“It’s prime time for Southern Hemisphere fresh organic apples"

The prime selling window for organic apples from the southern hemisphere starts now and will continue through August. From Chile, the first organic…

Freight Farms' bankruptcy filing reveals $7M in liabilities, and how the industry is responding

As growers scramble for support following Freight Farms' Chapter 7 filing, peers and competitors step up to fill the void and reflect on what comes…

Pricing could shift on Mexican blueberries

The Mexican blueberry season will be winding down over the next four to six weeks. "Some growers have already started to prune on varieties whose peaks…

Oncoming heat to help size up California organic stone fruit and melons

Summer organic fruits are coming on in California. "The timing is mostly on track," says Brenda Haught, co-CEO of Creekside Organics. "There is some…

Specialty vegetable program expands

Altar Produce announces a significant expansion in its specialty vegetable offerings. As part of this growth initiative, the company is announcing a…

David Einstandig of Mastronardi Produce joins CEA Alliance Board of Directors

The CEA Alliance has named David Einstandig to its Board of Directors. Einstandig is currently the senior vice president/general counsel at Mastronardi…

U.S. to levy 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes

Starting mid-July, tomatoes imported from Mexico will incur a 17.09% levy as the U.S. administration withdraws from a longstanding trade agreement. This move…

U.S. tariff may force Hede Shipping exit

Sea-Intelligence has evaluated the implications of the US Trade Representative's proposal to impose penalties on Chinese and non-Chinese shipping lines…

Chestnut Hill Farms announces the passing of William Sheridan

It is with deep sorrow that Chestnut Hill Farms announces the passing of Bill Sheridan, a valued member of its Advisory Board, who passed away on May…

National Retail Report - Specialty Crops:

Produce ads rise with festive deals and price shifts

During the two weeks ending May 8, 2025, most major retailers promoted Cinco de Mayo-themed produce, featuring items such as cilantro, avocados,…

Kaohsiung expands fruit exports to Canada

Kaohsiung's Agriculture Bureau, Taiwan, is expanding its fruit export activities to Canada, achieving over NT$10 million (U.S. $ 324,000) in export value…

Tomatoes recalled in multiple states over salmonella risk

Two separate recalls have been issued for tomatoes due to potential Salmonella contamination, though no illnesses have been reported to date. Williams Farms…

Idaho potato acreage to hit 70-year low

Idaho, renowned for its potato industry, is facing a projected decrease in potato acreage. "The potato is an important crop in Southern Idaho," said Brian…

Avocados up 53% as U.S. noncitrus crop trends diverge in 2024

The USDA's 2024 Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts Summary outlines a mixed year for U.S. specialty crops, with some commodities seeing higher yields and values, while…

Cornelius de Villiers – Freshgold

Indian demand exceeds supply of South African Flash Gala apples

By the end of next month the apple harvest will be done, all the fruit in bins to be allocated to the packhouse or to the controlled atmosphere rooms…

Joep Jongmans (Special Fruit):

"Mango market struggles with high volumes during disrupted sales weeks"

The mango market is currently transitioning from Peru to Côte d'Ivoire. "It means that a lot is converging in the market. The delayed final shipments…

China opens direct shipping route to Peru

The Chinese port of Guangzhou has initiated a direct shipping route to the Peruvian port of Chancay, aiming to lower logistics expenses and bolster trade with…

Peru faces complex 2025-26 blueberry season

The 2025-26 blueberry campaign in Peru is anticipated to be one of the most intense and complex yet. Projections suggest exports may exceed 400 tons. Luis…

Adriaan van Belzen, Daily Onions:

"More and more Egyptian exporters entering the onion trade without real expertise"

The Egyptian onion season is slowly approaching. "Everything is looking good, and I don't expect any problems with quality or availability," says Adriaan van Belzen of Daily Onions. "Last…

Taco van der Louw, Up & UP Talent Solutions:

"With a larger team, we're ready to take the next step internationally"

For over nine years, Taco van der Louw of Up & Up Talent Solutions has been connecting candidates and companies in the fresh produce sector. Recently,…

Part 1: Possibilities of agri-PV in fruit growing

"Overall, we want to find out to what extent the PV system also works with intensive fruit production"

To preserve high-yield soils for food production, multi-use concepts in which food production remains the primary focus and electricity generation…

Frost deals heavy hit to Moldovan stone fruit

"30 to 100% of the Moldovan apricot and cherry harvests were compromised"

The stone fruit production in Moldova has taken heavy hits during two periods of frost, damaging the potential yield this season, says Stefan Pislaru,…

Jan Harmsgat – Kowie Smit

No end to ideas on 302-year old Boland farm

On the farm Jan Harmsgat, in the foothills of the Langeberge of the Western Cape, the pomegranate harvest was about 15% lower than last year. "This was…

Jan Rozema and Christian Bras join forces

Prime Fruit Partners officially launched

Under the name Prime Fruit Partners, Jan Rozema and Christian Bras are joining forces. With more than 40 years of combined experience in the…

NZ exports to EU jump 28% in first year of trade deal

The early entry into force of the New Zealand–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is already delivering strong results, with New Zealand's goods exports…

Nico van Vliet joins Yuksel Seeds

Yuksel Seeds has announced the appointment of Nico van Vliet as Downstream Integration Lead, effective May 1. Van Vliet brings over three decades of…

China signals interest in more South African farm imports

Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng has emphasized the need for enhanced bilateral trade and economic collaboration between China and South Africa. In a post on X, he…

Telangana farmers grow more exotic fruits to cut imports

A wide variety of fruits—both common and exotic—continue to be imported into Telangana from other Indian states and abroad. These include apples, guavas,…

Fresh Chinese vegetables reach UAE shelves in 48 hours

Fresh vegetables from China are reaching supermarket shelves in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within 48 hours post-harvest, aligning with local demand in this…

Dominican Republic boosts mango and avocado exports

Under President Luis Abinader's administration, the Dominican Republic has seen significant growth in fruit exports, particularly mangoes and avocados. Deputy…

Honduran farmers protest potato imports

A group of potato producers in Honduras has approached the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG) to raise concerns over import permits they say are…