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Ecuador banana exports set new record

27.01.2021

Shipments increased 7% year-on-year and are expected to rise again in 2021 as Ecuador profits from the losses caused by the hurricanes to Central American production.

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US organic banana imports set new record

27.01.2021

Growth is being driven by a boom in Mexican volumes, which registered a year-on-year volume rise of 48%, according to market news service FruiTROP data.

Calavo announces Apeel partnership

27.01.2021

In using Apeel's technology, Calavo says it can combat food waste, which supports its overall mission of being a good steward of the communities in which it operates.

Hapag-Lloyd posts stellar result

27.01.2021

The German carrier said that EBITDA and EBIT were significantly higher in 2020 despite a reduction in transport volumes and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Russia suspends pear imports from Bosnia

27.01.2021

Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision says the measure was taken after brown rot contamination was discovered in three consignments.

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Westfalia acquires Hausladen Fruchthandel

27.01.2021

The deal to acquire a controlling interest in the German exotic fruit distributor will further solidify the South African multinational's European presence.

Chile braces for China cherry catastrophe

26.01.2021

Despite denials that Covid-19 has been detected on packaging and efforts to reassure consumers, there has been a marked decrease in demand for cherries ahead of the peak sales period.

KNZ rejects proposal on counterfeit fruit

26.01.2021

Zespri's bid to market counterfeit Chinese SunGold kiwifruit in order to stem illegal growing in the country has been declined by the Government-appointed regulator.

DFDS acquires HSF Logistics

26.01.2021

The acquisition of the Group means the Danish international shipping and logistics company's cold chain business will become the leading provider in Northern Europe.

Citrus leads rise in Moroccan produce exports

26.01.2021

Despite the lack of rainfall and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, exports of fruits and vegetables show an increase of 9% compared to the previous season.

Reefer remains resilient

26.01.2021

In its annual review and forecast, marine consultancy Drewry says the global trade in reefer cargo will hit 156m MT by 2024, growing at an annual rate of 3.7%.

China cherry trade grinds to a halt

25.01.2021

Distributors of imported cherries say demand has plummeted over mounting consumer worries after samples of imported cherries were found to be COVID-19 positive.

Saudi seizes speed in table grape shipment

25.01.2021

Saudi Arabian authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle 20m amphetamine tablets into the country.

Cocaine seized in UK drugs bust

25.01.2021

UK Border Force officers have disrupted 'industrial scale' drug smuggling after seizing almost a tonne of cocaine hidden among bananas at the Port of Southampton.

Freshfel estimates Brexit cost at €55m to date

25.01.2021

The European Fresh Produce Association says that so far a worst case scenario has been avoided but the Brexit impact on the European fresh produce sector is mounting.

Indian bananas travel by train

25.01.2021

For the first time, reefer containers carrying bananas have been loaded on a South Central Railway service from Andhra Pradesh to Mumbai for onward export to the Middle East.

Colombian banana exports dip

22.01.2021

In the first 11 months of 2020, the value of Colombian banana exports fell 3% year-on-year, with results from the Benelux, UK and German markets particularly disappointing.

Storm claims Maersk containers

22.01.2021

Insurers are expected to take a much closer look at the recent spate of accidents that have seen nearly 3,000 containers spill into the Pacific in the space of just 47 days.

US delivers boost to South African citrus

22.01.2021

Citrus exports will be allowed to any US port that has cold storage facilities, including Charleston in South Carolina and Savannah in Georgia.

Caputto shines in 2020

22.01.2021

Uruguayan citrus shipper Citrícola Salteña, which is awaiting a judicial resolution to bankruptcy proceedings, was the country’s largest produce exporter in 2020.

Dragon fruit to become lotus flower

22.01.2021

The Indian state of Gujarat's decision to rename dragon fruit because of the original name's 'association with China' has sparked a storm of derision.

Chiquita appoints Capexo

21.01.2021

By joining forces with the Rungis wholesaler the US multinational will be able to expand its footprint in the French market.

UGPBAN accused of 'greenwashing'

21.01.2021

The Prefect of Martinique has announced the launch of an investigation into 'deceptive commercial practices' following the launch of the advertising campaign.

Russia ups Turkey tomato quota

21.01.2021

The Ministry of Agriculture has increased the quota for the supply of fresh or chilled tomatoes from Turkey from 200K MT to 250K MT.

Greenyard to expand UK operation

21.01.2021

The multinational's frozen food business at King's Lynn in Norfolk is expanding its workforce in order to become a 24/7 operation.

CMA imposes PSS on Ecuador reefer cargo

20.01.2021

The carrier says the Peak Season Surcharge is necessary in order for it to continue providing customers with reliable and efficient services.

Mission beats the Street in first earnings report

20.01.2021

In its first quarterly earnings report since its October IPO, the US avocado distributor posted income of $21.9m on revenue of $206.8m.

Early start for NZ onion exports

20.01.2021

Shipments to Indonesia are underway, two months earlier than last year due to New Zealand government trade officials' efforts to keep trade open and a decision by Indonesian officials to release quota early.

Brexit to benefit southern hemisphere citrus trade

20.01.2021

South African and other citrus shippers can now export citrus fruits and leaves to the UK without needing a phytosanitary certificate or having to give advanced notice of their intention.

Sinokor adds PrimeLINE units to fleet

20.01.2021

South Korea's Sinokor Merchant Marine Company is to acquire 1,700 new reefer containers to expand its inventory serving routes in the Asia-Pacific region.

South Africa to ship more apples and pears

20.01.2021

Despite hail in the Langkloof and fewer Williams pears, the volume of South African pome fruit exports is forecast above 55m cartons this season.

Chiquita commits to Rainforest Alliance for pines

19.01.2021

The multinational is to certify 90% of its Central American pineapple supplies Rainforest Alliance by the end of the year and has a target of 100% soon after.

Chilean cherries under price pressure in China

19.01.2021

Some 200K MT of Chilean cherries had arrived in China by the end of December and with a further 110K MT anticipated, there is pressure on pricing.

Reefer demand at Dalian exceeds supply

19.01.2021

German carrier Hapag Lloyd says that the Dalian Terminal in China has stopped accepting reefer cargo as the reefer plugs at the port are fully occupied.

Xianshenghuo raises US$92.5m for cold chain

19.01.2021

The Chengdu-based cold chain logistics solution provider says it has secured RMB600m from Longfor Capital, CICC Capital, and Far East Horizon.

Georgia ships more citrus

19.01.2021

In 2020, exports of tangerines from the Black Sea State increased 22% in volume and 16% in value year-on-year.

Zespri initiates China marketing trial

18.01.2021

Subject to annual approval, the trial will last up to three years and is one of the approaches the kiwifruit marketer is using to combat illegally grown SunGold.

Acorbanec sees slow uptake to new MRP

18.01.2021

Ecuadorian banana industry association executive director Richard Salazar says that to date, only 30% of exports have been contracted at the Minimum Reference Price.

Tru Cape anticipates successive solid year

18.01.2021

After a record-breaking performance in 2020, South Africa's largest apple and pear exporter says it must not forget how it succeeded against the odds.

Record box throughput limits Antwerp losses

18.01.2021

Thanks to the buoyant container throughput rates in 2020, which set a new record, the Port of Antwerp was able to limit the coronavirus-related decline in trade.

Walvis Bay to add cold store facility

18.01.2021

The R400m development at the Namibian port was commissioned by the Namibian Industrial Development Agency.

Langkloof pomefruit producers brace for losses

15.01.2021

South African industry body Hortgro says a recent hailstorm has affected almost 30% of apple and pear production in the valley.

China to tighten inspection of cold-chain products

15.01.2021

China has adopted draconian cold chain requirements after it detected coronavirus on the packaging of various products.

CGA downplays China cherry concerns

15.01.2021

Following a report in the Chinese press that called the quality of Australian cherries into question, Cherry Growers Australia says demand for its premium fruit remains strong.

Banana workers lose Chiquita documents access bid

15.01.2021

The Southern District of Ohio has ruled against the plea by Ecuadorian banana workers, who allege a number of US companies exposed them to a toxic pesticide.

Superbowl to spike Mexican avocado shipments

15.01.2021

The Mexican Association of Avocado Producers, Packers and Exporters estimates that 132K MT of avocadoes will be shipped to the US ahead of the game, 4% more than last year.

Taiwanese apples worst hit by cold snap

15.01.2021

A recent cold spell that gripped Taiwan has caused nationwide agricultural losses estimated at NT$118.14m (US$4.2m), the country’s Council of Agriculture said.

APEM forecasts lower mango exports

14.01.2021

The Peruvian Association of Mango Producers and Exporters says adverse climatic conditions pre-harvest will cause an estimated 12% drop in exports in 2021.

IDeA Agro underpins Agrintesa investment in SunGold expansion

14.01.2021

Italy's largest agribusiness private equity fund and one of the four Zespri licensees in Italy are to plant a potential 160 hectares of the kiwifruit variety in the province of Latina.

Acón bananas are carbon neutral

14.01.2021

One of Costa Rica's largest banana and pineapple exporters says its banana division has received carbon neutral certification.

EPA approves aldicarb for use on Florida citrus

14.01.2021

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced its approval for registering the expanded use of the harmful pesticide to combat the Asian citrus psyllid.

China uncovers US$102m durian smuggling ring

14.01.2021

Three durian smuggling gangs have been dismantled after a targeted sting operation in Nanning and Pingxiang in Guangxi province and Dongguan in Guangdong province.

Iran posts steep rise in apple exports

14.01.2021

A total of 403K MT of apples worth US$764m were exported in the first 9 months of the current Iranian year, a 34% and 60% year-on-year growth in volume and value, respectively.

South Africa revises grape estimate

13.01.2021

While production is on track in 4 of the 5 table grape production regions, the rainfall in the Orange River has had a significant impact on the total volume.

Ecuador banana volume continues to spike

13.01.2021

The increase in the November export figure was driven partly by increased demand from the multinationals to supplement hurricane damaged losses in Central America.

China decline hits Vietnamese fruit trade

13.01.2021

The value of Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports and imports both fell in 2020, with the global outbreak of Covid-19 largely to blame.

USDA revises Florida citrus forecast

13.01.2021

While there is an increase in the crop estimate for grapefruit, the orange crop is likely to be the lowest since the 45m-box crop in the 2017/18 season.

Rainfall halves New Zealand cherry crop

13.01.2021

Summerfruit NZ says that after four days of persistent and heavy rain, 50% of this season's cherries have been lost to splitting, resulting in the loss of NZ$50m in export revenue.

Potato trade linked to money laundering

12.01.2021

Dutch criminals are increasingly using exports to Africa to launder money which is subsequently invested in diamonds and gold from the continent.

Cold spell hits Spanish vegetable crops

12.01.2021

Losses caused by the week-long wave of cold weather may cut the supply of greenhouse and outdoor vegetable production by 40% in the short term, according to exporter association Fepex.

Panama bananas show modest increase

12.01.2021

Despite the pandemic, Panama exported 7% more bananas in 2020 with Del Monte subsidiary Banapiña shipping its first 1.5m boxes.

Australia hit by Panama Disease TR1 outbreak

12.01.2021

The highly destructive fungal disease is devastating banana plantations on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, putting local supply in jeopardy.

Hapag-Lloyd launches Asia Express

12.01.2021

The carrier's 22-day, reefer heavy Asia Express Service from the Chilean port of Valparaiso to Hong Kong is to run from week 3 for 13 weeks.

Cameroon sees fall in banana volumes

11.01.2021

Despite the resumption of exports by the state-controlled Cameroon Development Corporation, Cameroon's banana exports fell 8% year-on-year in 2020.

Turkey reports steep rise in citrus exports

11.01.2021

Turkish citrus exports increased by 24% year-on-year in 2020, topping $933m in value, according to the information gathered from Mediterranean Exporter Associations.

Mann Packing expands

11.01.2021

The company acquired by Fresh Del Monte for US$361m has opened a fifth production plant from which it will supply fresh produce as well as added value salad products.

Dole to build third frozen facility

11.01.2021

The operation in McDonough, Georgia is to package frozen fruit for the multinational's retail, food service and private label customers on the US east coast.

Peruvian blueberry export value starts to plateau

11.01.2021

Peru shipped a record 156K MT of blueberries in 2020 at a value of US$833m, increases of 28% and 3%, respectively.

Worst feared for Baltic Klipper crew member

11.01.2021

The U.S. Coast Guard yesterday suspended a 24-hour search for a seafarer missing from the reefer vessel about 1,200 miles northeast of Bermuda.

Global banana exports on track for record

08.01.2021

Despite the Covid pandemic, banana exports to the world's two largest markets were up by 2% to the end of October last year.

UK urges EU to lift ban on seed potatoes

08.01.2021

The UK usually exports about 30K MT of British seed potatoes worth some GBP£13.5m to Ireland and mainland Europe every year.

CEVA acquires long-term partner ASTI

08.01.2021

The acquisition will expand the logistics company's range of export capabilities in Morocco, specifically reefer services in cooperation with parent company CMA CGM.

Citronex expands greenhouse operation

08.01.2021

The Polish distributor is to invest €60m in 24 hectares of greenhouses in Kozienice that will be used for the cultivation of tomatoes.

Australia quantifies pandemic impact on fruit farmers

08.01.2021

International travel bans have cost farmers an estimated A$38m as fruit and vegetables are left to rot in fields across Australia due to a fruit picker shortage.

India projects steep rise in grape exports

07.01.2021

The Deputy Director of Agriculture in India's largest table grape production region says shipments in 2020/21 could be 67% greater than last season.

China to switch to greener reefers

07.01.2021

The China Container Industry Association has announced that from July 1, most manufacturers of reefer containers will adopt greener production processes.

EC urged to act amid record box freight rates

07.01.2021

Carriers are accused of 'reserving for themselves the ability to change rates whenever they see fit notwithstanding the specific rates and charges agreed.'

Australian mango crop falls 30%

07.01.2021

After three consecutive years of producing more than 10m trays, Australia's mango industry yields have crashed during the 2020–21 season.

Peru avocado exports rise 32%

07.01.2021

Peruvian avocado exports set a new volume record last year, with the country shipping almost 100K MT more avocadoes in 2020 than in 2019.

Lockdowns hurt Kenya vegetable exports

07.01.2021

However, the rise in volume and value of Kenya's fruit exports offset the fall in vegetable exports, which dropped as a result of reduced foodservice demand in the UK and EU.

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