Biotalys and AgroFresh partner to protect fresh produce
Companies to jointly develop biological solutions to reduce food waste
AVA berry varieties show way for Angus
Premium berry varieties like AVA Magnum and AVA Monet aim not just for outstanding taste but also improved shelf life, according to Angus Soft Fruits, making them ideal for export to the Gulf and Asia
Potato growers urged to be vigilant as beetle re-enters UK
Colorado beetle is described as ‘major threat to potato crops’ following confirmed sightings in Kent and suspected hitchhiking on imported produce
Chilled logistics firm has been hacked, BBC reveals
Major service provider to British supermarkets insists business remains unaffected but admits it is subject of ransomware attack
Co-op members vote in favour of ceasing trade with Israel
An advisory motion to remove Israeli produce from shelves has passed at the retailer’s AGM with three quarters of members in favour
Thanet Earth’s seventh glasshouse to open in November
Construction is underway on Thanet Earth’s seventh high-tech glasshouse in Birchington, Kent, which will produce an additional 150mn tomatoes a year
Coming soon: Fresh Focus Tropicals 2025
Fruitnet’s special annual publication promotes the very best of the tropicals category to an international audience of buyers and importers
DP World reveals US$2.5bn investment plan
Company says major infrastructure projects will break ground across Europe, India, Africa and South America this year
UK and EU agree major agri-food deal
Removal of checks on fresh produce and plant health certificates among the detail now released under new ‘sanitary and phytosanitary zone’ and major realignment of food safety standards
Semillas Fitó showcases melon innovation
Seed company holds second edition of its Water&Melon Show in El Ejido
Hazera partners with Top The Onion Group
Exclusive partnership for set onions will focus on quality, innovation and shared expertise for the grower
Anecoop and Asaja help create new Citrusbusters alliance
Group targets development of new tools to combat rising threat of disease brought about by climate change and international trade
Programme announced for Fruitnet Tropicals Congress
Join leading industry figures at Fruitnet’s flagship tropicals event in Antwerp on 24 &25 June
New UK-EU deal to remove some checks on food exports
Fresh produce industry calls for more detail but welcomes signs of progress
New Marshal Papworth student cohort arrives at Harper Adams
Students from six different African countries will take part in the 10-week sustainable agriculture course at Harper Adams as vice chancellor notes benefit of bringing people together
Ahold Delhaize appoints Europe CCO
Tim Bork is tasked with accelerating the retailer’s growth strategy across Europe and Indonesia
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
Frutmac strives to offer future-ready packaging
Italian group aims to offer smart products for a sustainable future, in response to the European Union’s new packaging regulations
Ortolani Cofri merges with Agrintesa
Italian cooperative extends reach across country with incorporation of Imola-based supplier
Global seed sector gathers in Istanbul
World Seed Congress takes place this week amid ongoing trade discussions that threaten seed availability and food security
Almería kicks off 2025 watermelon campaign
The province’s watermelon production is set to increase slightly in 2025
Sakata opens new research centre in Antalya
The facility will strengthen the company’s cucumber, tomato and pepper research programmes
Asia’s largest wholesale market bans Turkish apples
Azadpur market chairman confirms blockade in response to “current circumstances” surrounding India-Pakistan conflict
Karakuta avocado facility aims for top quality from Kenya
The Kenyan avocado specialist’s new facility aims to address the main issue hindering the country’s success on global markets: achieving a consistently high quality export
Robotics firm Muddy Machines to wind down
Exclusive: The firm behind the robotic harvester Sprout is winding down operations after failing to secure new funding, as founder warns industry will struggle to face challenges ahead
The Crown Estate seeks veg and potato farm tenant
A farm tenancy for a specialist green veg and potato grower with environmental ambitions has become available under The Crown Estate
Brazilian grape suppliers meet importers in China
Abrafrutas president Guilherme Coelho updates Fruitnet on potential trade breakthroughs in Asia and Europe
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
Store Check: Coop City, Zurich
A supermarket that puts its produce outside, to create an engaging market feel that attracts busy professionals
Driscoll’s opens cutting-edge new UK headquarters
Company says revamped site is Europe’s largest dedicated berry development facility, providing a fully traceable journey from seedling to packhouse
Flash Gala exports surpass 1mn cartons
South African apple brand celebrates milestone as demand grows in eastern markets
Hugh Lowe Farms trials polytunnel solar panels
Electric Berry project powers farm tools and equipment using flexible solar panels attached to top of its polytunnels, with no extra land required
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
Delhaize and Bakker help veg farmers grow greener
Retailer and supplier establish Cultivation Academy to fund and support development of better production techniques
Coldcha introduces reusable NFC temperature labels
Company says its paper-based NFC label makes temperature registration during transport more sustainable and affordable
BelOrta brings Belgian cherry business under one roof
Company says move will help it achieve greater efficiency and longer shelf-life for its fruit when new season begins