The 2023/2024 Spanish grapefruit campaign is now in its final stretch, lasting over two weeks longer than the previous season due to slow sales. Production in Spain has increased again this year and is expected to continue growing in the coming years, based on planted area figures. read more

The kiwi shortage that South Africa and its neighbors are currently experiencing could soon be resolved when Chilean kiwis are granted import approval. The industry expects this approval to happen within the next six months to a year. In the meantime, kiwis from the Eastern Cape are available in Johannesburg municipal markets. read more

Chile completed its final grape shipments last week. Franco Pruzzo from Summit Produce Inc. stated, "About 95 percent of arrivals were already completed." The last shipments consisted of the newer, later grape varieties. Chile's new grape varieties have been supplying the latter part of the season, bringing about a change in the market. read more

"Avocados are under threat from the climate crisis, sparking calls for faster emission cuts and more support for farmers, according to a new report published by the charity Christian Aid. The superfood favorite is known for its environmental impact due to its high water requirements." read more

India: Kisanserv to open 250 new stores in Pune, Mumbai

Agritech startup Kisanserv plans to establish 250 new retail stores in Mumbai and Pune within the next three years. The goal is to provide customers with top-notch fruits and vegetables at competitive prices. Currently, Kisanserv has already launched 25 stores in these two cities. read more

In order to safeguard the domestic supply, the Belarusian government has implemented temporary restrictions on the export of carrots and beetroots. According to Decree No. 341 issued on May 8th, the export of these root vegetables from Belarus will now require licensing for a period of three months. The decree mandates this measure. read more

Volodymyr Gurzhiy, a representative of the Ukrainian apple exporter USPA Fruit, warns that the recent spring frosts could have a major effect on apple production in Ukraine. He stated, "This year, spring in Ukraine was full of surprises, with early blooming, prolonged flowering periods, late frosts, and inactive..." read more

In Oregon, the utilized production of apples totaled 157 million pounds in 2023, which was an increase of 21 percent from the previous year. The value of this production was $47.3 million, also up by 21 percent from 2022. In Washington, the utilized production of apples totaled 7.38 billion pounds in 2023, showing a 25 percent increase from the previous year. read more

AC Foods is introducing "betterful," a line of Regenerative Organic Certified® blueberries, to the market. Launched in stores in April and available through September, betterful blueberries are available in select Whole Foods, Sprouts, Bi-Rite, NewLeaf, Berkeley Bowl Marketplace, and Oliver's. read more

"Last Friday, we began marketing the first early Nimba and Pacific cherries of the 2024 campaign, but we didn't have significant volumes until this Monday," says Carlos Echeveste, of the Frutaria Group. "Initial forecasts indicated that the season would start about a week earlier, but the significant volume only arrived this Monday. read more

Kenya, a major avocado producer in Africa, is seeking to enhance collaboration with China in order to comply with the strict food safety regulations necessary for the Chinese market. This effort was emphasized by Muthomi Ernest, CEO of the Avocado Society of Kenya, during the 4th International Africa read more

In the first quarter of 2024, Georgia has significantly reduced its potato imports from Belarus compared to the same period last year. Both the volume and value of purchases have decreased notably. In January-March 2023, Georgia imported 6,371 tons of Belarusian potatoes, while for the same period this year, the imports have decreased. read more

Angus Soft Fruits, previously a small farming venture with three growers in the East of Scotland, is now marking its 30th anniversary. The company has expanded its operations with growers and partners in England, Spain, Morocco, and Chile, along with a breeding program located in Evesham. The primary berries cultivated by the company are... read more

Avocados Australia Limited, the representative organization for the Australian avocado industry, has revealed its highly anticipated expansion into the Indian market, with cricket legend Brett Lee being introduced as their brand ambassador. The announcement took place during Avocados Australia's Launch Trade Reception. read more

COAG's recent analysis has revealed a substantial surplus in Spain's lemon production for the 2023-2024 season, with an estimated 400,000 tons, representing around 27% of the total production, expected to remain unsold. This surplus is anticipated to lead to financial losses amounting to €120 million. read more

In the first quarter of 2024, Georgia significantly reduced its potato imports from Belarus compared to the same period last year. Both the volume and value of purchases have decreased notably. In January-March 2023, Georgia imported 6,371 tons of Belarusian potatoes, but in the corresponding period of 2024, the imports have decreased. read more

According to Samir Singh, business promoter for Indian grape exporter Mersel Foods, the exports of Indian grapes to Europe have concluded. Singh stated, "The Indian grape season for exports to Europe and other destinations has come to an end in week 16, around two weeks earlier than usual." read more

Seventeen years into their partnership, Calavo Growers and Agrícola Belher are celebrating their alliance by co-branding their tomatoes. The program, which features vine-ripened rounds, romas, and mature greens, offers tomatoes produced year-round in two regions in Mexico: Culiacan, Sinaloa. read more

The 2024 French melon season is expected to be delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The repeated rainfall has made melon planting quite challenging. "We managed to plant our first melons in the southeast of France, but with this cloudy and rainy weather, we find it... read more

Wiosenne przymrozki mogły mieć znaczący wpływ na produkcję jabłek na Ukrainie, twierdzi Volodymyr Gurzhiy, przedstawiciel ukraińskiego eksportera jabłek USPA Fruit: "W tym roku wiosna przyniosła wiele niespodzianek na Ukrainie naraz: wczesna wiosna, jednoczesne i długotrwałe kwitnienie, późne przymrozki, mała aktywność...". read more