All articles by Carl Collen
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NewsFreshfel questions EU’s ‘boosted’ budget and ‘Buy European Food’ campaign rebrand
The European fresh produce association has reached out to Commission president Ursula von der Leyen seeking clarity on promotion funding and expressing concerns about the rebranding of EU campaign messaging
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NewsSofrupak to launch ‘smart’ berry packaging with NFC chip
Adam Sikorski of Polish packaging specialist Sofrupak says the group is set to introduce innovative ‘smart’ packaging with NFC chip technology for the 2026 season, enabling product tracking from field to shelf in line with upcoming EU Digital Product Passport regulations
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NewsFyffes guarantees banana supply despite industry challenges
The fresh produce company is working with long-term suppliers to ensure uninterrupted deliveries of premium quality bananas despite severe industry pressures
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NewsSpanish fresh produce consumption dips 1 per cent in early 2025
Total household consumption of fresh produce in Spain reached 2.74mn tonnes during January-May 2025, representing a 1 per cent year-on-year decline, according to data processed by Fepex
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NewsIFPA backs White House nutrition report to boost produce consumption
The International Fresh Produce Association has welcomed the second report from the White House’s Make America Healthy Again Commission, emphasising that fruits and vegetables are essential to improving national health outcomes
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NewsCosta Rican banana exports fall 20 per cent amid climate challenges
Corbana reports significant decline in banana exports as excessive rainfall and disease pressure impact production across Costa Rica’s Caribbean region
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NewsDP World launches Morocco-UK-Europe service to cut fruit export times
A new shipping service connecting Morocco with the UK and North Europe will reduce fruit and vegetable export times by up to two days, offering better quality produce at lower costs with a significantly reduced carbon footprint
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NewsFresh Del Monte launches Uruguayan oranges in European markets
The first shipments of Del Monte-branded oranges from Uruguay’s Salto region are set to be distributed across Europe next week, strengthening the company’s year-round fresh fruit supply strategy
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NewsIBO launches BlueCareers platform for blueberry industry recruitment
The International Blueberry Organization has created a specialised recruitment platform to connect employers with qualified professionals across the global blueberry sector
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NewsSpanish fruit and veg exports to EU rise 1 per cent
Germany and France lead growth in Spanish fresh produce shipments, while non-EU exports decline by 5 per cent
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NewsFreshfel slams “asymmetric” EU-US trade deal for fresh produce
The European fresh produce association has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as an unfair trade agreement that removes tariffs for US exporters while maintaining significant barriers for EU producers
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NewsMission Produce to showcase avocado programmes at Asia Fruit Logistica
The avocado specialist will present its diversified sourcing strategy and ripening expertise as supply transitions from Peru to Mexico, New Zealand and Chile
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NewsSpain sees growth in fresh produce imports in H1 2025
Fresh fruit and vegetable imports to Spain increased significantly during the first half of 2025, with volumes up 9 per cent to 2.4mn tonnes and value rising 14 per cent to €2.956bn.
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NewsVidre+ technology extends shelf-life of cherries, study finds
A new study from the University of Life Sciences in Poland has demonstrated that Fresh Inset’s Vidre+ technology can significantly extend the shelf-life of cherries, with treated fruit maintaining quality for up to nine days longer than untreated samples
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NewsGP Graders launches industry-first sanitary blueberry sorting machine
Post-harvest technology specialist GP Graders has released a new fully sanitary-designed sorting and grading machine specifically engineered for blueberries, featuring dry-handling technology and advanced defect detection
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NewsFruitist launches grab-and-go blueberry Snack Cups
New portable format aims to make fresh fruit ‘as effortless and craveable as packaged snacks’ for consumers with fast-moving lifestyles
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NewsHortifrut to showcase Asian market commitment at AFL 2025
Global berry producer-marketer Hortifrut will exhibit alongside strategic partner Naturipe at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025, highlighting its growing presence in Asian markets through local production and direct imports
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NewsWestfalia Fruit highlights growing Asian avocado demand
Global supplier points to expanding market access from African origins as key development enhancing supply flexibility for Asian customers
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NewsMexican avocado industry commits to zero-deforestation by 2030
The Mexican avocado industry has become the first in the country to sign a binding federal conservation agreement, committing to ensure all produce exports will be deforestation-free by 2030
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NewsJBT Marel launches automated pineapple wax dosing machine
JBT Marel has unveiled its fully automated ProDose Pineapple Wax Dosing Machine, designed to transform preservation processes for large pineapple producers by replacing traditional manual waxing methods