Kingsley Ansong grew up in Canada, but his family roots are in Ghana. He is the founder and president of Elefante Farms. Elefante Farms is growing Ghana’s specialty Sugar Loaf pineapple variety, now available for export. read more

In 1991, Craig Stauffer and Guy Kisling founded Vanguard International with the explicit goal of becoming the link between growers and customers around the world. Growing up on a family farm in Bingen in Washington state, Stauffer has been involved in the produce industry since he was seven
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Last year, the United States again imported more fruit and vegetables. At 22.1 million tons, that is three percent more than in 2021. Imports increased gradually in the previous years too. The U.S. is far from European farms, so import prices of fresh fruits and vegetables rose sharply by eight
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Fruit farmers are turning to robots to help with harvest amid a human worker shortage. One Tasmanian soft fruit farm is using 16 robotic harvesters to help pick its fruit this summer. read more

A New Zealand fruit grower says that, while it was as challenging season weather-wise for its blueberry crop, they were still able to produce strong volumes. read more

Countdown has already donated over $430,000 in food and funds to help organisations providing on-the-ground assistance and support to the most impacted communities. read more

The Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits, a sub-committee of the Committee on Commodity Issues, issues the Tropical Fruits Market Review on an annual basis to its members and observers (CCP). read more

The Netherlands, Belgium, and five major international shipping companies have joined forces in the fight against organized crime in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. They agreed to that at yesterday's conference, "Working together for a safe and sound port" in Antwerp. They are going to use
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The Hungarian fruit and vegetable cooperative Szatmár Régió, based in the eastern part of the country, said that, due to long-term contracts, they are reasonably covered from external shocks, such as high energy prices. They specialize in exporting sour cherries, gherkins, apples and pears. read more

In 2023, it is anticipated that the export of durian, dragon fruit, and bananas will total 2 billion USD. Early in 2023, the export of fruits and vegetables showed promise; it hit $300 million USD in January, up 3% from the previous year. read more

As announced last year, the Dutch supermarket chain, Albert Heijn (AH), will stop flying in fruit and vegetables. From June 1, 2023, products like sugar snaps, haricots verts, and passion fruit will only be transported via sea container or road transport. In recent years, to ensure quality and
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As farmers, family, and a community, Sunkist Growers is celebrating its humble California roots with Sunkist Citrus Day on March 1. The fresh citrus cooperative began in 1893, making Sunkist the longest-standing agricultural co-op in the United States.  read more

Daniel Michailidis of Hermes Exports in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, wants to warn others against a defaulter. "It's a Mr. Sushil Shirodkar from Mumbai, India, who trades under the name Nature's Fruit and Veggies." read more

Consumption patterns change drastically in Muslim countries during the month of Ramadan, and one fruit that benefits from Ramadan dietary trends is the date. Mr. Ramadan Elsayyad, of Egyptian producer Palm Hills Dates, explains: "During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during
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In an effort to quadruple its exports of avocados to China, the agricultural company Kakuzi is in discussions with a significant fresh product importer in China. read more

Moving branches and pruning clippings is easier with the right tools. The Italian Calderoni company is now offering an add-on for the pruning chopper. This is the pruning wheel (or, more correctly, the pruning branch rake). It consists of a large brush that is hydraulically operated and conveys
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Ecuador is exporting more and more broccoli to international markets. In 2022, Ecuadorian broccoli exports to the Japanese market increased by 23% over the previous year, totaling $74 million, according to the 2022 Statistical Report on Foreign Trade prepared by the Ecuadorian Federation of
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Exceptional weather conditions, strict corona measures and political elections. HZPC has been involved in China since the beginning of this century, but as in the Netherlands, every year is different. Ton Frijters is active in China on behalf of HZPC. He has visited many growers in recent years,
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In 2022, international crises impacted the Port of Hamburg’s seaborne cargo throughput. Hamburg terminals handled 119.9 million tons, or 6.8 percent less than in the previous year. With growth of 11.2 percent to 1.4 million tons, the trend for conventional general cargo was positive. read more

The Persimon® kaki campaign came to a close recently with major complications due to significant production shortages. The area planted under the PDO Kaki Ribera del Xúquer remains stable, despite the difficulties in recent seasons, although the fruit still needs more promotion in order to
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