FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
Climate change is redefining breeding objectives
Plant breeder PSB Producción Vegetal is developing stone fruit genetics with the aim of anticipating the challenges posed by climate change, from rising temperatures to tree water stress
Sustainability and profitability shape Mercabarna’s management
The company has continued to implement its 2022–2026 strategic plan, whose first pillar is to promote sustainable management with social, environmental and economic impact
Roig’s prediction and the rise of ready-to-eat food
“By the middle of the 21st century, there will be no kitchens.” The debate sparked by the Mercadona chairman’s statement has a very tangible translation on supermarket shelves: the unstoppable growth of fresh-cut and ready-to-eat products
Grapes break the calendar and redraw the global map
Egypt, Brazil, Peru, India and China are consolidating their positions as table grape producers and exporters, extending their seasons and altering the balance between traditional origins and industries
A menu unfit for spectators
The World Cup has once again exposed one of the most striking contradictions in contemporary sport. On the pitch, 22 footballers follow meticulous physical preparation programmes, carefully controlled diets and hydration plans measured down to the smallest detail
Pro Food urges EU to delay PPWR application
The Italian packaging association warns that key technical rules are still missing just weeks before the Regulation is due to take effect, leaving companies without sufficient legal and operational certainty
British Growers Association adds Live Farmer to its partner network
The collaboration will give UK horticultural businesses access to practical guidance, digital resources and AI-based tools designed to improve farm management, reporting and forward planning
Water security becomes critical for the future of British potato production
Industry leaders warn that unreliable water access could further reduce the UK potato area, increase dependence on imports and limit the sector’s ability to expand domestic production
Papaya helps rebuild livelihoods and trust in rural Colombia
In Los Montes de María, a region deeply affected by armed conflict, the ASOAGROPAT association has turned papaya growing into a source of income, community cohesion and hope for 45 farming families
Morocco’s avocado harvest hinges on August temperatures
Morocco’s avocado industry is approaching the new season with cautious optimism after a late-May heatwave caused substantial fruit losses. Final production could reach around 130,000 tonnes, provided temperatures remain below critical levels during August
Dutch apple crop set to fall 18% as pear production rises
The Netherlands expects a smaller apple harvest in 2026, while pear volumes are forecast to increase by 10%. Total production is estimated at 195 million kg of apples and 393 million kg of pears
Global table grape exports exceed $10 billion in 2025
Worldwide table grape exports reached 5.11 million tonnes in 2025, generating a total value of $10.205 billion, according to the 2026 International Table Grape Market Yearbook published by iQonsulting
