FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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FreshPlaza summer break

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW POTATOES

Brazilian melon producer to introduce new brand to U.S. market - featuring exotic animals

Slightly more volume of Ecuadorian dragon fruit expected

Emilio Tejerina Romero, manager of Frutas Tejerina:

"Pitahaya will become increasingly important and will go from being a luxury to a commodity"

Salvador Miranda Aguilar, general manager of Grupo Sanell:

"More and more Mexican producers are choosing not to renew their certifications to export to Europe"

Kraig Loomis with GreenFruit Avocados

“Colombian avocados bring stability to the U.S. market”

USDA updates requirements to allow for the safe importation of Chilean table grapes into the US

Impact of frost on Argentina's blueberry production

Rainfall brings relief to São Paulo state citrus areas

Sector | Vegetables

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Barry Michiels, Gebroeders Michiels:

"Until after the holidays, we will continue to see a calm tomato market"

David Casanoves, from Yummy Fresh: "We've been supplying important fresh market and fourth range customers in the counter-season for more than 17 years"

"Pumpkin still has a whole world to delight, and a market to conquer"

Nationwide Produce partners with Tenderstem -

Tenderstem Purple launched to UK Foodservice sector

Higher than normal garlic market expected for 2024

Russian 'beetnomics': analysts predict sharp rise in prices throughout the new season

Roedolf van der Merwe – Eat Your Greens

Niche veg supplier branches out to unusual fruit

Tuta Absoluta wreaks havoc in Morocco

Sector | Bananas

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Shortage of plantain in Jamaica following Hurricane Beryl

Banana Board points to pest risks in Jamaica post-Hurricane Beryl

Canary Islands banana subsector debates measures proposed for a new regulatory decree

"We fear that if there was another crisis, we may lose between 1,000 and 1,500 producers"

The Black Stuff proves effective in controlling Tropical Race 1 pathogen in bananas

First container of plantains exported from Guatemala

Striving to defeat Banana Fungal Disease Fusarium wilt TR4

MustGrow joins “Global Alliance Against TR4”

Hurricane Beryl could cause a short-term gap in banana shipments to U.S.

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Alfonso Sáenz de Cámara, manager of Udapa:

"Spanish potato prices are still too high, but they will go down in the coming weeks"

Óscar Riveiro, from Riveiro Ecológicos:

"Algae-based fertilizers are helping us tackle downy mildew in organic potato crops"

Impact of water restrictions on potato production in South Africa

"Potato stocks in Egypt are already limited"

Papua New Guinea agri sector experiences a surge in demand for fresh onions

“Potato prices have doubled: they are the most expensive I have ever seen in Sweden”

Potato production trends and export dynamics

New Zealand achieved highest potato yields globally in 2022

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Ciprian and Konstanze Pantiru on this year's garlic harvest in southern Hesse:

"Fortunately, we were spared major damage and crop losses"

Frischezentrum Frankfurt:

"In Turkish dragon fruit, we have an attractive product for weekly markets and speciality shops"

More than 10 million 125g trays expected

"Nergi mini kiwis are back!"

Céline Vezian, Alinéa-Top Alliance

“The market looks clear for French garlic”

Tropical fruit cultivation expands in Turkey

2024 California fresh fig season gets early start

"Drought causes smaller volumes, but demand has increased"

Sector | Company news

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Frankfurt-based wholesale company Josef Stapf set to expand

"The latest business acquisitions have enabled us to significantly expand our catchment area"

Obituary Co van Es

Menno van Breemen: "It's never boring at Aartsen"

Aartsen goes India

Positive trend in container throughput expands to other product groups

Growth for Port of Antwerp-Bruges in first half of 2024

Set to deploy AI across all shipping, logistics, and media activities

CMA CGM embarks on a strategic partnership with Google

Northland Potato Growers Association taps into experience with new Executive Director

Dutch machine builder opens North American service center in Tri-Cities (WA)

Sector | Greenhouse

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Organic baby romaine added to Ontario greenhouse lineup

Krist Hamerlinck, Eco Veg

"Although there are fewer players, demand in the organic sector remains stagnant"

EZ Grow Farms opens high-tech strawberry propagation facility

Laura van de Kreeke, Growy:

"Vertical farm technology will become more readily available and cheaper"

The manufacturer and a producer from Turin

Soilless systems for vegetables now also available

Pointed bell pepper market is proliferating and wants more:

"We want to compete with bell peppers"

Spain ranks second

China is the world's leading greenhouse producer by area

Sector | Logistics

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Hearing people out makes all the difference in smooth container handling

"Paris soon within our reach, thanks to electric vehicles"

Kevin de Graaff, marketing manager at Uturn:

"Always providing the best match in container transport"

MSC Air Cargo launches inaugural commercial flight from Milan to Hong Kong

Drewry’s World Container Index inched up 1% to $5,937 per 40ft container this week

Shipping line strengthens product offerings with latest container investments

Ocean freight container shipping market has experienced a notable shift

Sector | Machinery

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"Even in countries where you don't immediately expect it, labour is a problem"

"Unica Jolly" by Calderoni: watch the video

International sales of sustainable technology are increasing

Automated asparagus harvester showcased in Tillsonburg, Canada

Frédéric Faillières, Planasa - Mechanised blueberry harvesting

"A light machine for a light fruit"

Combined services offer single access point for food processing solutions

Josef Malan – Twypack, Indigo Fruit Farming

South African-manufactured automation systems uplift supporting packhouse staff

Automated conveyor manufacturer updates FlexMove line

Sector | General fresh produce

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China Week 28 Fruit Wholesale Market Report

First batch of Peruvian blueberries of the new season arrives - Sichuan seedless pomegranates are on the market

Photo report of another successful Organic Produce Summit

Iran's agricultural exports see a rise in the first quarter

Pakistan prevents entry of 300 Afghan trucks with fruits and vegetables

USMCA seasonal perishable products weekly update

Avocado markets continue to weaken in both demand and price for Mexico product as volume increases

Investments in Australian horticulture sector to counter the recent decline in fruit and veg consumption

Record employment in Brazilian agribusiness in early 2024

Sector | Management

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Nicolas Stein new Global Sales Director of Insort GmbH

Joint graduate school boosts New Zealand's primary sector through education

Farmers in Cyprus prepare for protests over water cuts

Pound reaches yearly high against dollar in UK

South Texas leaders seek meeting with Mexico's president-elect over water debt

Frutas do Brasil project to feature at global events

Dominican Republic announces crop ban to combat whitefly and thrips

Sector | Miscellaneous

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Sniffer dogs find 6.23 tons of cocaine in Ecuadorian banana shipment

Drugs hidden in a cucumber and bell pepper shipment from Mexico

Some 577 pounds of methamphetamine seized at Pharr International Bridge

Electricity crisis in Egypt: the fresh produce sector unaffected so far

Malaysian customs intercepts smuggled alcohol hidden in vegetable shipment

Drug seizure at German fruit supplier in Groß Kreutz

Rand surged on Monday as ANC failed to secure a majority

Virus test kits ready to go global

Sector | Fruit

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"We maintained a steady increase of production for blueberries"

"Polish blueberry season started two weeks earlier than last year"

Plenty and Mawarid Holding Investment

Joint venture to invest $130M in regional strawberry growth across GCC region

"Pansy melon is one of the fruits favoured by Vietnamese consumers, because of its sweetness"

Perry Verstraaten, Thiry Gent:

"Fresh fruit and vegetables are very important within the Turkish community"

High demand for Iranian cherries does not translate into good prices

"It's a shame that quality isn't fairly rewarded"

Better outlook for Moroccan table grapes this season

Sector | Herbs

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Drought lowers the quality of Moroccan wild-grown rosemary

Jean Philippe, Méchinaud

“More and more operators are interested in aromatic herbs”

South Korea and U.S. reach agreement on Korean ginseng and Texas grapefruit exports

Meal boxes: a stepping stone to increased herb consumption

"Hydroponics is our main business"

Micro's Unilight:

"Our next target market will be sandwich stores and exporters"

Partnership created to extend freshness of berries

Sector | Agenda

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Sekoya Field & Forum photo shoot

"Great opportunities for blueberries in the snack category"

Nicolas Marraud des Grottes, president of UGPBAN

Highly appreciated and anticipated event

Australia hosted World Potato Congress

Attracting more than 1,000 delegates from around the world

Frischezentrum celebrates its 20th anniversary at its current location

"Acquisition of the property enabled the planning and realisation of further investments in infrastructure"

New demand for space at Fruit Logistica 2025

Global trade gears up for Asia Fruit Logistica

Blueberries Consulting: Do you want to be part of the annual meeting of Mediterranean Berry Growers?

Leading researchers and specialists will be at the berry meeting in Tangier

Sector | Citrus

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Freeze kills entire orchards in lowlying and exposed parts of southern Limpopo

Very expensive couple of weeks ahead for citrus

Egypt faces a decline in orange exports to Southeast Asia but remains a key player

Massive rainfall in South Africa’s Western Cape causes slight delay on citrus shipments to the U.S.

San Miguel opens lemon processing plants in Uruguay and South Africa

"Our growers keep going, albeit under more challenging conditions"

Andrew Grantham - Heart of Asia Trading

“As a direct importer into Taiwan, we ensure that we always have very good quality to supply food service and wholesale markets"

Wetter weather slows Argentina's citrus exports

Sector | Organic

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Canada's certified organic fruit and vegetable production declined in 2023

A good moment for organic table grapes

Mexican organic production and trade

Trade in organic products between U.S. and Mexico reached record highs in 2023

Rules for organic production and labelling of organic products

Fairtrade calls on European Union to simplify rules for the benefit of producers

Overseas organic citrus season gets underway at Fruitprint

"Organic market in Austria continues to grow steadily"

Organic agriculture agreement between Chile and the EU remains in force

Under its Frezz label

Aartsen expands organic fruit range

Sector | Health

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Study finds eating hot peppers may be associated with decreased mortality

Research looks into the role of fructose in curing hangovers

Indian research explores the benefits of avocados for pregnant women

Samford University study shows:

Eating baby carrots boosts skin carotenoids in young adults

Possible bonus for consumers

Cooling ‘blood oranges’ could make them even healthier

‘Daily +1 Zespri’ campaign

Zespri and Dentsu hope to transform wellness habits in Hong Kong

'Apples are recognized for their superiority over chewing gum in maintaining fresh breath'

Sector | IT

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Quality Insights:

Determining quality of harvest with a simple photo

State grant will facilitate new supply chain information highway features

Port of Long Beach data project receives $7.875 million to speed goods delivery

Robots to boost Australian veggie growers’ tech

AI tested in Spanish peach orchards should predict yields by counting flowers

Putting an end to endless duplication in sharing compliance information

UNB’s McKenna Institute announces investment in digital agriculture led by McCain Foods

© Veranika Semchanka | Dreamstime.com

AU: Robots to boost veggie growers’ tech

Sector | Innovations

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"We are committed to extending the shelf life of apples by 50%"

Funding awarded for sustainable horticultural crop protection trials in UK

Thai researchers present a pineapple leaf leather innovation

Documentary-style series showcases technology’s impact on reducing food waste

Collaboration between Queensland and Victorian governments and Hort Innovation Australia

Algorithm predicts shelf life of Australian mangoes and stone fruit

A device that sucks in and filters ethylene while releasing purified air

Showcasing a display stand that extends shelf life by 30%

Canadian market next for produce shelf life extension technology

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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The orange juice supply crisis affects Japan

European fruit processors says lack of spring impacts 2024 summer crops

Premium 100 percent pure avocado oils make debut

Australian canned fruit industry faces challenges

Are canned and frozen vegetables still popular?

End of an era for Australian citrus juice producer

European apple juice market has seen limited trading activity since start of 2024

Frost damage causes concern for the apple juice industry

Sector | Cooling

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Port Houston approved for cold treatment

Established with USAID support

Kyrgyzstan's largest cold storage opened in Nookat district

Leander van Bellen: "To not only spot damage, but also prevent it"

HDG Survey Group acquires Otflow

New facility increases the company’s storage capacity in the country by 120%

Emergent Cold LatAm inaugurates a modern warehouse in Callao, Peru

JS Davidson expands with acquisition of new site

Adverse impact of Red Sea diversions on European exports

European exporters face cold chain conundrum

Planning permission granted for Sadel Group’s first food hub

Sector | Food safety

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Russia imposes import ban on Armenian fresh produce over food safety concerns

open field produce

Voluntary recall on whole and salad cucumbers due to possible Listeria contamination

Freshfel Europe warns of impact of promotion budget cuts on EU fresh produce consumption

FDOA disputes FDA claims about contaminated cucumbers in Florida

GLOBALG.A.P. in fruitful discussions at International Congress of Red Fruits in Spain

Ackee imports under scrutiny in the U.S.

FDA identifies Jamaica's national fruit as potentially hazardous if consumed unripened

Don Mac Farlane – Woolworths Foods SA

Well-considered packaging is non-negotiable for food safety by choice, not by chance

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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June almond shipments report from California

June shipments reached 206 million pounds, marking a 10.50% increase YoY

Pasquale Campobasso:

"Dropping yields for Italian almonds, yet the market looks promising"

Wilco Farmers Cooperative announces divestment of Hazelnut Growers of Oregon

Fresh carob now available from Morocco

Increasing demand for exports offers room for pistachio category to grow

Morocco maintains high palm date import rates

Pili Pi Nuts introduces pili nuts to European market

"A new nut on the shelves will quickly attract a lot of attention"

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Western Growers collaborates with Qfresh Lab to advance sustainable packaging in fresh produce industry

OSY Group secures funding to expand its food preservation technology globally

Moldova adopts reusable trays for fruit export

Termotécnica introduces biobased packaging in Brazil

Fresh Direct launches plastic-free avocado packaging in the UK

Shoppers and retailers embrace the chance to help farmworkers

Plastic-free packaging for apples, potatoes and citrus fruits launched

Sector | Retail

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Lidl's shipping line has grown its fleet

Jumbo saw its sales rise 1% to 6bln euros

Aldi has been named as Britain’s most popular supermarket

Lotte Mart will introduce peaches selected by artificial intelligence (AI)

The Co-op Group launched one of its biggest ever campaigns

Sainsbury’s will donate 25p to Comic Relief for every purchase of selected fruit and veg

Morrisons: Customers can get a portion of free fruit alongside their breakfast

Studenac has agreed to acquire Slovenia’s Kea

No country in the world has as many internet users shopping online as the Netherlands - Report

End of an era for one of Australia’s oldest family groceries

Caprabo has set itself the target of reaching revenue of €900mln by 2026

GCA: Amazon could face probe over treatment of UK grocery suppliers

Aldi’s first ever Crisp Taster

Pepco Group reported a worse-than-expected 4.3% fall in Q3 underlying revenue

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GINGER

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW LIMES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW RASPBERRIES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MELONS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CHERRIES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW NECTARINES, PEACHES, PARAGUAYOS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW KIWIS

Sector | Climate

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Source: AgriLimpopo

Exceptional cold causes damage of hundreds of millions of rands to South Africa’s winter veg and citrus

Immediate and long-term concerns over California’s continuing heat wave

Managing imports as Hurricane Beryl travels through growing regions

Floods and heat take toll on East Coast vegetable production

West Coast heat wave ahead of July 4th to impact quality in some commodities

Texas growers continue to contend with drought

'Panama Canal faces increased climate change-related challenges'

Sector | Cartoons

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Doctor recommends eating kiwi skins for health benefits

tiktok/instagram

TikTok’s fake fruits conspiracy: What’s happening?

Doctor warns against viral lemon hair lightening hack

Hougang durian stall's generous giveaway

Instagram cubed salads: a new trend

Pineapples removed from Buckingham palace state banquet menu

Thai KOL praises "New Kung Fu" of Chinese durian sellers