Spring brings challenges for stonefruit in Western Balkans
The fruit sector in Serbia and the broader Western Balkans region is facing a period of transition, influenced by changing climatic conditions, market dynamics and production trends
Philippe Binard: US tariffs will have “strong impact” on global fresh produce trade
Freshfel Europe’s general delegate warns of future international trade instability, but hints at potential opportunities for the EU fresh produce business as a result of US tariffs
European apple bodies call for rethink on EU sustainability rules
Afrucat, Assomela, and ANPP warn that new EU regulations threaten Europe’s food sovereignty
New European berry marketing campaign begins
Three-year project will promote the benefits of soft fruit to young adults in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands
Can strawberries help relieve menstrual pain?
Trial sponsored by Freshuelva suggests that daily consumption of fresh strawberries could reduce chronic menstrual pain
Agroponiente celebrates B-Corp accreditation
Company becomes one of only 200 in Spain to receive the sustainability certification
ICE: Italy could lose ‘billions’ as a result of US tariff
Agency director Matteo Zoppas and minister Francesco Lollobrigida tell Macfrut press conference that country faces major challenge
Newcastle Uni launches agrifood net zero tracker
Reporting data website is first of its kind in the agrifood sector, according to its creators
Strong campaign for French potatoes
French potatoes have enjoyed good volumes and demand in 2024/25, according to CNIPT, with good momentum going into the final stages of the campaign
Spanish Verna lemon season underway
Over 300,000 tonnes of the fruit is expected to be produced this season, according to Ailimpo
Interfel targets young adults with ‘vertical’ Jamais Trop advert
Latest advertisement, which is directed by French duo Xoxo, will be shown primarily on smartphone-friendly social media
Big names announced for Festival of Fresh 2025
Key figures in production, retail, wholesale and sustainability confirmed in first wave of Festival of Fresh speakers
Spanish citrus leader recognised by South African citrus growers
Ailimpo director José Antonio García’s efforts were highlighted at recent CGA Citrus Summit
GPG offers thoughts on global blueberry production
Jamie Petchell says interest, demand, production and supply continue to increase at ”impressive levels” globally
Tomra previews LUCAi at Fruitnet Citrus Congress
Tomra Food showcased its advanced AI solutions for citrus at last month’s event in Valencia, previewing its LUCAi deep learning solution for citrus
Biobest announces retirement of UK general manager
Simon Jones retired on 27 March, with Tim Crittenden appointed as his successor
Candine picks up apple award in Singapore
Candine, described by France’s Blue Whale as the “perfect variety” for the Asian market, has won the fresh apple prize at Voted Product of the Year Singapore-Malaysia
Partnership brings organic Tatayoyo to Austria year-round
Grower Veganis teams with an Austrian retailer to bring the pepper to the latter’s premium organic range
Foodiverse and Taylor Farms acquire Bonduelle’s German salad plants
Foodiverse will manage all activities for the unified businesses
Desmond Jas joins Nature’s Pride
In his new role he will oversee the company’s sourcing programmes
AgriLook connects the dots for growers
Developed by Preston Waldon, new software tool AgriLook aims to “help farmers stay ahead of the curve” by delivering forward-looking intelligence
Coming soon: FPJ Mediterranean Special
FPJ’s Mediterranean Special explores the big challenges and opportunities facing suppliers in the region, including climate change and new varieties
Vip puts apple growers at centre of new campaign
Farmers at heart of new project, with several sharing stories on social media and even taking part in store tastings
Post-Brexit red tape ‘putting off overseas hauliers’
Mike Parr, CEO of PML Seafrigo in the UK and Ireland, takes stock of the major challenges facing UK fresh produce logistics, from plant health fees to port delays and government U-turns
France and Mexico discuss trade and investment
After seven years of negotiations, French apples could be closer than ever to gaining access to the Mexican market, as Trump’s tariffs encourage greater cooperation outside the US
Hortifrut unveils Berry Easter packs
Blueberry packs aim to provide a healthier, more sustainable treat this Easter
First skin-transplant potato obtains plant breeders’ rights
New variety is developed using KeyGene’s proprietary 2S1 technique for creating graft hybrids
Orsero signs new banana deal with Canarian group Cupalma
New agreement will see Orsero’s Spanish division ripen around 20 per cent of the Canary Islands’ PGI-certified production
Dole orders 400 Star Cool 1.1 units with Sekstant telematics
Dole is upgrading its reefer containers in order to gain more detailed data insights and improve overall operational efficiency
Research points to positive effect of Poly4 on soil health
Anglo American and Biome Makers have formed a collaboration to assess the impact of low-carbon fertiliser Poly4 on the soil microbiome
Vip’s herbicide-free apples attract market premium
Consortium’s new environmentally friendly line already has the backing of several growers in its home region of Val Venosta
“Slight increase” seen in Hapag-Lloyd’s operating result last year
EBITDA climbs but group profit falls, with the impact of geopolitical uncertainty set to continue in 2025
![Trade Mission to the Netherlands[70]](https://d3fwccq2bzlel7.cloudfront.net/Pictures/415x277/0/5/8/138058_trademissiontothenetherlands70_428509.jpg)
Dutch experts explore India’s greenhouse potential
Market demand for premium crops including berries, tomatoes, peppers and salads is said to be increasing
Egypt and Jordan on the rise in premium strawberries
January’s showcase of premium UC Davis cultivars demonstrates the growing influence of Egypt and Jordan in strawberry production, according to Global Plant Genetics
Three Italian apple suppliers form new association
Alpoma APO brings together Vog, Vip, and Vog Products, who together will focus on R&D, sustainability and new commercial projects
Green Fruits posts 21.8 per cent hike in turnover for 2023/24
Results hailed successful example of cooperation and cooperative integration