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Costa Rica special: Upala Agrícola

"Demand for crownless pineapple, which now accounts for 15% of our exports, still grows"

Job Board | Newly added vacancies

more job offers
Carlos Leal, TropiFresh:

Colombian baby mango achieves a new milestone with its first maritime shipment to Europe

Advancing mango category innovation

Sun World International and Mission Produce announce collaboration

High fuel prices offer mangoes from Guatemala a competitive advantage

Possible El Niño returns raise concerns in Ecuador

Chilean blueberry sector reviews strategy under global competition

Climate challenges meet strong market demand

A closer look at the Tucumán lemon season

California heat brings on early start to cherry season

U.S. tomato prices rise due to tariffs and higher fuel costs

Seasonal perishable products weekly update - 8 April:

U.S. produce markets see tight supply and higher prices

Sector | Vegetables

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China's garlic market faces oversupply and declining prices

Morocco's tomato industry in post-storm turmoil

Egyptian garlic export campaign accelerates following Easter

Kazakhstan cucumber shipments to Perm Krai rise sevenfold

Improved quality, but significantly lower quantity for the spring cucumbers of Crete, Greece

Uruguay opens market to Egyptian onion and garlic exports
William Zirebwa - Takura

Zimbabwean grower-exporter takes the next step in its exporting journey

Sector | Bananas

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95% of India’s banana shipments stay closed for over a month

“Even after the ceasefire announcement, freight rates have gone up, not down”

Vietnam's Dong Nai exports 220 tons of bananas

Russia increases direct banana imports from Ecuador

Costa Rica boosts agri exports with digital campaign
Joe Manariti - Premier Fresh Australia

Diversity helps banana producer survive cyclone damage
Searching for genetic gold: How Yelloway and Chiquita are tackling a global threat

"We want to develop new varieties that diversify production and address those threats"

Brazilian banana supply tight due to seasonal dip

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Nigeria OFSP project trains 818 farmers and expands value chain

Argentina launches new red bulb onion variety

New facility, technology and marketing behind 2026 Vidalia onion crop

Irish potato demand driven by social media

Netherlands to host International Onion Day focused on future production

Nigeria halts onion exports to Ghana over trade dispute

Toubacouta fair in Senegal to bring together potato and onion growers

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Derek Donkin – Subtrop

Mild, moist summer suits South African avocados to a tee
Liarna White - Jolarna Family Trust

Good conditions lead to strong season for NZ kiwifruit grower

Other mango varieties are catching up with Alphonso’s demand and market presence

Prickly pear study examines role in metabolic syndrome

Dole marks 125 years of pineapple production with global events

Brazil targets growth in avocado exports as supply tightens

“We need to treat Costa Rica like a pineapple anchor, not a vulnerability”

Sector | Company news

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Capespan announces CEO change and leadership transition
DCS Tramaco has just begun operating at the Port of Rijeka

New office in Croatia facilitates exports of fruit and vegetables to Central and Eastern Europe

BerryWorld UK appoints Paul Avery as managing director

Yuksel Seeds launches Yuksel Experience Showcase at Delphy Bleiswijk

Vireo Health announces acquisition of The Hawthorne Gardening Company
"Coop Norway contract drives growth in fresh produce transport business"

Kotra Logistics moves into former The Greenery premises in Bleiswijk

Fieldwork Robotics secures £3 million to scale autonomous harvesting

Sector | Greenhouse

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New tomato facility in Al Ain designed to grow 150,000 kg tomatoes annually

New shareholders for SweetPoint

Easter signifies the start of microgreens and edible flower seasons
Taylor Farms acquires Equinox Growers

Largest mid-Atlantic commercial greenhouse acquired
Broader change in how CEA is viewed

"New UK Land Use Framework puts greenhouse sector on the map"
Martin McAdam - Shockingly Fresh

"We need to encourage more investment in this type of production to keep fresh produce on the shelves"
Marco de Bruin:

“If you want to make impact in the market, you have to compete with outdoor lettuce”

Sector | Logistics

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Freight rates rise as fuel supply and shipping routes tighten

Emergency fuel surcharge extended on Mediterranean and Black Sea routes

Hong Kong Fresh Lane boosts global export access

Container market volatile in Q1 as route disruptions persist

February exports continue to outperform imports at the Port of Oakland
Increasing presence in European market

“Our ethylene products support uniform fruit ripening across the globe”

Indian exporters face freight hikes of up to US$1,000 per container

Sector | Machinery

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Norman Nieder-Heitmann – Gossamer:

"The constraint in most packhouses isn't people, it's flow"

"Growing interest in blueberry sorting machines is not random; it reflects global trends"
Boost your fruit processing capacity immediately

Complete sorting, weighing, and packaging line for frozen fruit

AGVs gain ground in the fresh produce sector: “It brings greater control to production”

Manufacturer expands automation range with three new machines
Avocado processing line from Apeel Sciences available at Industrial Auctions online auction

Keep fruit fresh for longer and process vegetables more efficiently

Robotic hand developed to handle fragile items such as fruit

Sector | General fresh produce

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Moldovan fruit sector faces April frost risk and pollination concerns
Farmers prosecuted for protests against scandal

Increasing number of Greek ruling party MPs probed over €1bn farm subsidies scandal

Albanian fruit and vegetable prices rise after 40% crop losses

Peruvian produce exports reach US$904 million in January

Brazilian fruit exports face logistics disruption

Brazilian fruit exports grow 62% in volume over decade

Kaliningrad imports 12,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables in 2026

Sector | Management

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Oil prices fall after US-Iran's conditional two-week ceasefire agreement

CBP seizes $17.7 million meth hidden in blackberry shipment

U.S. farmers face water shortfall as Mexico misses treaty targets

WTO talks stall as Brazil blocks e-commerce moratorium extension
Cermac, Promos, and the Ministry

Agreement signed for companies from Italy and Uzbekistan

U.S. lawmakers push tariffs on Mexican produce to support Florida growers

U.S. and Mexico launch talks ahead of USMCA joint review

Sector | Miscellaneous

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Second-life batteries for irrigation in Yucatán
Conditioned warehouse with freezer space and 22 docks available from Q2 2026

For rent: Prismalaan West 3 in Bleiswijk - approx. 20,300 m² and part-letting from 4,500 m²

South African rand hits 3.5-year high

For sale: Poortcamp 10, De Lier

For lease: New distribution centre at Nieuw-Reijerwaard, Ridderkerk

Fresh produce honored on Syria's new currency

Uruguayan government approves parakeet reduction to reduce fruit grower's losses

Sector | Fruit

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Watermelon harvest about to begin in Almeria

Eight new blueberry varieties produced and marketed by Onubafruit will remain protected until 2056
AZUD Premier Pot

Improving irrigation efficiency in potted blueberries

Egyptian frozen strawberry exporter targets Brazilian market

African blueberry exports shift to value under logistics pressure

U.S. researchers develop markers to predict seedless grapes

Egyptian strawberry industry in need of a supply decrease

Sector | Herbs

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Aromatic and medicinal plants production in Morocco recovers from prolonged drought
Tom Amery - The Watercress Company:

"We are very proud that for the last 25 years we have not used any pesticides on our beds"

Demand jumps in 2026 for fresh herbs
Herb merchant Ahmed Bouklata on the current market situation:

"Year after year, we offer more cut herbs of Italian origin"

War, rain and flight cancellations disrupt basil supply to Europe

Nepali herbal exports from Nepalgunj reach 1.3 million kg

“Uzbek herbs take on Turkey and Egypt in EU markets”

Sector | Agenda

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Key takeaways from ChangeNOW Paris and Chapter Zero by Fatiha Charrat, Delassus

Agriculture cannot escape its paradox: both responsible and exposed
We will be back Tuesday 7th of April

Happy Easter from the FreshPlaza team
Photo report of Fruit Attraction São Paulo

Fruit Attraction São Paulo reinforces its position as a major event in the fruit trade industry
Including the photo report

Fruit Attraction São Paulo trade fair ends with less activity, but positive results for Brazil

European importers and a large number of visitors on day 2 of Fruit Attraction São Paulo
Turkish exhibition postponed

Fresh Antalya sets new date for May 2027

The third edition of Fruit Attraction São Paulo begins with hopes for regional growth

Sector | Citrus

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Ive Lambert, ADW Fresh Trade:

"Air freight costs for products like mangetout peas rise by 50 per cent"
Nicolás Martínez, Agrocítricos del Valle:

Lower supply increases Tahiti lime prices on the international market
Team from WilkoFruit visits Brazil:

"A behind-the-scenes look at limes, grapes, mangoes, and ginger"
Week 14 Fruit Wholesale Market Report

Spanish oranges arrive earlier, while demand remains sluggish during the Qingming Festival

Mexican lime supply expected to see improvements

"Egyptian orange prices are more stable compared to last year"
Nahuel Lavino, FAMA:

"It's going to be a tough year for those who only sell mandarins as a commodity"

Sector | Organic

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How BioOrganic supports organic farmers in a risky, uncertain market

Climate change and retailer pressure squeeze European organic growers
Luciana Zamora of Zamora Citrus:

"Organic lemon supply falls short of European demand"
Long-term strategy outweighs short-term economics

Dutch sauerkraut producer converts entire cabbage cultivation to organic
Gerard Kenens, VerKen Bio Deli-Vers:

"Earlier start for Natyra due to higher volumes, but you do not leave a good apple unsold"
Organic shifts from niche retail to structured programs

“Organic success depends on agreements, not ideals”
Hugo Jacobs, Jacobs Fruit:

"Challenging organic apple season, but sales now picking up"

Spain organic sector seeks reciprocity in EU-Mercosur trade agreement

Sector | Health

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Flavonoid-rich foods associated with happiness in U.S. women

Scientists develop vitamin A-enriched tomato

Moderate fruit and vegetable juice intake and its health effects

The consumption of superfoods continues to grow in France

Produce industry shows support of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Certain compounds found in garlic can increase the lifespan of mice

Italian study tests citrus and grape supplement for glucose control

Sector | IT

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Siddharth Jadhav - Polybee:

“We can tell growers exactly when to harvest for maximum in-spec yield"
Dr Sivam Krish - GoMicro AI

AI removing the "subjectivity tax" on the supply chain
"ULogs4A is more resistant to humidity and suited for long transits"

Newly launched data logger operates autonomously for up to 300 days without power

"We develop AI-based solutions for growers and nurseries"
BerryWorld live with QC app from FreshControl

“It took a next-level effort to incorporate all requirements into the inspection report”

Robotic apple harvesting

Chile uses data-driven irrigation to manage water use

Sector | Innovations

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USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Charleston, South Carolina

“From tissue culture to field trials, container farms allow us to control every step of plant development”
UAE FoodTech Challenge win

Akorn Technology readies for expansion in Africa and South Asia

Monitoring more than one million citrus trees with the help of AI

Pop Its snack cucumbers tap into demand for true bite-sized convenience

Fruit quality meters help manage harvest timing, lot segregation, and shelf-life performance

When efficiency in blueberry harvesting becomes a necessity

Custom LED gains ground as Italian nurseries push for efficiency

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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AFHORFRESH

The global geopolitical landscape has raised production costs for prepared fruits and vegetables by 5%
The SM2 pomegranate deseeder by PND (Italy)

Advanced technology for extracting arils and optimizing production space

"We're expanding our corn exports to new markets with new flavours in the pipeline"

Brazilian orange juice inventories rise 75.4% by end of 2025

Brazilian processor installs 30-ton-per-hour frozen potato line
Simon Matthews - AgriCoat NatureSeal

Cost-effective sulphite-free anti-browning dip for peeled, sliced, and diced potatoes

Jordanian NGO grows and exports fresh produce

Sector | Cooling

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Airclima expands in the fresh produce sector with refrigeration projects

"Cooling quality has a direct impact on product quality"

Chile expands Olivo cold storage capacity to 33,000 pallets
Cool Control expands to four cold stores with 12,000 pallet spaces in 30 years

"By offering a total package, we have grown with the foreign growers' organisations"

New 3,000-tonne freezing complex to be built in Ak-Suu, Kyrgyzstan

Year-round fruit supply in Australia depends on cold storage

“Bringing cold storage costs back to the levels of ten years ago is our principal aim”
Isolcell's vision for the future of fresh produce

"Controlled atmosphere, tailored ripening, and new global balances"

Sector | Food safety

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Russia blocks Chilean stone fruit, rejects Serbian apples over labeling issues

Russia rejects avocado and grape shipments over document discrepancies

Mexico and U.S. strengthen food safety cooperation as trade grows

UK–EU SPS deal may change pesticide and residue rules by 2027

The European Commission updates the MRLs for various pesticides starting this year

Tesco recalls grape and berry medley over salmonella

“If Canada’s Destination Inspection Service closes, we destabilize the market and create long-term reputational damage”

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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Australian macadamia program targets Asian markets

South African nut exports rise 13.3% as global demand grows

"Dried mangoes have a strong potential in the European market"
Noix Notenatelier explores opportunities in the Belgian market

"Nut market under pressure as consumers place growing emphasis on quality"

"The sector is shifting towards higher-value production"

Brazilian nut exports reach US$6.5 million in early 2026
Deon Steicke - Sunny Boy Nuts

Pistachio grower hits stride as demand grows

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Supply security drives packaging decisions in Egypt’s table grape export season

“With the right ecosystem, pomegranate aril exports become a more predictable proposition”

EU exempts wooden pallets from PPWR reuse requirements

EU to enforce new packaging rules from August 2026

Premium fruit range launched with new packaging concept
Pick & Place Octopus by GNA

The flexible end-of-line revolution
Ecocool launches an eco-friendly alternative to styrofoam:

"Jute packaging fits perfectly into the sustainable INNO packaging line"

Sector | Retail

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Boards of the Co-op Group and Southern Co-op have announced proposals to join forces

Carrefour Spain works with a network of 300 fruit and vegetable suppliers across the country
REWE has opened a fully unstaffed mini-store

Ahold Delhaize is transitioning to Product Carbon Footprinting
SOK and Coop Estonia have agreed on a business transaction

Morrisons: A range of fresh Market Street produce will see price reductions
Fantastico Group opened its first store in Plovdiv

Jumbo Belgium: 4 new stores set to open
SPAR International has officially entered the North Macedonian market

Sainsbury’s: 15p British seasonal veggies this Easter

New study: Placing fruit and vegetable sections near supermarket entrances increases the amount purchased
Morrisons: Price of British farmed veg just 4p ahead of Easter

Free carrots to Asda customers across 581 stores on Good Friday

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW LIMES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW BELL PEPPERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GINGER

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CUCUMBERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANDARINS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PEARS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GRAPES

Sector | Climate

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U.S. grower tests drone use for frost protection in orchards

Brazilian horticulture faces El Niño risks in 2026

Strawberry crop gains expected from California’s heat wave

Georgia growers relieved following last week’s cold temperatures
Ernst Slabbekoorn, Swift International:

"Reliable night frost protection high on the agenda after recent erratic weather"

Catastrophic losses in greenhouses and crops in Souss-Massa, Morocco, plastic shortage

Weekend blizzard stymies logistics in Northeast

Sector | Cartoons

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Madhya Pradesh banana farmer protests low prices with half-naked vow

North Korean forest rangers fired for turning tree nurseries into vegetable gardens

TikTok-fueled fruit ice cream craze empties freezers across New Zealand

Cows wearing e-collars help boost potato yields in P.E.I. pilot project

Domino’s seeks Vatican forgiveness for pineapple pizza

Aomori’s ‘designer apples’ turn orchards into art

Fruity overdose: The bold new trend transforming perfumery

Sector | Trade War

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U.S. court orders US$165bn tariff refunds as CBP develops CAPE system

Peruvian blueberry exporters have 180 days to claim US$ tariff refunds
Agexport, Guatemala

"Exports to the U.S. continue at 0% tariff after Supreme Court ruling"

Produce industry reacts to Supreme Court tariff ruling

U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs, new 15% levy announced
Tensions have resulted in increased imports from Europe

Canada’s produce exports witness a boost due to limited supply and high prices in the U.S.

Importers to U.S. react to lifting of Brazilian tariff

Sector | Rwanda

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Rwanda special (last part): Evergreen Holding

"With greenhouse conditions, we can produce strawberries all year round, even for export"
Rwanda special: Kinvest

Canadian capital, Rwandan fields: Building profitable farms with social impact
Rwanda special

Intercropping, outgrowers, and weekly flights: The operations model behind SOO Agro’s growth
Rwanda special: Kumwe Green Farms

"We have a lot to offer to European buyers"
Rwanda special: Virunga Biotech Limited

"We see a strong demand for chilies, ginger, and gherkins"
Rwanda special: Kotwidika

Promising trial for Valencia oranges
Rwanda special: Souk Farms

Rwanda advances steadily on the global fresh produce scene

Sector | Costa Rica

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Costa Rica special: Grupo San Alberto, banana producer

“If you can't win on size, win on smarts”
Costa Rica special: CERyT

Costa Rican cassava exporters join forces to conquer the global market
Costa Rica special: Green Life

"Smaller than most, the Pococí papaya variety makes up for it in flavour"
Costa Rica special: Hacienda Ojo de Agua

Green on the outside, sweet on the inside: The art of balancing shelf life and flavor in pineapple
Costa Rica special: Melones del Sol

Costa Rican melons capitalise on the narrow trading window between Brazil and Spain
Costa Rica special: Manga Rica

Against the mango giants: How Costa Rica carves out a niche between Peru and Mexico

Next weeks’ special: Costa Rica