Fresh mango is one of the fruits on the Peruvian coast that has been most affected by the effects of El Niño. The high temperatures affected the flowering of the mango trees, which led to a decrease in production and, consequently, to a decline in exports this season. read more

"Due to the effects of El Nino Colombia has experienced elevated temperatures and diminished rainfall compared to the previous season, the maturation of fruit and its Dry Matter content is progressing at an accelerated pace. Consequently, we anticipate an earlier conclusion to the Colombian
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Last week, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo led a diplomatic mission to China. A Memorandum of Understanding for pork exports and principle agreements for importing Belgian chicory and bell peppers were signed. It seems apples, too, will soon be able to enter the Chinese market soon.
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On Monday, Hessing told its employees about its intended decision to close its production location in Zwaagdijk, the Netherlands. By mid-2024, the VersFabriek's doors - where the fruit and vegetable processor produces things like stir-fry vegetables and salads - will close. That work will be
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New Zealand: Statement of Preliminary Issues released for proposed Foodstuffs merger read more

Spain's avocado campaign is currently in full swing with the harvest of the Hass variety. The drought and lack of water resources in Malaga have led growers to diversify their production in other regions, such as the Region of Valencia, where FreshPlaza visited the facilities of Grupo
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The growers at Looye introduce the newest member of the Looye family: Looye To Go tomatoes. A snack tomato concept to enjoy fresh, sweet tomatoes on the go in a convenient, resealable cardboard takeaway packaging. Handpicked for flavor by the Looye team. read more

At a recent fruit and vegetable trade show in the Netherlands, Gebrs van Aarle's commercial manager Marc Ehlert said the company is starting to buy in more directly from the source, both locally and abroad. For citrus, the wholesaler has also found its way directly to the crop. read more

Israel’s planted citrus area in marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is forecast to be 16,200 hectares (ha), the same as MY 2022/23. The production area is estimated at 15,850 ha due to low profitability and water shortages, which has disincentivized farmers to plant new citrus crops. In recent years,
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Supply of the squash calabaza is low right now. “I’d say that supplies of calabaza are less than half. It’s about the weather conditions,” says Alan Goldberg of A&B Tropical Produce, acquired by GrubMarket last month. “The conditions have gotten very dry in Costa Rica so the
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Supply shortages in the mango market continue as both Ecuador and Peru are faced with the consequences of El Niño. Ecuador’s mango season is finishing up and while Peru started harvest a while back, it feels the country is still trying to get itself going. “Year to date, Peru has shipped
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Water has always been a precious commodity in the Spanish region of Andalusia, but never more so than in these times of scarcity, which is making "growers feel suffocated," says Francisco García, a tropical fruit producer from the municipality of La Herradura, Almuñécar. read more

"While some territories do not produce enough even at local level, others feed tables all over Europe and beyond." This is how Giuseppe Morreale, a Sicilian trader who owns Naturé, faces his days. The company operates mostly in central and eastern Europe and beyond, where it mainly exports
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"We can be cautiously optimistic halfway through the sales season. Despite the significant cost increases across the board - in production, sales, and logistics - we've collectively managed to achieve a good return on top fruit so far," begins Randy Dijksman of the Dutch company Combilo. read more

The sales of Spanish produce, and especially tomatoes, are falling short of expectations. "Usually, we see prices rise across the board in January, but that's not the case now," says Luis Ramos from MG Fruit. read more

Morocco continued to consolidate its position in the fresh blueberry market in Southeast Asia in 2023, reports EastFruit. Moroccan blueberry exporters not only broke their previous record of shipments to this region, but also expanded the number of countries that import their berries. read more

As the new year begins, the build-up to Fruit Logistica starts again, too. It is a busy time for the VLAM, Flanders' Agricultural Marketing Board. They will once again be present with a Flemish pavilion at the upcoming trade fair in Berlin. "Despite Fruit Attraction's growing popularity, Fruit
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By mid-January, the stock of onions stored at room temperature in the hands of producers in Spain "is very limited" and, of this stock, "the amount of quality onions to be packaged in nets or supermarket bags is minimal," says Fermín Utrilla, from Biodiversa. read more

Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, spinach, and kale may decrease stroke risk, recent research suggests. The study, conducted by Chinese researchers, analyzed data from 24,892 U.S. residents to explore the potential "protective effect" of antioxidants against stroke. Their findings
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The Dutch cucumber season is about to start again. As of today, Kompany has the first Dutch lit cucumbers available, supplied by the grower Multigrow Grashoek B.V. Kompany is looking forward to a good season. read more