All articles by Mike Knowles
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NewsBerry business faces up to new challenges as growth continues
Investment in varieties, segmentation, marketing and technology will help build more profitable berry business, delegates heard at Fruitnet Berry Congress
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NewsBerryWorld launches health-focused campaign for berry category
Leading berry supplier BerryWorld is launching a major health-focused campaign to educate consumers about the nutritional benefits of berries. The initiative, previewed at Fruit Logistica and supported by new consumer research, targets key wellness trends including immunity, gut health and weight management throughout 2026
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VideoThe real reasons behind the rise of blueberries
Fruitnet’s Mike Knowles speaks exclusively to Cort Brazelton, CEO of Fall Creek, about the product’s recent impressive growth
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NewsMiddle East conflict threatens apple and pear growers
War will drive up costs even further for growers who already face heavy administrative burden and labour shortage, says industry body
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NewsCroatian group Domaće Voće joins Kiku apple club
Producer organisation takes over commercial licence from Fragaria, as it bids to consolidate grower marketing efforts
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NewsIran conflict continues to disrupt South African fruit shipments
Around 90 per cent of country’s fruit exports to Middle East by sea have been blocked by the crisis, forcing suppliers to divert cargo
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NewsHigh court decision on mandarins could have wider implications
UK judge’s decision to dismiss Nador Cott Protection’s case could mean retailers continue to sell Tang Gold variety
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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