Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
Challenges mount for Lebanese growers
Lebanon’s producers fear the impact of a widening war, as the country remains intertwined with that of regional, even global, trade
New international network brings together protected horticulture sector
Wageningen University has launched a new membership network for those working in controlled and protected horticulture to share best practice and the latest research from around the world
Analysis: Logistical shifts reshape regional routes amid summer slowdown
Fruitnet Insights’ weekly fresh fruit and vegetable update from the GCC markets, brought to you in partnership with Global Star Group
Soviet-era cafe shot wins World Food Photo Awards
World Food Photography Award winners highlight power of food stories and the essential role of food in communities across the world
Analysis: Lemon and avo prices improve, bananas remain under pressure
Fruitnet Insights’ weekly fresh fruit and vegetable update from the GCC markets, brought to you in partnership with Global Star Group
Oranges and chickpeas will be ‘viable UK crops’ under warming climate
Water storage, adaption to sustainable farming and increased domestic production are critical if the UK is to maintain farming viability and food security, according to government climate report
Analysis: Summer surge of stonefruit expected as congestion continues
Fruitnet Insights’ weekly fresh fruit and vegetable update from the GCC markets, brought to you in partnership with Global Star Group
First Comber earlies expected by mid June
New season early Comber potatoes are expected by next month into ‘reasonably steady market’, with Cyprus new potato imports already available
Analysis: Jeddah port congestion and a quality tax on delayed shipments
Fruitnet Insights’ weekly fresh fruit and vegetable update from the GCC markets, brought to you in partnership with Global Star Group
DP World and Al Dahra partner on food security
The partnership will focus on developing end-to-end supply chain solutions for food and agricultural commodities including fresh produce
Innovation helping hospitality supply face current pressures
Geopolitical tensions, energy and labour costs are reshaping catering and hospitality supply, and bringing new opportunities, according to Fresh Direct’s Summer Market Review
Turkish cherry volumes set to recover
This season, Turkish cherry volumes are expected to bounce back in a big way after last year’s frost-bitten campaign
The Fresh Ideas Show: When will people eat more fruit and veg?
Mike Knowles and Maura Maxwell are joined by Chris White as they discuss a major challenge facing the fresh produce business
War ushers in new phase of instability in Iran
Disruptions including temporary port closures and damage to infrastructure have affected the transportation and distribution of fresh produce in Iran
Price wars and production costs
In the latest Fresh Produce Journal Podcast, Nina Pullman is joined by Michael Barker to debate the pros and cons of the Easter price battle on British veg, and Nina visits tomato producer FlavourFresh
South African fruit exports adapt to Middle East conflict
War in the Middle East has disrupted exports, but South African suppliers are finding ways to send citrus and apples to the region
UK citrus market feels impact of Gulf crisis
The UK market has seen a rise in citrus sales over the past year, but all eyes are now on how logistical disruptions in the Middle East are affecting trade flows
Eating more fruit and veg could cut household food bills
Increasing intake of fruit and veg to five-a-day while cutting back on meat and confectionery could help Brits save £550 a year, new research has found
Outside factors impact Port of Antwerp-Bruges results
Weather conditions, strikes and geopolitics hit container traffic during the first quarter of 2026, but investments to strengthen capacity remain a priority
Potential fuel hikes threaten South Africa’s citrus export season
CGA has expressed concern over impending fuel price hikes and additional container surcharges linked to Middle East hostilities
Global Coalition launches charter for fair ocean freight practices
International alliance of fresh produce trade associations unveils voluntary charter to encourage more resilient supply chains
Hort left out of energy exemption list as government says it’s ‘watching closely’
Fresh produce businesses will be left to face soaring energy costs alone after further expansion to industrial protection scheme excludes sector
Turkish citrus suppliers thankful for timing
As logistical situation goes from bad to worse and costs keep rising, country’s exporters express relief as season approaches end
Food security fears build in Lebanon
The conflict in Lebanon is rapidly creating a food security crisis, according to the UN, as Israeli attacks prevent farmers accessing land
“Illusion of stability” exposed by Gulf crisis
The supply chain must learn to operate amid uncertainty, says Stefano Iorini of Global Star Group, focusing on “resilience, flexibility and alignment”
Lulu flies in produce to meet festive demand
Fruits and vegetables shipped in from India to ensure ample supply for Vishu celebrations
Logistics the challenge for Kenya’s expanding avocado sector
Kenya continues to set new avocado production records due to expansion and better productivity, but logistical issues are holding back exports
Maersk bolsters shipping routes into Saudi Arabia
Three new services to Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port improve connectivity in western Saudi Arabia, a key area for imported food
Israeli growers call for urgent help from state
Israeli herb, citrus and avocado exports have been severely hit by the US-Israeli war on Iran, with growers reporting significant losses amid soaring costs
Egypt acts to limit impact of Gulf disruptions
In response to logistical and cost pressures from the war in the Middle East, Egyptian authorities and citrus exporters are implementing strategic measures to maintain trade
So far, so good, for Greek stonefruit
Greek stonefruit growers hope for a continuation of the current favourable weather conditions, as the crucial flowering period gets underway
First South African citrus forecast points to continued growth
Another record season is on the cards for South African citrus exporters despite the current turmoil across the world
Easter 4p veg deals criticised as growers face sharp cost increases
Retailer promotions will ‘warp’ price of food in consumer minds, say growers, who face millions in additional standing charges as of today
Egypt shows promise as regional hub
Egypt’s strategic location has seen the country become an important link for fresh produce between the Mediterranean and the crisis-hit Gulf
Asian shift for Philippine bananas amid Middle East disruption
Japan and Korea should provide valuable alternative outlets for Philippine banana exporters as competitors face challenges
CH Robinson profits rise despite revenue fall amid AI investment
Robinson Fresh owner secures bigger profit thanks to continued restructuring, but warns of uncertainty ahead