North America Edition
Job Offers:
Announcements
Job Offers
- Bedding and Perennials Sales Manager Europe
- Ein- und Verkäufer Obst
- Horticultural Technician
- Agronomist
- Head Grower Strawberries, Norway
- Tissue Culture Laboratory Scientist
- Manager Operations & Logistics
- Vegetable Advisor (Permanent)
- Horticultural Commercial Director
- Senior Operations Manager Nursery
Specials more
Top 5 - yesterday
- Chinese shiitake grower opens production in Poland and Spain
- Supply gaps imminent for California spring vegetables following record rains
- "This next step opens the door for the apple variety to be grown in other countries and sold under the Soluna™ brand"
- South African onions increasingly important to the UK & Europe
- "Australia's grape exports start strong in Asia"
Top 5 - last week
- Eastern buyers prefer the taste of South African Grannies
- Israeli farmer grows world's heaviest lemon
- Berg River grape farm forgoes a packhouse for field packing
- "Rwanda is the next big player in exotic fruit and vegetables"
- Dragon fruit acreage in India expected to expand to 50,000 ha in five years under MIDH scheme
Top 5 - last month
- "Consumers will happily pay two euros for a Mars bar or can of Coke but not for their veg”
- Supermarkets limiting sales of veg per customer
- “Fruit industry in the Eastern Cape is facing a perfect storm”
- Eastern buyers prefer the taste of South African Grannies
- Durian smell forces Turkish Airlines flight to turn back
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Will California be able to re-start grape exports to Asia?
It would be an understatement to say that 2022 was a challenging season for California table grape exports. “Inflation reared its head, but what played a bigger role is that the dollar went incredibly high, which made our product super expensive abroad,” says Nick Dulcich with Pretty Lady Vineyards.…
The evolution of the microgreens business
In an expanding space such as indoor and greenhouse growing, how do you make your company stand out? For City Roots Organic, it starts with the story. The company is a South Carolina-based family-owned business that specializes in one item: organic microgreens. "The microgreens market is increasing.…
Rains could cause California kale gaps come May
Supplies of conventional kale in the marketplace are tight. “The plants have been affected by the cold weather and are not growing as quickly as they should be. We are looking to other growing regions that are not so heavily hit by major weather changes to source from,” says Megan Ichimoto of San Miguel…
Ecuador banana industry not affected by earthquake, heavy rain slows production
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Ecuador and parts of the North of Peru, this past weekend (Saturday, 18 March 2023) did not affect banana production, producers and exports say. Instead, heavy rains destroyed infrastructure and reduced production somewhat as efforts to repair the damage are under…
New pigmented orange varieties allow for year-round red orange supply
The worldwide increase in the popularity of pigmented citrus varieties is not only due to their attractive color and great flavor but also for the purported health benefits because of their lycopene content. Biogold North America, a citrus variety development company, is now licensing growers to plant…
Carrot export season to Europe and North America kicks off
BDA/Dorot Farm, the grower group of fresh, sweet carrots from Israel, is starting the new export season to Europe and North America. Dorot Farm supplies fresh jumbo carrots to the markets, foodservice industry and ‘fresh and cut’ companies as well as cello carrots in 1lb, 2lb, 3lb and 5lb bags. Additionally,…
Increased demand is a main factor for growth of US avocado imports
Avocados are currently the most-consumed tropical fruit in the world. One of the biggest consumers of avocados in the world is the US. Its annual per capita avocado consumption has already surpassed 4.1 kg, or three times the European consumption. The main factors driving the increase in US avocado…
Bob Mast awarded 2023 Apple Citizen of the Year
The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival announced on March 17th that Bob Mast, President of CMI Orchards, is being recognized as the 2023 Apple Citizen of the Year. The award was bestowed in a surprise presentation by Festival Administrator Darci Christoferson, along with Apple Blossom Queen…
“Only one thousand of the eight thousand avocado orchards in Michoacan are legal”
Mayela Salas Saénz, the Deputy of the 14th District of Uruapan Norte, stated in the presentation of an initiative to modify the Law of Integral Sustainable Rural Development…
Federal Court hearing scheduled regarding P.E.I. potato seeds
A judicial review is scheduled to be heard this week in Federal Court in Charlottetown regarding an application by the P.E.I. Potato Board challenging the federal government's…
Latest photo reports
Special
Special Australia and New Zealand
New Zealand’s Posy apples on the way to global markets
Mr Apple is excited to launch the 2023 apple season with PosyTM apples now en route to customers across the globe. “We stand by our 5 Point Promise which is our promise of apple excellence, juicy and sweet with exceptional taste and texture, customers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Posy with…
Rebecca Blackman - WA Farm Direct
"This next step opens the door for the apple variety to be grown in other countries and sold under the Soluna™ brand"
The Bravo® apple is running slightly late this season, however fruit is expected to be harvested mid-late April around Australia. The harvest will start in Western Australia – Perth Hills or Stanthorpe Queensland. "We expect volumes to be up 10-15% from the 2022 season however, this is a reduction from…
Dr Stu Powell - Climate Consulting
"We advise clients of their frost risk, whether frost protection is required, how much is required"
The economic costs of frost to agriculture and horticulture can be significant. As winter and early spring frost in Australia and New Zealand is almost exclusively ‘radiative’ in nature, it forms predictable patterns as a function of surrounding topography and land use. Climate Consulting provide expert…
Global Focus
Global Focus Machinery/Packaging
Intent on combating waste and unnecessary packaging
WRAP to encourage retailers to sell fruit and veg loose
Not-for-profit organization WRAP has set a target of the amount sold loose to double to 30% by the end of 2025. The aim is to target 50% by the end of 2030. In 2021, the…
French mushroom specialist invests in Ishida technology
An Ishida multihead weigher has enabled a French specialist mushroom and vegetable supplier to optimise the packing of its new pan-fried range, significantly increasing production while reducing product giveaway to deliver an attractive return on investment. Francep, part of the Gelpass Group, offers a variety…
Remach appointment strengthens Haith’s European presence
The UK’s leading vegetable handling equipment manufacturer has strengthened its European presence with the appointment of a new dealer. Haith has appointed Remach BV as their representative in the Netherlands and Belgium. Established in 2019, Remach specialises in supplying sorting, washing and packing…
Vegetables more »
Garlic harvest starts in Egypt, demand is normal
Egyptian garlic producers have begun harvesting, with a demand tempo that is not particularly exceptional, according to Anthony Mina, CEO of the Egyptian producer E2M. "We are currently harvesting until next week, and we have started the process of drying part of our crops while exporting fresh garlic to…
Carrot export season to Europe and North America kicks off
BDA/Dorot Farm, the grower group of fresh, sweet carrots from Israel, is starting the new export season to Europe and North America. Dorot Farm supplies fresh jumbo carrots to the markets, foodservice industry and ‘fresh and cut’ companies as well as cello carrots in 1lb, 2lb, 3lb and 5lb bags. Additionally,…
Bananas more »
Ecuador banana industry not affected by earthquake, heavy rain slows production
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Ecuador and parts of the North of Peru, this past weekend (Saturday, 18 March 2023) did not affect banana production, producers and exports say. Instead, heavy rains destroyed infrastructure and reduced production somewhat as efforts to repair the damage are under…
Potatoes and Onions more »
Federal Court hearing scheduled regarding P.E.I. potato seeds
A judicial review is scheduled to be heard this week in Federal Court in Charlottetown regarding an application by the P.E.I. Potato Board challenging the federal government's…
Smoke exposure linked to smaller, misshapen potatoes, according to U of I, BSU study
Potato plants exposed to extreme smoke produced lower marketable yields than smoke-free plants, according to preliminary data from a joint University of Idaho and Boise State University study. Results differed based on variety, with heavy wildfire smoke exposure being linked to smaller Clearwater Russets…
Sweet potato season ends in Egypt, producers celebrate a good year
The sweet potato season is coming to an end in Egypt, exporters are liquidating their last volumes and producers are preparing for the next season. Zayed Lahseen, CEO of AfriGoodGrow, gives an overview of the season. The season started with lower volumes than the previous one, due to reduced acreage.…
Waterman Onions digitizes its logistics operations with Zebra Technologies
Technology to process 11,000 crates and manage 150,000 tons of onions
Zebra Technologies Corporation, an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that deliver a performance edge, today announced that global onion producer Waterman Onions BV has digitized its logistics operations to gain constant visibility of its fast-paced distribution of…
Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables more »
“The focus of Indian mango exporters is primarily on meeting the demand of international markets”
The mango season is about to kick off, says Amit Sharma, owner of fruit trader Fresko Fruits: “Indian summers are nothing without mangoes. They are renowned for their aroma…
Increased demand is a main factor for growth of US avocado imports
Avocados are currently the most-consumed tropical fruit in the world. One of the biggest consumers of avocados in the world is the US. Its annual per capita avocado consumption has already surpassed 4.1 kg, or three times the European consumption. The main factors driving the increase in US avocado…
Óscar Ramírez, manager of TrÓpico Spain:
"We expect a smooth transition to the Peruvian avocado season and a rebound in consumption"
The Spanish avocado season is ending in the south, while it is starting in the Region of Valencia, a later area with more limited quantities. The first containers of fruit from Peru are also arriving. "We are marketing the last batches of avocados of the Spanish season, although we still have the Valencian…
“Only one thousand of the eight thousand avocado orchards in Michoacan are legal”
Mayela Salas Saénz, the Deputy of the 14th District of Uruapan Norte, stated in the presentation of an initiative to modify the Law of Integral Sustainable Rural Development…
Mark Everett - Worldwide Fruit
UK avocado sales volumes remain consistent
The supply of avocados from Spain, Israel and Chile are in the later stages of the season and arrivals from Peru and South Africa are now starting to increase. The volumes from Spain were smaller this season as was the fruit size. “There was 30-40% less from Spain. This was caused by a bumper harvest and…
Company news more »
Greenyard Fresh Belgium aims to save over 100,000 m³ of water for fresh fruit and vegetables each year
Greenyard Fresh Belgium and Pidpa, a Belgian integrated water utilities company, have announced that they have entered the final phase of their plans to install a new on-site water purification system on Greenyard’s site in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. The installation has an innovative biological treatment…
Lineage deepens commitment to Southern Europe with opening of new offices in Madrid
Lineage Logistics opens headquarters in Madrid, Spain
Lineage Logistics, LLC, one of the leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions providers worldwide, has opened a new Southern Europe headquarters in Madrid, Spain on 17 March, at an event attended by the Company's Southern Europe Management team, as well as European and US…
Brazil’s Porto Itapoá invests in equipment ‘firsts’ for Brazil
Volumes at Porto Itapoá grew by more than 14% in 2022 (885,822 TEUs or 950,512 TEUs including empty containers). This was the highest growth rate from the five largest container terminals in Brazil. The number of vessels calling the Port also grew by 4.9% in 2022. With volumes continuing to grow, the…
Masser Family of Companies hires industry veteran
The Masser Family of Companies announced that industry veteran Robert “Bob” Meek joined the company as Executive VP of Sales as of March 20, 2023. Meek will lead the company’s…
Greenhouse more »
The evolution of the microgreens business
In an expanding space such as indoor and greenhouse growing, how do you make your company stand out? For City Roots Organic, it starts with the story. The company is a South Carolina-based family-owned business that specializes in one item: organic microgreens. "The microgreens market is increasing.…
Logistics more »
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Record container throughput for King Abdulaziz Port
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Saudi Arabia handled 18,553 TEUs on a single vessel, making it the highest throughput ever recorded across Saudi ports. The previous record of…
Machinery more »
"With the help of UAV protection technology, orchard operations have been greatly improved"
In agriculture, UAV plant protection technology is mainly used in field crops or plantations with wide and flat terrain, but less frequently in citrus orchards with hilly terrain. Recently, in an exchange with Linhai Chunshu Fruit Professional Cooperative, we learned that the cooperative pays attention…
General fresh produce more »
'Washington Grown' bill makes it out of House committee in time for National Ag Day
The House Agriculture Committee voted to pass a bill to create a “Washington Grown” branding program, just in time for National Ag Day. A branding program is a marketing tool…
AFBF hails bipartisan effort to freeze flawed wage rate
The American Farm Bureau Federation urges Congress to pass newly-introduced legislation to freeze the flawed 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which distorts labor costs…
Management more »
Australian avocados gain entry into Indian market
Australian avocados gained entry into the Indian market this weekend, though final approval is subject to the success of ten trial shipments. Exporters and industry bodies have commended the Australian and Indian governments on reaching this agreement. The Australian Government’s Hass avocado market…
Miscellaneous more »
‘UK retail chains should do more to combat potential abuses in supply chains‘
This month, British supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose agreed to pay for audits on British farms to inspect the conditions of foreign seasonal workers and…
Fruit more »
Peru starts exporting grapes to Japan
The Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) has reported that grape exports to Japan will start tomorrow. Vice Minister of Agrarian Development…
Javier de Pablos, of Fruit Luxury:
"The use of protection systems should start to be considered to ensure at least part of the stone fruit harvest survives"
The long-awaited cherry season is approaching in Spain, and the first fruits will be delivered in less than a month from greenhouses such as that of Fruit Luxury, in Huesca. "We expect to harvest the first volumes between April 15 and 20," says Javier de Pablo Camarasa, agronomist and manager of the…
"Our preservative pad can prolong the fresh-keeping period of blueberries by about 30%"
Blueberries are a perishable fruit, which are easily to damage during processing, and are also prone to mildew and dehydration in storage and logistics. This also brings great…
Will California be able to re-start grape exports to Asia?
It would be an understatement to say that 2022 was a challenging season for California table grape exports. “Inflation reared its head, but what played a bigger role is that the dollar went incredibly high, which made our product super expensive abroad,” says Nick Dulcich with Pretty Lady Vineyards.…
Rockit partners with Emirates Red Crescent to celebrate Ramadan
New Zealand apple brand Rockit has partnered with Emirates Red Crescent to make the month of Ramadan special for all. The partnership will see Rockit donate 1 dirham for every Ramadan-inspired Rockit giftbox sold – containing two tubes of iconic Rockit™ apples – to the Emirates Red Crescent, supporting…
“Joy Wing Mau focuses on quality not volume for fruit sourced from Latin America to China”
The Chile based office of China’s Joy Wing Mau Group (JWM), importers and distributors of over 2 000 containers of fruit from South America to China and the rest of Asia, are looking for more suppliers to meet the insatiable demand in that region. María José García, and her colleague Claudio Salas in…
Bob Mast awarded 2023 Apple Citizen of the Year
The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival announced on March 17th that Bob Mast, President of CMI Orchards, is being recognized as the 2023 Apple Citizen of the Year. The award was bestowed in a surprise presentation by Festival Administrator Darci Christoferson, along with Apple Blossom Queen…
“The Polish apple season should still be going by the start of June at the very least”
After two strong months, March has been on and off when it comes to the apple trade in Poland. Mateusz Wajnert, head of sales for Polish apple exporter Galster, states that demand is looking similar to previous years: “After both a very good January and February, March seems kind of unreal. We have weeks…
Egyptian strawberry growers complain of adverse weather conditions
The strawberry sector in Egypt is suffering disruptions due to unfavorable weather conditions, according to Mohammed Ezzat, CEO of the producer Green Nile. Ezzat explains: "The season started with a cold snap that affected the Ismailia region in particular, and damaged the strawberry crops. Later on, the…
Herbs more »
Could cultivating celery in rewetted peatland aid battle against global warming?
Would celery be able to combat global climate change? Paludiculture, also known as wet farming, seeks to rewet drained peatland and produce crops that can withstand high water…
Agenda more »
New Organic Enforcement Rule topic for OPS 2023 ed session
Designed to increase the oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sales of organic products throughout the supply chain, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule is set to take effect in March 2024. The effects of this new rule will be felt by the entirety of the organic fresh…
Citrus more »
In the last 30 years, Spanish lemon production has reduced its water footprint by 38.96%
Amidst the water awareness week, it's worth noting that the Lemon and Grapefruit Interbranch Association (AILIMPO) has been working for years to reduce the water footprint of…
The detection of the fake moth in Israel should force the EU to extend cold treatment to mandarins
In September, the Citrus Management Committee (CGC) called on the European Commission (EC) to investigate the extent of non-compliance with the application of cold treatment…
New pigmented orange varieties allow for year-round red orange supply
The worldwide increase in the popularity of pigmented citrus varieties is not only due to their attractive color and great flavor but also for the purported health benefits because of their lycopene content. Biogold North America, a citrus variety development company, is now licensing growers to plant…
Organic more »
Organic citrus sales decline
Fresh organic citrus sales took a downward turn in 2022, posting year-over-year losses in both U.S. dollar sales (-1.6%) and volume sales (-5.2%). The Organic Produce Network, in its State of Organic…
Health more »
RUSH University in Chicago study claims:
'Eating leafy greens might lead to fewer brain proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease'
According to a new study performed by RUSH University in Chicago, people who eat green leafy vegetables, fruit, whole grains, olive oil, beans, nuts and fish may have fewer…
IT more »
"Soaring prices for fresh produce require a reduction in the number of intermediaries"
In the context of soaring consumer prices for fresh produce, calls to rethink sales circuits are growing. "Prices on the shelves are reaching a record high at the same time as producers are complaining about low margins, and some are even selling at a loss. This is because of the presence of too many…
Innovations more »
No More Butts
Using mushrooms to convert cigarette butts into useful products
Cigarette litter is a real problem, so Australian charity No More Butts and Melbourne-based mycologists Fungi Solutions have teamed up to start CigCycle. CigCycle is a…
Processed fruit and vegetables more »
Rains could cause California kale gaps come May
Supplies of conventional kale in the marketplace are tight. “The plants have been affected by the cold weather and are not growing as quickly as they should be. We are looking to other growing regions that are not so heavily hit by major weather changes to source from,” says Megan Ichimoto of San Miguel…
Cooling more »
Perishable Movements K. Ltd. about their vacuum cooling service:
“The product quality is maintained, ensuring a longer shelf-life”
Perishable Movements K. Ltd. is a mid-sized freight forwarding & logistics company based in Kenya, consisting of 60 employees. The company transports between 50 – 100 tons of produce per day, of which 40% needs to be cooled, such as fresh flowers, herbs & cuttings, and fruits & vegetables. Because of…
Food safety more »
Distributed by Costco in Los Angeles, Hawaii and in two San Diego business centers
California Splendor, Inc. recalls Kirkland brand bags of Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries
California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California is recalling certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, Hawaii and two San Diego business centers, due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses. Although, Hepatitis A has…
Nuts and dried fruits more »
Göksel Keser of Yesil My Fresh Fruit Ltd Essen:
"During the festival of Ramadan, we sell jumbo Medjoul dates by the pallet"
This year's Ramadan period officially starts on March 22 and is a high-turnover season for many fruit wholesalers. "Due to the high prices of many products, this year's Ramadan period is proving rather difficult," says Göksel Keser, a buyer and seller at fruit wholesaler Yesil Ltd at the Essen wholesale…
Packaging and Labelling more »
Facebook post leads to unbelief and anger
Toronto: Sobeys sells individually packaged fruit slices
Netizens on Facebook were not merciful when someone posted about a Toronto Sobeys giving away "cute" individually packaged clementine slices. There were lots of comments like,…
Climate more »
Supply gaps imminent for California spring vegetables following record rains
Gaps are on their way. That’s the conclusion following California’s continued rains and their effect on the spring row vegetable crops. “There have been short-term challenges such as getting products in and out of the field because it’s so wet. The bigger challenges will be in the next month or two when…
Retail more »
Dreamstime
2023 Connected Retail Experience StudyDenver Metro Area: Kroger Delivery
US: Giant Eagle parts ways with CEO of past 11 yearsGiant Eagle is separating from its CEO of 11 years. The company announced that the board decided to separate Laura Karet pursuant to her contract. Bill Artman was appointed as the company's interim CEO, effective immediately.Source: cbsnews.com US: Retailers…
