FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
SanLucar recognised as Supplier of the Year 2026 in Singapore
SanLucar has received the Supplier of the Year Award 2026 from one of Asia’s leading retail groups. The recognition highlights the company’s successful partnership with Cold Storage and the continued development of the SanLucar brand in Asian markets, where it is strengthening its position in the premium segment
Brussels places agriculture among priority sectors for AI development
The European Commission aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in the real economy and has identified the agri-food sector as one of the areas with the greatest potential. Ursula von der Leyen announced that Brussels will present new initiatives in November to boost industrial AI in areas such as precision agriculture, healthcare, transport, advanced manufacturing, defence and space
Morocco could increase blueberry production by 70%
Morocco is emerging as one of the main growth hubs for global blueberry production. The country could increase its output by almost 70% by 2029, based on the approximately 85,000 tonnes harvested in 2025, according to forecasts included in the IBO Global Blueberry Report 2026
Citrus greening continues to threaten Brazilian citrus production
The spread of citrus greening (HLB) has slowed during 2026 in Brazil’s citrus belt, but infected trees are showing increasing deterioration. The greater severity of the disease is reducing plant productivity and raising the risk of premature fruit drop, according to the latest monitoring carried out by Fundecitrus
Spain forecasts 5.74 million tonnes of citrus production for 2026/27
Spanish citrus production is expected to reach 5,744,841 tonnes in the 2026/27 season, 1.1% above the previous campaign. Despite this slight recovery, output will remain 4.2% below the average of the last five seasons, according to the first forecast presented by the Ministry of Agriculture
Windstorm causes multimillion-euro damage to Dutch greenhouses
A severe windstorm has caused extensive damage to greenhouse horticulture in Made, the Netherlands, where thousands of glass panes were shattered at four businesses. Insurer Hortisecur expects losses to greenhouses and crops to run into millions of euros, while growers are now racing to protect what remains of their production
Chile and China ease requirements for fresh fruit exports
Chile and China have brought into force a Memorandum of Understanding introducing additional phytosanitary measures for Chilean fresh fruit exports. The agreement expands packaging and cold treatment options and simplifies some shipment identification requirements, with the aim of facilitating trade with one of Chile’s key fruit markets
Brazil raises orange crop forecast by 3.1%
Fundecitrus has revised its 2026/27 orange crop forecast for the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt upwards to 263.15 million 40.8-kg boxes. The new estimate is 7.95 million boxes higher than the figure published in May, supported by heavier fruit despite an expected increase in premature fruit drop
Romagna peaches and nectarines rebound in 2026
Peaches and Nectarines of Romagna PGI are closing the 2026 season with higher production, good fruit quality and renewed consumer demand. The positive performance comes after several difficult years for the sector, while the Consortium is now focusing on translating the recovery in consumption into greater value for growers and the entire supply chain
China and the UAE named guest import markets at Fruit Attraction 2026
Fruit Attraction 2026 will welcome China and the United Arab Emirates as guest import markets, as the event seeks to strengthen direct contact between operators and improve the international positioning of Spanish fresh produce. The trade fair will take place from 6 to 8 October at IFEMA Madrid, bringing together more than 2,500 companies across 162,000 m² of exhibition space
Fruit Logistica 2027 to bring innovation together in a new dedicated zone
Fruit Logistica will launch a new Innovation Zone at its 2027 edition, bringing together its main innovation-focused formats in a single space for the first time. Located in Hall 3.2, the new area will showcase the full innovation journey, from market launch through to proven commercial success
Ireland now imports 83% of the fruit and vegetables it consumes
Ireland’s growing dependence on imports and the sharp decline in the number of growers have raised concerns over the future of the country’s horticulture sector. A report by the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) warns that climate-related crop failures and disruption to international supply chains could make Ireland increasingly vulnerable in terms of food security
