FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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Increasing presence in European market

“Our ethylene products support uniform fruit ripening across the globe”

Mexican lime supply expected to see improvements

February exports continue to outperform imports at the Port of Oakland

Summer Southern and Eastern peach program launches

Costa Rica special: CERyT

Costa Rican cassava exporters join forces to conquer the global market

Canada opens to Indian mango, pomegranate, orange, and garlic

U.S. pistachio sector faces heat, water, and market pressures

USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Charleston, South Carolina

photo_camera “From tissue culture to field trials, container farms allow us to control every step of plant development”

Tickets now available for EXHCO 2026, Colombia's first fruit and vegetable fair

Colombia’s fruit and veg output climbs to 13.7M tons

Lamb Weston Q3 sales reach US$1.56 billion as profit declines

Sector | Vegetables

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Improved quality, but significantly lower quantity for the spring cucumbers of Crete, Greece

William Zirebwa - Takura

Zimbabwean grower-exporter takes the next step in its exporting journey

Samir Makssi - VBA Farming

Profitability remains elusive for Aussie asparagus

Brain Boost Beetroot Campaign

"This campaign is really about connecting the grower, the product and the consumer"

U.S. CBP seizes US$2.6 million of meth hidden in carrot shipment

"To meet the growing demand, we have once again expanded our asparagus cultivation"

Seasonal perishable products weekly update - 1 April:

U.S. produce market mixed as tomato and avocado prices rise

Sector | Bananas

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Joe Manariti - Premier Fresh Australia

Diversity helps banana producer survive cyclone damage

Searching for genetic gold: How Yelloway and Chiquita are tackling a global threat

"We want to develop new varieties that diversify production and address those threats"

Belize banana output rises while citrus declines in Q4 2025

Belize banana exports reach US$7.8M in January 2026

Jamaican banana recovery under way as TR4 threat grows

A Better Choice

A new cultivation system doubles Cavendish banana yields in the Philippines

Pietro Cipriani of the Hame Group

Guatemala strengthens its position as a banana supplier in Europe

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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National retail report - specialty crops:

Holiday demand boosts ads for potatoes, asparagus, and strawberries

Netherlands to host International Onion Day focused on future production

Study links weather patterns to Colorado potato beetle outbreaks

Toubacouta fair in Senegal to bring together potato and onion growers

New crop onions coming on amidst transitioning regions

Vidalias round out spring onion programs

Rising energy and freight costs pressure global potato sector

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Kenya introduces dragon fruit as drought-tolerant crop option

Japanese study explores kiwiberry compounds in cancer prevention

Chinese study shows 12°C storage extends mango shelf life

Mapping out retail success for California avocado season

King of mangoes competes with other varieties from India

“Traditional Alphonso buyers hold on, but value‑for‑money is gaining ground”

Tanzania grows mango sector with export focus

Challenging outlook for Mexico’s main mango growing regions

Sector | Company news

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Bosch Rexroth on mastering efficiency in CEA controls

"If you're not doing data collection today, you really need to start"

Equifruit welcomes new sales manager, Western North America

Siropack Italia S.r.l. and Clearly Clean Products LLC

Agreement for the transfer of the Italian patent 'Respect' in the United States

Hydro Space founder, Abhi, speaks from India after being forced to leave Sweden

"I had to either sell my company or file for bankruptcy"

The Wonderful Company makes 100 Best Companies to Work For ranking

Redefining the produce ecosystem: A Houston initiative strengthening the industry

Produce Moms founder selected as World Food Championships judge

Sector | Greenhouse

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New shareholders for SweetPoint

Easter signifies the start of microgreens and edible flower seasons

New CEA greens products designed to stand out on Ontario store shelves

Taylor Farms acquires Equinox Growers

Largest mid-Atlantic commercial greenhouse acquired

Broader change in how CEA is viewed

"New UK Land Use Framework puts greenhouse sector on the map"

New greenhouse greens product introduced in Ontario Costcos

Martin McAdam - Shockingly Fresh

"We need to encourage more investment in this type of production to keep fresh produce on the shelves"

Sector | Logistics

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Indian exporters face freight hikes of up to US$1,000 per container

U.S. and European supply chains face cost and trade pressures

Freight rate volatility rises but remains below Covid levels

Daniël Bosman – Werda Cargo

Freight forwarder foresees steady diesel supply as fruit exports ramp up in May

Airfreight rates surge up to 95% on capacity and fuel costs

Looking closer at fruit shipments and the war in the Middle East

Eagle service connects Oceania with the Americas and Caribbean

Sector | Machinery

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"Growing interest in blueberry sorting machines is not random; it reflects global trends"

Boost your fruit processing capacity immediately

Complete sorting, weighing, and packaging line for frozen fruit

AGVs gain ground in the fresh produce sector: “It brings greater control to production”

Manufacturer expands automation range with three new machines

Avocado processing line from Apeel Sciences available at Industrial Auctions online auction

Keep fruit fresh for longer and process vegetables more efficiently

Robotic hand developed to handle fragile items such as fruit

Calderoni launches a solution on which to apply different components

Weeding - more and more space for "precision" mechanics

Sector | General fresh produce

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Carrefour enables customers to shop via ChatGPT

Photo report: Frische Centrum Köln-Gremberghoven:

"We are now looking to the future with renewed confidence"

IFPA briefing highlights supply chain risks for fresh produce sector

Egypt exports 70,000 tons of fruit led by citrus and strawberries

Fairtrade merges fruit and vegetable standards for 2027

South Korean agri-food exports rise 4% to US$2.56 billion

U.S. growers face rising costs from fuel and fertiliser shortages

Sector | Management

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Texas establishes Mexican fruit fly quarantine in Zapata County

CBP seizes $17.7 million meth hidden in blackberry shipment

U.S. farmers face water shortfall as Mexico misses treaty targets

WTO talks stall as Brazil blocks e-commerce moratorium extension

Cermac, Promos, and the Ministry

Agreement signed for companies from Italy and Uzbekistan

California names March 31 Farmworkers Day

U.S. states sue USDA over funding conditions tied to policy compliance

Sector | Miscellaneous

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Second-life batteries for irrigation in Yucatán

South African rand hits 3.5-year high

For sale: Poortcamp 10, De Lier

For lease: New distribution centre at Nieuw-Reijerwaard, Ridderkerk

Fresh produce honored on Syria's new currency

$336,560 awarded by USDA through Arkansas Department of Agriculture

South Africa citrus sector mourns Deon Joubert

Sector | Fruit

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5.8 million tonnes of processing tomatoes exceeded in 2025

Italy remains the leading exporter of tomato preserves, while ranking second in production.

Encouraging messages for this year’s peach season in Imathia, Greece

South Korea expands support for new fruit and vegetable exports

U.S. strawberry production led by California at 91% of supply

"This strawberry season is not considered among the strongest in terms of yield"

“India’s grape season wraps up with 10,000-15000 tonnes left to be harvested for exports”

Strawberry market sees higher California supply and EU price pressure

Sector | Herbs

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Aromatic and medicinal plants production in Morocco recovers from prolonged drought

Tom Amery - The Watercress Company:

"We are very proud that for the last 25 years we have not used any pesticides on our beds"

Demand jumps in 2026 for fresh herbs

Herb merchant Ahmed Bouklata on the current market situation:

"Year after year, we offer more cut herbs of Italian origin"

War, rain and flight cancellations disrupt basil supply to Europe

“Uzbek herbs take on Turkey and Egypt in EU markets”

Koppert Cress understands chefs' constant demand for new flavors and surprising products

Sector | Agenda

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Key takeaways from ChangeNOW Paris and Chapter Zero by Fatiha Charrat, Delassus

Agriculture cannot escape its paradox: both responsible and exposed

We will be back Tuesday 7th of April

Happy Easter from the FreshPlaza team

Photo report of Fruit Attraction São Paulo

Fruit Attraction São Paulo reinforces its position as a major event in the fruit trade industry

Including the photo report

Fruit Attraction São Paulo trade fair ends with less activity, but positive results for Brazil

European importers and a large number of visitors on day 2 of Fruit Attraction São Paulo

Turkish exhibition postponed

Fresh Antalya sets new date for May 2027

The third edition of Fruit Attraction São Paulo begins with hopes for regional growth

Sector | Citrus

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Week 14 Fruit Wholesale Market Report

Spanish oranges arrive earlier, while demand remains sluggish during the Qingming Festival

Georgian freeze reduces citrus quality and damages trees

"Egyptian orange prices are more stable compared to last year"

Nahuel Lavino, FAMA:

"It's going to be a tough year for those who only sell mandarins as a commodity"

Waldir Promícia, of Itacitrus:

"Brazil is the only country supplying limes to Europe all year round"

François Moran, Tropibana

Lime price drop is "as sudden as it is inexplicable"

Chinese citrus output exceeds 70 million tons as exports expand

Sector | Organic

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How BioOrganic supports organic farmers in a risky, uncertain market

Climate change and retailer pressure squeeze European organic growers

Luciana Zamora of Zamora Citrus:

"Organic lemon supply falls short of European demand"

U.S. Northwest organic sector grows, but processing capacity lags

Ireland sees growth in organic vegetable sales

U.S. organic produce sales reach $22.7 billion in 2025

Long-term strategy outweighs short-term economics

Dutch sauerkraut producer converts entire cabbage cultivation to organic

Gerard Kenens, VerKen Bio Deli-Vers:

"Earlier start for Natyra due to higher volumes, but you do not leave a good apple unsold"

Sector | Health

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Flavonoid-rich foods associated with happiness in U.S. women

Scientists develop vitamin A-enriched tomato

Apple fiber helps fend off colon cancer and more

Moderate fruit and vegetable juice intake and its health effects

The consumption of superfoods continues to grow in France

New dietary guidelines reinforce essential role of fresh produce

Produce industry shows support of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Sector | IT

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Siddharth Jadhav - Polybee:

“We can tell growers exactly when to harvest for maximum in-spec yield"

Dr Sivam Krish - GoMicro AI

AI removing the "subjectivity tax" on the supply chain

"ULogs4A is more resistant to humidity and suited for long transits"

Newly launched data logger operates autonomously for up to 300 days without power

"We develop AI-based solutions for growers and nurseries"

BerryWorld live with QC app from FreshControl

“It took a next-level effort to incorporate all requirements into the inspection report”

Robotic apple harvesting

Indonesia advances digital agriculture with new farm-app deal

Sector | Innovations

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UAE FoodTech Challenge win

Akorn Technology readies for expansion in Africa and South Asia

Monitoring more than one million citrus trees with the help of AI

Pop Its snack cucumbers tap into demand for true bite-sized convenience

Fruit quality meters help manage harvest timing, lot segregation, and shelf-life performance

When efficiency in blueberry harvesting becomes a necessity

Custom LED gains ground as Italian nurseries push for efficiency

Extending shelf-life of blueberries and avocados by storing and shipping under low pressure

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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New ZERO line meets consumer needs for food attributes

The global geopolitical landscape has raised production costs for prepared fruits and vegetables by 5%

The SM2 pomegranate deseeder by PND (Italy)

Advanced technology for extracting arils and optimizing production space

"We're expanding our corn exports to new markets with new flavours in the pipeline"

Four new flavors for value-added salad lineup

Brazilian orange juice inventories rise 75.4% by end of 2025

Brazilian processor installs 30-ton-per-hour frozen potato line

Sector | Cooling

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Airclima expands in the fresh produce sector with refrigeration projects

"Cooling quality has a direct impact on product quality"

Cool Control expands to four cold stores with 12,000 pallet spaces in 30 years

"By offering a total package, we have grown with the foreign growers' organisations"

New 3,000-tonne freezing complex to be built in Ak-Suu, Kyrgyzstan

Year-round fruit supply in Australia depends on cold storage

“Bringing cold storage costs back to the levels of ten years ago is our principal aim”

Isolcell's vision for the future of fresh produce

"Controlled atmosphere, tailored ripening, and new global balances"

One Frio launches European cold storage platform after seven acquisitions

Sector | Food safety

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Canada recalls Freshprep cucumber dill salad over Listeria risk

U.S. cucumber Salmonella outbreaks hit 69 cases in 2025,

U.S. recalls peeled garlic over botulism risk in three states

U.S. Tops recalls peeled garlic over storage temperature issue

Mexico and U.S. strengthen food safety cooperation as trade grows

Canada recalls macadamia nut products over Salmonella risk

Canada recalls Dan-D nuts in over Salmonella risk

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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South African nut exports rise 13.3% as global demand grows

"Dried mangoes have a strong potential in the European market"

Noix Notenatelier explores opportunities in the Belgian market

"Nut market under pressure as consumers place growing emphasis on quality"

Vietnamese cashew exports disrupted by shipping constraints

"The sector is shifting towards higher-value production"

Brazilian nut exports reach US$6.5 million in early 2026

California almond growers monitor red leaf blotch risk early season

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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EU exempts wooden pallets from PPWR reuse requirements

EU to enforce new packaging rules from August 2026

Premium fruit range launched with new packaging concept

Pick & Place Octopus by GNA

The flexible end-of-line revolution

Ecocool launches an eco-friendly alternative to styrofoam:

"Jute packaging fits perfectly into the sustainable INNO packaging line"

Dutch Graphic Group ready for new season

"Despite scarcity in the market, we have restored our inventory levels"

U.S. survey finds 81% of produce sold with plastic packaging

Sector | Retail

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Walmart invests in Mexico and expands its distribution centre in Chile

SpartanNash takes role as a hometown grocer seriously

Walmart is closing a fulfillment center in Worcester, Massachusetts

Food Lion Feeds’ annual Orange Bag campaign: More than 13mln meals

Oklahoma’s largest locally owned grocery chain closing 17 stores in 2026

Trader Joe’s announced plans for eight new stores

Kroger to reportedly open two stores, invest $112 million in Ohio

Whole Foods Market named 16 vendors as recipients of its 14th Annual Supplier All-Star Awards

Grupo Mateus saw strong growth in its 2025 financial year

Walmart Canada's Easter Meal Veggie Sides: Yellow potatoes, carrots, onions, broccoli or cauliflower

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW LIMES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW BELL PEPPERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GINGER

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW CUCUMBERS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANDARINS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PEARS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GRAPES

Sector | Climate

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Strawberry crop gains expected from California’s heat wave

Georgia growers relieved following last week’s cold temperatures

Ernst Slabbekoorn, Swift International:

"Reliable night frost protection high on the agenda after recent erratic weather"

North Carolina freeze risk for fruit crops in Henderson County

Catastrophic losses in greenhouses and crops in Souss-Massa, Morocco, plastic shortage

Irrigation infrastructure and crops in main agricultural valleys affected by heavy rains in Peru

Weekend blizzard stymies logistics in Northeast

Sector | Cartoons

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Madhya Pradesh banana farmer protests low prices with half-naked vow

North Korean forest rangers fired for turning tree nurseries into vegetable gardens

TikTok-fueled fruit ice cream craze empties freezers across New Zealand

Cows wearing e-collars help boost potato yields in P.E.I. pilot project

Domino’s seeks Vatican forgiveness for pineapple pizza

Aomori’s ‘designer apples’ turn orchards into art

Fruity overdose: The bold new trend transforming perfumery

Sector | Rwanda

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Rwanda special (last part): Evergreen Holding

"With greenhouse conditions, we can produce strawberries all year round, even for export"

Rwanda special: Kinvest

Canadian capital, Rwandan fields: Building profitable farms with social impact

Intercropping, outgrowers, and weekly flights: The operations model behind SOO Agro’s growth

Rwanda special: Kumwe Green Farms

"We have a lot to offer to European buyers"

Rwanda special: Virunga Biotech Limited

"We see a strong demand for chilies, ginger, and gherkins"

Rwanda special: Kotwidika

Promising trial for Valencia oranges

Rwanda special: Souk Farms

Rwanda advances steadily on the global fresh produce scene

Sector | Trade War

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New Zealand exporters assess U.S. tariff refunds after court ruling

U.S. court orders US$165bn tariff refunds as CBP develops CAPE system

Peruvian blueberry exporters have 180 days to claim US$ tariff refunds

Agexport, Guatemala

"Exports to the U.S. continue at 0% tariff after Supreme Court ruling"

Produce industry reacts to Supreme Court tariff ruling

South African agriculture welcomes possible 15% U.S. tariff cut

U.S. farmers divided after Supreme Court overturns Trump tariffs

Sector | Costa Rica

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Costa Rica special: Green Life

"Smaller than most, the Pococí papaya variety makes up for it in flavour"

Costa Rica special: Hacienda Ojo de Agua

Green on the outside, sweet on the inside: The art of balancing shelf life and flavor in pineapple

Costa Rica special: Melones del Sol

Costa Rican melons capitalise on the narrow trading window between Brazil and Spain

Costa Rica special: Manga Rica

Against the mango giants: How Costa Rica carves out a niche between Peru and Mexico

Next weeks’ special: Costa Rica