FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
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
ISF World Seed Congress debates the future of agriculture in Lisbon
The Lisbon Congress Centre has become a strategic hub for the global agri-food sector with the opening of the ISF World Seed Congress 2026. Organised by the International Seed Federation (ISF) together with the Portuguese association ANSEME, the event brings together the world’s leading breeders, producers and agricultural marketers
Interpoma Award puts the spotlight on spraying technologies
Applications are now open for the third edition of the international award recognising sustainable innovation in the apple sector
Morrisons could face empty shelves amid driver strike threat
Nearly 500 HGV drivers supplying Morrisons supermarkets across northern England are being balloted over a dispute linked to employment conditions and the use of agency labour
