Research, resilience, and innovation are at the core of Rijk Zwaan's strategy for melon and watermelon, two symbolic crops of the Italian fruit and vegetable sector but today increasingly facing challenges related to climate change and the changing needs of consumers. read more

In the world of horticulture, researchers are constantly looking for effective methods to improve plant growth and the quality of harvests. A significant study recently published in a prestigious journal offers insights into how different nutrient sources can impact the growth and physiological characteristics of Gladiolus plants. read more

This month, FreshPlaza will be focusing on blueberries. Are you a grower, exporter, or importer of blueberries? If you are involved in this sector of the fresh produce industry, we would love to hear from you. You can send us some information, or we can give you a call for an interview. read more

Since 2021, Cofex, based in the Dominican Republic, has specialized in marketing fresh fruit for local consumption and export. The company expanded into Europe in 2023, with a focus on tropical avocados, pitahayas, and Mingolo mangoes. Alfredo Asjana and Radhamés Díaz are the company's founders. read more

Ireland's first net zero energy supermarket, located in Lidl Maynooth, is set to open in November. Lidl Ireland will officially open the doors to this sustainable supermarket in Maynooth, Co. Kildare at 8am on Thursday, November 6th. The opening ceremony will be attended by Roz Purcell, a presenter, author, and sustainability enthusiast. read more

The global potato industry is currently experiencing a rapid consolidation, with mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border investments reshaping supply chains from seed breeding to processing. In Europe, the Dutch company HZPC has acquired IPM Potato Group, which is the leading exporter of certified seed potatoes in Ireland. This move is part of the ongoing restructuring in the industry. read more

The California table grape season is expected to last for about three more weeks, with harvesting finishing around November 20th. Shipments are projected to continue for an additional five weeks. Currently, the industry is still experiencing high volumes, with an average of four million boxes being shipped per week. read more

W tym roku Fresh Del Monte po raz pierwszy dostarczył na rynek europejski pomarańcze pochodzące z Urugwaju. "Ten debiut stanowi istotny krok w długoterminowej strategii Fresh Del Monte polegającej na oferowaniu wysokiej jakości i zróżnicowanych kategorii świeżych owoców przez 52 tygodnie w roku na rynku europejskim. read more

The Spanish fruit and vegetable season is currently in full swing. In tomato-growing areas, the recent warm weather has been beneficial for production. However, the supply of peppers has slowed down due to the presence of thrips. read more

Pomimo trudności związanych z warunkami pogodowymi, zbiory jednego eksportera zostały w większości uratowane - twierdzi Ruslan Jubîrcă, dyrektor mołdawskiego eksportera jabłek FructLine: "Sezon 2025 był pełen wyzwań i osiągnięć, które podkreślają odporność mołdawskich plantatorów owoców. read more

The cultivation of a wide variety of cabbage vegetables has a long tradition in Switzerland. Domestic production of white cabbage is the highest, at more than 8,000 tons, which in turn contributes to the high degree of self-sufficiency. In contrast, broccoli continues to be dependent on imports. read more

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica last week, causing severe damage to the island, which heavily relies on tourism. "This hurricane is a major blow to the Jamaican economy, with significant structural damage reported in the popular tourist destination of Montego Bay," stated Evan Rees. read more

Outdoor lettuce cultivation is facing challenges as more growers are discontinuing their operations. "If there is no suitable pesticide by March, I will cease production," stated lettuce grower Wim Van Bulck in reaction to the recent prohibition of Movento usage. This pesticide was crucial in helping growers tackle aphids, a significant pest. read more

This year's weather conditions in Greece were very different from the previous year, but both years have come with their own set of challenges. According to Vasilis Xekarfotakis, the finance and sales officer for Greek kiwi exporter Nespar, a spring frost made this year's season much more difficult. read more

Realco, a historical cooperative group in the retail sector based in Reggio Emilia and with a network of over 120 stores in Emilia-Romagna (including the brands Sigma, Ecu, and Economy), has launched a restructuring plan to address a period of severe economic difficulties. read more

Industrial Auctions is organizing an auction for the fruit packaging lines and machinery of F.lli Cambria S.p.A., located in Messina, Italy. This auction provides a chance for companies involved in fruit sorting and packaging to purchase high-quality, well-maintained equipment that is readily available. read more

Ethiopia has introduced a new electronic phytosanitary certification platform to enhance export compliance and traceability in its horticultural industry. The platform, known as the Integrated Export and Import Certification System (IEICS) – e-Phyto Project, is supported by funding from the European Union and TradeMark Africa. read more

FreshPlaza reports that early oranges from the Beni Mellal region of Morocco will be available on the market in November, slightly delayed as a result of unfavorable weather conditions during the summer. read more

Eksport cebuli przebiega jak w zegarku, a jednocześnie cena belki stopniowo rośnie do około 22–23 centów za średniej wielkości cebulę i 24 centy za grubą cebulę. Niemniej jednak Rinus Wisse z Wiscomex z Yerseke przestrzega przed zbyt wysokimi oczekiwaniami. "Nie powinniśmy się zbytnio unosić. read more

The amount of settlements paid by Conserve Italia to its member producers during the 2024-25 financial year, who contributed 95% of the 549,542 tons of raw materials processed including tomatoes, fruits, and vegetables, exceeded 106 million euros. read more