FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
Ten EU countries oppose cuts to agri-food promotion funds
Italy, Spain, France and seven other Member States have urged the European Commission to reconsider a proposed reduction in 2027 funding for EU agri-food promotion programmes, warning that the cut could weaken market diversification and the competitiveness of European producers
Michiel Eilander appointed CEO of Manter International B.V.
Manter International B.V. has appointed Michiel Eilander as its new Chief Executive Officer, ensuring continuity and a strong foundation for further growth, innovation and long-term partnerships
Optiflux secures €2.5m to expand its AI quality platform
The KU Leuven spin-off will use the funding to accelerate the international rollout of its AI-powered platform for fresh fruit and vegetable quality management
El Niño gains strength and puts the agri-food sector on alert
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has kept its El Niño Advisory active and raised to 97% the probability that the phenomenon will persist until early spring 2027. The WMO warns of a higher risk of droughts, heavy rainfall and heatwaves in different regions of the world
Producer organisations should make better use of EU competition rules
A new European Commission report states that EU rules allow producers to cooperate, negotiate collectively and improve their position in the agri-food supply chain, while contributing to fairer and more resilient markets
EU ratifies trade agreement with Mexico
The new agreement updates the trade relationship between both parties and will eliminate tariffs on 99% of products, with a particular impact on agri-food trade
Bestack launches PPWR Help Desk for fruit and vegetable packaging
The new advisory service, operational since 13 July, is designed to provide technical support to fruit and vegetable companies, packaging producers and retailers as they prepare for the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Paine Schwartz Partners enters AMFresh with a valuation of up to €5bn
Paine Schwartz Partners (PSP), a global investment firm specialised in the agri-food sector, is entering the capital of AMFresh, valuing the Murcia-based group controlled by Álvaro Muñoz’s family at between €4.5bn and €5bn. This valuation makes the company the largest food business in Spain by valuation
Eosta promotes its Raingrown oranges in the fresh juice channel
The high-juice Organic Raingrown Oranges from Peru are entering their second season, as Eosta expects a stable and reliable organic citrus supply throughout the summer
Maersk returns to the Red Sea
The Danish shipping giant is resuming its WAF6 service through the Suez Canal, marking another step in the gradual return of shipping lines to the strategic Red Sea corridor
Spanish fruit and vegetables strengthen their value in the European market
Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable exports to the European Union grew by 5.7% in value during the first four months of 2026, reaching €6.596 billion, despite a 3.4% decline in volume
SIAL Paris anticipates the trends shaping the future of food
The show, to be held from 17 to 21 October at Paris Nord Villepinte, presents the SIAL Insights 2026 report, identifying ten major trends linked to health, pleasure, personalisation, sustainability, added value and digitalisation
