FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
Brussels and Mexico open a new chapter in trade relations
Mexico and the European Union have given fresh momentum to their bilateral relationship with the signing of a modernised agreement that updates the cooperation framework in place since the late 1990s. The new understanding broadens economic, political and strategic cooperation between the two parties and incorporates key areas such as digital trade, investment, technology, the energy transition and regulatory cooperation
Chilean fruit industry faces water shortage challenge
The president of Frutas de Chile, Iván Marambio, has warned that the lack of water security has become the main constraint on the growth of Chile’s fruit sector. The industry leader, who is currently on a trade tour of Asia to open and consolidate strategic markets, said that international demand is not currently the main problem for Chilean fruit, but rather the internal restrictions that are limiting the country’s production capacity
Brussels suspends tariffs on some fertilisers for one year
The Council of the European Union has officially adopted the suspension, for one year, of customs duties on certain fertilisers, with the aim of reducing costs for the agricultural sector and cutting the EU’s dependence on Russia and Belarus
Bimi® BBQ Day in Murcia: from seed to flame
Murcia is the world’s leading region in the production and export of Bimi®, the vegetable that continues to win over Europe thanks to its nutritional value, flavour and versatility
ISF launches practical guidelines on social rights in seed production
The new document provides a voluntary framework to help companies, suppliers and growers strengthen responsible labour practices across the seed value chain
World Seed Congress closes with record participation and historic ISF leadership milestone
Lorena Basso, from Argentina, becomes the first woman to lead the International Seed Federation in its 102-year history
Europe expects peach and nectarine crop to rise by 9% in 2026
European peach and nectarine production is expected to recover in 2026 after a 2025 season marked by sharp contrasts between countries. According to data presented in Lleida during Interprunus, the International Peach and Nectarine Forum, European output is forecast at 3.41 million tonnes, up 9% compared with 2025 and 11% above the 2020-2024 average
LIDA Plant Research highlights its international patent
Since its beginnings, LIDA Plant Research has focused much of its research activity on the study of gene expression activation in plants, becoming a pioneering company in this field and positioning biotechnological innovation as an essential part of its corporate DNA
Fewer fruit exports and more vegetables in Q1 as total volume falls by 1%
Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable exports fell by 1% in volume in the first quarter of 2026, totalling 3.4 million tonnes. The decline was mainly due to the lower weight of fruit exports, which dropped by 4.5%, while vegetables gained prominence, with volumes up 2%, according to data from the Department of Customs and Excise processed by FEPEX
Florette launches first-ever price-marked packs
Florette, is bolstering its support for independent retailers with the launch of its first-ever Price Marked Packs (PMPs). Designed to drive rate of sale in the convenience channel, two of the brand’s bestselling SKUs – Florette Crispy (90g) and Florette Mixed (125g) – will now feature a highly visible £1.25 RSP to communicate standout value and build shopper confidence
Zespri backs key agreement to strengthen kiwifruit logistics
The initiative aims to improve infrastructure, port connectivity and the availability of housing and labour in Western Bay of Plenty, one of New Zealand’s main kiwifruit-growing regions
Shipping lines face more blank sailings as uncertainty builds
Geopolitical uncertainty, higher fuel costs and weak demand are putting pressure on global container shipping
