All articles by Mike Knowles
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NewsZespri shipping manager schedules own departure
Industry stalwart Mike Knowles set to retire following almost four decades working in support of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry
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NewsStrong sales growth puts Orsero Group on track to expand
Higher volumes across berries, kiwifruit, citrus and fresh-cut products helped company achieve 8.2 per cent increase in net sales to €1.7bn
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NewsTropic secures US$105mn to scale gene-edited banana production
Company plans to scale production of climate-resilient and non-browning varieties, with commercial launches due in 2027
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NewsMercadona to expand fresh produce space in €3.7bn refit
Food retailer to roll out new Tienda 9 store model that significantly expands fresh produce and ready-to-eat offer
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NewsTrump tees up new tariffs as importers including Dole demand refunds
Three weeks after US Supreme Court ruled out the use of IEEPA, government digs foundation to erect new barriers
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Video‘Some fruit supply chains may no longer be viable’
Reefer shipping expert and former Maersk Line executive Thomas Eskesen explains what conflict in the Middle East means for the fresh produce business
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NewsCool Carriers takes delivery of first Snow Class vessel
Reefer fleet operator welcomes next-generation vessel as part of plan to boost capacity, reliability and performance
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NewsItalian apple exporters avoid major disruption in Middle East
Assomela says suppliers have ’largely withstood’ Middle East conflict, as strong sales and late-season timing helps to limit commercial impact
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NewsFrench apples stranded in Strait of Hormuz
Exporters face potential losses as more than 250 containers apparently remain stuck, with shippers competing to redirect cargo worth millions
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NewsDia invests €16m to secure completely Spanish strawberry supply
Retailer increases investment by 15 per cent to source 4,300 tonnes exclusively from Spanish suppliers, with focus on Huelva production
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NewsPolish retailers adhere to new law on fruit and veg origin labels
Authorities report dramatic improvement after introduction of new flag regulation and major fines against Biedronka and Kaufland
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AnalysisItalians buy more fruit and veg as big retailers strengthen grip on market
Consumers in Italy bought more fresh produce in 2025 for first time in years, with packaged and organic products performing especially well
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NewsTesco secures 60 per cent more UK asparagus
Warmer temperatures and new production techniques have enabled one grower to bring forward start of season by six weeks
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FeaturesEgyptian berry exporter is ready for growth
Fresh All Green chairman says its attention to detail has helped position the exporter as a dependable fruit supplier
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NewsDen Berk Délice appoints Coen de Ruiter as CEO
Belgian tomato supplier says appointment strengthens its position as reliable retail partner and maintains its focus on quality
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AnalysisDutch fresh produce consumption rises slightly in 2025
First consumption increase in the Netherlands for several years comes as demand for fresh convenience evolves
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VideoThe Fresh Ideas Show: Are fruit and veg trendy at last?
Hear about the latest fresh produce business trends in the latest episode of Fruitnet’s video podcast, sponsored by Kanzi apples
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NewsBritish farm aims to grow avocados on landfill
Wiltshire-based project sets ambitious target to produce large volume of fruit and vegetables on top of a rubbish dump
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NewsIntermarché expands long-term contracts with French suppliers
French retail chain plans to strengthen ties with domestic fruit and vegetable producers through expanded long-term contracts
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NewsKiwifruit labour providers forced to close
Two of Zespri’s New Zealand contractors cease trading with millions in unpaid taxes, after allegations of widespread non-compliance