FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
EU mobilises €540m for farmers hit by fertiliser crisis
The emergency package aims to provide liquidity to producers facing higher fertiliser and energy costs, while helping them prepare for the next sowing season in a context of continued market uncertainty
INDUSER and ICOEL join forces
INDUSER and ICOEL have formalised a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening the range of automation, weighing and packaging solutions for the Italian fresh produce sector
Brazil set for record 60,000-tonne Hass avocado harvest in 2026
Brazil’s Hass avocado sector is preparing for a record campaign in 2026, with production expected to reach 60,000 metric tonnes, twice the volume harvested in 2025, according to Abacates do Brasil
Each kilogram of Catalan stone fruit costs €0.58 to produce
AFRUCAT has presented a study analysing the production costs of peaches, nectarines and flat peaches
Global Plant Genetics launches new Oregon blueberry varieties
Four new Oregon Blueberry selections – OBG-Astoria, OBG-Sirocco™, OBG-Belair™ and OBG-Raptor™ – are now being introduced globally outside the United States and Canada through Global Plant Genetics
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
