Stonefruit
All the news and market analysis for worldwide stonefruit Industry, including stonefruit growers, stonefruit production, and the import and export of stonefruit.
Europe prepares for new US cold treatment requirements
Italy, Spain, Greece, France and Portugal have prepared inspectors for new US import rules, due to take effect in June
Frost slashes Polish fruit production
Early estimates suggest up to half of the new season apple crop may been lost
European apricot production forecast up 6 per cent
European production set to recover this season, although doubts remain over eventual size of French crop
French plum production stays steady
Forecast broadly similar to last year’s with production in France’s main growing region set to be 10 per cent below average
US stonefruit leader welcomes ‘7 Months of Summer’
The largest stonefruit grower in the US is doubling down on its multi-region production strategy
Del Monte launches Toy Story 5 promotion across Europe
Brand announces major on-pack collaboration with Disney and Pixar across fresh, prepared, and fresh-cut produce
Fresh Produce India, automation and Melbourne Markets CEO Rob Clayton
Following a successful Fresh Produce India, Bree, John and Liam discuss new opportunities for Australian and New Zealand brands in the market
South African fruit exports adapt to Middle East conflict
War in the Middle East has disrupted exports, but South African suppliers are finding ways to send citrus and apples to the region
T&G Global sale ‘backfires’ as potential buyer walks away
Newspaper report suggests plan to break up NZ supplier ‘put off’ private equity company, as sale process continues
Chilean suppliers form BabyPlum Club for premium plums
Eight of the country’s leading fruit companies join forces to grow and sell varieties bred by Spain’s Ibergen Frutales
Freskon returns for tenth edition of show
This week, Freskon welcomes 230 exhibitors to the Greek city of Thessaloniki for the tenth edition of the fruit and vegetables exhibition
Cool Carriers Chile posts strong season despite US downturn
Operator says it achieved record market share and moved 260,000 pallets of cherries, blueberries, grapes and stonefruit in 2025/26
Macfrut 2026: global fruit and vegetable sector meets in Rimini
Trade fair returns to Rimini Expo Centre on 21-23 April 2026, with over 800 international buyers expected to attend
Naturitalia innovates to drive fresh produce demand
Italian supplier to launch branded stonefruit range, ready-to-use potato line, and more occasion-based packs to drive consumption
Plus Berries reports good quality and export volume as stonefruit season begins
Spanish company says harvest is running around a week later than last year, due to the wet winter
Soaring costs to push up stonefruit prices in 2026, says Afrucat
Association warns that rising input costs come at a difficult time for producers
Hortgro launches South African plum promotion in US
April sweepstake offers participants a chance to win a gift card while showcasing the country’s plum quality and growing characteristics
So far, so good, for Greek stonefruit
Greek stonefruit growers hope for a continuation of the current favourable weather conditions, as the crucial flowering period gets underway
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