A study published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of early-life consumption of blueberries on allergy-related symptoms, gut microbiota, and immune biomarkers. The period of complementary feeding is seen as crucial for influencing immune development, dietary habits, and the progression of gut microbes. read more

Turkey is preparing to introduce a new wholesale market law for the fruit and vegetable trade, replacing the current framework enacted in 2012. Lawmakers are expected to review the draft in the next parliamentary term. The government has presented the reform as a tool to address high prices. read more

The new organic produce season has started again in Belgium in recent weeks. "We started at the end of July or beginning of August. We always aim to have the first leeks ready around this time, as demand from retailers increases and we can begin our programs," says organic grower Pieter. read more

Maintaining quality during longer transits has become a major challenge for Chilean exports. The solution depends not only on the type of packaging but also on combining high-performance preservation methods, specialized technical support, and sustainable materials to ensure the fruit arrives at its destination in optimal condition. read more

In the 2025/2026 season, Spain anticipates a decrease in Spring garlic production as a result of the impact of spring rains. Similarly, Morado garlic production is also expected to decline due to the intense heat experienced since mid-May. "Due to the spring rains, I believe our Spring garlic production per hectare will be lower." read more

Australian-grown produce will be showcased at Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL) 2025, with Hort Innovation coordinating the national representation. The event, taking place from 3 to 5 September at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, is considered Asia's premier international trade exhibition for fresh fruit and vegetables. read more

Irish shoppers take 37 minutes to do the "big shop" - new research reveals

New research has revealed that Irish shoppers spend an average of 37 minutes doing their "big shop" every week. The research, conducted by Bounce Insights on behalf of ALDI Ireland, surveyed more than 1,000 people. read more

Field-scale vegetable production is commonly linked to the eastern part of Ireland, but in County Cork, Castlecor Potatoes in Mallow cultivates a significant amount of onions alongside its primary potato crop. The company grows both winter and autumn crops, with the latter currently being harvested. read more

In recent fruit markets, the prices of South African Gala apples have surged significantly due to supply shortages. Xinjiang plums have also experienced price hikes as arrivals decrease. Meanwhile, seasonal fruits for the Mid-Autumn Festival have started to become available. On the left: Xinjiang plums; On the right: Soft-seeded… read more

On 3 and 4 September 2025, the premier international potato event, PotatoEurope, will be held at the WUR location in Lelystad. The preparations are nearly finished: the tents have been erected, the pathways have been laid, and the 25-hectare harvesting field is in excellent condition, ready to be showcased. read more

The wholesale prices of bananas in several European countries displayed varied trends between week 33 (ending 17th August 2025) and week 34 (ending 24th August 2025) based on the most recent market data. In Bulgaria, prices saw a minor decrease from €139/100kg in week 33 to €137/100kg. read more

The avocado harvest season in Israel is starting with steady projections. Exports are estimated to be around 132,000 U.S. tons, similar to last year, with anticipated high prices. This is in contrast to the mango industry, which experienced significant declines following the implementation of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. read more

Ica, located in southern Peru, is now starting to produce asparagus from new regions. Tim Ryan Jr., VP of Sales for Square One Farms, LLC, stated, "This is much needed for the industry after a very scarce month of limited supply in August." Additionally, the asparagus production from Baja California in Mexico is also on its way. read more

"We should not only focus on growing plants. Ideally, research should also address the effects on human health and on the environment. That is why we wish to see this as an interdisciplinary research field, where collaboration with other disciplines is essential," says Eri Hayashi, President of. read more

Fruit growers on Lake Constance, Germany, expect this year's apple harvest to yield around 227,000 tons, which is slightly down on last year but still around 9,000 tons more than in 2023. The quality is very good, with a balanced sugar-acid ratio and good firmness. read more

Wzrost eksportu i popytu krajowego stwarzają nowe możliwości dla australijskiego przemysłu awokado. Szef Avocados Australia, John Tyas, powiedział, że produkcja krajowa ma wzrosnąć do 150 000 ton w 2026 roku, co jest podobnym wolumenem jak w ostatnich latach. Zauważył, że konsumpcja krajowa... read more

Ugandan smallholder farmers are poised to benefit from increased access to high-quality seed potatoes with the recent licensing of Farm Inputs Care Centre Ltd. (FICA Seeds) as the first private company in the country authorized to commercially produce tissue culture plantlets and early-generation seed potatoes. read more

Given the market's growing dynamism and unpredictability, sector players are analyzing the table grape season in Sicily and Puglia. Among them is Claudio Romano, the sales manager of the Apulian company Petraleon Import-Export and the owner of the consulting firm StarTrade, who has dedicated most of his time to this. read more

The category of prepared pomegranate seeds has welcomed a new addition with the introduction of Poppin' Poms pomegranate seeds at Costco. Created by fresh-cut fruit provider PrepWorld, this marks the brand's first nationwide retail availability in the UK. Prepared pomegranate seeds have been experiencing consistent growth in demand. read more

"We are getting ready for another record pomegranate harvest, expecting a slight increase in volume compared to last year. We have estimated over 710 tonnes of fruit on the plants - all branded as Lome Super Fruit pomegranates. We are about to begin harvesting operations on our 400 hectares, showcasing." read more