FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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Stephen Cowan with Mucci Farms on CPMA Vancouver:

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

Cherries are top of mind this spring

Some onion supply relief comes on from Texas and Mexico

Fraser Valley producers welcome home CPMA trade show

Jalisco seeking to expand export markets for their Mexican avocados

'Mexican tomato industry won’t be able to litigate its way out of dumping charges'

Extreme cold snap impacts Okanagan-Similkameen cherry crop

Braga Fresh COO named Ag Woman of the Year

New vice president of marketing and sales at Progressive Produce

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

Sector | Vegetables

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Ontario green asparagus season to start May 5

Japan: Fresh vegetable market update 2024

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

Vermont farms are still recovering from last year's flooding

Slightly later start for California bell peppers

Junior farmers get involved in harvesting 'Snackables'

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

Why tomatoes are considered vegetables in the US

Sector | Bananas

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B Corp certification in Fairtrade banana category

New banana variety resistant to the Fusarium fungus arrives in Ecuador

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

US Department of Labor awards grant to enhance compliance with international labor standards in Ecuador’s banana sector

Cocaine found at Port of Beirut in banana shipment from Ecuador

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"

Mintecglobal.com

UK potato prices at record highs

Study points to future decline PEI potato yields due to climate change

Market and Crop Update for April 18, 2024

'Onion quality looks excellent and customers are happy to get going with our new season'

Western New York

Onion planting in Elba’s mucklands

Shifting from commodity to value-added

Organic and specialty potato categories continue to grow

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Damaris Pianetta: "We suffer from a lack of regular maritime routes"

Panama bets on European markets

Southern Sinaloa mango producers expect a complicated season

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

CPMA announces Board of Directors for 2024-2025

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

TRUE certification for pursuing zero waste

Sector | Greenhouse

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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

"60 hectares of hydroponic greenhouses by 2028"

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

Sector | Logistics

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Persian Gulf weather disruptions impact supply chains

Spot rates experience a steady decline over recent months

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

Multimodal Dry Canal project

Panama turns to a 'dry canal' amidst maritime challenges

World Container Index - 11 Apr

Drewry’s World Container Index decreased by 1% this week

Bringing new employment opportunities to Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Lineage announces latest automated warehouse

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

Tomra food inaugurates new center in Valencia

FrostBoss launch new laydown fan tower:

The elegant solution to frost protection

Solar irrigation offering to be rolled out across sub-Saharan Africa

Ray Rotar - Intralox:

Conveyor solutions supporting fruit and vegetable handling and processing applications

Sector | General fresh produce

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Farming Unions urge major retailers to back British farming

USMCA Seasonal Perishable Products Weekly Update:

Asparagus growers continue their transition from Caborca to the Obregon, Constitution regions

Bell peppers of all colors, zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumbers chased the winter chill away

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

Tim O'Malley - Nationwide Produce

It’s grim out there

CPMA responds to Federal Budget 2024

Engaging market players from Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Tajikistan

The most profitable crop in 2024/25 – survey’s results

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

California acts to halt Kings County’s groundwater overpumping

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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Finley, Washington

Lineage Logistics warehouse fire leads to mass evacuation

Birds threaten crops such as lychee, rambutan, mango, papaya, and corn

Kauai struggles with invasive parakeets

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

CBP officers seize millions worth of methamphetamine at Otay Mesa cargo in the US

World Trade Bridge

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

Sector | Fruit

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

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

Karen Morrish - New Zealand Apples and Pears

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

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

"Our cherry production has increased by 60 per cent"

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

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"

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"

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

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

Buyers and suppliers connect in intimate setting at IFPA Retail Conference

Sector | Citrus

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How to find new markets urgently

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

Jesús Pardines, from Orifruit: "We will still have quality fruit, freshly picked from the trees, until June"

"Spanish oranges are highly appreciated in the European market. They just don't want to pay for them"

In Georgia Owari Trial, yields peaked in 2021

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

Invasive pests and diseases menace California's citrus

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"

Sector | Organic

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Better outlook for the Senegalese organic mango campaign

US organic imports triple, exports are increasing

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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Dispelling the myth:

Scientific research confirms the truth about nuts and weight gain

Looking at vegetable intake and cancer risk reduction

Bananas facilitate quicker recovery after running

US study looks into beneficial gut microbes through whole-food dietary fiber

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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Free farm management app to save Italian growers time this season

Webinar helps ag industry protect itself from cyber threats

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"

Orchard Robotics receives $3.8 mln to build robots and AI to power precision crop management

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"

Sector | Innovations

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Post-harvest solution granted approval for use in Canada

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

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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Two new flavors join salad kit line

Second biggest processing factory in Nigeria formally opened

Pomegranate fiber added to specialty ingredients lineup

McDonald’s french fry perfume is real

6.7% increase from the end of 2022

Brazilian orange juice stock levels see a rise

New Florida fresh-cut facility showcased during Southern Exposure

Customer shows Birds Eye veggie mix has very little broccoli

Sector | Cooling

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Cold chain 101: Exploring the cold chain, one link at a time

Transportation and redistribution connects supply to demand

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

Bangladesh looks to US investment in cold storage to curb losses

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

Sector | Food safety

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Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores

Organic basil: Outbreak investigation of Salmonella

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

Industry input needed for Australian certification standards

Enoki Mushrooms recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination

K-Fresh brand Enoki Mushroom recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

FTI urges Thailand to scrutinize fruit and vegetable imports

Jammu and Kashmir administration addresses concerns over artificially ripened fruits ahead of Ramadan

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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March US almond shipments exceed industry expectations

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

Increased almond export opportunities in the UK from April 11

Asia and Europe are key markets for California pistachios and almonds

Brazilian nut exporters hope to regain lost market in Europe and US

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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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

IFCO expands its footprint in Mesquite, Florida

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

Spanish supermarket uses Finnish technology to reduce packaging waste

Why EU packaging rules could spell disaster for health and sustainability

Sector | Retail

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Albertsons reported revenue of $18.3bln for the fourth quarter

166 stores added to Kroger’s divestiture plan for Albertsons acquisition deal

Some of Kroger merger lawsuit’s more novel complaints could face great scrutiny - Former FTC chair

CEO: BIM has not been officially asked to operate in Canada

From a failed business venture to launching a salad kit company

Grubhub is partnering with Mercato

Acquisition of 204 Stripes stores completed by 7-Eleven

Gopuff and Misfits Market partnership will deliver more than 300 items, including fresh fruit and vegetables

Grabango has launched ALDIgo checkout-free shopping

Wegmans has announced plans to open first Charlotte, North Carolina store

Abras: Brazilian supermarkets broke the barrier of R$1trn in revenue

SpartanNash has acquired Metcalfe’s Market

Hannaford Supermarkets: New stores in Fort Kent and Madawaska, Maine

Walmart Canada has cut the ribbon on its “Store of the Future”

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

Berry grower focuses on reducing carbon footprint

Dutch importers climate targets approved by science based targets initiative

First public consultation -

Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for fresh produce is now open

Water reserves in Spain stand at 57.8%

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