FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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Waldir Promícia, of Itacitrus:

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

Costa Rica special: Green Life

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

photo_camera Photo report: GreenTech Americas

Challenging outlook for Mexico’s main mango growing regions

Mauricio Lopez, of Go Fresh Produce

Smaller volume from Mexico and more opportunities for Colombia in Tahiti lime market

Russia increases direct banana imports from Ecuador

Pest pressure and disease reduce tomato greenhouse yields in Paraná

Asparagus market rising due to limited supply and high trucking rates

Pricing strengthens slightly on avocados

Spring chile crops awaited to relieve supply crisis

Sector | Vegetables

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Ahmet Avzar of Fusa FrüchteExpress:

"Dutch greenhouse pak choi available starting in week 11"

Freshchoi launches Dutch season for Asian leafy vegetables

“With our import lines and Dutch production, we can offer a complete Asian range”

Ortofrutticola Egnathia - Miss Freschezza

Winter vegetables and new campaigns: A delicate balance between market and production

Vincenzo Ambrosio and Giorgio Donnarumma of Milan-based Nuovafrutta

“Behind every great product are exceptional people"

"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

Cold winter bodes well for upcoming Michigan asparagus

Sector | Bananas

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Costa Rica boosts agri exports with digital campaign

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"

Brazilian banana supply tight due to seasonal dip

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

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Bangladesh expands sweet potato exports to Japan

Rising energy and freight costs pressure global potato sector

Lebanon imports Egyptian potatoes to stabilise prices

Brazilian potato sector hit by heat, rising input costs, and price drops

Álvaro Adrián, Constantino Adrián:

"The Campolindo variety from Peru is possibly the best onion in the world at this time of the year"

UNECE standard aligns global seed potato certification systems

Gerard Vos, Vos Onions:

"Sales of red onions more challenging than yellow onions"

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Tanzania grows mango sector with export focus

Laka Selatan 02 eyes expansion in Europe and Africa

"We will scale our MD2 pineapple yields from 1000 to 6000 MT by 2028”

"Strong mango season in some belts, but weaker in premium Alphonso-growing regions"

Katheryn Mejía, Corpohass:

The 'Avocados from Colombia' initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of the product

Alejandro Manuel Marin Hernandez of Axer GmbH:

"Quality issues with avocados are now a thing of the past"

Global date production rises as EU imports decline

Towards an early start to the Senegalese mango season

Sector | Company news

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Redefining the produce ecosystem: A Houston initiative strengthening the industry

Partnership between Van den Berg Trading and Luwian Fresh meets market demand

“By selling our suppliers’ produce together, one and one becomes three”

Mission Produce on track to complete Calavo acquisition with $550M financing

Naturipe Farms announces leadership promotions

Cartonpack acquires Agrypack business unit in Northern Italy

BayWa restructuring hit by U.S. policy shift

New director of U.S. grower services for Family Tree Farms

Sector | Greenhouse

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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"

Martin McAdam - Shockingly Fresh

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

Marco de Bruin:

“If you want to make impact in the market, you have to compete with outdoor lettuce”

From snack packs to centerpieces: Evolving greenhouse varieties for changing consumer habits

Building propagation as infrastructure: Ontario Plants advances system-level control in CEA

“The propagation layer in North America remains fragmented”

Kazakhstan’s greenhouse sector expands cucumber production and boosts exports

Sector | Logistics

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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

Shipping fuel costs rise as Brent crude exceeds US$108 per barrel

Brazil secures Turkey route to maintain agricultural exports

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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Ukrainian fruit imports increase in value amid logistics shifts

South Africa seeks alternative export markets as competition rises

Early spring arrivals drive Easter demand at Sebrechts

"Strong demand for soft fruit following winter quality issues in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco"

Tekin Güngör of GOG 2000 GmbH in Cologne:

"We welcome both fast food and fine dining"

Brazilian fruit exports brace for higher freight costs as season nears

EU-Mercosur deal set to support Brazilian fruit exports

Exporters hope for a return to pre-war normalcy

"West Asia conflicts disrupted India’s perishable cargo worth up to $1.5 billion”

Sector | Management

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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

U.S. lawmakers push tariffs on Mexican produce to support Florida growers

U.S. and Mexico launch talks ahead of USMCA joint review

U.S. and Ecuador sign reciprocal trade agreement

Sector | Miscellaneous

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Second-life batteries for irrigation in Yucatán

Conditioned warehouse with freezer space and 22 docks available from Q2 2026

For rent: Prismalaan West 3 in Bleiswijk - approx. 20,300 m² and part-letting from 4,500 m²

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

Uruguayan government approves parakeet reduction to reduce fruit grower's losses

Sector | Fruit

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Belgian strawberry grower anticipates strong season despite variety shake-up

German BLE Week 13:

'Availability of Spanish oranges declined'

Unsuccessful early melon crop in Crete, Greece

South African stone fruit delayed with 167 containers at sea

Lower quality of Polish apple harvest dampened potential of the season

"We could have shipped around 30 per cent more product to overseas markets"

Making every day count to reduce rejection, losses, and price erosion

“Grapes achieve nearly 100-day storage, supporting longer supply chains and sales”

"Dutch expertise, technology, and contracts flow to Uzbekistan, with more missions on the way"

Uzbek–Dutch trade mission lays groundwork for fruit and berry partnerships

Sector | Herbs

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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

Nepali herbal exports from Nepalgunj reach 1.3 million kg

“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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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

Brazil draws North African fruit exporters to São Paulo fair

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

Speakers announced for Southeast Asia fresh produce meet-up in Bangkok

Sector | Citrus

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François Moran, Tropibana

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

Chinese citrus output exceeds 70 million tons as exports expand

Rene Bouman: "Fruit Attraction São Paulo offers potential for all of South America"

"Lime volumes exceed seasonal expectations"

Paulov Sifuentes Fernández, Agroexportadora Sol de Olmos:

"We aim to export Peruvian lemons from November to April, when Mexico and Colombia have less fruit"

Florida citrus land sales reach $204.9 million

South African citrus exports expected at 210–215 million cartons in 2026

Ronaldo Araújo, Sebastião da Manga:

Record prices and new opportunities in citrus fruits and exotics boost Brazil's export presence

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"

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"

Organic shifts from niche retail to structured programs

“Organic success depends on agreements, not ideals”

Hugo Jacobs, Jacobs Fruit:

"Challenging organic apple season, but sales now picking up"

Spain organic sector seeks reciprocity in EU-Mercosur trade agreement

Sector | Health

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

Scientists develop vitamin A-enriched tomato

Moderate fruit and vegetable juice intake and its health effects

The consumption of superfoods continues to grow in France

Produce industry shows support of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Certain compounds found in garlic can increase the lifespan of mice

Italian study tests citrus and grape supplement for glucose control

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

Chile uses data-driven irrigation to manage water use

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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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"

Brazilian orange juice inventories rise 75.4% by end of 2025

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

Simon Matthews - AgriCoat NatureSeal

Cost-effective sulphite-free anti-browning dip for peeled, sliced, and diced potatoes

Jordanian NGO grows and exports fresh produce

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"

Chile expands Olivo cold storage capacity to 33,000 pallets

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"

Sector | Food safety

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Russia blocks Chilean stone fruit, rejects Serbian apples over labeling issues

Russia rejects avocado and grape shipments over document discrepancies

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

UK–EU SPS deal may change pesticide and residue rules by 2027

The European Commission updates the MRLs for various pesticides starting this year

Tesco recalls grape and berry medley over salmonella

“If Canada’s Destination Inspection Service closes, we destabilize the market and create long-term reputational damage”

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"

"The sector is shifting towards higher-value production"

Brazilian nut exports reach US$6.5 million in early 2026

Deon Steicke - Sunny Boy Nuts

Pistachio grower hits stride as demand grows

Tim Jackson - Almond Board of Australia:

“The potential for quality downgrades because of the rain becomes much higher”

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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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"

Italy fresh-cut supplier builds logistics around reusable packaging

Mexico introduces linerless tray packaging for fresh produce

Sector | Retail

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SPAR International has officially entered the North Macedonian market

Sainsbury’s: 15p British seasonal veggies this Easter

New study: Placing fruit and vegetable sections near supermarket entrances increases the amount purchased

Morrisons: Price of British farmed veg just 4p ahead of Easter

Free carrots to Asda customers across 581 stores on Good Friday

23,000 Lidl workers in Italy win predictable shifts and guaranteed hours

Colruyt will donate 11 tonnes of surplus potatoes every week to organisations in Brussels

French organic retail chain La Vie Claire is acquiring six Belgian stores

Co-op said it planned to cut £200mln of operating costs this year

Auchan Retail’s revenue driven by strong international performance

New generation of Caprabo supermarkets: Fresh produce at the entrance

DIA is boosting its investment in Spanish-grown strawberries this season

Sector | Global Market

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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

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW ONIONS

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"

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

Emergence from drought in Morocco restores growers' confidence

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 | Trade War

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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

U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs, new 15% levy announced

Tensions have resulted in increased imports from Europe

Canada’s produce exports witness a boost due to limited supply and high prices in the U.S.

Importers to U.S. react to lifting of Brazilian tariff

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 | Costa Rica

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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