Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
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
Turkish stonefruit battles through cold spell
Turkish exporters anticipate a good cherry season despite an untimely bout of frost across various stonefruit regions, which has hit apricot and cherry production in some areas
Syria resumes exports of fruit and vegetables
Around 270,000 tonnes of produce was exported in the last two months
Egypt and Jordan on the rise in premium strawberries
January’s showcase of premium UC Davis cultivars demonstrates the growing influence of Egypt and Jordan in strawberry production, according to Global Plant Genetics
DP World reports record revenue
Full-year results show revenue growth of 9.7 per cent, mainly due to improved performance of ports and terminals
Topian seeks global partners to transform Saudi food production
Describing new sustainable region Neom as “more than a construction project”, Topian says it is committed to reshaping food production in Saudi Arabia
Itaueira and MBR Company join forces in Mideast export push
Together they will export Rei melons to GCC countries
Del Monte appoints Deema Anani as CCO for specialty ingredients
Anani joins Nizar Haddad and Imad Farhat in leading Fresh Del Monte’s Biomass initiative
Enzispring highlights opportunities for Kenyan avocados
New possibilities are opening up for Kenyan avocados, according to Enzispring’s Alice Okello, including in eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, but Red Sea issues continue to pose a challenge
Comment: Cargo claim trends to watch out for in 2025
Insurance cover is a tricky business for fruit exporters, but there are ways to reduce your risk, says Lina Jasutiene of Recoupex
Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch to launch in Germany and Middle East in 2025
Following a successful launch in the US in 2019, Driscoll’s is preparing to introduce its premium soft fruit range in new markets