Asia & Oceania
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Asia and Oceania.
Lunar New Year edition of Asiafruit out now
Lunar New Year preview, Australia export focus and a keynote interview with Rockit Global CEO Grant McBeath headline this issue
Covent Garden and Melbourne Market share wholesale insights
UK wholesalers visit Australian counterparts and compare operations
Coles announces A$1 fruit and vegetable discounts for Christmas
Retailer slashes the price of four produce items in the days before Christmas
Korean consumers seek out frozen alternatives as price of fresh fruit rises
Annual imports of frozen fruit on track to reach record levels for second consecutive year
Comment: India’s blueberry industry poised for rapid growth
New genetics, and careful production development will be key to developing India’s domestic blueberry industry and capturing its untapped consumer, writes Global Plant Genetics’ Jamie Petchell
China matches Peru as world’s leading table grape exporter
Country’s production expands for seventh consecutive year, as global production is forecast to rise by 545,000 tonnes
BASF-Nunhems to acquire Noble Seeds
The acquisition of the New Delhi-based company will enable BASF-Nunhems to become a market leader in India’s vegetable seed sector
Corteva lends a hand to Australian charities with volunteering and donation programme
Corteva Agriscience employees contribute time and energy to a range of grassroots charities,
Malaysian durian industry urged to harness GI protections to add value
The country’s durian varieties have yet to be registered internationally, which could enable stronger branding opportunities
China’s pear imports decline amid waning demand for western varieties
Domestic production area projected to decrease while exports are still on the rise
Industry calls for national approach to potato mop top virus
Industry representatives meet to develop set of recommendations for state jurisdictions on the management of PMTV
Chile outlines ambitious plans for Indian market
Negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement are advancing well, says Iván Marambio
Australian table grape exports return to form on the back of Japanese boost
Adaptive and engaging marketing programme is helping to highlight Australia’s high-quality table grape offering in Asia
Premier Fresh Australia acquires new farmland to enhance its North Queensland banana operations
Expansion is part of renewal strategy for banana operations
Indonesia sends first shipment of frozen durian to China
Indonesia’s durian industry reaches a new milestone
LeaderBrand reports strong start to sweetcorn season
Despite adverse weather in September and October, improved conditions have helped crops recover in time for summer demand
New Port Community System completes initial roll-out
Initial roll-out of upgraded port system is now fully operational as Community Network Services prepares to expand into further key terminals including DP World London Gateway
Vietnam eyes ambitious US$1bn banana export goal
Industry leaders believe export value has the potential to triple in the coming years
OSY Group partners with Multisteps for Australian expansion
The collaboration will see OSY Group’s shelf-life extending technology applied to fresh fruit and vegetable packaging in Australia
Increased 2025 grower returns reflect momentum in T&G’s Apples business
New Zealand marketer set to pay a total of NZ$172mn in returns to its grower network, up 25 per cent on last season
New guide helps Australian citrus growers prepare for innovative orchard systems
Citrus plant protection guide 2025/26 provides information on managing pests and diseases and new research on growing systems
China’s fruit import volumes surge but value growth slows
Wayne Prowse provides an update on Asia’s biggest market, where total import volumes are up sharply on last year, driven by bananas and cherries
Analysis: Seeded grapes ‘almost completely disappearing’
Dutch industry organisation GroentenFruit Huis says imports into the Netherlands have grown by 40 per cent in past decade
Strong kiwifruit sales push Seeka profit to record levels
Company raises profit forecast, on the back of reported improved returns, excellent post-harvest performance, and cost savings
Australian cherries continue promotional roadshow in Hong Kong and Shanghai
Season launch events held to help boost demand in key markets across Asia
Freya Galati crowned Western Australia’s cherry queen in PCHF charity auction
Box of cherries sold for A$60,000 at Perth Markets to raise money for Rare Care Centre at Perth Children’s Hospital
Ondine expands domestic and export reach
Boosted volumes and a refreshed marketing programme support expansion for Australian-grown flat peaches and nectarines
Bloom Fresh announces PVR victory as China’s Supreme Court upholds decisive administrative penalty
Decision brings closure to the multi-year infringement case involving large-scale illegal Sweet Sapphire plantings
Spanish cherry exports climb 11 per cent to 43,604 tonnes
Fepex’s Cherry Committee reports positive season results with exports reaching a value of €188mn
Maersk appoints Robert Erni as new chief financial officer
The logistics group has also announced a series of regional leadership appointments as part of a broader restructure
China’s grape imports continue to decline as domestic production improves
Recent USDA report forecasts China’s 2025/26 table grape production at 15mn tonnes, up 6 per cent year on year
Chinese drone specialist TopXGun teams up with AGC to fuel Spanish expansion
AGC becomes the official Spanish distributor for TopXGun’s precision agriculture UAV technology
Southern Forests Food Council delivers value to West Australian growers
New report confirms council adds millions in economic value
Noposion plans to raise over Rmb1.45bn to expand Yunnan blueberry base
Funds will also be used to construct a R&D centre and to supplement working capital
LeaderBrand mourns the loss of horticultural pioneer Stuart Davis
Davis has contributed over 35 years to New Zealand’s horticulture industry including in areas of sustainability and pest management
Primland primed for growth of gold kiwi
With production on the rise in France, Portugal and Greece, kiwifruit marketer Primland is ready to respond to increasing consumer demand