Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
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
Co-op to halt sourcing relationships with countries violating international law
UK retailer Co-op Group has announced a new sourcing policy that will prohibit products from 17 countries identified as having community-wide human rights abuses, with implementation beginning June 2025
Middle East conflict could harm fresh produce business
Industry analyst warns that growing hostilities in the Middle East could lead to higher costs and changing consumer purchasing patterns for fruit and vegetables
BayWa secures court approval for restructuring plan
Company’s plan was already underway, with new loans secured until end of 2028, but legal backing now in place
Del Monte brings Pinkglow pineapple to the UAE
The pineapple variety will be available on Talabat Mart for a limited time only, the group says
Trade mission puts Australian horticulture on show
Around 40 fresh produce buyers from key export markets in Asia-Pacific and Middle East will tour growers, processors and retailers in southern Queensland
Syria battles drought, as sanctions are lifted
The removal of sanctions on Syria may help the country respond to severe drought conditions, including by modernising irrigation systems and boosting productivity
Competition may intensify in UK citrus market after EU deal
Egyptian citrus suppliers to the UK may need to adapt to maintain export growth following a new trade agreement between the EU and the UK, says Osama Saleh of HoudElNile
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
Avocado Africa 2025 set for Nairobi
The fifth International Africa Avocado Congress takes place in the Kenyan capital on 27-30 May, with a focus on how to boost the competitiveness of African growers
Comment: Who profits from proprietary produce?
Horticultural IP lawyer Darron Saltzman argues there could be a fairer way to structure variety licensing agreements
Coming soon: FPJ Festival of Fresh Special
FPJ’s Festival of Fresh Special explores the big opportunities and challenges in British berries, as well as a getting you ready for our summer celebration
East of England Co-op trials new date brand
Datekin looks to position itself as “quick and sustainable energy boost” through trial at selected stores in East Anglia
Korea builds smart farm in Saudi Arabia to drive ag-tech exports
Complex of vertical farms and greenhouses to showcase Korea’s smart-farming technologies
Dubai chocolate has not caused a pistachio shortage, say experts
There is no lack of supply, say sources, who point to higher production in Turkey and Iran, and a much bigger overall crop worldwide
Chile advances toward a trade agreement with UAE
Deal would eliminate tariffs on 97 per cent of exports