Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
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
South African citrus faces mounting pressures from Middle East conflict
The industry is facing mounting pressures from shipping disruptions, rising costs, and constrained demand in an important market
Agricultural shipments from India to Gulf region resume
Slow cargo movement and additional costs alongside reduced access mean the situation remains challenging for fresh produce exporters
Comment: The quiet recalibration of India’s fruit imports
Soma Sengputa, trade advisor at Flanders Investment & Trade, unpacks the true impact of India’s recent free trade deal ‘blitz’
Produce prices ‘will rise’ due to Middle East conflict
Wholesalers are reporting shortages of Israeli produce and warn ‘extreme costs’ will be passed on, as inflation is expected to hit homegrown salad veg and retail food prices within six weeks
Is the UK grape market heading from feast to famine?
Analysis from UK fruit importer Richard Hochfeld predicts a switch from a demand-driven to a supply-driven market in the UK around week 16
South Africa grapples with Middle East impact
Shipping surcharges soar as exporters struggle to redirect fruit with specifications tailored specifically for Middle Eastern consumers
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