Stonefruit
All the news and market analysis for worldwide stonefruit Industry, including stonefruit growers, stonefruit production, and the import and export of stonefruit.
South Africa grapples with Middle East impact
Shipping surcharges soar as exporters struggle to redirect fruit with specifications tailored specifically for Middle Eastern consumers
French stonefruit suppliers face steep challenges
Apricot growers in France are struggling to make a profit, according to Serge Mouneyrac of Mouneyrac Frères, while cherry production requires substantial investments to protect the crop
South African stonefruit gains foothold in Chinese market
The country has achieved its first successful sales in China, with sugar plums and interspecific varieties welcomed by the market
South Africa announces rail and logistics reform plans
The South African government has announced sweeping transport reforms – but will they make a difference?
CFFA honours Sun World’s David Marguleas with Lifetime Achievement Award
Marguleas recognised for his ongoing service to the California fresh fruit industry at CFFA’s 90th annual meeting
Iran 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
PSB Producción Vegetal appoints Elena Aguarón as CEO
Aguarón previously held roles at SNFL Group and International Fruit Genetics.
War hits Israeli fresh produce sector
The impact within Israel remains unclear, but rocket fire has affected the stonefruit harvest in the north, while issues of labour availability persist
South African fruit stranded as Middle East problems mount
South African fruit exporters are grappling with mounting losses as vessels carrying stonefruit and table grapes remain stranded in the Gulf
Buenas Hasta El Hueso campaign reflects on successful third year
Promotion seeks to raise the visibility of stonefruit grown by national cooperatives amongst Spanish consumers
Iran stops all agri-food exports
Move adds to mounting logistics challenges and makes supply issues and price rises more likely
Middle East conflict threatens South African fruit exports
South African fresh produce exporters are grappling with uncertainty as conflict in the Middle East threatens a crucial market
Spain’s Mercosur fresh produce trade reaches €334m
Spanish fresh produce exports to the South American trading bloc reached €67mn last year, while imports totalled €267mn
New Zealand wraps up challenging cherry season
Quality prioritised as volumes drop in the wake of poor weather
Akorn Technology expands to UAE with natural post-harvest solutions
Post-harvest treatment specialist is launching operations in the UAE after winning the country’s FoodTech Challenge
Spain’s fresh produce export volumes down
Exports declined 4 per cent to 12mn tonnes in 2025, with Fepex citing rising costs and competitive disadvantages versus third countries
South Africa celebrates first stonefruit shipment to China
Official commencement follows the signing of a bilateral trade agreement granting South African produce duty-free access into the Chinese market
Family Tree Farms promotes commercial directors amid global market investments
Carla San Martin and Chris Taylor have seen their roles widen as the blueberry and stonefruit producer strengthens its international footprint
South African fruit exports face weather and port crisis
Hail and heavy rain damage, combined with persistent container terminal delays at Cape Town port, are creating serious supply disruptions
First South African Sugar Plums arrive in China
The shipment of nectarines and plums comes in the wake of the signing of the phytosanitary protocol at the end of 2025
Taiwan to eliminate tariffs on key US fruit exports under new trade deal
US apples, cherries, peaches and pears among wide range of fruits to enjoy duty-free access under reciprocal trade agreement
Alegra Group achieves impressive growth as premium strategy pays off
Italian supplier reports big rise in sales, with double-digit growth across key categories including kiwifruit, stonefruit, and pears
Berry shortages and ‘tsunami of grapes’ bound for Europe
Heavy rain, wind, and port issues are disrupting exports from Morocco, Spain and South Africa, with berries and grapes among top affected
AGOA extension welcomed but tariffs remain on South African fruit
President Trump extends AGOA for one year, but South Africans say it will not change trade options for the country’s fruit
Neil Barker awarded Order of Australia
Founder of BGP International recognised in Australia Day honours for his service to the nation’s fresh produce export industry
South Africa bemoans slow BRICS progress
South African fruit exporters are navigating a complex landscape of US trade tariffs, Cape Town port disruptions and disappointing BRICS trade
Hortgro mulls legal action over operational failures in Port of Cape Town
Leading industry body now threatens to head to the courts as export costs mount
Moldovan stonefruit navigates frost for premium opportunities
Last April’s frosts may have slashed yields, but Moldova’s stonefruit exporters are capitalising on premium pricing and high EU demand
Chinese delegation tours Mendoza stonefruit sites to advance export agreement
Technicians, GACC officials and customs representatives visit production facilities plots and packing plants as part of nationwide audit
Spanish fresh produce exports fell 3 per cent in January-November
Fresh fruit and vegetables totalled 10.6mn tonnes from January to November 2025, down 3 per cent year-on-year
Orbem secures €55.5mn to bring AI-powered scanning to fresh produce
Company has pioneered sub-second MRI scanning in the poultry industry, and now plans to help fruit and vegetable suppliers detect internal defects
Argentina edges closer to China access for stonefruit
Phytosanitary protocol expected to be signed shortly, paving the way for exports to begin next year
Greek stonefruit growers eye spring outlook
Following a challenging frost-affected season last year, cherry and peach producers in the northern Greek region of Naoussa are hoping for better conditions
Japan’s Aomori apple growers look to peaches as climate changes
Peach production almost doubles as growers diversify to manage rising temperatures
BelOrta weathers commercial storm as climate warms and consumption cools
Belgian cooperative launches major branding campaign and opens new sales facility as it looks to reverse recent decline in sales
Biosecurity NZ responds to Auckland fruit fly detection
Agency moves quickly in response to alert, after the discover of a single male Queensland fruit fly