FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
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
CR Palos launches SmartPalos to advance intelligent fertigation
The project, funded through European resources under the PERTE for the Digitalisation of the Water Cycle, will optimise the use of water and fertilisers through advanced digital tools
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA announces IMBERRI as 2026 partner
The partnership was officially unveiled during the AFL SEA Meet Up held in Bangkok on 18 May, which brought together fresh produce professionals from across Southeast Asia
Port Freeport recognises 30-year partnership with Chiquita
Chiquita Brands International and Great White Fleet mark 30 years of continuous operations at Port Freeport, a milestone that underscores the company’s longstanding role in global trade and its contribution to delivering fresh fruit to communities across the United States
The Strait of Hormuz: a geopolitical bottleneck testing the resilience of fresh produce
Growing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are once again highlighting the enormous logistical fragility of the international fruit and vegetable supply chain
