Stonefruit
All the news and market analysis for worldwide stonefruit Industry, including stonefruit growers, stonefruit production, and the import and export of stonefruit.
Mason bees offer reliability in unpredictable conditions
Serbian entrepreneur Nela Jovic is promoting mason bee adoption across the Balkans, offering fruit producers a powerful alternative to traditional honeybee pollination
Cherry sales up 150 per cent at Ocado
Online retailer believes popularity for ‘retro’ cherry flavour has boosted fresh sales, while warm weather has led to bumper crops of berries and apricots
China green lights imports of South African stonefruit
As US tariffs kick in, there is some better news for South African stonefruit industry in China
South African growers yearn for soft landing as Trump tariffs bite
Exporters hope for the best but are already casting their eye at alternative markets
Chile moves to contain surge in fruit fly infestations
Frutas de Chile requests urgent approval of Bill providing SAG with greater and better tools to combat illegal fruit smuggling
South Africa continues talks with US over new tariffs
South African government officials are continuing discussions with US counterparts to address new 30 per cent tariffs on fresh produce exports, though diplomatic tensions appear to be rising
The Fresh Ideas Show: Summer sales, blueberries or bust, and magic magnets
Hear from fresh produce business experts including Tesco, Oddbox, Elenovations and Alegra in the latest episode of Fruitnet’s video podcast
Plum deal for growers as sector bounces back
Tesco reports best plum season for three years
New climate-resilient apricots launched by Worldwide Fruit and Cot International
Four new varieties grown in the UK have been brought to market, with development focused on resilience to extreme weather and frosty winters
South African exporters left hanging on for another seven days
South African fresh produce exporters have been granted a seven-day extension to address impending 30 per cent US tariffs, though industry sources believe higher duties are now unavoidable
Metis plums debut new LinerlessLid cartonboard punnets at Tesco
Launch from Coveris reflects growing trends for paper-based and branded packaging in UK
Moldova secures enhanced EU market access for fresh produce
Moldovan fresh produce exporters are set to benefit from increased EU market access following an update to the trade agreement between the two parties, with higher quotas for several key fruit categories and new duty-free access for tomatoes and garlic
First recipients of Queensland’s Community Bee Innovation Fund announced
The A$500,000 fund supports beekeeping and pollen-reliant industries safeguard against varroa mite
Afrucat, Eurecat Lleida join forces to fast-track innovation
Collaboration will promote technologies such as robotics, AI, biotechnology and much more
US tariffs force South African fruit exporters to rethink strategy
South African fruit exporters are preparing for significant market disruption as impending US tariffs force a strategic pivot toward alternative destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia
Video: Alegra’s summer snack campaign shines light on new strategy
Italy’s largest fresh produce company is focusing its summer marketing efforts on distinctive licensed varieties to differentiate itself in key categories
Taiwan 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
Fresh Del Monte appoints new VP for deciduous and citrus
Fresh Del Monte Produce has appointed Miles Fraser-Jones as vice president of sales and product management for deciduous and citrus (International), bringing over 25 years of experience to strengthen the company’s global category performance
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
Bayer expands pheromone gel distribution with M2i Group
Building on their successful European and African collaboration, Bayer has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with French pheromones specialist M2i Group to expand their biological crop protection solutions globally
Tesco 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
Trump tariffs will hit South African fruit exports hard
South African fresh produce exporters are bracing for a major blow as the US imposes 30 per cent tariffs from 1 August, potentially derailing established trade programs and threatening rural employment
Apo Conerpo bounces back with 13 per cent revenue growth
Italy’s Apo Conerpo has reported a significant recovery in 2024, with revenue up 13 per cent to €489mn and volumes increasing by 34 per cent following what it described as an ‘annus horribilis’ in 2023
Copefrut celebrates 70 years of sustainable growth
Company presents third sustainability report under GRI standard
BayWa secures court approval for restructuring plan
Company’s plan was already underway, with new loans secured until end of 2028, but legal backing now in place
South African stonefruit exports increase
Hortgro says the 2024/25 season is favourable, with volumes rising and consumer demand steady
BayWa’s produce sales improve, but restructuring plan approval still pending
As conglomerate attempts to bring down costs and focus on more profitable areas of business, its fruit and veg sales have increased
Europe set for slight fall in stonefruit production in 2025
Lower availability expected to lead to more balanced market conditions
Kölla expects “outstanding” apricots from Italy this season
Company’s Nicola Melillo reports from south of country, where new volumes of harvested fruit have already been shipped
Ortolani Cofri merges with Agrintesa
Italian cooperative extends reach across country with incorporation of Imola-based supplier
Respite for BayWa as restructuring plan is approved
Agreement offers respite to troubled conglomerate and T&G Global owner, with capital injection and loan extension to end of 2028
Turkey reels from unprecedented chill
Three severe bouts of frost have had a major impact on volumes of various Turkish crops this spring, as temperatures plunged across large parts of the country, with cherries and apricots two of the worst affected
Royal debuts innovative stonefruit packaging
New packaging concept matches pack designs to the colour of the fruit’s flesh
Robots take centre stage as Fruitmasters opens new storage and distribution facility
Sustainability and efficiency are central features of company’s new Smart Fruit Hub near Rotterdam
Cibus Fund II acquires PSB Producción Vegetal
PSB said deal will accelerate innovation in the stonefruit category
Comment: Who profits from proprietary produce?
Horticultural IP lawyer Darron Saltzman argues there could be a fairer way to structure variety licensing agreements