An organic farming enthusiast in Kenya has been looking at the humble banana to make wine from it. The fermentation process was quite lengthy to achieve the desired result, lasting northwards of two and a half months. She described the drink as sweet: "Sweet ripe banana aroma too and just in
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The wave of bad weather that has been affecting the Peninsula for several weeks now has not yet stopped and, inevitably, the first balance sheets of one of the most difficult fruit and vegetable seasons ever are being drawn. Speaking on the subject is Ernesto Fornari, Director
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Holders of Zimbabwean exemption permits have been urged to get their visas in order if they want to stay in South Africa after December. This comes after the Department of Home Affairs extended the validity of exemption permits from the end of June until 31 December 2023, due an influx of up to
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In week 24, growers, traders, retailers, and other chain partners gathered at Enza Zaden's House Fair in the Netherlands. Last year, this breeding company permanently opened its demo high-tech crops location at Duijvestijn Tomaten in Pijnacker. In addition to the 3,000 m2 lit and 6,000 m2 unlit
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A delegation of the Mediterranean Organic Agriculture Alliance visited Lebanon last week to hold its plenary session and visit Lebanese producers of fresh organic produce. Said Gedeon, Deputy Director General of Chamber of Commerce, industry and agriculture of Zahle and Bekaa reports on the event. read more

In a joint effort between the Malta Food Agency and the Central Cooperative of Farmers, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo inaugurated an investment of €600,000 in a machine and facility for the grading and packaging of various vegetables. read more

As EastFruit’s readers should know, Turkey has a substantial amount of unsold hazelnuts stocked. TMO, a governmental body, which buys and sells hazelnuts from the open market in order to regulate prices, has now turned to selling the stocks. This move is the right one for the exporters, but
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After Gorillas and Sezamo, the well-known food delivery company Uber Eats is also leaving Italy. As Corriere della Sera reports, the app will be usable until 15 July 2023. This was anticipated by Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, saying that it will also cease operations in Israel. The
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According to EastFruit analysts Uzbekistan profited from the tight onion supply situation in Europe and Middle East in a big way. After lifting export restrictions from March 15, 2023 and through the end of May 2023 the country has already exported more than 157 thousand tons of onions, which is
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Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) was officially reported in Zambia for the first time in 2018. It is a viral disease that causes hard rots in cassava roots and can result in substantial yield losses. It gets its name from the brown streaks that form on the stem. CBSD affects cassava
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According to EastFruit analysts, in 2023 Kyrgyzstan sharply increased walnut imports from China. During the first four months of the current calendar year, China shipped 25.5 thousand tons of walnuts to the Kyrgyz market. Of this volume, 14.4 thousand tons were inshell walnuts, and 10.9 thousand
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Agri SA is pleased to announce the appointment of Johann Kotzé as their new Chief Executive Officer. Jaco Minnaar, Agri SA President, congratulated Kotzé and expressed his excitement over the new phase ahead. read more

In the last week of September, a new edition of Interfresh Eurasia will be held in Turkey. According to Murat Ozer, general manager at Antexpo, he expects more participating countries than last year. read more

Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebbouneis currently on a state visit to Russia, which is expected to culminate in the signing of an “Expanded Strategic Partnership” between the two countries. Algiers has been showing an interest in working more closely with Moscow and other leading
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South Africa's citrus industry is rebounding after a difficult 2022 crop season. Despite heavy rainfall in the Western Cape, the country is experiencing a strong orange harvest and robust demand from EU and UK markets. South African oranges are now playing a crucial role in filling a supply gap
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It’s getting harder to obtain certain varieties in Poland. However, Jakub Krawczyk, export manager for Polish apple exporter Appolonia, states that there are still volumes of Red Jonaprince in the company’s stock. read more

A recent BerriesZA symposium demonstrated the levels of optimism and commitment within South Africa’s blueberry industry, remarks the organisation's new chairperson. read more

For the 2023 harvest, the Executive Committee of the California Prune Board, a consortium representing growers and packers of prunes from California for various distributor brands around the world, expects an estimated volume of 75,000 tonnes. read more

The global peach, nectarine and paraguayo markets are off to a good start in many countries, despite adverse weather in some growing regions. In the Netherlands, the Spanish stone fruit season started slowly, but peaches, nectarines, and paraguayos supplies gradually improved. read more

The Panama Canal Authority has stated that an “unprecedented drought” is affecting the Canal’s water supply. The water levels of one of the reservoirs feeding into the Canal – Gatun Lake – are dropping. Lake levels are forecasted to hit historic lows in July, which has prompted
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