FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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Ilan Liwski, Phytech:

“We cover more than 100,000 hectares worldwide with our sensors”

María José Sánchez, Director of Fruit Attraction:

"This year, Fruit Attraction will surpass all previous figures"

Great opportunities for pineapples, papayas, avocados, blueberries, and more

FTA between Ecuador and China enters into force on May 1

Reaction to ruling on tomato imports from Mexico

Change at the helm of Peru's Trade Office in New York

Softer demand slows movement on bell peppers

The Canary Islands is already exporting bananas to Poland

Early arrival of New Zealand SunGold kiwifruit in U.S. market

The real growth in the sweet potato segment stems from value-added packs

"This investment will enable us to increase garlic production and harvesting in more areas"

Sector | Vegetables

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Nature-based shelf-life solution for key Italian vegetable ingredients

Much better season for Egyptian dry garlic

With a lack of space we grow our vegetables on the street

The State of Mexico, a leader in mushroom production

Cherry tomatoes makes it into Top 10 best-selling brands in France

“In Sweden Spring has been a disaster with 30% drop in glasshouse vegetable production”

Drip irrigation innovation sees vegetable farm's yields go through the roof

Sector | Bananas

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Banana research in North Carolina aims to combat deadly fungus

Banana movement stays steady while plantain market gains strength

Ghanaian banana exporter plans West African expansion

Helge Sparsoe - Fyffes

“We knew that putting a new consumer brand into this category would be something radically new"

Peru's banana exports have decreased by 15% so far this year

Kazakhstan is a front-runner in banana consumption in Central Asia

Ecuador's banana exports up to March 2024 decreased by 0.24%

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Export of white onions from Gujarat sparks discontent in Maharashtra

Adriaan van Belzen, Daily Onions:

"With the arrival of the first Egyptian red onions, it seems the period of shortages and high prices is coming to an end"

"Gulf and far east counties are promising markets for Egyptian processing potatoes in 2024"

Egyptian potato exports to Asia immune to red sea crisis

Egyptian onion exporters enjoy a calm competition

Cuban potato harvest again below expectations

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

Some onion supply relief comes on from Texas and Mexico

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Durian harvest

More historic timing on California’s upcoming fig season

Uganda tightens inspection on avocado, banana, and pineapples to improve export quality

Westfalia fruit expands avocado trade in Kerala with local partnership

The conquest of the Rio Grande Valley in Peru with pomegranates and blueberries

"Access for Kenyan and Australian avocados has ushered in a new era of possibilities"

Ecuadorean mango is increasingly closer to the Korean market

Sector | Company news

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Ocean Network Express released Financial Result for FY2023

Full-year forecast for FY2024 sees a profit of approximately US$1 billion

AgDevCo in equity investment deal with Agris for growth of fresh-food production and distribution in East Africa

Dutch companies celebrate breaking ground for new building

GrubMarket expands further into South Africa through the acquisition of Global Produce

Grimmway Farms acquires to expand fresh-cut business

Origin Fruit Direct now 'Origin Fruit Group'

First quarter of 2024: earnings down with cost measures intensified

Sector | Greenhouse

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Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture visits Mexican farms to ratify results

Stephen Cowan with Mucci Farms on CPMA Vancouver:

“We will celebrate all the amazing work happening in the Canadian produce industry”

Chef partnership champions sustainable agriculture

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

CPMA Vancouver:

Highlighting local opportunities with Canadian retailers and partners

New sweet peppers meet growing demand for fresh snack options

Sector | Logistics

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Port city Colombo set to become a regional logistics and business hub

To swerve as primary entry point into the EU for perishables

IAG Cargo expands its perishables facility in Madrid

Noticeable improvement in schedule reliability in March 2024

Latest research from Fairmiles:

'At least 18 million livelihoods in developing countries are supported by airfreighted fresh produce'

Drewry’s World Container Index remains stable this week

FPC Chief on UK border strategy -

“We have become the laughing stock of Europe"

Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet telematics solution helps Roamer Transport Inc. improve uptime and save truck loads

Sector | Machinery

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Using robotics to help sort onions on Georgia farms

The future of logistics is automated

Ernst Slabbekoorn, Swift International:

"Many European growers busy with frost protection"

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

Sector | General fresh produce

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Photo report CPMA Vancouver

"Kenya is a minor fruit and vegetable sector player"

USMCA seasonal perishable products weekly update

Avocado shippers are busy filling Cinco-de-Mayo contracts and commitments

Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green:

‘Agricultural growth in Jamaica exceeds 10% in early 2024’

Aston University research:

'Social media can be used to increase fruit and vegetable intake in young people'

Half of the local harvest does not reach Europe

Kenya is Europe's vegetable garden: "That's how the world works"

A closer look at Vancouver’s retail offerings

Sector | Management

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Charl du Bois appointed as new managing director of Capespan

EFRA Committee raises concerns and seeks clarity from Defra over reported delays to 30 April checks

European Parliament approves a revision of the EU’s common agricultural policy

Star Group names four vice-presidents of sales and procurement

MEPs approve trade support measures for Ukraine with protection for EU farmers

Pound experienced slight increase against the euro on Monday

Paddie Allen appointed as new air freight director for PML Seafrigo

Sector | Miscellaneous

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Zespri faces potential loss due to mouse infestation in kiwifruit shipment

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

World Trade Bridge

CBP officers find over $8.4 million in methamphetamine in shipment of celery, broccoli, and cauliflower

Does Ramadan reduce productivity in packing houses?

Building a natural bee habitat to support bee populations

Otay Mesa Commercial Facility

Intercepted shipment of limes reveals over $3 million worth of cocaine

Sector | Fruit

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Grow grape vine from grapes with a banana at home

Yunnan's Zhiguan blueberries make their debut in Japan

Peaches and nectarines are already cheaper than apples in Turkey

Carlos Bon with Divine Flavor

“We’re able to hit an early grape window in Jalisco and extend the Sonora season”

Hong Kong pays the highest prices for Peruvian grapes

Ukrainian apples conquer new grounds: the Iraqi market surge

EastFruit reports on frost impact on berry crops in Poland, Serbia, Ukraine

Sector | Herbs

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Moroccan rosemary supply hit by drought

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"

Fresh organic herb supply expected to start picking up in February

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"

Sector | Agenda

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Cobrey Farms, Coleraine Buildings, Wednesday, 26 June 2024 -

British Asparagus Conference 2024 to focus on key production aspects

Photo Report: SIAM 2024

To attend Macfrut

Counterseasonal produce by Argentinian companies

Great start to MedFEL 2024

Moldovan ‘Fruit Day’ will take place July 12th

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

Sector | Citrus

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The solar plant planned in Onda-Alcora would destroy one of the most valuable Valencian citrus areas

Eddy Kreukniet, Exsa Europe:

"European market has room for quality South African oranges"

Growth in export demand may bring new opportunities

“Sales of Lunwan oranges are progressing slowly”

Morocco gains access to Brazilian market for citrus exports

Naranjasyfrutas.com conducts a survey for the second edition of the Farmers' Best-Valued-Business Awards

Citrus producers will choose the best business of the 2023/24 campaign

A difficult season for Moroccan citrus

Investing in new citrus plantings in Brazil can be worthwhile

Sector | Organic

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Austria: Traders and producers speak out on the organic market

"The organic selection is still much more limited, comparatively"

Better outlook for the Senegalese organic mango campaign

Organic share of bananas continues to exceed 30 percent

Mexican organic orchards offer better psyllid control

New "Inverted Natural Branding" of organic fruit and vegetables

Dole Organic Fair Trade Certified Pineapples selected as a Good Housekeeping's 2024 Sustainable Innovation Awards Winner

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

Sector | Health

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University of Queensland collaboration

Say goodbye to garlic breath with odour-free black garlic

Increasing fruit and vegetable intake among adults

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

Sector | IT

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Potato agronomy forecasts now available in myField App

From seed to plate, AI is transforming how and what we eat

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"

Rio Grande do Sul positioned for for digital inclusion initiatives

Orchard Robotics creates data-driven module for existing farm machinery

Sector | Innovations

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Utrecht University

Utrecht University research

Residual waste from mushroom cultivation removes pollutants from water

Polymer found in corn, potatoes and beans

Smart windows breakthrough in the U.S.

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

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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Collecting apples for juice and pulp processing

Brazil observed a decline in the volume of orange juice exported from July to March

Brazilian orange juice processors finished 2023 with low stocks

McDonald’s french fry perfume is real

6.7% increase from the end of 2022

Brazilian orange juice stock levels see a rise

Audited at December 31, 2023

Global inventories of Brazilian orange juice held by CitrusBR members at 463,940 tons

New Florida fresh-cut facility showcased during Southern Exposure

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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EU Commission first implementation report:

The relevance of combating Unfair Trading Practices and the need for further EU actions

Pesticide levels in imported produce are a concern in the U.S.

Industry input needed for Australian certification standards

Republika Srpska bans strawberry imports from Albania due to pesticide concerns

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

Westfalia Fruit trials technology targeting food safety and sustainability

Braga Fresh recalls Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch chopped salad kit

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. announces voluntary recall of limited number of salad kits

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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Organic farming base favorably positions Turkish dried fruits and nuts in the global market

"Chilean walnut production down by 15-25% compared to 2023"

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

U.S. almond exports to Canada came to 2.57 tons in March 2024

Asia and Europe are key markets for California pistachios and almonds

Export volumes of Ukrainian walnuts stabilize

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Parkside introduces recyclable lidding film in the UK

Concerns raised over new EU packaging rules

New EU rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging

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

Sector | Retail

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7-Eleven Japan gets smart advertising

Lidl GB plans to open hundreds of new stores across the country

Jumbo opens “Europe's largest mechanized food distribution center”

Jerónimo Martins has reported a bigger than expected drop in Q1 net profit

TommyTomato has secured €1.9mln to get 50,000+ children to eat a vegetable lunch this year

Hungary's government plans to sue Austrian supermarket chain Spar for defamation

Casino said its first-quarter sales remained negative

Sainsbury's forecast strong profit growth in its new financial year

The HelloFresh Group delivered its highest ever quarterly revenue

Groupe Casino has announced details of a new 'transformation plan'

Co-op is the first UK retailer to announce it is moving to 100% British strawberries

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

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANGOES

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

Sector | Climate

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Study looks at challenges of climate change on potato production in Canada

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

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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Carrot harvest uncovers ancient coin treasure

Garlic farmer's fury ignites wealth gap debate

Triathlon Triumph: racing with bananas

Peruvian farmer claims world's oldest man record at 124 years

Pilot tattoos favorite crop: courgette

Record for fastest marathon in fruit costume

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