All articles by Mike Knowles – Page 9
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AnalysisAnalysis: Is Chiquita Panama past the point of no return?
Strike action has pushed the multinational out of the Central American country, possibly forever. So what does the future hold for the people and plantations it has supported for more than a century?
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NewsTaiwan peach production nears 17,000 tonnes as cherry and nectarine imports grow
New USDA report forecasts Taiwan peach production for 2025, with total stonefruit consumption expected to hit 31,500 tonnes as nectarine and cherry imports increase
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NewsUS tariff plan leaves Brazilian mango and grape producers reeling
With the country’s mango and grape harvests just days away, producers are scrambling for solutions after the US announced a 50 per cent import tariff starting August 1, potentially diverting fruit to other markets
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NewsUS tomato supply ‘at risk’ if Mexican trade agreement ends
Over 30 major business organisations warn the US could struggle to source enough fresh tomatoes if government terminates countries’ long-standing trade agreement
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NewsPeru’s mango production set to be down and delayed, says Promango
Alternate bearing and delays to flowering are said to have contributed to the expected decline and later harvest
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NewsT&G Global confirms sale process amid takeover interest
The New Zealand-based fresh produce exporter has engaged Craigs Investment Partners to assist with a potential sale after receiving numerous expressions of interest
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NewsZespri reduces margin to boost kiwifruit grower returns
Zespri has announced a reduction in its fruit return margin percentage, which is expected to deliver an additional NZ$7-8 mn to New Zealand kiwifruit growers in the 2025/26 season
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NewsNew tariff offensive prompts major concern for exporters in the EU, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico
US President Donald Trump has announced plans for new tariffs on imports from multiple countries including the EU, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, creating significant uncertainty for fresh produce exporters worldwide
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NewsM&S uses AI and bumblebees to grow better strawberries
Retailer reveals pioneering, innovative approach to berry production that combines artificial intelligence with bumblebee pollination, with early trials showing promising results for fruit quality and consistency
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NewsTesco sees record fruit sales as UK heatwave continues
The UK’s largest food retailer expects to sell nearly 4mn punnets of strawberries and millions of other fruit items as temperatures soar again
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NewsItalian SunGold growers achieve record returns with Zespri
Company’s Italian SunGold kiwifruit generated record-breaking returns for the past season, marking an all-time high for the 1,200 licensed growers across six Italian regions
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NewsMaersk opens strategic cold chain facility in Peru’s Olmos region
Logistics giant Maersk has strengthened its presence in Peru’s agricultural sector with a new 17,500 sq m packing and cold chain logistics centre in Olmos, designed to handle avocados, blueberries, and mangoes for global markets.
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NewsBayWa reports €1.6bn loss as it attempts to overcome ‘most serious crisis’
German conglomerate reveals impact of recent liquidity problems, but insists transformation plan will ensure long-term financial stability
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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NewsThe Greenery reports €22.1mn profit for 2024
Dutch cooperative reports increased profits and high grower satisfaction with payout prices that apparently outperformed competitors
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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.

