23 May 2013Med banana markets weaken further

Alarm bells ring as CIF pricing falls into unsustainably low territory as a result of weak demand from Middle Eastern markets and high inventory levels.

23 May 2013Damco signals massive expansion

The Maersk freight forwarding and logistics service provider subsidiary says it plans to expand its network from around 350 to 600 offices over the next three years.

23 May 2013Maersk tipped to downgrade full-year outlook

Freight rates have fallen 41% since the end of Q1 hurt by a weakening global economy and by a glut of ships delivered since the start of the global financial crisis.

23 May 2013Philippines opens door to Argentinean citrus

The first cargo has already been inspected by the Philippines’ Bureau of Plant Industry and shipped to the Pacific.

22 May 2013IRS seizes Noboa banana plantation

Ecuador’s Internal Revenue Service has placed the 11,500-hectare La Clementina farm in Los Rios under joint control of the military and police.

22 May 2013Colombia braces for banana strike

National Union of Agricultural Industry Workers Sintrainagro warned of an imminent cessation of operations that would paralyse the country’s banana industry.

22 May 2013Pro Ecuador launches Fair Trade exporter association

The three companies behind the new banana exporter association are based in communities in the Provinces of Guayas, El Oro and Azuay.

22 May 2013Zespri enquiry demand ‘reckless’

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has dismissed a call for a Government inquiry into the activities of the marketer, saying there are two already underway.

22 May 2013New Zealand reefer exports hit by certification change

A name change on export certification is credited with delaying the entry of apples and meat into the Russian and Chinese markets.

22 May 2013Total Produce reiterates 2013 target

Since the year-end the company has sold its stake in the Capespan Group for €22m and acquired a stake in the Oppenheimer Group for €11.4m.