FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS

Zespri projects record per-hectare returns for the 2026, driven by a historic crop
Despite a challenging commercial environment, SunGold and RubyRed are set to reach unprecedented levels, supported by higher yields and firm demand in strategic markets such as North America and Europe

PROCOMER and CORBANA train talent to modernise the banana sector
The initiative is part of PROCOMER’s Human Talent Development Programme for Exporting Companies. The project is aimed at 155 people, including CIBSA employees and jobseekers in the agricultural sector, 45 of whom are women

Wildfires burn nearly 16,000 hectares of farmland in Spain so far this year
Fire-related insurance claims have already affected 15,842 hectares of agricultural land between January and 17 August 2026, making this the second-worst year of the past decade for insured agricultural fire damage

Sorma Group turns the PPWR challenge into innovation
The Romagna-based group offers producers and large-scale retailers innovative materials and technologies that combine regulatory compliance, performance and efficiency

Romagna PGI peaches and nectarines
The Consorzio di Tutela launches its new communication campaign, co-financed by the Emilia-Romagna Region

A new Kantar study confirms Fyffes’ strong position in Ireland
Fyffes strengthens Irish consumer appeal with 88% brand awareness

Trump imposes 50% tariffs on most imports from Canada
The U.S. President has signed an executive order introducing a new 50% tariff on most Canadian products. The measure will take effect in 30 days and excludes energy, potash, critical minerals and fish, among other goods

New U.S. tariff complicates outlook for Brazil’s fruit sector
Brazilian table grapes would be subject to a total tariff of 35%, while the fruit export sector assesses the commercial impact of the new U.S. measures and looks for alternative operational and market strategies

Maersk develops U.S. cold chain solution for Chilean grape imports
The integrated model connects origin operations in Chile with ocean transport, U.S. port handling, fumigation, inland logistics and cold storage, offering a scalable solution for regulated fresh produce entering the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets

Panama Canal traffic rises as El Niño restrictions loom
The Panama Canal recorded a 5.2% increase in total transits and a 7.2% rise in cargo tonnage during the first nine months of fiscal year 2026, while preparing for potential operational restrictions linked to a possible severe El Niño event

Hot weather boosts demand for Cavaillon melons
The Cavaillon melon season, which began in mid-May, is progressing under favourable conditions. Despite a temporary drop in production linked to poor spring weather, volumes have returned to normal and demand has been strongly supported by the summer heat

Study links higher anthocyanin intake to lower cardiometabolic risk in healthy adults
A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that a higher daily intake of anthocyanins — the antioxidant pigments responsible for the blue, purple and red colours of blueberries and other dark fruits — is associated with a significantly lower risk of major cardiometabolic diseases in healthy adults






