Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
Berry business faces up to new challenges as growth continues
Investment in varieties, segmentation, marketing and technology will help build more profitable berry business, delegates heard at Fruitnet Berry Congress
Middle East conflict impacts airfreight options for fresh produce
Some flights have been able to reach Middle Eastern markets to supply fruit and vegetables, but global capacity has dropped as prices rise
Berry supply chain collaboration ‘essential’ amid significant cost pressures
Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, shares his thoughts on the impact of the Middle East conflict as the peak UK berry season approaches
Salix Fruits flags up three key variables to watch in Middle East conflict
Company warns that shipping routes, oil prices, and market reactions in key regions are the main risks to monitor
The real reasons behind the rise of blueberries
Fruitnet’s Mike Knowles speaks exclusively to Cort Brazelton, CEO of Fall Creek, about the product’s recent impressive growth
Middle East conflict has “limited impact” on Spanish exports
Fepex says the knock-on effect of the conflict for the industry will be seen in rising fuel and fertiliser costs
Flash Gala apple campaign reaches over 100mn people
South African premium apple brand has significantly expanded its global reach through a digital-first marketing strategy
Iran conflict continues to disrupt South African fruit shipments
Around 90 per cent of country’s fruit exports to Middle East by sea have been blocked by the crisis, forcing suppliers to divert cargo
War hits Israeli fresh produce sector
The impact within Israel remains unclear, but rocket fire has affected the stonefruit harvest in the north, while issues of labour availability persist
Risky business in the Gulf hits produce trade
The Gulf faces the possibility of fruit shortages, as vessels remain stranded at sea and new routes are sought, with few willing to take the risk
Shipping disruptions push Dubai market to seek new channels
Redirected vessels from China divert to ports in Oman and Saudi Arabia, as others are held in Asia
DP World announces record financial results for 2025
Group profits up 32.2 per cent to US$1.96bn, supported by strong European operations including milestone at UK ports
‘Some fruit supply chains may no longer be viable’
Reefer shipping expert and former Maersk Line executive Thomas Eskesen explains what conflict in the Middle East means for the fresh produce business
Italian apple exporters avoid major disruption in Middle East
Assomela says suppliers have ’largely withstood’ Middle East conflict, as strong sales and late-season timing helps to limit commercial impact
French apples stranded in Strait of Hormuz
Exporters face potential losses as more than 250 containers apparently remain stuck, with shippers competing to redirect cargo worth millions
The Middle East, resilience and the future of UK fresh produce
In the latest FPJ podcast, Nina is joined by Tom Joyce and the NFU’s Martin Emmett to discuss current and future challenges.
Fruitnet Berry Congress still the best place to track innovation in berries
Conference and networking event brings business leaders together to discuss better products, stronger supply chains, and new market trends
Gulf chaos continues as Lebanon under fire
The US-Israeli war on Iran has created an unpredictable situation across the Middle East, with ports and airports temporarily closing and vessels remaining stranded
Shipping freeze strands fresh produce at Indian ports
Hundreds of containers bound for the Middle East are stuck at Indian terminals
Iran stops all agri-food exports
Move adds to mounting logistics challenges and makes supply issues and price rises more likely
Iran conflict could raise fertiliser prices as growers prepare for planting
Gas price volatility and restriction of key fertiliser inputs through Strait of Hormuz could impact UK growing season for key salad and veg crops
Jebel Ali “operating normally” says DP World
All four terminals at the largest port in the Middle East are open, logistics group confirms
Middle East conflict threatens South African fruit exports
South African fresh produce exporters are grappling with uncertainty as conflict in the Middle East threatens a crucial market
Australian fresh produce exporters cut off from Middle East
Fruit and vegetable exporters face freight freeze as supply chains in the region shut down
Comment: Middle East conflict threatens European exports
Philippe Binard of Freshfel Europe considers the potential fallout for fresh produce suppliers after military action escalated in the Middle East
The Fresh Ideas Show: Are fruit and veg trendy at last?
Hear about the latest fresh produce business trends in the latest episode of Fruitnet’s video podcast, sponsored by Kanzi apples
Banana exporters weigh up options as Mideast war intensifies
With Ecuador in peak season, shippers are in a race to find alternative buyers and routes to market
Gulf conflict threatens major disruption to fruit trade
As shipping lines suspend operations, leading importer says conflict creates ‘big problem’ for international fresh produce suppliers
Indian exports hit by Middle East conflict
Leading shippers report severe disruption to fresh produce exports as air and seafreight services suspended
Shipping lines reroute services amid ‘deteriorating security situation’
Several services rerouted around Africa as vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz are suspended
AgroBelgrade 2026 connects Europe in Serbia
AgroBelgrade 2026 took place in the Serbian capital in January, bringing together over 500 exhibitors from more than 15 countries, and facilitating connections between regional suppliers and European buyers
Akorn Technology expands to UAE with natural post-harvest solutions
Post-harvest treatment specialist is launching operations in the UAE after winning the country’s FoodTech Challenge
South African blueberry season shows strong growth and quality
South Africa’s blueberry quality is high and volumes have increased this year, Berries ZA chief executive Brent Walsh told Fruitnet at Fruit Logistica
DP World and APM Terminals form partnership at Jeddah
The two global port operators have formed a strategic partnership at the Southern Container Terminal in Jeddah Islamic Port
Dulcis kiwifruit now on sale in Dubai
The 100 per cent premium green Italian kiwifruit continues its international growth
Family Tree Farms promotes commercial directors amid global market investments
Carla San Martin and Chris Taylor have seen their roles widen as the blueberry and stonefruit producer strengthens its international footprint