It’s invisible, and you can’t see it until it’s too late; internal fruit rot is a significant problem for field-grown capsicum growers, as it remains unseen until the consumer cuts into the vegetable, leading to rejections by retailers and a loss of consumer confidence. read more

Despite the challenges of 2023 and escalating geopolitical tensions, business leaders remain surprisingly optimistic for 2024, according new research from Economist Impact and DP World, unveiled today at the World Economic Forum. read more

Sales are holding up very well with the current cold weather boosting consumption. There is excellent demand for prepack quality material and prices are holding accordingly. Following the extremely challenging harvest, there are further reports that the saleable yields are significantly reduced
read more

In 2023, the market shares of supermarket chains in the Netherlands have shifted, according to NielsenIQ. Albert Heijn has further strengthened its leading position. In contrast, Jumbo, the second-largest player, has declined. Despite a decrease in the number of supermarkets that Superunie
read more

The current prices of Chilean cherries in China are good, but they are being tempered by more arrivals as the Chinese New Year is nearing early next month (February). Providing this update from the bustling Jiangnan Fruit & Vegetable market in Guangzhou, China, is Juan P. Mujica, Export
read more

Free market principles reign in the macadamia orchards on Roodewal Farm, outside Nelspruit, whose crops include macadamia, citrus and avocado with 150ha of wild or conservation area besides. read more

Domestic offers dominated the apple market: Elstar, Jonagold, Boskoop, and Wellant were predominant. Pink Lady, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious were primarily sourced from Italy. France mainly contributed with Pink Lady and Jazz. Dutch shipments completed the range of goods. Jonagold-Decosta
read more

The supply of avocados is increasing fast, but the European market can still take on higher volumes. The healthy nature and multiple uses of avocados result in strong consumer demand. France and Scandinavian countries are already very mature markets, while Germany and Italy still have room for
read more

Despite a significant decrease in wholesale prices for tomatoes in Ghana, retail prices remain high. From Q2 to Q3 2023, the cost of a box of imported tomatoes fell by 43% from GH¢3,000 to 1,700, while locally produced tomatoes saw a 47% drop from GH¢1,500 to 800. However, consumers in Accra
read more

The rosy-cheeked pear FRED® from Varicom has gradually established itself since its successful brand launch in 2018. The Swiss club pear is now cultivated in all the traditional pear-growing regions of Western Europe - whether in France, Switzerland, Italy or Belgium - and the harvest volume
read more

The agri-food cooperative Anecoop will be present at Fruit Logistica, where it will showcase a new addition to its Easy by Bouquet line of ready-to-eat specialties: the Pea-a-Mole. read more

A failed field test has led to a major discovery about Asian citrus psyllids (ACP). According to new research, the bacterium that causes HLB disease can interfere with ACP’s sense of smell, rendering some kinds of insect traps useless. The work is currently available as a preprint. read more

The Picodi South Africa analyst team conducted a comprehensive review of changes in minimum wage across 67 countries. The study also evaluated the price fluctuations of basic groceries and compared the cost of a "survival basket" to the minimum wage. The analysis was based on net wages to
read more

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
read more

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.
read more

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
read more

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
read more

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