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Winter mushrooms in full season now, but production is slow and steady

Strong markets on celery and green onions could shift

Looking ahead at California’s almond production

Southern Exposure 2026 Educational Session speakers announced

Uruguay opens to Colombian avocados

Seasonal Perishable Products Weekly Update:

Avocado movement rises with Hass prices up to US$25 per carton

New class of associates on product labels launches

National Retail Report - Specialty Crops 9 January:

Retail produce ads rise 5% week on week to 268,213 listings

Simón Andrés Muñoz, Consultora Agrícola y Comercial Santa María:

"Varietal change and the cold chain are the pillars of blueberry competitiveness"

Argentina bets on juice and reduces logistical risk in the citrus business

Sector | Vegetables

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A decrease in supplies and a higher risk of foreign imports

Understanding the impact of the end-of-year frost on Apulian artichokes
Calm returns after holiday rush at hospitality wholesaler Atilla

“With our own cutting facility, we will be even better positioned in 2026”
Bio frontman Jan Groen of Green Organics reflects on the past and looks ahead:

“In our view, it is essential that buyers make long-term commitments with primary producers”
Pierre Varlet, APEF

A promising 2026 endive season, with good volumes and rising consumption
Interview with Ricardo Menoyo, president of Agroatlas and coordinator at the Círculo de Empresarios:

Could Spain become a fruit and vegetable trading hub for Europe?
Daniel Badger - Vitafresh Produce:

"We are happy with the way the product has sized up, harvest and packing will begin this week”

U.S. launches antidumping probe into Canadian mushroom imports

Sector | Bananas

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Banana prices drop to about $0.25 per pound in Southern Oregon

Taiwan develops TC9 banana resistant to Panama disease

Vietnamese research targets banana Fusarium wilt

Taiwan banana genome studies reveal breeding solutions to combat Fusarium Wilt

Trudi’s bananas drive category growth in Europe

Fusarium TR4 phytosanitary alert in Ecuador triggers emergency protocols in the banana sector

Magdalena producers ask for actual costs of Colombian bananas to be acknowledged

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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India notifies four new potato varieties for nationwide seed use
Tran Van Chuc - Truong An Food:

"The quality of the Dutch arrivals has been very good"
Adriaan van Belzen, Daily Onions:

"Onion export figures to UK shadowy and unreliable?"

Barry Vculek elected incoming National Onion Association president

India's onion exports face headwinds from Bangladesh permit curbs and Pakistani competition
Berlin Wholesale Market:

"Minimal price increases bring little relief to the potato market"
A new record for potato production:

World potato output nears 400 million tons

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Moroccan organic Majhoul dates ranked “best in the world”

Spanish researchers identify salt-tolerant avocado rootstocks

Kiwifruit marketer digitises global customer claims process
Over 55,000 tonnes exported, signaling steady season momentum.

"India shipped pomegranates worth $53 million in first 9 months of 2025-26 season"
Hamburg wholesale market:

"Lime prices have risen by a third since the turn of the year"

Golden kiwifruit gains share and value in the UK market

Good season for Moroccan dates

Sector | Company news

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March 9-11, in Bangalore, India

AVF Asia Forum 2026 to focus on medicinal plants as a regulated CEA crop category

New Technical Sales Representative named by CN Seends

Maersk names Guillaume Sauzedde Europe managing director

Lan Handling appoints Carsten Fouquet to lead DACH sales

Pacific Trellis Fruit appoints East Coast sales manager

Hass Avocado Board welcomes senior director of industry engagement

Argentinian processing plant to close as production shifts to Mar del Plata

Sector | Greenhouse

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Salad campaign rolls out on National Quitter’s Day
Green Gardens Dobrovnik: from rumours to facts

New baby leaf production in Slovenia, the centre of Europe
Breedx shows their tomato breeding strategy in Israeli greenhouse Open Day

“The 'wow' responses when eating our crunchy varieties were enough”
Enza Zaden lettuce trial in Leamington:

"Glimpse of performance in real-world conditions for Canadian and U.S. growers"

U.S. tomato growers rise to opportunity
Anna Wize, Under Cover conference:

"Dynamic changes in the production of vegetables under cover – both in Poland and throughout Europe"

California-grown snacking tomato program strengthens West Coast supply

Sector | Logistics

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State-of-the-art VDH distribution centre completed in Ridderkerk
Intra-Asia Container Index - 09 Jan:

Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) decreased 5%
Extreme cold front grips Germany:

Problems in fruit logistics and delays in the kale harvest
World Container Index - 08 Jan:

World Container Index increased 16% to $2,557 per 40ft container

Maersk flags European supply chain risks linked to Suez

Suez canal traffic stays 60% below 2023 levels

Midwest anchors United States food distribution network

Sector | Machinery

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PND -Italy

New technologically advanced machinery designed specifically for apples

Turkish citrus exporter upgrades processing facility with 8-lane sorting system
Yayoi Suzuki - Shibuya Seiki

“Our AI system supports multiple AI models simultaneously and uses multi-spectral imaging"
Automation boosts productivity amid labour shortages

Waste reduction delivers immediate cost savings for food processors
Dutch company uses smart machines and sustainable solutions to transform French fry byproducts

“Our shredders and grinders turn potato waste into valuable products”
Ingrid Eeckhaut, Vanderhaegen Potatoes:

Convenience potatoes gain ground in retail and foodservice

Turkish organic producer adds 6-lane apple pre-sorting line

Sector | General fresh produce

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Cambodian produce expands into global supermarket chains

What’s ahead in food for 2026?

South Africa steps up border seizures of undeclared fresh produce

U.S. specialty crop growers face rising cost pressures

"Fresh produce prices in the local Moroccan market will drop as quickly as they rose"

Agricultural imports into the United States continue to grow

Encouraging retailers to reset their relationship with trends

Sector | Management

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Thailand instructs attachés to boost agricultural exports

New Zealand responds to Queensland fruit fly find in Auckland
2026 finds Greek farmers stepping up their fight

Full highway and customs blockade paralyzes Greece Thursday–Friday

USDA announces agribusiness trade missions for 2026

Pacific Northwest growers say Trump's bailout offers little relief for their specific challenges.

Peru and Thailand reach 'substantive agreement on core issues' on FTA

New Zealand's topfruit and kiwifruit sectors welcome India free trade agreement

Sector | Miscellaneous

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

Fresh produce honored on Syria's new currency

$336,560 awarded by USDA through Arkansas Department of Agriculture

South Africa citrus sector mourns Deon Joubert
Inside the student-run agtech lab producing hundreds of pounds of greens

“I believe the space is an incubator for the CEA industry”

Tasmanian fruit industry mourns the passing of Carl Hansen
Greeneration highlights vertical farming’s fine-dining potential at AgraME 2025

"We are focused on addressing the import-reliance challenge of the region, one restaurant at a time”

Sector | Fruit

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Alexi Bois, new president of Peaches and Apricots of France

Global processed tomato output down 12% in 2025

Peruvian blueberry exports diversify across more markets
Carl van der Merwe & David Bodkin – Boplaas 1743 Estate

“Trip to China opened our eyes”

“​​Iran's internet blackout has not hit our apple trade, but high landing costs are"
Northern Hemisphere apple and pear stocks:

European apple stocks 11.6% higher year on year

Prices for fresh Egyptian strawberries stabilize after a difficult start to the season

Sector | Herbs

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Fresh herb demand strong and steady for holiday season
Kruiden Claus celebrates 125th anniversary

"Strong demand for ginger and turmeric plants as cultivation becomes more viable"

Microgreens and in vitro cultivation pioneer reach for the skies with their vertical farm
Anthony De Ieso - Thorndon Park Produce:

"In easier to grow conditions, such as spring and summer, there are higher volumes to compete with"

Demand for Kenyan chives expected to increase as European production ends

Demand for fresh herbs, and new varieties is picking up

United States study details cilantro and parsley costs

Sector | Agenda

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Photo report International Soft Fruit Conference

New varieties and plant health key in soft fruit

International retailer meetings set for fruit and vegetable suppliers

Early bird registration opens for CPMA 2026

FreshPlaza mobile app launched today!
We'll be back on January 5th

Happy Holidays from the FreshPlaza team!
March 18-20, 2026

International Mango Organization announces 2026 conference in Puerto Rico

A look ahead at SWIPE 2026

Sector | Citrus

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Moroccan citrus 2025/26 notes improved water outlook, but export volumes likely revised down
Benoit Maillard-Guillon, Ets Meseguer

"In this depressed market, we try to steer our clients towards oranges"

2025 was a record year for Turkish mandarins
Marcos Araújo, of Frutura Uruguay:

“We are coming off a year with a small harvest and now expect a good volume”
Nahuel Lavino, of FAMA (Argentina):

"The competitiveness of Argentinian oranges depends more on quality than on volumes"

Southern Europe citrus production decline expected in MY 2025/26

"Demand for imported mandarins in India is growing strongly"

Sector | Organic

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"The connection with the food retail sector will enable us to optimize our logistics"

EDEKA Rhein-Ruhr Stiftung & Co. KG becomes a shareholder in Naturkost West
VIP invests in organic apple sorting station Juval:

"Consistent quality, year-round availability, and rapid response times"

Demand for Swiss endive remains stable
Apofruit Donnalucata opted for Bulltec

A new technology ensures the guaranteed minimum weight of tomatoes

U.S. introduces bill to expand domestic organic infrastructure
Melvin Middelham, GreenFruit:

"Organic ginger and turmeric available year-round"

French grower experiments with organic aloe vera juice

Sector | Health

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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

Cranberry Institute updates health research guide

Israel study finds compound in vegetables fights plaque

How to market the wellness factor of mangoes

New IFPA campaign spotlights produce as nature’s original prescription

Sector | IT

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Robotic apple harvesting

Indonesia advances digital agriculture with new farm-app deal
Johan Mostert – DiPAR Systems

Inside the architecture driving real-time fruit supply chain decisions

U.S. to turn to AI and robots to support farm production
Bradford Warner - AgroFresh

"This is valuable business intelligence for the fresh produce industry"

“Blockchain traceability enhances the management of fresh produce supply chains”

“We’re introducing a single-use real-time monitoring solution for perishable goods transport”

Sector | Innovations

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When efficiency in blueberry harvesting becomes a necessity

Custom LED gains ground as Italian nurseries push for efficiency

Extending shelf-life of blueberries and avocados by storing and shipping under low pressure

Enza Zaden to introduce new tomato variety

Fresh Del Monte launches robot that interacts with shoppers

Tanzania unveils digital platform to aid horticulture market
Stiaan Hugo - AGI Frost Fans

Entire frost protection package, honed in South Africa, available in EU

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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New Toum garlic dips hit the market

Limited supply and persistent demand keep IQF market positive
Agristo doubles production capacity

Rising global fries demand drives investment across the potato value chain
La Cupa Società Cooperativa Agricola

Beyond price: Provenance and supply chain in the gourmet fruit and vegetable world
Giuseppe Pellegriti (Terre di Sicilia) on the attendance of Artigiano in Fiera 2025

"The strategic role of trade fairs makes us grow in the segment of artisanal processed products"

New Heartichokes line launches

New seasoning system launches with updated safety and capacity

Sector | Cooling

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“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"

One Frio launches European cold storage platform after seven acquisitions

“The new cooling facility brings increased flexibility”
Matthias Cuvelie, Airclima:

“CO2 cooling is a strategic investment in sustainability, product quality, and operational reliability”
Frigotec:

“The fruit is the boss, the Softripe system listens”

Bridging global ripening markets with ethylene solutions

Sector | Food safety

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What products are affected by the order suspending imports of products containing residues of substances banned in Europe?

U.S. import oversight questioned under FSVP enforcement

France to block fruit imports with banned pesticide residues

Cadmium detected in Moroccan tomatoes

Effect of the quality of washing water on shelf-life and product safety of rinsed produce

Diced ginger recalled in Canada due to metal pieces

Inspiredgo salads recalled in Alberta over Listeria risk

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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Hawaii mandates origin disclosure on non-local macadamia nuts
Plant-based proteins position nuts as future meat alternatives

European nut and dried fruit market expands

Oregon hazelnut acreage expands as other crops struggle

China sees opportunity in production and demand for chestnuts
2025 State of the Almond Industry

A year of resilience for Californian almonds
Ranobo achieves 15% growth despite volatile nut market

Belgian nut specialist strengthens operations and structure
USDA report

Pistachio demand steadily rising in China

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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South Africa develops local fruit-packing lines through Paarl facility
Heat-sealed nets with flag label from Rev Packaging Solutions

Single-material packaging technology arouses interest in Australia
Sylvaphane Group now provides packaging solutions directly to the fresh produce sector

"As a Dutch producer, we have all packaging disciplines in-house"
Rocco De Lucia of Siropack

"We innovate and make progress despite the obstacles presented by European choices"
Massimiliano Persico, Cartonpack Group’s Marketing Department

"A year of consolidation, product range innovation, and growth in international markets"

"We have successfully created an innovative paper punnet for strawberries"
Mark Rohrlach - Detpak:

“The punnet focuses on sustainability, protecting both the produce and the planet"

Sector | Retail

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Walmart and Wing are expanding their drone delivery service

Salad and Go to exit Texas and Oklahoma
Just Ripe Nutrition: Mission to make daily fruits and vegetables easier to access

Hy-Vee is putting its name on four of its Dollar Fresh stores
One of the most significant retail transactions in the Southern Cone in recent years

Albertsons: Third quarter of fiscal 2025 results
OGSCC: Canada Grocery Code is fully implemented

Natural Grocers has won its challenge against USDA
Kroger plans to open several stores in the Houston area - Report

HCWC reached a new financial milestone in 2025
'Happier, Healthier with Harris Teeter' initiative

Kroger's Verified Savings Program offers eligible shoppers 20% off fruits and vegetables
The National Grocers Association released statement on the implementation of SNAP waivers

Carrefour has partnered with Mercado Libre in Argentina: Fruits, vegetables

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW ORANGES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW POMEGRANATES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PAPAYA

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PEARS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GARLIC

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANDARINS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CUCUMBERS

Sector | Climate

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Andalusia has distributed 37.6 million euros in DANA aid
Postuma AGF, DSR Logistics, and Fresh Connection on the impact of snow

The Netherlands and Belgium blanketed in snow under code orange, with more to come
Danie Kritzinger – Agrimotion

How deep is the Cape into the next drought?

Some HGV restrictions lifted, but traffic remains difficult due to the snow

Emilia storm leads to falling prices for Moroccan fresh produce

Storm Emilia suspends Moroccan fresh produce exports

Produce shipments making it through this week’s Polar Vortex

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

Importers react to U.S. tariff reduction on Latin American countries

Removal of tariffs on tropical fruits is a relief but not for Brazil

Trump cuts tariffs on tomatoes, bananas and other agricultural products

Border Trade Alliance prepares for first formal review of USMCA

China and U.S. reach trade consensus after Xi-Trump meeting

U.S. Senate votes to overturn Trump tariffs on Brazil

Sector | Peru

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Special Peru - Nature's Pride

Working together on responsible water management in Peru to support future food systems
Peru Special: Agrícola Pampa Baja

25 years of producing and exporting avocados, table grapes, pomegranates, and mandarins in southern Peru
Peru Special: Premium Choice Global

"A key pillar of our model is its international presence in destination markets"
Special Peru: Westfalia Fruit Peru expects to grow 15% in avocado by 2026

"We are constructing a new freezing facility in Chiclayo"
Special Peru: Packing del Carmen provides packing services to exporting companies

"As we do not have our own production, we can guarantee clients the priority for their fruit"
Peru Special: Provid and Proarándanos

Peru strengthens its world leadership in blueberries and consolidates its expansion in table grapes
Peru Special

"The day Peru sets out to export everything it produces, it can change the international chessboard"

Sector | Rwanda

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Rwanda special: Proxifresh

"Market-driven model enables the company to supply between 14 and 18 tons of French beans per week"
Rwanda special

Demand first, production second: How Afri Foods builds export-ready supply chains
Rwanda special: Garden Fresh

"Besides French beans and avocados, we're eyeing baby vegetables for the European market"

Next week's special: Rwanda