"

With an early entry of Egyptian grapes on the market, exporters are delighted to see a good business opportunity, especially in Europe, and hope to recover after a difficult season last year. Mahdi Salem, technical director of Sherouk Land for Agricultural Development, comments on the situation. Mahdi explains,…

Berry production increases in Jalisco, Mexico

Over the past few years, the berry production in the state of Jalisco has grown and so has its participation in the national and international markets. Andrés Canales Leaño,…

Obstbau Simon

"With our organic apricot, we are at world championship levels"

Brothers Michael and Christoph Simon are currently establishing an organic orchard in Mollram with 10,000 fruit trees, 5,000 of which are apricot trees. "Of course, we looked at similar projects in Germany and South Tyrol and everyone said we were crazy. Because the cultivation of the apricot alone is…

Gartenbau Hoffmann

"High demand for early glasshouse produce in direct marketing"

On May 22, about the same time as last year, Lower Rhine horticultural company Hoffmann could offer the first blueberries of this year's season. The home-fresh produce from unheated glasshouses is marketed mainly in direct marketing, as Managing Director Stefan Hoffmann tells us. "We offer the early…

Österreichische Hagelversicherung

Stone fruit, pome fruit and more affected in Styria

The first severe thunderstorms of this year caused agricultural damage in several regions of Austria on Tuesday, with hail, heavy rain and partly stormy winds. As Österreichische Hagelversicherung VVaG announced in the evening, storm cells, which moved in particular from the Waldviertel to the eastern…

"Aragon's stone fruit production figures this year will be similar to those of 2019"

It will still take a few days before the stone fruit campaign is in full swing in the Spanish region of Aragon. At the moment, producers are carrying out the thinning and harvesting of the first cherries, for which some declines are reported at the start. "The extreme heat during the bloom caused some…

"The demand for apricots is great, as long as they are good and of the right size."

Although weather conditions are not typical for this time of the year, apricots are certainly in demand at the market. "It is a strange season. The bad weather not only impacted the yield of the early varieties, it also disrupted the production plans of growers and caused many growers to lose heart,"…

"We don't expect a stone fruit oversupply on the market anytime this summer"

At Royal, blueberries and raspberries are giving way to the stone fruit season. "Our biggest concern this year is the drought," says Macarena Garcia Otero Reina. "The situation on availability here in Andalusia is slightly better than in Murcia, but we still have about 20% less stone fruit available.…

"Availability of quality cherries is holding up this season"

In week 20, Bienek Fruchthandels began selling Spanish cherries this year. "The season started with smaller fruits, each carrying a diameter of about 26-28 mm. However, since the middle of this week, we also have larger calibers with 30+ available. Due to the fact that the weather in Spain has been…

Bhutan’s mandarin orange and apple growers promised to have enough boxes this season

Mandarin orange and apple exporters can expect a better export season this year, as the packaging industry has agreed to supply the required packing boxes. According to the Association of Wood-based Industries (AWBI), 400,000 boxes from different saw millers are expected to meet the requirement of…

Collaboration with Spanish company allows flexibility to extend or shorten seasons

Lincolnshire grower Peloton Produce is looking towards a bright future as they lay the foundations for a 3.5 acre extension to the current premises, the extension will include a new 1000 pallet high humidity cold store complex and additional loading bays, thus doubling their current cold storage…

Kurdistan region bans imports of agricultural products to support local farmers

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is implementing a comprehensive reform plan to develop the agricultural sector in the Kurdish region of Iraq and expand the market for…

Consuming grapes modulates the human microbiome

The gut microbiome consists of more than 3 million genes and billions upon billions of microorganisms. These impact the overall health and well-being of humans. A new study…

Assisted cherry pollination in Chile part of smart solutions now expanding to Europe

Hard times call for smart solutions. This includes assisted pollination of cherries and kiwi fruit as well as portable anti-frost machines. These are just some of the solutions that Chile’s Zimex Smart Agro has turned to as part of their focused smart solutions to solve and meet the needs of growers.…

USDA

Apples and oranges are the top U.S. fruit choices

Apples held the top spot for total fruit available for consumption in 2021 with loss-adjusted apple juice availability at 14.7 pounds (1.7 gallons) per person; fresh apples at roughly 9 pounds per person; and canned, dried, and frozen apples totaling to 3.1 pounds per person. Bananas (13.2 pounds per…

Peak California strawberry volumes ahead

A bountiful summer of California strawberries is ahead for California Giant Berry Farms, as the company forecasts giant volumes their cornerstone product. Despite the later-than-average start for some of its growing regions, the company is on track to deliver peak promotable volumes of California…

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…

Georgia peaches affected by climate trends and bad weather

This summer, as a mix of long-term climate trends and a spate of bad weather added up to an almost entire loss of the Georgian peach crop. First, the climate: Peach trees need…

Lower apricot exports from Hungary to rest of Europe due to frost damage

Hungary’s 2023 apricot export season, set to start next month, will see lower volumes sent to the rest of Europe due to widespread frost damage during spring. Last year producers and exporters in the country had a good season, with reasonable volumes, while prices received from Germany, Austria, Czech…

Île-Perrot farmer loses crops after partially losing fight with frost

Phil Quinn of Quinn Farm on Île-Perrot already knows many of his strawberry crops are a total loss. The co-owner of Quinn Farm and his team worked day and night to protect the…

Western Massachusetts fruit growers assessing losses after cold month of May

A late-season frost in the early hours late last week has affected some western Massachusetts fruit farmers hard. The freeze occurred as apple trees were blooming or just past…

Cherry field day in Spain centered around low-chill program

Table grape and cherry breeder International Fruit Genetics LLC (IFG), announced that its international cherry team hosted its first-ever European IFG Field Days in Zaragoza, Spain on May 16, 2023. Over 50 cherry growers and retailers across four continents attended the event, where IFG provided…

Challenges for the grape industry in Lebanon

The Lebanese table grape is becoming increasingly well known on the international markets and appreciated by consumers, boosted by several assets but also hindered by great difficulties. Mehdi Awdi, a Lebanese grapes exporter, comments on the industry's achievements and difficulties. Mehdi says: "Our family…

French apricot volumes are slightly lower than last year

According to Peaches and Apricots of France, “the very first harvest of French apricots will take place this week (week 20), and more significant volumes should arrive on the market from the end of next week (week 21) and in week 22. For the whole season, forecasts are based on a volume slightly lower…

"Delays in Europe and Spain's problems mean high demand for Belgian and Dutch strawberries"

In Belgium, Coöperatie Hoogstraten's strawberry production is currently switching between different cultivation systems. "It's nice that we've started again; the cultivation systems are merging fairly smoothly with stable volumes. The ever-bearers and heated spring crops are heading toward their end, and…

Latin American strawberry growers expand production to meet increasing demand

Latin American strawberry growers are expanding production to meet increasing consumer demand. Mexico is the largest strawberry-producing country in Latin America, followed by Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. These countries have an advantage in production costs due to low labor wages and the availability of…

Okanagan cherry yield expected to be down

In the Okanagan, a cold April has been followed by record-high temperatures in May. Due to this, cherry yields are expected to be down. Balpreet Gill, who is the operations…

Domestic topfruit prices firmed by low supply

The prices of apples are 23% and pears 18% higher than last year on South Africa's domestic market, notes fresh market analyst Dr Johnny van der Merwe. Lower volumes are as a result of successive hail over some 2,500 hectares in the mountains above Ceres as well as in the Langkloof. The average price per…

Sicilian Cantaloupe melons 0.10 to 0.20 cents per kg

"The Sicilian season of the Cantaloupe melon seems to be turning into an absolute disaster for the growers. They are being offered barely 0.20 cents per kilo for their product," said Alessandro Morgana, a small-scale grower from Palma di Montechiaro. The melons are grown in quite a vast area, from Palma…

Pair of Hokkaido melons fetch $25,000 at Japanese auction

A pair of premium melons in Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido fetched 3.5 million yen ($25,000) at the year's first auction. This is the event's second highest bid on…

“This sorting line largely increased our sorting accuracy”

In April, Reemoon completed its largest Australian installation yet, delivering a new six-lane sizer to Mario's Packhouse in Griffith, New South Wales (Australia). The company's Vice-Director, Dennis Clock, reviews this project. Mario's Packhouse is one of the region's leading citrus packing operations. The…

Taiwan Food and Drug Administration

Japanese blueberries and grapes rejected by Taiwan for banned pesticides

Shipments of fresh blueberries and grapes from Japan were seized at Taiwan's border after they were found to contain banned pesticides. A total of 9 kilograms of blueberries were confiscated after sample testing on April 28 and detected flubendiamide, a type of synthetic petrochemical pesticide that is…

New PLU number launched for Audra Rose cherry variety

River Valley Fruit, an apple, cherry and pear grower, packer and shipper is introducing the Audra Rose cherry bag, complemented by its newly assigned PLU number, 3550. "This development marks a significant milestone for the Audra Rose cherry, a unique and highly sought-after variety." Audra Rose cherries…

9th International Cherry Symposium takes place in China

The 9th International Cherry Symposium takes place in China and several activities are being developed during this week: International academic conferences, China Cherry Expo, and the first Beijing Cherry Culture Festival. More than 300 people, including international horticultural experts, growers and…

Blueberry consumption might alleviate abdominal pain

In a recent study, researchers have looked at the question of whether blueberry consumption could improve the clinical outcomes, functioning, and overall quality of life of…

Poland intends to promote agri exports to Indonesia

According to Polish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wojciech Gerwel, his government wants to promote agricultural food exports to Indonesia during his visit to the country…

Domestic supplies of blackberries around the corner

At the moment, there are good volumes of blackberries in the marketplace. “Supplies are about the same for blackberries as this time last year--there are no major changes in volume,” said Katiana Valdes, marketing director for Crystal Valley Foods. While many different types of commodities across the…

Entrepreneur decides to uproot its cherry trees, stirring controversy

When Michele Bernocco, an entrepreneur from Ruvo di Puglia (BA) who, over the past few days, uprooted his cherry orchard covering one hectare, it was an act of despair. "Over 90% of my cherries showed cracking problems, even the fruits that were still green. It has been raining for days in Puglia, or anyway the humidity…

“Unprecedented situation" for the peach and nectarine 2023 harvest

During the 2023 crop forecast webinar, Eric Hostalnou explained that the sector is “facing an unprecedented situation this year.” The current weather conditions, the drought in Spain and France as well as the recent floods in northern Italy, make it very difficult to estimate the losses that these events…