Blackberries now enter stage of rapid growth in North America

“Blueberries have been a winner globally in the past 20 years“

Berries continue to be a huge growth category in the fruit sector. However, the stages of growth vary by region. In the U.S., blueberry consumption is…

Andy Bruno, President of Naturipe Avocado Farms

“Colombia avocados have established a place in the U.S. market”

It has taken less than a decade for Colombian avocados to gain a place in the U.S. market. "In the past 12-18 months especially, we've witnessed a…

'Steel won't get any cheaper anyway'

New Trump import tariff hits greenhouse construction

Following previous import duties on Mexico, Canada, and China—some of which were later paused—U.S. President Trump has now authorized new import duties…

Looking ahead at North Carolina’s spring broccoli season

Spring broccoli season planning is underway in North Carolina. "The crop is getting ready to go to the greenhouses this month for planting that will…

One-third of U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable consumption comes from imports

President Donald Trump aims to use import tariffs to boost domestic production and address trade imbalances. Jan Kees Boon of Fruit & Vegetable Facts…

USDA lowers Florida orange forecast to 11.5 million boxes, down 36% from last season

The 2024-2025 Florida all-orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 11.5 million boxes, down 500,000 boxes from the January…

Canada's Salt Spring Island greenhouse cultivates 35 citrus varieties

On Salt Spring Island, Canada, a greenhouse hosts an unexpected crop: a citrus grove. Initiated by Jane Squier, the project emerged from concerns over…

Sweet potatoes see slight strengthening in demand

The supply of sweet potatoes is very tight. "We are going to do our best to extend the crop this year as long as we can," says Nash Produce's Robin…

Fruit Logistica magazine FreshPlaza/Primeur now available online (English/German)

Fruit Logistica was held between Wednesday 5 and Friday 7 February in Berlin. FreshPlaza and Primeur joined together and published a 158-page tradeshow…

“There are few spaces in ships, instead we send dragon fruit and avocados by air from Ecuador”

The much-needed rain arrived in Ecuador last month (January) but the bananas and exotic fruit plantations still have a way to go to recover to full…

Organic price premiums decline as conventional food prices rise faster

Producers of organic products typically receive higher prices compared to conventional commodities. This price premium helps organic farmers recover…

The World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) presents its annual Southern Hemisphere crop forecast

Southern Hemisphere apple production is set to grow by 5,5% compared to 2024

On the occasion of its Annual General Meeting in Fruit Logistica, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) has released the Southern Hemisphere…

"Biodegradable packaging from agricultural residues extends shelf life of berries"

Perishable fruits like strawberries and raspberries face limited postharvest longevity, often resulting in economic losses due to their short shelf life in…

Banana producers in southern Mexico are concerned about US tariffs

Banana producers and the Processing Industry's National Chamber (Canacintra) on Mexico's southern border have expressed concern about US President Donald…

Indian rupee set to weaken as U.S. tariffs raise trade war concerns

The Indian rupee is set to open slightly weaker on Tuesday following U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, raising…

US tariffs and rising global protectionism threaten South Africa's $14 billion agricultural export market

With the implementation of tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico, the US under President Trump has shifted trade dynamics. Initially targeting…

Jamaica's citrus prices soar amid global shortage and disease outbreak

Citrus prices in Jamaica have surged due to a global shortage exacerbated by disease and climate events. A 90-pound box of oranges now costs about $15,000, a…

Fruit Attraction São Paulo 2025 expands with more exhibitors and market discussions

Fruit Attraction São Paulo is set to return from March 25-27 at São Paulo Expo, bringing together key players in the fruit and vegetable industry. The event,…

"Banana producers call for fair prices and more support from Europe in the face of port security challenges"

At the recent Fruit Logistica 2025, Ecuador and Colombia reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainability and security of the banana trade at the…

"We received larger quantities of kiwis compared to the last few years"

Although the kiwi season in Greece has wrapped up for the most part, the past season has been positive compared to the seasons that came before it,…

Egyptian onion exporters hope for a better demand this season

As the Egyptian onion season approaches, growers are announcing stable volumes and the certain absence of a ban on exports, as was the case two seasons…

Citrus Growers Association calls for urgent port and rail reforms to support export growth

The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has urged the government to expedite reforms in ports and rail infrastructure, aligning with…

Graaff Fruit – MR du Toit

“We love packing stone fruit”

In the packhouse of 20,000 square meters on the farm Lushof in Prince Alfred Hamlet, one of three farms owned by Graaff Fruit, this is the busiest time of the year: they…

“The new regulation on plastic packaging lacks any sense”

The Greek plastic packaging industry will not be able to fit into the new reality that the new EU Regulation 2025/40 tends to bring to fruit and…

Azienda Aria also offers a fan installed on an agricultural cart

Electric and mobile anti-frost fans, ideal for their convenience and low noise impact

The month of February brings the problem of spring frost back to our attention. Tools to combat late frost do exist and, in several Italian regions,…

Ricardo Rosman returns to the fresh produce sector after a stint in policing

"At Fresh-Check, we do more than just inspections and quality checks"

After years of experience in fruit and vegetable quality inspections, including at KCB and Vitaal Europe, Ricardo Rosman's career took a completely…

AGVs in operation at onion packing station

Three automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are in operation at TOP The Onion Group. This is a particularly busy period in the onion business, so in…

Bachata Berry Collective

New premium strawberry variety Bachata to be marketed through Angus Soft Fruits, Frutania, Keelings, and Special Fruit

During Fruit Logistica, strawberry breeder Fresh Forward celebrated the introduction of the new Bachata strawberry. The breeder, known for varieties…

VentureFruit negotiates exclusive deal for Mt Erin Group after cyclone devastation

VentureFruit, T&G Global's IP management and commercialisation business, Has announced that it has negotiated an agreement between local Hawke's Bay…

Growy to launch new product

This February, Growy has officially launched its first own-label produce in Dutch supermarkets. Consumers will now have access to Amsterdam-grown salad mixes, herbs, and…

"A surprising marketing season and an upcoming potato year full of uncertainties and risks"

The harvested potatoes from the NEPG zone (EU-04, i.e. BE, DE, FR, and NL) in 2024 amount to 24,7 million tons, a 6,9 % rise regarding the 2023…

Banana harvest continues in Kazakhstan’s greenhouses

In southern Kazakhstan, in the Sairam district, bananas grow in a greenhouse operated by GenGroup Qazaqstan. This might seem unusual for a country with cold…

Queensland citrus growers suffer up to 70% crop loss after Gayndah hailstorm

Ken Roth, a citrus grower in Gayndah, Australia, observes the losses from a severe hailstorm that hit late last year, leaving thousands of oranges and…

Drug syndicates hide cocaine in refrigerated containers to smuggle into Sydney

Australian authorities report a trend where international drug smuggling syndicates conceal cocaine in refrigerated containers used by legitimate…