Mike Knowles
Mike Knowles is managing director of Fruitnet Europe, part of Fruitnet Media International – a world leader in fresh produce business news, analysis, and events. With an in-depth knowledge of the global fruit and vegetable trade, Mike has established a reputation as one of the industry's expert commentators.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 20 7501 3702
- Email:
- michael@fruitnet.com
NewsItaueira invests €12.5mn in new melon production
Brazilian fruit supplier commits significant investment to restore melon production base in Ceará state, with plans to expand to 3,000ha over next two years
NewsBeta begins blueberry exports to China from Chancay
Peruvian company has shipped its first containers of Sekoya blueberries to China and expects 25 per cent export growth this season
NewsUS Apple Association applauds new agricultural funding bill
Association welcomes signing of Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, highlighting increased funding for speciality crop programmes and beneficial tax provisions for growers
NewsWestfalia Fruit acquires Dutch avocado specialist Greenpoint Trading
Global avocado company expands European operations with acquisition of Dutch foodservice supplier, known for its Avojoy brand
NewsSwitzerland forecasts good berry harvest despite area decline
The Swiss Fruit Association has announced positive forecasts for the country’s berry harvest, with increases expected for raspberries, blueberries and currants, despite a recent reduction in total planted area
NewsThe Greenery reports €22.1mn profit for 2024
Dutch cooperative reports increased profits and high grower satisfaction with payout prices that apparently outperformed competitors
NewsWimbledon confirms no ban on avocados amid sustainability debate
The All England Tennis Club has confirmed that avocados remain available at Wimbledon, countering rumours of a ban following sustainability concerns raised in UK media.
VideoVideo: Ica attempts to make fruit and veg cool again
Swedish grocery giant Ica has unveiled a major new initiative aimed at reversing the declining trend of fruit and vegetable consumption among children, with nine out of ten Swedish kids currently falling short of WHO recommendations
NewsDel Monte Foods files for bankruptcy and puts itself up for sale
The major US-based supplier of canned fruit products has entered voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings as part of what it describes as a ‘value-maximising’ sale process
NewsApo Conerpo bounces back with 13 per cent revenue growth
Italy’s Apo Conerpo has reported a significant recovery in 2024, with revenue up 13 per cent to €489mn and volumes increasing by 34 per cent following what it described as an ‘annus horribilis’ in 2023
NewsNNZ names Ronald Hoozemans as new CEO
Netherlands-based packaging supplier has appointed former Bunzl MD as its new boss, following the retirement of Len Boot after 35 years with the company
NewsInterfel launches ‘Jamais Trop Street’ summer fruit campaign
French fresh produce association combines food trucks and graffiti art in eight-week promotional tour targeting 25-34 year-olds.
NewsSouth African supply extends Jingold's Exotic Red kiwifruit season
The commercial availability of red-fleshed kiwifruit in Europe has been extended into summer months thanks to new counter-seasonal production from South Africa
NewsSouth Tyrol’s ‘Apple Walk’ connects tourists with orchard heritage
A new agritourism initiative in Italy’s South Tyrol is bringing visitors closer to the region’s apple production through an innovative educational trail that combines traditional farming knowledge with digital interactivity
NewsT&G Global partners with Sandher for Canadian cherry exports
New Zealand-based T&G Global has established a strategic partnership with Canadian cherry grower Sandher Fruit Packers, taking over sales and marketing responsibilities in a move set to significantly expand Canadian cherry exports to Asian markets
NewsOrsero launches on-the-go blueberry pack for busy consumers
New transparent, heat-sealed 250g pack with resealable opening aims to meet growing demand for convenient, healthy snacks
NewsCould new strawberry varieties replace Wimbledon’s Malling Centenary?
The iconic Malling Centenary strawberries served at Wimbledon could soon be replaced by new varieties offering significantly longer shelf-life and reduced waste, according to one industry expert
NewsCold chain industry urges EU to invest in temperature-controlled logistics
The Global Cold Chain Alliance has called for greater recognition of temperature-controlled logistics in strengthening Europe’s food supply resilience during high-level talks with MEPs in Brussels
NewsTesco expects bumper British cherry season this summer
Britain’s largest supermarket chain Tesco will sell only UK-grown cherries across most ranges from this week, as favourable spring weather conditions have led to a bumper harvest of sweeter, juicier fruit
NewsOne Banana receives prestigious Walmart Trust Award
Family-owned banana supplier One Banana has been recognised with a prestigious Walmart Trust Award, highlighting the company’s excellence in sustainable production and food safety innovation