Asia & Oceania
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Asia and Oceania.
Survey: AI and automation in fresh produce supply chains
Fruitnet reaches out to fruit and veg business professionals to investigate current and future impact of groundbreaking new technologies
National brand for Vietnam bananas could help boost exports
Country has potential to secure enormous volume and value growth in banana exports, says leading supplier
Australian horticulture’s A$1bn annual productivity opportunity
New report details targeted action across four key areas which will accelerate productivity growth for Australian growers
Cosmic Crisp shoots for the stars in Australia
Red Rich Fruits CEO Matthew Palise expects Cosmic Crisp to maintain momentum in its second season after demand for the latest addition to Australia’s apple category outstripped supply
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
New South Wales citrus researchers acquire new Maf Oceania grader
The Global Scan 7 will improve data collection and analysis projects undertaken at Dareton Primary Industries and Regional Development Institute
Small label, big shift, urges Sinclair
Sinclair says a “small yet powerful” innovation like the compostable label is a good example of how “even a fruit sticker can help build a circular economy”
Leaderbrand’s Stuart Davis awarded Horticulture New Zealand life membership
Award acknowledges the more than 35 years Davis has played a pivotal leadership role in the advancement of New Zealand’s vegetable sector
Vietnamese dragon fruit exports hit by certification delays
European buyers reportedly switching to Thai and Ecuadorian suppliers as certification bottlenecks leave tonnes of Vietnamese dragon fruit at risk of spoilage
Chinese cherry market goes from strength to strength
Domestic output climbs as new growing areas come on stream, while imports also continue to rise
Delhi Chief Minister orders modernisation of city’s produce markets
Delhi’s Chief Minister has instructed officials to modernise the city’s wholesale produce markets, promising ‘no shortage’ of funds to transform facilities that handle thousands of tonnes of fresh produce daily
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
French apple campaign shows promise
Apple consumption can be given a boost with a focus on taste, according to Marc Peyres, commercial director of French exporter Blue Whale, who sees potential for “flavourful varieties for the future”, including Candine
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
French apple growers embrace change
Despite considerable challenges, Daniel Sauvaitre, president of the French apple and pear association (ANPP), believes the country’s apple business is well placed to respond to consumer demands for sustainability and top quality
Belgian pears provide stability
Belgian Fruit Valley predicts a strong pear crop this season amid shifting climatic, logistical and market challenges, with its region’s stable production providing confidence to both growers and customers
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 tariff offensive prompts major concern for exporters in the EU, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico
US President Donald Trump has announced plans for new tariffs on imports from multiple countries including the EU, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa, creating significant uncertainty for fresh produce exporters worldwide
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.
HSBC Philippines to fund series of smallholder cooperatives
Bayan Family of Foundations and Philippine agritech leader Mayani join the project
International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium tickets selling fast
Final chance to attend fresh produce safety event with special discount for Produce Plus subscribers
Only three weeks left to register as an exhibitor for Fruit Logistica 2026
Returning to Berlin on 4-6 February 2026, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business offers new formats, high-level networking, and unmissable global reach
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
Hortifrut launches Peru blueberry season with China shipment
Chilean berry giant’s first container of the 2025/26 season is expected to arrive in Shanghai on 30 July, with transit time reduced from 32 to 25 days
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
Mitrofresh expands with new office in China
Netherlands-based mushroom and exotic produce specialist has opened a new office in Guangzhou as part of its strategy to expand business beyond the European Union
Australian Bravo growers increase crop by 25 per cent
Increased volumes meet growing demand across Australia’s eastern states
Sweet C unveils Summer 2025 campaign ‘Blue is the New Orange’ in India
Mandarin brand celebrates freshness, simplicity, and wellness with a high-profile launch event in Gurugram, India, led by Malaika Arora
Egypt’s Pico plots premium push in multiple fruits
The Egyptian grower-exporter is optimistic concerning new premium grape varieties’ ability to extend the season, while blueberries and exotics continue to expand Pico’s portfolio
Australia welcomes Japanese delegation
Week-long tour showcases counter-seasonal export opportunities between the two countries
Cambodian durian gains access to China
News comes as China reports 32.9 per cent drop in total durian imports
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
Wimbledon confirms no ban on avocados amid sustainability debate
The All England Tennis Club has confirmed that avocados remain available at Wimbledon, countering rumours of a ban following sustainability concerns raised in UK media.
More details emerge of free trade deal between China and Africa
China steals a march on the US by announcing a free trade deal with Africa