FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
European fruit loses ground under Mercosur deal
The EU Council has backed, by majority, the signing of the Association Agreement with Mercosur, which is expected to be formalised on 17 January. The agreement improves access for fresh fruit and vegetables from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay to the EU market, but offers very limited opportunities for EU producers. On the contrary, it risks widening an already unbalanced trade deficit, as in 2024 imports reached €984 million, while exports amounted to just €255 million
Bayer to launch innovative strawberry variety
The new variety Baya Solara directly addresses the pressing production challenges for growers, combining high yield potential, disease resistance, and labor efficiency / Launch represents a cornerstone of the company’s strategic expansion into the strawberry market
Fruit Logistica: Rijk Zwaan showcases innovations
Rijk Zwaan is excited to kick off the year at Fruit Logistica Berlin, the world’s leading trade fair for fresh produce and innovation
ILIP at Marca 2026: a one-stop shop for food packaging solutions
At Marca by BolognaFiere (14-15 January), ILIP presents itself as a ‘one-stop shop’ for food packaging and showcases its solutions for Food Service and Fresh Food Packaging
PML Seafrigo UK & Ireland appoints Sean Smith as new CEO
PML Seafrigo UK & Ireland has announced a leadership transition with the appointment of Sean Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of Mike Parr, who will officially step down from the role on 6 January 2026
Peruvian blueberry exports reach 333,284 tons by week 52
Peru’s 2025/26 blueberry campaign has reached an accumulated volume of 333,284 tons by week 52, representing a 19 per cent increase compared with the previous season. Export activity has remained at elevated levels throughout the peak period, reflecting the scale of supply available to key markets
M2i Group & Pherobio efiter ifito a lofig-term partfiership
Two international leaders in Biocontrol and pheromones, the French company M2i Group and the Chinese company Pherobio; have entered into a cooperation agreement that marks a new phase in the development of the global biopesticides sector
Copefrut’s strategy to keep growing over the next 70 years
In an interview with News Frutas de Chile, Copefrut’s CEO Andrés Fuenzalida explains that long-term success is built on three pillars: close technical support for growers, technological innovation and full control of the value chain, from the orchard to the end consumer
Chilean cherry shipments to U.S. up 63% early season
Chile’s new cherry export season is showing higher shipment volumes to the United States following an early start aimed at expanding winter consumption in the Northern Hemisphere
Moroccan mandarin exports to Germany rise by 60%
Morocco has reached a new milestone in its citrus trade by setting a seasonal record for mandarin and clementine exports to Germany. According to data from EastFruit, shipments surged during the 2024/25 season, positioning Morocco as the fourth-largest supplier to the German market
Does fruit make you gain weight at night?
Spoiler: no. Fruit is not harmful at any time of day. Your body does not have a “fruit-burning clock”: what really matters is your total daily energy balance and the overall quality of your diet
The real reason behind the ‘five a day’ fruit and vegetable recommendation
It is neither an empty slogan nor a passing trend: the recommendation to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is based on solid scientific evidence and on their key role in preventing chronic diseases, regulating metabolism and maintaining a balanced diet
