All articles by Mike Knowles – Page 10
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NewsDutch berry campaign exceeds first-year target in months
New three-country berry promotion has apparently surpassed its annual reach target within months of launch, attracting ‘massive’ social media engagement across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany
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NewsGreener Pastures launches NZ kiwifruit investment fund for golden visa
New Zealand group Greener Pastures has launched an investment fund allowing foreigners to buy into the country’s expanding kiwifruit sector while securing residency under relaxed ‘golden visa’ rules.
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NewsSweet Sensation pear harvest begins with 6,000 tonnes expected
Premium pear variety has established itself as a European retail mainstay, with Dutch growers expecting to strong demand this season as harvesting gets underway
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NewsFyffes surpasses sustainability targets despite severe climate challenges
Fruit brand exceeds multiple targets in latest biennial report, achieving goals in waste reduction, water management and packaging despite facing severe climate change impacts including tropical storms and increased pests
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NewsJingold achieves 96 per cent recycled packaging in sustainability push
Italian kiwifruit company says it has passed a number of milestones in first-ever sustainability report
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NewsRobots help Scottish berry growers combat mildew disease
Angus Soft Fruits deployed Thorvald robots using UV-C light treatment to control powdery mildew during Scotland’s exceptionally hot summer, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fungicides while protecting crop quality and boosting yields
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NewsRomagna stonefruit producers plan investment in better varieties
Suppliers in the Italian region report increased demand for their PGI-certified peaches and nectarines, with strong commercial interest in domestic and German markets driving plans for further development
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NewsAustralian avocado sales rise despite production dip
Industry body reports growth in domestic demand and export markets as production is forecast to reach 170,000 tonnes within two years
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NewsOrsero Group reports strong growth in half-year results
Italian fresh produce distributor records significant revenue and profit growth, with particularly strong performance in kiwifruit, grapes, fresh-cut and exotic fruit categories
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NewsThe Flavour Farm to acquire Dutch tomato specialist RedStar
Cibus-owned greenhouse producer continues expansion strategy with acquisition of second major Dutch tomato business, following Duijvestijn deal in 2023
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NewsDriscoll’s appoints Jiunn Shih as first global marketing chief
Appointment reunites former Zespri executive with ex-CEO Dan Mathieson, and underscores company’s commitment to strengthening global brand presence
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NewsDutch greenhouse workers trial exoskeletons to reduce strain
A pilot project in the Netherlands is evaluating how mechanical support devices could make repetitive horticultural tasks less physically demanding
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NewsMarcus De Luca appointed as Kölla Nova managing director
The experienced produce professional brings 25 years of industry expertise to strengthen the company’s specialist discount retail supply division.
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NewsMurdock companies to sell Dole shares worth US$158m
Castle & Cooke Holdings and The Murdock Group to divest all remaining holdings in world’s largest fresh produce company, concluding Murdock’s four-decade connection with the business
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NewsHein Deprez completes Greenyard buyout
Belgian multinational returns to private ownership following completion of ‘simplified squeeze-out’
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NewsLandgard appoints Roland Neuwald to board of directors
Appointment comes as part of transition following departure of previous CEO Oliver Mans in June
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NewsItalian firms forge new connections at Asia Fruit Logistica
Companies including Infia, Origine Group, Unifrutti Group/Oranfrizer, RK Growers, Rivoira, and KiKoKà report successful meetings with existing and potential clients from across Asia at the international trade show
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NewsApeel Sciences sues wellness influencer over ‘toxic’ coating claims
California-based company files lawsuit against wellness influencer Robyn Openshaw, alleging she conducted years-long disinformation campaign against company’s plant-based produce coatings
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NewsFyffes and Ocado open new school facilities in Belize
Fruit supplier and online retailer fund new educational facilities in south of country, providing safe classrooms for 271 pupils and a hurricane shelter for local residents
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NewsJingold sees Asian potential despite logistical challenges
Despite an ongoing logistical challenge, kiwifruit marketer Jingold is back at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong this week, highlighting the continued importance of Asian markets ahead of an anticipated production increase

