FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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Karen Morrish - New Zealand Apples and Pears

“While conditions have been great, the season's expected success is also down to sheer hard work"

Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets returns as Hort Connections Trade Show Sponsor

'Scrap the biosecurity bill'

Dispelling the myth:

Scientific research confirms the truth about nuts and weight gain

Kiwifruit harvest in New Zealand benefits from favorable conditions

Queensland-based fruit and vegetable entity has entered liquidation

Large volumes of Yunnan Shine Muscat grapes, leading to 50% decrease in price

How to find new markets urgently

Prices for oranges in Egypt have fallen to 15 cents per kg

Jalisco seeking to expand export markets for their Mexican avocados

"We'll finish our apple season in the next week or two"

Sector | Vegetables

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Japan: Fresh vegetable market update 2024

Japanese fresh vegetable market was estimated at 13.6 million tons in 2022

Labour pledges to give supermarket salad growers in Harlow their future back

Junior farmers get involved in harvesting 'Snackables'

Recent stormy weather had little effect on South Africa’s baby veg exports

Lively demand for green asparagus from Emilia-Romagna

SanLucar and Galbani:

Spanish and Italian companies brings mozzarella cheese and tomatoes to German plates

"Lower European tomato production provided Turkish tomatoes an opportunity"

Sector | Bananas

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New banana variety resistant to the Fusarium fungus arrives in Ecuador

Banana industry's future in the face of challenges

Banana brand makes debut at Milan Design Week

Organic banana yields should increase again soon

Colombian banana industry aiming for 5% volume growth in 2024

Cocaine found at Port of Beirut in banana shipment from Ecuador

Latam banana producers unhappy with German retailer's low price promotion

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Ukrainian farmers give away onions, which were so precious in 2023

"The onion season will probably fizzle out"

Bolstering food security in the Global South

Hawke's Bay onion crop rebounds after cyclone

Nelson company resumes use of local kūmara for crisps in New Zealand

Shifting from commodity to value-added

Organic and specialty potato categories continue to grow

Holland Onions exports turnover up 49%, shatters 1 billion euros level in 2023

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Mango season starts in Pingtung, Taiwan first loads exported to Hong Kong, China

Overall mango prices fell significantly

Shifts ahead in mango supply

Future projections are optimistic

Kiwifruit sector is trending in New Zealand

Grant Walsh - First Fresh

"Quality looks good with increased brix levels so we are hopeful of a good season"

Mouse activity on board ship leads Zespri to delay start of European Kiwi sales season by a week

First Fruit Attraction São Paulo hailed as a success

Sector | Company news

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Frutas de Chile turns 89

First quarter of 2024: earnings down with cost measures intensified

Fox Packaging founder Kenneth Fox passes away at 91

Olympic Fruit -

"Be part of the Olympic Journey" of Dutch importer

EDEKA acquires business units of the de Groot fresh group in Hedel

T&G appoints new Director

Greenyard acquires dairy-free ice production facility

Sector | Greenhouse

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Dean Taylor with Mastronardi Produce:

“There is always a high level of excitement when we launch a new Bombs variety”

11-hectare greenhouse project officially opened in New Zealand

New sweet peppers meet growing demand for fresh snack options

Aralux plastic film by Agriplast (Italy):

By controlling heat energy better agronomic results can be acheived

Prior to launching, demand for purple tomato already exceeds supply

New greenhouse operations in New Hampshire to launch this spring

Greenhouse grower puts more emphasis on buying local

Sector | Logistics

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Persian Gulf weather disruptions impact supply chains

Thessaloniki Port Authority S.A.

Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput and preferred bidder for Pier 6

World Container Index - 18 Apr

Drewry’s World Container Index decreased by 3% this week

Spot rates experience a steady decline over recent months

Australian farmers renew their calls for road infrastructure funding

Iran's capture of the MSC Aries escalates tensions Middle East

'Potential for heightened war risk premiums and volatility in freight rates'

Panama Canal Authority to increase daily transits to 32

Sector | Machinery

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The future of logistics is automated

Video of the Calderoni inter-row tiller below

Interesting market trend also in North Africa

Autonomous robot harvester makes the cut with asparagus

Polish develop AI-driven solutions even for small blueberry farms

Tomra food inaugurates new center in Valencia

Walter Ahn from WASTO-PAC on the new, dual-track crate cleaning system:

"Cleaning services not only ensure hygiene, but also facilitate sustainable use of reusable containers"

FrostBoss launch new laydown fan tower:

The elegant solution to frost protection

Sector | General fresh produce

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Farming Unions urge major retailers to back British farming

Queensland probes supermarket pricing practices

Valadao, Costa, Rouzer, and Slotkin launch bipartisan Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus

Drought conditions impact New Zealand's North Island agriculture

Tim O'Malley - Nationwide Produce

It’s grim out there

New Zealand agri sector is on the path to enhanced productivity

'Supermarkets still in denial about unconscionable behaviour in Australia'

Sector | Management

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Pound experienced slight increase against the euro on Monday

Paddie Allen appointed as new air freight director for PML Seafrigo

USDA accepting applications for August trade mission to Colombia

New data shows Australian farmers will walk away if worker access is further eroded

Major challenges in the future require water knowledge

Highlighting the potential of the Brazilian fruit sector

Fruit Attraction São Paulo has had a successful start

Mercosur meeting concludes with new initiatives in Paraguay

Sector | Miscellaneous

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Berry fruit production and water challenges in Mangualde

“Non-negligible probability of long-term establishment in France,” according to ANSES

Reinforced surveillance of Asian fruit fly

Astronauts to study plant growth and development on the Moon

Does Ramadan reduce productivity in packing houses?

ACC 2024: New event unlocked added value

Fresh commodity exports to Fiji require additional declaration

Eight Myanmar nationals concealed within vegetable crates

Human trafficking operation intercepted on Thai-Myanmar border

Sector | Fruit

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Growing a variety of crops key to survive El Niño effects for Peruvian exporter

Cherries are top of mind this spring

Balanced market for strawberries, without production peaks and with higher prices than usual:

"Downward trend in raspberry cultivation continues due to low profitability"

Apple and onion supply surged, while potato and carrot prices keep falling down

"Our cherry production has increased by 60 per cent"

Fresh apple prices in Ukraine are high – will Ukraine turn to imports?

New South Wales, Australia

Quality-first strategy in Batlow orchard yields high profits

Sector | Herbs

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Peter Mair of Gruppo Mec:

"Italian arugula cultivation becomes more professional and sustainable with each passing year"

Belgian company sees organic as a step toward the future

"We want to be a pioneer in the organic segment"

Retailer in North of England finds supplier with fresh range of new herbs

Natalia Moranth, Green Explosion:

“We want to introduce our Colombian fresh fruit to Europe”

Andrew Smith - Butler Market Gardens

“In the Christmas week we sell up to three times more herbs than normal"

Fresh herb industry braces for Christmas as busiest week of the year while tackling challenges

ALDI Belgium about winter fruit and vegetable supply:

"Our fresh, organic herbs are 100% Belgian, year-round"

Sector | Agenda

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Over 12,000 visitors from 45 countries attended first Fruit Attraction São Paulo show

26 and 27 June 2024 Óbidos, Portugal -

Interpera 2024 to focus on technical visits in Portugal

May 28, 29 and 30

The Citrus Forum will feature over 50 international citrus cultivation experts

IFPA opens registration for the 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show

Unido Itpo Italy

Iraqi buyers and operators will also be in attendance at the fair

Fruit attraction in São Paulo to showcase Brazil's agricultural prowess

Expert speakers headline Hort Connections conference program

Sector | Citrus

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Mandarin prices drop due to soft demand in New Zealand

The Alizza Fruit™ season 3 wins award and production expands to South Africa

FarmTogether introduces crowdfunded investment in the Great Valley Citrus Grove

Nathan Hancock - Citrus Australia

“We expect to see further growth in China over the next few years"

World Citrus Organisation forecast -

Southern Hemisphere citrus exports to grow 7.45%, production decrease of 0.77% in 2024

The European Commission is open to requiring cold treatment for all imported citrus fruits

A look at import citrus this spring and summer

Sector | Organic

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Better outlook for the Senegalese organic mango campaign

New "Inverted Natural Branding" of organic fruit and vegetables

'Good prospects for U.S. organic product exports to the EU remain'

New Zealand's organic kiwifruit sector sees growth and potential

Pieter Declercq, organics product manager, REO Veiling:

"Organic vegetables' better-matched supply improves market prices"

Proximity to production, selection, effective communication

The three winning ingredients for the success of organic fruit and vegetables

A look at what lies ahead for organics in 2024

Sector | Health

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Looking at vegetable intake and cancer risk reduction

Bananas facilitate quicker recovery after running

Harvard study links fruit and vegetable intake to longevity in the US

New research claims: Eating almonds can aid in post-exercise recovery

Avocado consumption linked to improved health in Australian survey

Is there a correlation between avocado consumption and heart health?

Italian study reveals anti-hypertensive benefits of pomegranate waste extract

Sector | IT

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Free farm management app to save Italian growers time this season

Through the digitalization of berth alignment

Ocean Network Express and Portchain ink deal to drive sustainability across the carrier’s network

© Nicoelnino | Dreamstime.com

Ransomware attacks on Ag companies:

"Attacks on the sector made up 5.5% of all ransomware operations globally"

Australian farmers urged to consider their data security

Orchard Robotics creates data-driven module for existing farm machinery

Harry Tinson - Harvest Eye:

"The possibilities to adapt the technology for other crops is almost endless"

Tech is bridging the gap between farms and politics in Spain

Sector | Innovations

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Denise Junqueiro with Apeel Sciences

“Our technology provides shippers confidence for long haul shipments and to open up new export markets”

How more than 60 million pieces of fruit were stopped going to waste last year

Conserving two Olympic-sized swimming pools of water annually

Verdant Technologies and Sobeys partner on iceless broccoli

Using multispectral cameras to determine oranges' suitability for various products

Avocado ripeness checker debated by Australians

AgrigateOne invites industry to test-drive its market intelligence beta product

Pierneef Smit – Berda Fruit South Africa:

Electric fourwheeler: “The most cost-effective agri vehicle available in South Africa”

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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McDonald’s french fry perfume is real

6.7% increase from the end of 2022

Brazilian orange juice stock levels see a rise

Customer shows Birds Eye veggie mix has very little broccoli

Softer sales for salad kits at retailer's deli counters

Critical shortage of tinned beetroot hits Australia

Fresh apples for processing – a new popular export product in Europe

Amid adverse weather and tough competition

Tough year for Moroccan frozen produce exports in 2023

Sector | Cooling

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To support food security in Lincolnshire

Magnavale Easton development approaches finish line

Launch of new refrigerated ocean transportation service utilizing electric field technology

MSC South Africa Inaugurates MEDLOG Cold Store Facility, revolutionizing trade dynamics in the region

Commercial value of reefer exports through Oakland topped $7 billion:

Port of Oakland remains preferred gateway for refrigerated export cargo in 2023

Maersk’s new integrated cold chain facility at Ruakura Superhub brings the Golden Triangle to life

Anton Viljoen, Stephan Antonowitz – Hexkoel

Beating the odds to get Hex grapes out into the world

Emergent Cold LatAm opens a new refrigerated warehouse in Panama

Sector | Food safety

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Industry input needed for Australian certification standards

New Zealand food safety recall on raw fruit juice

Enoki Mushrooms recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination

FTI urges Thailand to scrutinize fruit and vegetable imports

US study says refrigeration reduces E. coli contamination in leafy greens

Westfalia Fruit trials technology targeting food safety and sustainability

After Hepatitis A cases linked to frozen berries in 2022 - 2023 period

New Zealand Ministry calls for stronger monitoring of food importers

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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Leading pecan companies announce collaboration to elevate the pecan to new heights

The Chilean prune industry must continue to focus on China, without neglecting traditional markets

Asia and Europe are key markets for California pistachios and almonds

UK suspends tariffs on all raw almonds - beginning April 11

US exported more of its tree nuts than other major producers

Global trade of tree nuts has increased by 14 times in value since 2001

Macadamia nut prices rebound worldwide

Indonesian Ulema Council issues ban on Israeli dates

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Sysco is driving more eco-friendly products and innovative solutions to reduce plastic and packaging waste

ExxonMobil and Constantia Flexibles develop recyclable freezer film in Poland

Launch of new packaging solutions

White paper outlines new technology solution in PE cling film

IFPA A-NZ calls for national approach to fruit sticker ban

Spanish supermarket uses Finnish technology to reduce packaging waste

Presenting premium tomatoes like sweets in a cardboard tray

Sector | Retail

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7-Eleven accelerating entry into Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa

An example of the Circular Economy: Mercadona's green crates for fruit and vegetables

Intermarché has teamed up with Uber Eats in an exclusive partnership across Portugal

Asda reported a 24% rise in annual earnings

Sligro growth “slightly positive”

UK supermarkets accused of misleading labeling on origins of fresh fruit and vegetables

Albert Heijn has established a Food Transition Advisory Council

Kantar: Wonky vegetables have found favour with cost-conscious consumers

Ocado Group: ISF rollout with Auchan Retail Poland

Just Eat Takeaway's total orders fell 6%

Just Eat Takeaway.com to discontinue all operations in New Zealand

HelloFresh opens its largest and most advanced European distribution centre

Coop amba and OK have agreed on a 50/50 ownership structure for Coop Danmark

Woolworths officially launches in New Zealand

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW ORANGES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW SWEET POTATOES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW STRAWBERRIES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW LIMES

Global market overview peppers

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GINGER

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CUCUMBERS

Sector | Climate

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Unprecedented floods in the United Arab Emirates destroy greenhouses

Dutch importers climate targets approved by science based targets initiative

New tool can help predict local risks from common plant problems

Exploring climate change impacts on plant disease risks in New Zealand

Australia might face unprecedented megadroughts

First public consultation -

Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for fresh produce is now open

Impact of La Niña on Chilean agriculture: challenges and expectations

In a month, Sinaloa’s water supply will be reduced

Sector | Cartoons

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Pringles and Crocs unveil snack-friendly boots in limited-edition collaboration

Viral TikTok video sparks debate over 'Fake' Costco banana

Pineapple Passion

Man made a flute out of a carrot and it works perfectly

Why are vegetarian meals on planes so bad?

Local identity fuels fashion: Uttaradit's Durian-themed apparel attracts tourists

Students innovate with eco-friendly inks from fruit and vegetable leftovers