Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
Futura develops AI-powered date sorting technology for global markets
Omar Papi, managing director of the Italian fruit grading technology company, explains how AI has taken date quality selection to a whole new level
Applications open for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2026
FLIA Fresh Produce and FLIA Technology participation is free of charge, so make sure you submit your application before the end of October
Palestine Gardens exports dates against odds
Mo’men Sinokrot of Palestinian date specialist Palestine Gardens says the challenges to produce and export are severe, but the people’s commitment to the land remains steadfast
Carrier Transicold sells 25,000 OptimaLine containers for fresh produce
Refrigerated transport technology company also developing wireless, real-time monitoring systems to help fresh produce exporters go further
Asia’s appeal, apple and pear trends, and Europe’s worker scandal
Episode 3 of The Fresh Ideas Show delves deep into Asia Fruit Logistica, pins down the Prognosfruit forecasts, and exposes the truth about European migrant labour
Choppy waters ahead for global shipping’s net-zero framework
US pressure and Saudi Arabia’s successful motion to adjourn IMO talks on the controversial framework appears to have scuppered a deal that took a decade to negotiate, despite backing from over a hundred countries
Fruitnet Berry Congress returns to London
Leading global event for the berry business brings a broad array of supply chain partners – including retailers and suppliers – together for two days of talks, networking and study tours
Produce shippers await net zero vote amid US threat
As geopolitical storm grows, fresh produce shippers watch for outcome of crucial meeting on sustainability framework that could reshape industry strategy for years to come
Māori kiwifruit growers secure landmark UAE export partnership
Producer organisation to pursue collaborative trade marketing deal with UAE customers, working with Zespri and Mr Apple to supply New Zealand-grown fruit
Fruit Attraction claims record participation
Organisers of fresh produce trade show report significant growth in visitor and exhibitor numbers at this week’s three-day exhibition in Madrid
Aydi raises $7.5mn for AI agronomy assistant Orth
AI-powered field operating system Aydi has closed a $7.5mn seed round to introduce and scale Orth, an AI agronomy assistant providing real-time insights to growers facing rising costs and climate challenges.
MSC launches direct South America-Middle East reefer service
Mediterranean Shipping Company will start a new direct service in October connecting South American exporters with Middle Eastern markets, using Abu Dhabi as a key transshipment hub for reefer cargo
Fawakih eyes Asia potential for Kenyan avocados
Challenges remain, but Kenyan avocados must be ready for big opportunities in Asia, according to Fawakih Import and Export
Taking on the water crisis in Iran
Decades of mismanagement have contributed to the current water crisis in Iran, but Alireza Emami, CEO of Zarrin Group, sees a new, sustainable path forward
Kubo applies new tech to strawberry sites in Canada and Saudi Arabia
Greenhouse technology specialist says it has constructed two major production facilities using its semi-closed, emission-free model
Carrefour closes more Gulf-based operations
After exits from Oman and Jordan, the French retailer has announced the closure of its Bahrain and Kuwait stores, as Majid Al Futtaim rolls out its HyperMax brand
New Zealand’s 26 Seasons signs Saudi strawberry partnership
26 Seasons and Qassim Strawberry & Fruit Cooperative Society sign commercial partnership
Opportunities for Serbian apples despite cold spring
Serbian apple producers were hit by plunging temperatures in the spring, but Gojko Zagorac of Serbia Does Apples sees opportunities for the country’s smaller crop
Scottish firms behind world-first GigaFarm in Dubai
Agritech manufacturer IGS and deployment partner Modutec have teamed up for a project designed to replace 1 per cent of food imports in the UAE
StepacPPC champions sustainable pallet shrouds for fresh produce
Fresh produce packaging specialist StepacPPC has introduced Xtend Pallet Shrouds, an innovative full-pallet packaging solution designed to extend shelf-life of berries and other delicate produce while reducing plastic usage during transport
DP World and Itochu sign MOU for African logistics expansion
Global ports operator DP World has formed a strategic partnership with Japanese trading company Itochu Corporation to develop logistics and supply chain infrastructure throughout sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing connectivity for Japanese businesses entering African markets.
Flash Gala aims for further success
The Flash Gala apple brand has achieved its most successful season since launch, with profitability levels dramatically improving year-on-year and prices exceeding expectations
Asia Fruit Logistica exhibitor preview: EMEA
Asia Fruit Logistica continues to attract suppliers and service providers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, all of whom see the event as a vital opportunity to build new connections and diversify their market portfolio
Flash Gala harvest hits record 1.48mn cartons in 2025
The 2025 Flash Gala apple harvest has set a new record with 1.48mn cartons packed, representing a 41 per cent increase on the previous season as orchards reach maturity and quality improves
DP World reports 20 per cent revenue growth in H1 2025
Global logistics group DP World has announced a 20.4 per cent year-on-year revenue increase to US$11.24bn for the first half of 2025, with container volumes up 5.6 per cent despite ongoing disruptions in key shipping corridors
Rockit launches new small family pack
The new pack offering follows the successful launch of the Large Family Pack last year
Turkish lemons “lacking” after frosty spring
Lemons are expected to be in short supply globally this year, as most major suppliers struggle for volumes and the effects of Turkey’s disastrous frost continue to be felt
Food supply chains feel war’s impact in Iran
The recent conflict with Israel served as a reminder of the vulnerability of the agriculture sector to political and military shocks, according to Alireza Emami of Iran’s Zarrin Group
Kenya’s avocado exporters scale up
As Kenya rises in the global avocado ranks, exporters like Karakuta and Keitt are investing in infrastructure, orchards and market diversification to stay ahead of the competition
Egyptian avocado producer Pico plans significant plantation expansion
Suppliers eyes strategic growth in avocado production, taking advantage of Egypt’s advantageous supply window that largely avoids the dominant producers
Unifrutti issues fraud alert following suspicious communications
International fresh produce company has alerted the industry to fraudulent communications from various sources, which are said to have falsely claimed to represent the group and solicited payments
Survey: AI and automation in fresh produce supply chains
Fruitnet reaches out to fruit and veg business professionals to investigate current and future impact of groundbreaking new technologies
Only three weeks left to register as an exhibitor for Fruit Logistica 2026
Returning to Berlin on 4-6 February 2026, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business offers new formats, high-level networking, and unmissable global reach
Australian avocados look to increase international market share
Ongoing B2B and B2C campaigns highlight region’s year-round supply, high-quality fruit and varied use cases
Egypt’s Pico plots premium push in multiple fruits
The Egyptian grower-exporter is optimistic concerning new premium grape varieties’ ability to extend the season, while blueberries and exotics continue to expand Pico’s portfolio
Global avocado market surpasses US$20bn
New RaboResearch report shows new acreage and more diversified supply base is driving export growth