Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
Video: How will AI shape the future of fresh produce?
AI is transforming how fruit and vegetables are bred, grown, distributed and marketed. But where will the technology have the greatest potential impact?
South African lemon exports surge to 41.5mn cartons
The industry overcame challenging weather conditions to deliver volumes 26 per cent higher than initial estimates
Fledgling South African cherry business dreams big
Industry targets large export deal this season as it continues to pursue China market access
New initiative set to boost Australian melon exports to the Gulf
Project takes practical approach to building market knowledge and connections for Australian industry
Maersk encouraged by Gaza peace process
The shipping giant has announced plans to resume shipping routes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal “as soon as conditions allow”
Afghanistan and Pakistan seek out alternative trading partners
Violent clashes on the border have brought trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan to a halt, pushing the former to find new outlets and the latter to seek out new sources
Asia Fruit Logistica on track for record-breaking 2026 edition
Exhibitor registration opens early for Asia’s premier fresh produce trade show, with bookings already up 23 per cent on same period last year
‘Strawberry shuttles’ provide new capacity as Egyptian season starts early
Unexpected higher demand for airfreight capacity prompts new partnership between national carrier and specialist cargo company
Is the divide in the tomato market destined to widen?
Faced with new challenges, some foresee the increasing commoditisation of fresh tomatoes, despite continued success for premium varieties
Unifrutti Group appoints Ashley Allen as group chief sustainability officer
International fresh produce supplier Unifrutti Group has appointed Ashley Allen as its new group chief sustainability officer, bringing experience from Oatly and Mars to advance the company’s environmental agenda.
Akorn Technology is finalist in UAE FoodTech Challenge
Postharvest solutions specialist Akorn Technology has been named as a finalist for the 2025 FoodTech Challenge, a UAE-based competition focusing on agri-food technologies for challenging environments
Wrap calls for more countries to target food waste ahead of COP30
Just 30 countries include food loss and/or waste in their Nationally Determined Contributions, missing ‘huge opportunity’ to cut global emissions
How AI and automation are rebooting the fresh produce business
Fruit Logistica’s new trend report reveals how artificial intelligence is accelerating change in global fruit and vegetable supply chains
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
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