Asia & Oceania
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Asia and Oceania.
Boratto Farms leverages AI for leafy green quality assessment with GoMicro
AI-powered technology can assess quality of spinach, lettuce, rocket, chard, and red butter leaves on conveyor belts with expert-level accuracy
Failed marriages boost frozen produce sales
Rising divorce rates and smaller households have brought new opportunities for fresh suppliers looking to diversify into frozen as first container of frozen Peruvian avocados arrives in China
Global leaders to share insights at Peru Meet Up
Meet the industry experts who will share key strategies for success in the Asian market at the inaugural event in Lima
Asiafruit Indonesia edition out now
Indonesia’s record fruit imports plus features on apples, berries, grapes and more
Taiwan exports first shipment of pomelo to Malaysia
First consignment arrives in Malaysia after access was granted in November 2024
Rachel Chambers named Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner
CEO of the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers takes on new three-year role to support and empower the state’s farmers
Greener Pastures launches NZ kiwifruit investment fund for golden visa
New Zealand group Greener Pastures has launched an investment fund allowing foreigners to buy into the country’s expanding kiwifruit sector while securing residency under relaxed ‘golden visa’ rules.
T&G Fresh and Kaikohe Berryfruit partner to expand berry operations
Venture sees Kaikohe Berryfruit lease its 10ha site for nine and a half years to grow premium blueberries and strawberries for the domestic and export markets
‘Sky is the limit’ for fresh suppliers moving into dried
There is strong opportunity for fresh fruit suppliers to diversify into dried fruit or nuts thanks to commonality among consumers and growth in key markets, according to speakers at a new Asiafruit Showcase session
Shaffe rebrands as Southern Hemisphere Fruit Alliance
The 34-year-old advocacy group for Southern Hemisphere fresh fruit exporters has adopted a new name and logo to better reflect its mission of unifying the diverse regional fruit sector
Aldi Australia takes out fifth consecutive fresh produce retailer award
Discount retailer recognised as the best supermarket for fresh and affordable fruit and vegetables by Canstar Blue
Costa registers five new blueberry varieties in Laos
Registration follows successful launch of its Laos blueberry farm earlier this year
Priest Bros strike gold adding apple value
Victorian apple growers launch apple juice, catering to health-conscious shoppers with bring a premium, grower-led product
Chris Frame crowned Brisbane Markets’ 2025 Mango King
Annual fundraising auction raises A$81,000 for Redkite and The Lady Musgrave Trust
Sumitomo appoints David Morey to national sales role
Morey will lead a team of ten regional managers strategically based near key growing regions around Australia
New Zealand’s 26 Seasons signs Saudi strawberry partnership
26 Seasons and Qassim Strawberry & Fruit Cooperative Society sign commercial partnership
Seeka upgrades full-year earnings guidance again
Solid trading through the third quarter sees Seeka lift profit before tax forecast
Australia to review alternative biosecurity measures for the import of Philippines bananas
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) strongly opposes the proposal saying “imports are unnecessary”
NIAB research advances precision orchard management
OrchardQuant 3D system allows accurate 3D mapping of apple and pear orchards, helping growers maximise production and adapt to climate change
SanLucar forges ahead with Asian expansion
Premium brand now available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and central China
Phoebe Scherer wins 2025 Young Grower national title
Bay of Plenty regional champion Scherer beat out six other finalists, including runner-up Steven Rink and third-placed Amelia Marsden
Asiafruit Knowledge Centre: Asia’s 30-year growth
Rising import volumes, China’s dominance and Asia’s shifting retail landscape among the key themes of Asiafruit Congress’ opening panel discussion
Australian vegetable industry sentiment in decline as compliance costs top A$200mn
Latest industry survey from Ausveg suggests two in five vegetable growers are actively considering leaving the industry within the next year
Belgian Truval Conference pear makes introduction in Japan
A warm welcome was given to the presentation of Truval Conference pears from Belgium at this month’s Osaka World Expo in Japan
New Zealand horticulture industry recognises excellence at annual awards
Five awards were handed out, including the Horticulture Bledisloe Cup to Andrew Fenton, current president and chair of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation
Australian government launches export market diversification initiative
New A$50mn project to give peak industry bodies tailored support to target new markets
Sydney Markets celebrates 50 years at Flemington
Of the original tenants trading at Sydney Markets, 39 individuals still operate at the Markets today
Australian avocado sales rise despite production dip
Industry body reports growth in domestic demand and export markets as production is forecast to reach 170,000 tonnes within two years
California Table Grape Commission launches global marketing campaign to support autumn crop
Campaign utilises multi-channel promotions and key festive celebrations to boost consumption
Bravo apples win Best Fresh Snack Award
Healthy Food Guide Awards recognise most nutritious food products on Australian supermarket shelves over 17 categories
New agrichemical strategy for Australian growers
National Agrichemical Management Program set to support growers through changing regulatory landscape
Seafrigo expands presence in Australia with new state-of-the-art facility
New 10,000m² warehouse at Melbourne Airport features vastly increases operational capacity in the region
Asia ambitions: Brands, growth and ultra-quick retail
UK produce companies joined Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong where discussions centred on brands, logistics and new market opportunities. Nina Pullman and Fred Searle report from the show
Driscoll’s appoints Jiunn Shih as first global marketing chief
Appointment reunites former Zespri executive with ex-CEO Dan Mathieson, and underscores company’s commitment to strengthening global brand presence
Asia Fruit Logistica China Meet Up concludes in Guangzhou with strong global engagement
Second edition of China Meet Up attracts record number of international participants with over 1,400 attendees from 25 countries and regions
Australian apples bound for Canada under new deal
Improved access conditions allows trade pathway for fresh apples without the need for fumigation or cold treatment