Mexican Table Grape Season Makes Early Debut, Squeezing Market Prices
The 2026 Mexican table grape harvest in Sonora began two to three weeks early due to unusually warm April temperatures, flooding the U.S. market with an oversupply. Export volumes have surged to nearly nine million boxes, far above last year’s three million, driving box prices down from about $37 to $16 for an 8.2‑kg crate. Growers are tightening quality standards and revising the season outlook to roughly 16 million boxes, with an anticipated early finish around July 4. The early start coincides with heightened summer demand and the upcoming World Cup, adding pressure on pricing and logistics.
Australian Cherry Season Delivers 22 Percent Value Uptick
Australia’s 2025/26 cherry season delivered a strong finish, with export volume rising 13% to 5,456 tons and export value climbing 22% to roughly $78.7 million. Premium fruit quality and coordinated industry planning drove the surge, while Tasmania and Victoria supplied more than...
Frost Damage: Post-Harvest Tech Surges as a Solution for Fresh Produce in the Face of Climate Change
Late‑season frosts across North America and Europe are striking trees that have broken dormancy early, exposing blossoms to damaging freezes. The resulting field losses combine with an already high post‑harvest waste rate—about 45% of fresh produce—to amplify supply‑chain strain. Fresh...
The New Logistics of Freshness: How Technology Is Helping Produce Navigate the Global Supply Chain in 2026
The fresh‑produce sector is undergoing a "re‑globalization" as technology drives supply‑chain resilience. Valued at $1.35 trillion in 2024, the market is set to exceed $2.12 trillion by 2033, growing at a 5.2% CAGR. AI, blockchain and IoT are being deployed to monitor...
Sunkist Growers Appoints Anuj Girdhar as Chief Financial Officer
Sunkist Growers, Inc. announced the appointment of Anuj Girdhar as its new chief financial officer. Girdhar brings more than 20 years of financial leadership in agriculture and beverage sectors, most recently serving as CFO of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers and...
ClemenGold and Sinclair: A Partnership Driving Sustainability for South Africa and Beyond
ClemenGold International has teamed with global labeling specialist Sinclair and agent HG Molenaar to launch the Sinclair T55 fruit label, the first label certified for both home and industrial composting. The label meets EN 13432, NFT 51‑800 and AS 5810 standards and carries...
EW Group Subsidiary Planasa Acquires Sweet Corn Breeder Illinois Foundation Seeds
German EW Group’s plant‑breeding arm Planasa has completed the acquisition of Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc., a U.S. sweet‑corn specialist owned by Armory Capital. IFSI, with more than 88 years in vegetable genetics and sales in over 70 countries, will retain...
Brazilian Table Grapes Seal Zero-Tariff Deal with the EU
Brazilian table grapes entered the EU tariff‑free on May 1 under the provisional EU‑Mercosur agreement, marking the first phase of a broader trade liberalisation. The deal eliminates duties on nearly 39% of Brazilian agri‑products now, with a target of 93% tariff‑free...
South African Table Grape Exports Remain Steady Despite Logistical Challenges
South Africa’s table grape sector posted a modest 0.2% export increase in the 2025/26 season, shipping over 78 million cartons despite a record‑size harvest and severe logistics bottlenecks. Early ripening pushed volumes ahead of schedule, but wind‑driven disruptions and congestion at...
Greenhouse Production Drives Dominican Cherry Tomato Exports Up
Dominican cherry tomato exports jumped to 12.8 million pounds in 2025, a 27% rise from 2024, driven by expanding greenhouse production. The Ministry of Agriculture highlighted that greenhouse farms have stabilized supply, improved quality, and helped meet stringent U.S. market standards....
Dole Rides the Health and Wellness Trend Wave to Higher YoY Revenue
Dole reported an 11.6% year‑over‑year revenue increase to $2.3 billion in Q1, but net income fell 17% to $37.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA slipped 4.3% to $4.5 million amid higher fruit sourcing costs and a challenging geopolitical backdrop. The company attributes growth to the...
Mexico Formalizes Protected Geographical Indication Standards for Michoacán Avocados
Mexico’s Institute of Industrial Property has officially approved Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) standards for Hass avocados grown in 31 municipalities of Michoacán. The resolution defines production protocols, traceability requirements, and geographic boundaries for the Michoacán Avocado Belt. New rules mandate...
Costa Rican Pineapples to Score Big in North America During World Cup
Costa Rica’s pineapple sector is gearing up for a surge in North American demand during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the first quarter, pineapples made up 34% of the country’s agricultural shipments, delivering a $42 million year‑on‑year increase. The industry...
Andrés Fuenzalida Steps Down as Copefrut's General Manager After 11 Years of Leadership
Andrés Fuenzalida announced his resignation as General Manager of Copefrut after an 11‑year tenure, transitioning to the role of board chairman. The company promoted internal veteran Manuel Ibáñez, formerly Operations and Quality Manager, to succeed him as General Manager. Additional...
The Region's Biggest Fresh Produce Conversation Is Coming to Bangkok: Check Out the Full SE Asia Meet Up 2026 Program
Asia Fruit Logistica has released the full agenda for its SE Asia Meet Up, a one‑day conference on 18 May 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok. The program, curated by Asiafruit Magazine, will feature deep dives into shifting consumer attitudes, digital marketing strategies, and...