FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
Andreas Birmoser appointed President of Pro Carton
Birmoser succeeds Michele Bianchi, CEO of RDM Group, who has served as President for the past four years. During this time, Pro Carton navigated a period of significant change, including the integration of another cartonboard association and evolving into a 360° industry body. This came as policymakers and businesses prepared for the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
Eosta targets fresh juice growth with Organic Raingrown Oranges from Peru
The company sees strong potential in the supermarket fresh juice segment thanks to the oranges’ high juice content, stable Brix levels and growing consumer concern over pesticide residues
Planasa consolidates its international prestige in varietal breeding
Several blueberry and strawberry varieties and advanced selections have received the Superior Taste Award, granted by the International Taste Institute in Brussels
FRUIT LOGISTICA brings together the world’s leading buyers in the fresh produce industry
The new Buyers Club connects 500 leading international buyers from across the fruit and vegetable sector with exhibitors, creating valuable opportunities for high-level business relationships and strategic partnerships
South Africa raises 2026 lemon export forecast
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has revised its 2026 lemon export forecast upwards by almost 4 million cartons, reflecting favourable growing conditions across the country’s main production regions
Zespri to leave Zeebrugge port after four decades
Zespri will stop using the Belgian port of Zeebrugge as its import gateway for Northern Europe from 2028, with the company expected to move its operations to Vlissingen, in the Netherlands
AgroFresh Xperience brings the European sector together across ten technical sessions
Ten events held across five countries have brought together growers, exporters, cooperatives and industry experts to address the main challenges and opportunities in the storage and marketing of fresh fruit and vegetables
CherryTech: orchard precision takes centre stage in Chile’s cherry strategy
Chile’s cherry industry has entered a new phase. After years of rapid expansion and strong international growth, the sector is now being asked to prove that its leadership can be sustained not only through volume, but through consistent quality, larger fruit, higher pack-out rates and more efficient orchard management
Al Dahra moves from sustainability foundations to execution
Al Dahra has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, marking the sixth consecutive year of public sustainability disclosure by the Abu Dhabi-based multinational agribusiness group
Positive outlook for Kölla in the European grape season
As the sector continues to move towards high-performing licensed varieties, the European season maintains positive prospects
Organic consumption rises again across all retail channels
Agence BIO has released its latest figures for the French organic market and production in 2025, confirming a recovery in consumer demand despite a still challenging economic environment
Brexit: Ten years of additional hurdles for Spanish fruit and vegetables
On 23 June 2016, the referendum was held in the United Kingdom and Gibraltar in which British voters decided to leave the European Union. Ten years on, the British market remains the third most important destination for Spain’s fruit and vegetable export sector, although new administrative requirements have been introduced, leading to higher costs and stronger competition from third countries
