FreshPlaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News

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We'll be back on January 2nd

Happy Holidays from the FreshPlaza team!

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U.S. sweet peppers are bred for different growing regions and markets

More normal blackberry season for 2024/2025 expected

Demand for tropical and exotic fruits spikes leading up to Lunar New Year

Expanded plantings of Pink Rhône lettuce come to fruition

Florida's citrus industry faces steep decline from disease, hurricanes, and production challenges

Autumn Glory apples win over new fans, capturing younger consumers

Bako Sweet's Susan Noritake promoted to vice president of sales and marketing

Florida agricultural production losses top an estimated $190M post Hurricane Milton

Canadian farmers face major crop losses from extreme cold, $70M program launched for climate resilience

Sector | Vegetables

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Field cultivation almost impossible on Bonaire

Dimitri Calabrese, of Hortoverde Nature S.L.:

"Some pepper growers are already thinking of pulling up the plants and getting the land ready to plant watermelon"

"Pink tomatoes in blue plastic packaging that looks like wood and smells like the sea"

Movement steady on winter squash

Coen Swager, TB&S:

Increased demand for purple pointed cabbage Violetti during the holidays

A carrot processing plant with a capacity of 10 tons per hour

Ulster Farmers’ Union warns of unsustainable vegetable pricing by supermarkets

Sector | Bananas

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Colombia’s banana industry ending the 2024 season on a positive note

Pricing stronger for organic bananas

Caroline Garcia, of Caribio Export Fresh Fruits:

Dominican bananas struggle for fair prices and expanding markets

Price of plantain box to be $7.50 starting January

Davao region secures $4.23 million in banana export investments, creating 1,000 jobs

In South Africa, banana prices triple

Mozambique's banana growers fear total anarchy

Cameroon’s banana exports drop 19.4% in November 2024

Sector | Potatoes and Onions

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Edouard Deprez, Deprez Frites:

“The future? Choosing the right varieties”

“Big stocks of red onions available”

“More imports of white onions will be required day by day”

Olivier Thomas, Ferme du Pont d'Achelles

"Local French sweet potatoes face stiff competition from foreign varieties"

"After ending last year with a decline, onion exports are now off to a strong start"

Michigan potato industry proposes raising assessment cap to support sector growth

North America potato production estimated to be down four percent from 2023

“Licensing sweet potato varieties is a must for Egyptian exporters to enter Europe legally”

Sector | Exotic/Tropical fruit & vegetables

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Vietnam aims for passion fruit and pomelo exports to US and Australia amid rising trade

Tight litchi supply heats up prices on South African market

Heinrich van der Merwe – AGRI-Mel LImitada

Roads blocked, government buildings torched as Frelimo refuses dialogue

Tight papaya supply continues into early 2025

Brazil prepares phytosanitary measures for Hass avocado exports to Chile and Japan in 2025

Vietnam set to begin fresh passion fruit exports to the US in 2025

New Zealand kiwifruit exports reach record $3.5 billion in 2024

Sector | Company news

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ClemenGold Foundation creates a launch pad for rural youths

Dole's carbon reduction project won multiple awards

Spreading holiday cheer for a third year

USDA determines individual responsibly connected to Michigan violator

Camposol appoints Ricardo Naranjo Fernández as CEO to lead next growth phase

Nonprofit celebrates community stewardship

Annual garlic trip to Argentina supports Paralympic athletes

Sector | Greenhouse

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Balancing energy innovation with agricultural production

New 1.5 million square foot greenhouse opens in Lorena, Texas

First Canadian greenhouse grower receives B Corp. certification

Growth continues in greenhouse cucumber category

Product security benefits lit cucumber cultivation

"Our mission is to have a Bold solution in every greenhouse in North America"

Lower cost retractable roof systems protect crops from heat, rain, wind and insects

Sector | Logistics

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Mandersloot Transport turns 60

“Anyone can drive a truck to a depot; our store network is what distinguishes us”

Air New Zealand Cargo exports 5 million kgs of fresh produce, focusing on cherries

"We help our customers to get rid of the ethylene headache"

World Container Index - 19 Dec

Drewry’s World Container Index rises 8% amid shifting freight rates

Port of Los Angeles sees 15% cargo increase in November amid tariff concerns and potential strike

Riccardo Martini of DCS Tramaco

Shipping set to change completely in 2025: how will this affect the fresh produce trade?

"Truck rate increases are common this time of year"

Sector | Machinery

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PND launches a new tool for the fresh-cut sector

New pineapple slicing machine

Bastiaan Krijger, KV Techniek:

“The robot takes mere minutes to switch and clean onion tipper’s sieves”

Lawn mower with integrated mulcher and trimmer for better management of orchards

"A constant need to innovate in automation and efficiency for processing industry"

Sorma 'Aporo' machine showcased at Fructura fair

"Fruit packing robot reduces manual labor"

15 years of VieTech, customization with machines

"Grateful for the role we have in the market"

From an Italian company in the Emilia-Romagna region

Pre-owned fresh-cut range equipment for sale

Sector | General fresh produce

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Daniel Badger - VitaFresh Exports

"South Africa will be our main source country and the main destinations will be the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Russia and USA”

Pieter de Jong, Chainn

"The art of matching growers and buyers"

Vietnam's fruit exports hit $7.2 billion in 2024, driven by new markets and year-round cultivation

Minister urges consumers to compare prices as food costs vary widely during Christmas season

Nick Lee - Daemyung Farms Corporation

Popular fruits for Chinese New Year in short supply, driving up prices

Specialty Crop Alliance urges congress for more economic aid and support for farm bill

Uganda in talks with Boeing to acquire cargo freighters for agricultural exports

Sector | Management

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William Verhoeven (Progent) on new AI module going live in 2025

"With a solid data structure as a foundation, AI can identify trends and make predictions"

South Africa retains AGOA trade benefits with the US through 2025 amid diplomatic tensions

Appeals court reinstates Jan. 1 deadline for farmers to file beneficial ownership information

USDA grants transit permit for Santa’s reindeer, ensuring safe holiday deliveries

Empower Fresh names Robert Austin as CEO to lead expansion in 2025

Víctor Catán, President of Fedefruta:

"We are focusing on the regularization of foreign labor in fruit production"

Europlant America launched to streamline potato seeds with modern varieties

Sector | Miscellaneous

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The Samurai wasp: A new ally against the diabolical bedbug?

Nico van Vliet waves goodbye and looks back at his career

Comavit produces 2.5 million poles per year

An effective protection system relies on strong poles and precise design

Linda Van den Bulck, Belgian Saffron:

"Horribly bad spring heralded volatile Belgian saffron harvest"

More economical steaming and better cleaning in-house at grower's premises

Ethan Luth, Bayer:

"Breeders to help growers with challenges as energy, water and disease pressure"

Would you wear a potato-scented perfume?

Sector | Fruit

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Baden Ribbon - Hansen Orchards

Tasmanian cherry export to ramp up in January, in time for CNY

Kurt Livingston - Fern Ridge Fresh

"We are expecting the harvest to be slightly early, particularly out of the Gisborne and Hawkes Bay region"

Eric Godard Durand, Laparra Agency

"Candy grapes have become a benchmark"

Blueberry council awarded $1.5 million to further develop export market opportunities

Mexican berry exports face 11% decline amid rising costs and climate challenges

Blueberries have gained popularity among Indian consumers

"The volume of blueberry exports is still in its early stages"

Preparing for the Christmas rush

Sector | Herbs

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Louis and Steven Lauwers (Vegobel):

"The end-of-year rush is easily managed with sustainable organic herbs"

Queensland herb farmers face surplus amid stable demand and rising costs

"Storm impacted parsley, but hit mint and coriander hardest"

Raymond van der Burgh, Europe Retail Packing:

“This winter, imported herbs prices have sky-rocketed”

Filippo Carrara from Parma has gone from 10 to 150 hectares in 7 years

The king of basil: 28 years old and 50 hectares

Anthony De Ieso - Thorndon Park Produce

Grower increases rosmary acreage to fill shortages

Europe Retail Packaging:

“Fresh herb market heading into a roller coaster ride this winter, with challenges beyond expectations”

Sector | Agenda

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Highlights from Moldova’s 10th Fruit Conference

Moldovan fruit growers investing in new varieties, advanced equipment, and packaging solutions

Today, December 19

Webinar on the state of the U.S. apple industry

Results of Hurricane Milton agricultural impacts assessment to be announced

Organicology 2025 set for March 2025

Photo report: Food Africa 2024 in Cairo, Egypt

SEPC announces Southern Exposure speakers

Challenges for the future take center stage at Interpom 2024

Sector | Citrus

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Historic citrus crop losses prompt $47 million recovery plan in Florida

Chilean lemon and citrus production expected to rise in 2024/25

Tamaulipas to export 12,000 tons of citrus fruits to the US

Pakistan's citrus industry faces climate challenges, declining production, and export hurdles

Bhutan's mandarin exporters see higher prices and demand despite logistical challenges

Positive year for Turkish citrus and pomegranates

Climate-adapted mandarin varieties developed to reduce global losses

Sector | Organic

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"We're too big for the local market, yet too small to export"

Reflecting on Organic Grower Summit 2024

Gunther De Vadder, BelOrta:

"Export market for organic pears yet to take off"

California drives U.S. organic growth amid challenges in policy, pricing, and research

"We will export organic pumpkins to the Netherlands for the first time"

"India's organic fresh produce market grows at 18% annually, driven by demand and exports

Successful organic produce trials in the Moroccan Brachoua region

Sector | Health

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Study links higher fruit and vegetable intake to reduced depression in adults over 45

Capsaicin shows promise in enhancing mesothelioma treatment, study finds

Study shows almonds may enhance post-exercise recovery

Recent research indicates daily consumption of pistachios may benefit vision health

Manchester men shine in health survey with high fruit and veg intake

Connecting with registered dietitians to help boost produce consumption

Strawberries: a nutrient powerhouse for immune support, cognitive health, and more

Sector | IT

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Simplifying supply chains in the produce industry

Leadership transition for ZAG Technical Services

Researchers from the Basque Country developed a robot to harvest strawberries

OneThird presents avocado scanner at Tech for Retail, in partnership with Ida

"The lifespan of each product is essential in the algorithms we develop"

Sensors 4.0 for saving on fertigation

© Nattstudio | Dreamstime.com

"Nothing scarier than a cyber attack during your busiest season"

"Our disposable temperature and humidity data logger has received extensive inquiries at Fruit Attraction expo"

Sector | Innovations

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Duwan Jackson - DFM Technologies

Soil conditions and irrigation affected by a changing climate

Varieties more resistant to climate change thanks to artificial intelligence?

Dr Vernon M. Steyn - Insect Science

Mind control over insects

Polybee introduces drone-powered pollination to boost horticulture efficiency

Post-harvest solution approved for commercial use in California

Taiwan's satellite tech fights banana fungus in Guatemala and Belize

Australian vegetable growers to explore global AgTech innovations in California tour

Sector | Processed fruit and vegetables

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Roastables Ready-To-Roast Kits earn Joe Nucci Innovation Award

Mattia Giudice, export manager of Arc en Ciel

Scientific research in support of healthy organic productions

Nonprofit partners with brand that upcycles produce

"Sauerkraut prices up 8 per cent on last year's level"

Agro Debeuckelaere:

“This potato wholesaler has ventured into artisanal chip production”

Pure Harvest announces launch of its own tomato sauces

"We airfreight over 25 tons of cut-fruit per day from South Africa to the UK”

Sector | Cooling

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Seacube and Greensee partner to change refrigerated transport solutions

Greenbushes cold storage facility boosts Eastern Cape agriculture and exports

North Carolina pilot reduces cabbage shipping costs with electric refrigeration

Refrigeration giant Americold closes 's-Gravenzande branch

Expansion of temperature-controlled logistics in Chile

Emergent Cold LatAm boosts colombia's cold storage capabilities with expansion

Nature-based shelf-life solutions to be showcased in Madrid

Sector | Food safety

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Egypt intensifies food safety inspections, issuing over 2,000 export permits in one week

Texas A&M researchers tackle zebra chip disease with new approach to reduce pesticide use

Dominican Republic eradicates Mediterranean fruit fly with sterile insect technique

E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s onions ends with 104 cases and 1 death

Recalls issued for cucumbers, greens, and kale kits due to contamination risks

Ausveg updates on $5M national response to tomato brown rugose fruit virus in South Australia

Listeria risk prompts enoki mushroom recall in Canada

Sector | Nuts and dried fruits

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FDA recognizes walnuts as 'healthy' under updated dietary guidelines

Hurricane Helene cuts Georgia pecan yield by 75 percent, driving up holiday prices

California walnut crop down significantly, limiting export opportunities

Brazil sees significant rise in pistachio imports ahead of local cultivation plans

Almond industry highlights demand growth, sustainability, and innovation at 2024 conference

"California almond industry rebounds as global demand grows amid shrinking acreage"

Australian macadamia crop grows 11.5% in 2024 despite challenging conditions

Sector | Packaging and Labelling

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Remarks by Rocco De Lucia from Siropack

"Let's talk about packaging and the fruit and vegetable sector"

Cartonpack acquires majority stake in Fimat to expand fiber-based food packaging in europe

Advancing sustainable fruit exports from Brazil to China with new protocol and packaging solutions

Graphic Packaging and Elaborados Naturales launch sustainable PaperSeal shape tray in Spain

Sri Lanka addresses post-harvest losses in fresh produce through improved packaging solutions

“Our packaging keeps bananas fresh for longer and is biodegradable”

A biodegradable "supramolecular plastic" that dissolves in water

Sector | Retail

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Just Eat Takeaway.com brands worldwide have published local Food Trends Reports

Grocery Outlet closing 2024 calendar year with 533 stores across 16 states

Specialty supermarket: $8.1mln in incentives to open pair of stores in food deserts in Atlanta

BJ’s 40th club in Florida

HF Foods: Board of Directors has appointed Felix Lin as permanent CEO

Grubhub will pay $25mln to settle a dispute

Metro is heading into 2025 with renewed capacity to grow its business

GoodSAM is helping trail-blaze a “direct trade” model

Weis Markets announced it has entered into an agreement with Saylor's Market

Seven & i Holdings plans to open 500 new convenience stores in US and Canada through 2027

Walmart said it had formed a strategic partnership with Meituan

dunnhumby announced Costco as the top Canadian Grocery Retailer

Mexico's antitrust watchdog ruled that Walmex engaged in monopolistic behavior

Carrefour Brasil has offloaded eight Nacional stores

Sector | Global Market

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GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PEARS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GRAPES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GARLIC

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW PAPAYAS

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW TOMATOES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANGOES

GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW BELL PEPPERS

Sector | Climate

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Jamaica invests $182M to rehabilitate 2,819 hectares of farmland after hurricanes Beryl and Rafael

Earthquake strikes in northern California

Florida agriculture rebounds after Hurricane Milton with strong winter crop outlook

How storms on Thanksgiving week may impact produce

Drought in Morocco affects nurseries

"Our sales in the fruit sector are down 80% on a normal year"

Climate change threatens Kashmir’s apple industry

Floods and storms damage over 500 hectares of crops in Panama

Sector | Cartoons

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Why Christmas trees were once decorated with apples

Durian-themed hotel in Malaysia opened

Suffolk tomato factory lights mistaken for northern lights

What is vomit fruit, and is it really that bad?

Osaka zookeeper accused of stealing animal food

Pizza Hut introduces tomato wine

Man identified by orange juice sentenced for burglary