Carl Collen
Carl Collen is deputy editor of Eurofruit, news editor of Americafruit and news journalist on Asiafruit. He joined the Market Intelligence team in May 2007, having studied broadcast journalism at university.
Since joining the company, Carl has reported extensively on news developments all along the international fresh produce supply chain, travelling from Berlin to Brazil in search of the latest stories from the world of fresh produce.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 20 7501 3703
- Fax:
- +44 20 7501 0306
- Email:
- carl@fruitnet.com
NewsBuilding Dreams project transforms homes for 300 Colombian banana families
More than 300 banana-farming families in Colombia’s Magdalena region now have safer, healthier homes thanks to a five-year partnership between Fyffes, the Albert Heijn Foundation and local organisations through the Building Dreams project
NewsMaersk announces US$2bn India port expansion and strategic initiatives
AP Moller-Maersk has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives to expand its operational footprint in India, including a proposed US$2bn investment in Pipavav port infrastructure and the flagging of two vessels under the Indian registry
NewsGlobal fresh produce exports hit 148mn tonnes in 2024
Worldwide exports of fresh fruits and vegetables grew 2 per cent to 148mn tonnes in 2024, with China, Spain and the Netherlands leading global shipments according to UN trade data
NewsIfco study confirms reusable packaging containers outperform single-use alternatives
An updated 2025 Life Cycle Assessment has scientifically demonstrated the environmental advantages of reusable packaging containers over single-use alternatives in the North American fresh produce market
NewsSun World adds six new licensees across Egypt and Chile
Sun World International has expanded its worldwide network with six new licensees across Egypt and Chile, strengthening its ability to deliver premium grapes year-round to global markets
NewsEosta expands organic cranberry programme tackling Dutch peatland challenges
Leading organic fresh produce specialist Eosta has announced the expansion of its successful organic cranberry programme, which is helping address major environmental challenges in Dutch peatlands while providing a climate-positive alternative to problematic dairy farming
NewsMohammad Abu-Ghazaleh highlights “intensified” banana supply threat
Fresh Del Monte’s chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh has intensified warnings about growing threats to global banana supplies, citing the spread of devastating diseases across key producing regions and mounting financial pressures on growers
NewsFresh Del Monte reports net loss despite higher sales
Fresh Del Monte Produce has reported a net loss of US$29.1mn for the third quarter of 2025, despite net sales increasing to US$1.021bn, as the company moves to divest its Mann Packing business operations
NewsTru-Cape forecasts 5-7 per cent cherry production increase with excellent quality
South African cherry growers in Ceres are expecting a bumper season with production up 5-7 per cent and exceptional fruit quality, thanks to ideal spring weather conditions that delivered perfect rainfall and sunshine timing
NewsIFPA urges exemption for fresh produce from ultra-processed definition
The International Fresh Produce Association has submitted comments to US health departments emphasising that fresh fruits and vegetables should remain central to nutrition strategies as officials develop definitions for ultra-processed foods
NewsDP World inaugurates $85mn Sokhna Logistics Park in Egypt
DP World has officially inaugurated the Sokhna Logistics Park in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone, marking a major milestone in the country’s trade infrastructure development with an $85mn investment
NewsUK wooden pallet reuse maintains strong performance in 2024
The wooden pallet industry maintained strong reuse performance in 2024, with 53.9mn pallets inspected and repaired across UK supply chains, according to the latest annual market study by Timcon and the Forestry Commission
NewsGreat White Fleet orders 1,000 Carrier Transicold units
Chiquita Group’s ocean transportation arm has placed a major order for 1,000 OptimaLine with EverFresh units from Carrier Transicold to enhance its controlled atmosphere capabilities for perishable cargo transport
CommentHM Clause says tomato disease resistance is just the start
HM Clause’s tomato breeding coordinator Katarzyna Grabka discusses the company’s intensified efforts to develop ToBRFV-resistant varieties, climate adaptation strategies, and new launches including Freeman and Centinela ahead of the Fruitnet Tomato Congress in Malaga
NewsFresh Del Monte sells Mann Packing assets to Church Brothers
Fresh Del Monte Produce has agreed to sell key assets from its Mann Packing business to Church Brothers Farms, allowing both companies to focus on their core strengths in a strategic realignment
NewsMixed picture for Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Container traffic stabilises but bulk cargo under pressure due to international uncertainty and volatile trade climate
NewsFieldwork Robotics partners with Portuguese berry producers for harvesting trials
Fieldwork Robotics has partnered with Portugal’s Research Centre for Sustainability for a 24-month programme to trial robotic raspberry harvesting on farms near São Teotónio, focusing on Driscoll’s varieties and addressing regional labour shortages
CommentYuksel targets tomato growth amid ToBRFV challenges
Ahead of the Fruitnet Tomato Congress, Yuksel’s Hicham Abba discusses the company’s ToBRFV-resistant portfolio expansion and opportunities in premium tomato segments despite industry challenges
NewsIFPA Global Produce & Floral Show concludes after “transformative days”
The International Fresh Produce Association’s flagship event attracted attendees from more than 50 countries, with record buyer engagement and major announcements including a new data intelligence platform
NewsRijk Zwaan champions ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties
Dutch seed specialist Rijk Zwaan continues to develop its portfolio of tomato varieties with high resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges