FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
Camposol starts 2026/27 China blueberry season with 631% growth
The company shipped 342 tonnes of fresh blueberries to China between weeks 18 and 25, while consolidating 凯沛果 (Kai Péi Guǒ), the brand developed specifically for Chinese consumers
New 21-day China–UK shipping route to open via the Arctic
Davies Turner’s seasonal Polar Silk Road service will link major Chinese ports with Felixstowe through the Northern Sea Route, cutting transit times for time-sensitive cargo
Eosta prepares European launch for Raingrown avocados
Following several years of successful collaboration, Eosta has worked with Avova to significantly expand production of Raingrown avocados for this season
Chile strengthens its fruit position in China
The new protocol optimises cold treatment, transport in cargo holds, the handling of areas under quarantine for fruit fly and export documentation ahead of the start of the next season
South African citrus season hit by war and flooding
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has lowered its orange export forecasts for the 2026 season, which has been shaped by a combination of adverse factors including geopolitical conflict, extreme weather, logistical pressure, disrupted supply and demand patterns, and higher transport costs
Drought hits Brittany’s vegetable crops
Heatwaves affecting France since June are taking a heavy toll on Brittany’s market gardeners. According to initial estimates from Prince de Bretagne, losses range from 15% to 100%, depending on the crop and access to irrigation, while drought is also threatening autumn and winter harvests
French potato crop faces historic production drop
French potatoes are facing one of their most difficult campaigns in decades. Forecasts from the National Union of Potato Producers of France (UNPT) point to a production decline of around 23% in 2026, which would mean nearly 2 million fewer tonnes of ware potatoes compared with the previous year
Paltas de Chile projects largest avocado crop in 17 years
Chilean avocado production is expected to reach 285,000 tonnes in the 2026/27 season, up 10% on the previous campaign, driven by production efficiency, technology and improved orchard management
Apples: EU harvest set to fall below 10 million tonnes
The 2026 season is set to be one of the leanest apple harvests in the European Union for years, with fruit volumes falling below 10 million tonnes. This is according to forecasts from WAPA – the World Apple and Pear Association – presented on 6 August at the Prognosfruit conference, which counts Interpoma among its event partners
Scientists identify the gene that regulates avocado flowering
Researchers have identified the gene on chromosome 10 of avocado responsible for coordinating floral opening times between female and male phases, a finding that could accelerate genetic improvement in the crop
Rotterdam expands container capacity with 500M€ RWG investment
The project aims to strengthen Rotterdam’s position as Europe’s leading maritime gateway, with a fourth deep-sea berth, greater automation and increased electrification at Maasvlakte 2
Panama Canal to cut daily vessel transits from September amid El Niño-related drought
The Panama Canal Authority will reduce the number of daily vessel transits in two phases, while maintaining draft restrictions, as lower-than-expected rainfall continues to affect the waterway’s basin
