Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Zespri marketing chief Jiunn Shih announces departure
After nine years with the kiwifruit supplier, Jiunn Shih is leaving his position as chief marketing officer at Zespri, where he helped double sales to over NZ$5bn and build the number one fruit brand across 15 core markets
T&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
Zespri 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
New Zealand launches sustainability report for UK food buyers
NZTE has launched its first cross-category sustainability report for UK food and drink buyers, highlighting how New Zealand producers can help retailers meet environmental goals while ensuring supply chain resilience.
International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium tickets selling fast
Final chance to attend fresh produce safety event with special discount for Produce Plus subscribers
Conversations
Fruitbox 108 · Carlo Magni & Louise Beard, Forward Insight
Chris, Carlo and Louise consider the consumers of tomorrow, the choices they will make and how we can develop fresh produce that will appeal to them
Fruitbox 101 · Alex Garcia-Devis, GlobalGAP
Chris speaks with Alex about the scarcity of water in some of the world’s key production regions, and what this means for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry
Fruitbox 95 · Sir Charles Godfray, Oxford University
Chris and Sir Charles discuss what population growth and climate change mean for the global food system
Australian avocados look to increase international market share
Ongoing B2B and B2C campaigns highlight region’s year-round supply, high-quality fruit and varied use cases
Italian 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
BayWa 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
Australian Bravo growers increase crop by 25 per cent
Increased volumes meet growing demand across Australia’s eastern states
Australia welcomes Japanese delegation
Week-long tour showcases counter-seasonal export opportunities between the two countries
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BeeHero enters third season in Australia
Precision pollination specialist BeeHero has launched its services for Australian growers for the third consecutive season, now supporting over 70,000 acres of crops with new pre-pollination reports and enhanced connectivity infrastructure
Australian cherry leaders attend US study tour
Group visit key cherry-growing regions including Wenatchee, Quincy, Mattawa and Prosser
Onside launches safety management platform
PCBU Enterprise addresses longstanding safety challenges across the supply chain
Food Taipei Mega Shows brings global food industry together
Five concurrent exhibitions showcase global trends across entire supply chain
Hort Innovation sponsors three students through AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship
Programme reflects broader strategy to ensure Austrlaia’s horticulture industry remains future-ready
NNZ 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
South Australia pushes back plastic fruit sticker ban
State responds to industry calls for more time
Australian macadamias see sharp downturn in mid-season forecast
Growers in New South Wales report lowest crops in a decade due to ongoing wet weather conditions
Industry calls for tougher biosecurity controls following illegal import sentencing
Insect riddled fruit and vegetables among the 62 tonnes of illegal product imported from Thailand for Sydney’s black market
Plant & Food Research joins three other CRIs to form New Zealand’s largest research organisation
Bioeconomy Science Institute to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing