Copefrut adopts BoBan brand identity in China

Copefrut, a Chilean fruit exporter with over 50 years of global experience, announced today it is formally adopting the brand name BoBan (波板) for the Chinese market. The…

Produce industry veteran passes away at 83

Robert “Bob” Bassetti, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 15th. Bassetti was a well-known produce industry veteran and longtime owner of B&B Produce…

"You need knowledge to convert local produce preference into effective buying behavior"

A smart harvesting robot that separates chicory heads from their roots. Fragile bell pepper plants growing up a rope. Or pheromone traps among apple trees that keep harmful insects at bay. BelOrta wants to show off fruit and vegetable cultivation craftsmanship with its pop-up exhibition 'RIJP, the art of…

Fewer investments in covers despite climate change

The entire world is dealing with various crises - the war, higher prices, climate change and social and geo-political tension. A series of risks and difficulties that inevitably have a negative impact on companies, including those in the primary sector. Retilplast production plant in Campagna (Salerno) "We…

Vertically farmed salads now available in vending machines

Bowery collaborates with Wellfound Foods, a company bringing tech-enabled smart fridges for healthy eating to 75+ government, healthcare, and education sites across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. This limited-time-only recipe, a Peach & Herbed Goat Cheese Salad with Bowery greens, is available…

Coles replaces compostable bags in fruit and vegetable section in all South Australian stores

Coles will be replacing single-use plastic bags with certified compostable bags in the fresh produce section of all South Australian stores. The new compostable bags made from…

Bayer expands its fruit and vegetables business to strawberries

Bayer today announced the expansion of its leading Fruits and Vegetables business to strawberries. With the acquisition of the strawberry assets of UK-based NIAB, Bayer will expand its focus on professional protected culture growers to meet the growing consumer and retail demand for year-round,…

Costa board set to sign Paine Schwartz’s lowered bid

Costa is a large Australian grower of berries, mushrooms, citrus fruit, tomatoes and avocados. It operates 7200 hectares of farmland in Australia, but also has facilities in…

USDA cites Florida company for PACA violations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Burbano Corporation, doing business as CasaBella Farms Corp. (Burbano), Miramar, Florida, for violating the…

Luc Vanoirbeek re-elected as Copa-Cogeca's fruit and vegetable working group chair

The European umbrella organization Copa-Cogeca unites dozens of agricultural associations and cooperatives. Boerenbond and its Walloon counterpart, FWA are Belgian members. Recently, the Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives Federation's (VBT) general secretary, Luc Vanoirbeek, was elected for the third…

Willi Nüchter GmbH & Co. KG

"Technical possibilities offer secure and clean solution"

Even for medium-sized companies in the fruit industry, the topic of digitization - especially with the entry of the new generation - is suddenly gaining in importance. "We have undertaken a lot of digitization measures in the past year, as we have to expect that the situation on the labor market will…

Mission Produce hosts 11th golf tournament fundraiser

Mission Produce, Inc. announced that its 11th annual philanthropic golf tournament raised $135,000 gross proceeds for The Mission Foundation, which supports causes involving children, families, and agriculture education. Over 180 players contributed to the fundraiser, comprising more than 45 competing…

“We wanted to return to a 100% market trading floor tradition”

Desmettre Bio, French organic fruit and vegetable wholesaler, “made a 360° turn” several months ago, with a return to traditional know-how: the market trading floor! Louis-Marie Asselin, managing director of Desmettre Bio, explains the reasons for this choice and gives an initial assessment of the…

Azura Group and Foundation donating €1.5m to Moroccan earthquake relief fund

Following the earthquake that hit Morocco on Friday, September 8, 2023, the Azura Group and Foundation contributed to supporting the impacted and suffering populations through…

USDA restricts PACA violators in California, New York and Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they…

Recipient of 2023 Women in Supply Chain award announced

Food Logistics has selected Oppy’s Staci Burke as a recipient of its Women in Supply Chain award. This recognition honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose…

Independent investment firm buys NatureSweet

Silver Ventures announced the sale of NatureSweet®. Blue Road Capital, an independent investment firm focused on vertically integrated food and agricultural business, has…

AgroFresh finalises Tessara acquisition

AgroFresh Solutions Inc., a AgTech innovator specialising in post-harvest produce freshness and quality solutions, announces the completion of its acquisition of Tessara.…

Western Australian wholesale fruit and vegetable entity up for sale

Administrators have taken control of one of Western Australia's biggest agribusinesses that partly owns Indigenous fruit and vegetable company Abundance Produce Australia.…

Sale by Zeder of their investment in Capespan

We refer to the public announcement by Zeder earlier today that they have entered into an agreement to sell their shareholding in Capespan. The purchaser of Zeder’s investment…

Starr Ranch Growers and CMI Orchards start partnership

A new development that has been four years in the making—Starr Ranch Growers™/Oneonta Trading Company, which includes Custom Apple, Diamond Fruit and Apple King—announce an…

Greenyard dividend of of € 0.10 per share approved, directors reappointed​

Greenyard held its extraordinary and ordinary general shareholders’ meeting on Friday 15 September 2023, under the chairmanship of Mr Koen Hoffman, Chairman of the Board of…

AgriNurture takes full control of Australian fruit and vegetable trader

Almost five years after the latter initiated the acquisition, Australian company Freshness First Pty. Ltd. is now a fully-owned subsidiary of listed firm AgriNurture, Inc. ANI…

"The necessary resources can be managed more easily in cooperation than on a stand-alone basis"

As a European exchange platform for producer cooperatives and other representatives of the fruit and vegetable sector, ICOP has become an indispensable date in the annual calendar over the years. We spoke to the organizing team of gfa -consulting gmbh, based in Weiz, Styria, about the supporting program…

Cyber criminals target Dutch potato breeder

On Thursday, September 14, 2023, cybercriminals targeted the Dutch potato breeder, Royal HZPC Group. These criminals transferred a large amount of money to their bank account.…

Pure Harvest eyes further growth with $150m strategic Richel Group Partnership

Pure Harvest Smart Farms has entered into a three-year, exclusive strategic partnership with Richel Group. With an immediate focus on the Middle East and Asia, the partnership aims to deploy over $150 million worth of smart growing systems with the flexibility to expand the partnership into new…

T&G selects Kotahi for its ocean freight

T&G Global has today announced the appointment of Kotahi as its ocean freight services provider, with Kotahi to lead the procurement of all ocean freight for the company from…

Passion for horticulture and community is driving force behind TomatoesNZ’s newest board member

A passion for horticulture and community is the driving force behind TomatoesNZ’s newest board member, Jungeun (Jiny) Kim. Nestled down a long driveway in the heart of Waiuku,…

International Pink Lady Alliance 22nd conference fosters positive outlook for the future

The International Pink Lady Alliance NPC (IPLA) successfully concluded their 22nd annual conference, held on 4 and 5 September 2023 in Hong Kong. From left to right : Juan Martin Rosauer, Calla du Toit, Peter Richardson, Jon Durham (front),Didier Crabos (back), Philippe Toulemonde (front), Rob Meihuizen…

Citri&Co sales increased by 37%

The latest Citri&Co accounts reveal that the group based in Almassora closed the 2021/2022 campaign with almost 100 million euro in profits after having overcome in the previous campaign a…

Appeal for funding to help support rebuild of Moroccan villages

The Delassus Group from Morocco has appealed to the fresh produce industry for funding to help support the reconstruction of villages in Morocco following the recent…

Viru Group acquires Superior Foods International

Peruvian company Viru Group has acquired US frozen fruit and vegetable firm Superior Foods International. The Viru Group, based out of La Libertad, describes itself as the…

US private equity group Paine Schwartz Partners drops $139 mln from its offer for Costa Group

Just two weeks after Australia’s largest grower and packer of fresh produce revealed a deterioration of trading conditions in the June half, US private equity group Paine…

Lamb Weston Australia acquires Crackerjack Foods

Lamb Weston Australia has announced the acquisition of Victorian-based Crackerjack Foods. The latter is a manufacturer and supplier of frozen potato-based products for the…

"The sector has a chronic shortage of good people"

Q-Point turns 20 this year. This Dutch independent consulting firm, specializing in quality management and food safety systems, grew steadily in those two decades. It has also had an office in Nairobi, Kenya, since 2018, and was previously known as DLV Q-Point. Carel Jaspers and Alma Ruting's 25-year…

USDA restricts PACA violators in Florida, Illinois and New York

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they…

Canadian greenhouse grower recognized for leadership in career development

Mastronardi Produce, a fourth-generation family-owned business, has been recognized for leadership in career development. At an awards ceremony held on Wednesday, the company received this year's Business Excellence Award for Investing in a World-Class Workforce. The award from the Chamber of Commerce in…

Peter Poortinga appointed as CEO of Solynta

Dutch hybrid potato breeder Solynta has announced that Peter Poortinga will join the company as Chief Executive Officer as per September 15. He succeeds Hein Kruyt, who…

Virú Group acquired Superior Foods International

Virú Group, a global leader in the agribusiness sector and Peru's largest producer of canned and frozen fruits and vegetables, and Superior Foods International (SFI), one of…

Orsero reports significant growth in results - also on a “like for like” basis

The Board of Directors of Orsero S.p.A. has approved the Consolidated Results as at 30 June 2023. Raffaella Orsero, CEO of Orsero, and Matteo Colombini, Co-CEO and CFO of Orsero commented: “We are more than pleased with the results achieved in the first half of 2023, which registered a significant…

"International relations strengthen the fruit and vegetable sector."

The attendance at Macfrut's Italian fruit and vegetable fair this year was excellent, with many foreign exhibitors and visitors. On top of that, this has been one of Macfrut's goals for several years, that of becoming an ever-international fair. The next edition will take place from 8 to 10 May 2024 in…

"Automate manual, time-consuming and also error-prone process steps"

deepico AG has already built a solid reputation in the industry with its clear focus on developing cloud ERP systems for the food industry. Amidst this steady growth and an ongoing commitment to technological i…

DiMare California appoints new president of DMB Packing

As DiMare reaches the halfway point in its 95th year of business, Tom DiMare announces Jeff Dolan as president of DMB Packing. In this role, Dolan will play an expanded…

EW Group to acquire Spanish berry breeder Planasa

EW Group, a German-based strategic family Holding, has signed an agreement for the takeover of Planasa Group from international private equity firm Cinven and the Spanish…

Belgian Competition Authority approves BelOrta/BFV merger

The Belgian Competition Authority (BMA) has given BelOrta's acquisition of the Belgische Fruitveiling (BFV) the go-ahead. On September 11, 2023, the BMA approved how much sole…

Dutch wholesaler launches aid campaign for Moroccan colleagues

The Dutch company Scherpenhuizen en Kamps has launched an aid campaign for its 1,500 colleagues in Morocco. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake recently hit that country. "Our partnerships there means the earthquake hits particularly close to home for us," says Scherpenhuizen and Kamps management and family. "We…

SunFed adds to sales team

SunFed is excited to share that Allie Coombs has joined the company's sales team on September 1. Allie got her start in produce at EuroFresh Farms on the Costco/Walmart/Safeway team. In a short…

HHLA informs on the submission of a voluntary public takeover offer by MSC group

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) informs that Port of Hamburg Beteiligungs­gesellschaft SE today published its decision to submit a voluntary public Takeover Offer…

Kuehne+Nagel buys Morgan Air and Sea Freight Logistics Kenya Ltd. for an estimated Sh8 billion

Logistics firm Kuehne+Nagel (Kenya) Limited is set to acquire rival Morgan Air and Sea Freight Logistics Kenya Limited for an estimated Sh8 billion, marking one of the largest…

Grupo Clasol and Cooperativa San Alfonso merge to create a leading citrus and stone fruit group

Grupo Clasol and Cooperativa San Alfonso are joining forces to create a leading fruit and vegetable group, combining the best of the cooperative and private models. The new alliance's innovative business model will focus on citrus and stone fruit production. This new entity has four packing plants: two…

Oppy names regional sales directors

Oppy has elevated two sales stand-outs, Ben Vallejo and Jim Leach, from management roles to director-level responsibilities. Vallejo, who celebrates his 25th anniversary with the grower, marketer and distributor this year, has been promoted to director, West Coast sales. He initially joined Oppy in…

Valencian cooperatives Llutxent-Otos and La Pobla del Duc agree on their merger

On September 5, the Valencian cooperatives Camp de Llutxent-Otos and Vitivinícola La Pobla (La Pobla del Duc), both members of Anecoop, overwhelmingly agreed on their merger at their respective General Assembly meetings, with over 90% of votes in favor. The goal is to continue growing efficiently through…

Behind the scenes at Dutch grading and packaging machine manufacturer

Greefa's head office is in Tricht, in the heart of Betuwe, the Netherlands. There, grading and packaging solutions are thought up and produced. We spoke to sales representatives Otto Klop and Sander Reukers, who discussed trends in that field and Greefa's response. Up-scalingOtto, who has been in this…

Post-harvest tech developer delays Series A pitch

The RipeLocker Board and current investor group are postponing a Series A raise until revenue growth over last year could be demonstrated. Confident that 2024 revenue will…

Van Geest International exclusive representative of Santa Margarita range in UK market

From now on, Van Geest International (VGI) will sell the entire Santa Margarita range in the United Kingdom. That includes the exotic fruits and vegetables Satori Holland imports mainly from South America. "We're great at importing exotic products. But, we found that, given the current developments, selling to the UK no longer fits within our company's core business. With al…

Bridges Produce adds to sales and marketing team

Bridges Produce is excited to welcome Rodrigo Velasquez to its sales and marketing team. “Rodrigo will help round out our sales team here and will manage some grower relations. We are very excited to bring his wide range of experience throughout many growing regions and produce categories,” says Ben…

$10M funding for post-harvest solution provider

Considering today’s startup climate, the RipeLocker Board and current investor group concluded it was best to postpone a Series A raise until revenue growth over last year…

Joy Wing Mau Group debuted at the Asia Fruit Logistica, and an Appreciation Banquet for global partners was grandly held

The Asia Fruit Logistica, which everyone from the industry of fresh fruits and vegetables around the world had been eagerly awaiting, returned to Hong Kong. From September 6th to 8th, Joy Wing Mau Group made its debut with its global strategic cooperation brand. Its innovative design style attracted the…

23% growth in avocado volume sold compared to same period last year

Mission Produce, Inc., a large player in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries, today reported its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended July 31, 2023. Fiscal Third Quarter 2023 Financial Overview: Total revenue decreased…

Grupo Hame acquires fruit grower Agrokasa in Peru

Founded in Guatemala, Grupo Hame has added Peru to its group of territories across Central and South America, including countries like Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia. The…

CMI Orchards welcomes new sales account manager

The team at CMI Orchards continues to expand with the recent addition of Ellie Tucker as sales account manager. Tucker has 20 years of experience in the tree fruit industry,…

Peruvian grape grower and social impact brand partner up

Thx! is proud to announce its partnership with El Pedregal, one of the largest grape growers in Peru. THX! is a social impact brand committed to making farmworkers’ dreams come true. This collaboration marks a step towards creating a brighter future for the individuals who contribute to the agricultural…

Collaborative and data-driven approach appeals to buyers of African products

South African strawberry exports by air to the Middle East and Malaysia have been doing well so far, says Elton Greeve, managing director of newly established SA Fruit Marketing (right).Last week, they signed an agreement with a Malagasy litchi supplier for their European campaign starting at the end of…

Hortifrut reports income of US$ 503 million in the first semester 2023

Hortifrut's Board of Directors approved the Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2023, compared with the financial statements as of June 30, 2022. During the first…

First sustainably packaged pomelo shipment of the year sent to Europe

One of the key pomelo suppliers to Europe, Onedayone Group, sent its first waxed pomelo shipment of the year from Xiamen, China on September 8. This marks a significant milestone as the company's third consecutive year providing these citrus fruits with sustainable packaging to the market. For years, the…

Lower visitor numbers, but goal-oriented conversations

On 6 and 7 September, Asparagus Handels Ltd once again invited visitors to Interaspa in Sandhatten, Lower Saxony. The two-day trade event for the asparagus and berry sector takes place every two years and has established itself over the years, especially in northern German circles. Exhibitors primarily…

Dole gathers high-quality fruits and vegetables in Asia to appear at the Asia Fruit Logistica

On September 6, 2023, the 16th Asia Fruit Logistica returned to AsiaExpo in Hong Kong. This exhibition brings together leading global fruit and vegetable companies to present to the world the value chain of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. More than 700 exhibitors from 43 countries and regions…

Fairtrade banana company moves from woman-owned to women-owned

Equifruit is overjoyed to announce that its director of sales & marketing, Kim Chackal, has become an owner of the company. Equifruit’s president, Jennie Coleman, retains a majority share. The socially-responsible brand has long advocated for gender equity in the banana industry and this latest move…

Nonprofit launches new ambassador program for new school year

Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, announces the launch of the Brighter Bites Ambassador Program,…

USDA cites New York and Louisiana companies for PACA violations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on US Fresh Corp. (US Fresh), Bronx, New York, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act…

Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance wins Africa Food Prize 2023

The Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) has been honored with the prestigious Africa Food Prize for 2023, recognizing their exceptional leadership in the development of…

Dole Ireland buys Dublin-based Vernon Catering

Dole Ireland has announced a deal to buy Dublin-based Vernon Catering. The latter markets and distributes fresh fruits, vegetables and dry goods to foodservice outlets across…

"Trade shows always stimulate active trading"

This week, several Belgian companies and cooperatives traveled to Hong Kong for Asia Fruit Logistica. Names like Coöperatie Hoogstraten, the Devos Group, and Wouters Fruit explored opportunities in Asian markets. BelOrta was also extensively present with a stand full of fruit and vegetables suitable for…

"We provide the full range to many distant clients"

More than six months ago, the whole Freshclusive team relocated to its new building in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands. That was after they had spent a year commuting about 125 km to and from Eindhoven. "We were lucky to have found this new building. I'd thought we'd bought the building to grow into, but when…

Limoneira announces Q3 2023 financial results

Limoneira Company, a diversified citrus growing, packing, selling and marketing company with related agribusiness activities and real estate development operations, has reported financial results for the third quarter ended July 31, 2023. Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer of the…

Fatality at Barnes Farming under investigation

"The entire Barnes Farming team is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of one of our co-workers. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, two children, and family," says a…

MustGrow and Janssen PMP announce significant project expansion

MustGrow Biologics Corp., and Janssen PMP, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson are pleased to announce a…

Fire breaks out at California table grape cold storage facility

On the evening of September 5, 2023, Sunview Marketing International had a fire at 31560 Peterson Road in McFarland, California. No injuries were reported. The damage was limited to packing material and associated structures. All associates were safely evacuated from the fire. Thanks to the swift action of…

Pure Flavor acquires MightyVine

Continuing its growth path fueling significant plans for expansion, Pure Flavor® announces the acquisition of MightyVine®, a Midwest CEA Tomato grower & brand in Rochelle, IL, to add to its expanding portfolio of greenhouses and distribution centers. “We continue to see significant growth and demand for the Pure Flavor brand…

'Total net sales see 24% decrease from the prior year quarter'

Calavo Growers, Inc., a global avocado provider, has reported its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended July 31, 2023. Third quarter financial overview Total net sales of $259.9 million, a 24% decrease from the prior year quarter Grown segment net sales decreased 30% to $144.5 million Prepared segment…

"50 trucks a day going all over Scandinavia"

This year is the first time Hartman Expeditie will have a stand at Fruit Attraction in Madrid. The Dutch transport group specializes in temperature-controlled groupage transport from the Netherlands and Belgium to Scandinavia. "Our group offers an ideal cross-dock location for Spanish haulers and…

Blue Whale seeking record numbers in Asia

Apple producer Blue Whale has defined clear goals for the 2023-2024 season in Asia. The French company has been exporting its apple varieties to the Asian continent for more than 30 years. Nowadays, these markets account for 15% of its total exports. The growth seen in recent years is being driven by one…

New CEO for Starr Ranch Growers

Starr Ranch Growers is excited to announce the appointment of Don Odegard as its new chief executive officer. As the new CEO, Odegard brings a wealth of experience and a visionary leadership approach…

"We dare say we have a leading position in South East Asia"

"Never a boring moment at Aartsen. In constant motion is where we feel comfortable," begins Menno van Breemen of Aartsen. "Not because we're restless, but because we're highly ambitious. We're the same in Asia, where we've followed the same strategy as in Europe - Benelux since 2012. The Aartsen group…

Potatoes NZ appoints Kate Trufitt as its new CEO

Potatoes New Zealand has appointed Kate Trufitt as its new chief executive. A director of Horticulture NZ, she has held many roles in the horticulture sector. According to the…

Swiss: Vertical farm expands distribution in 390 Coop stores

YASAI and Coop have expanded their collaboration in Switzerland. From today on, YASAI is supplying its products to 390 Coop stores. "We are thrilled to announce a major milestone for our incredible team," said Mark Zahran, Founder, and CEO of YASAI. "Riding the start-up rollercoaster for over three years…

Year-round supply of avocados to Asia

Mission Produce, Inc. announces its upcoming attendance at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong from Sept. 6-8, 2023, with special representation from its Peruvian operations…

Grupo Alcoaxarquía gives Tresmares a minority stake

Grupo Alcoaxarquia, a leader in the marketing of avocados and other fruits of organic origin, has given a minority stake in its capital to Tresmares, a leading investment platform in Spain backed by Banco Santander. Over the years, José Antonio Alcolchel, founder and CEO of the company, has focused his…

The Satori group acquires AGF Siere

Marcel Verdellen owns the Dutch companies Satori and Santa Margarita. On Friday, September 1, he acquired the wholesaler Siere AGF. That includes all 27 staff members. AGF Siere has operated from its premises in Leiden, the Netherlands, for more than a century. "I came across the company," says Marcel.…

Investor firm buys other AppHarvest facilities

AppHarvest's three greenhouses were auctioned last week. In a single bid, the two largest farms in Morehead and Richmond were offered. Investment firm Equilibrium submitted…

Bosch Growers starts US expansion with AppHarvest Somerset acquisition

Pioneering is something they can do at Bosch Growers. Six years ago, the family business started growing blackberries under glass in addition to their bell pepper crop. And now, it's time for a new challenge. Last week, they bought one of the three greenhouses of the American nursery AppHarvest. It's a…

Australia: The future of vertical farming is about right sizing rather than super-sizing

“Instead of rolling out mega-farms, we’d rather build suitably-scaled farms that cater to – and can flex with – regional and seasonal needs. We believe that growing exactly what is needed, where it is needed, and in the quantities needed is going to be the key to the success of vertical farming.…

Sakata Seed de México celebrates 30 years

In August of this year, Sakata Seed de México celebrated its 30th anniversary. "We are very proud of our trajectory", said Dave Armstrong, president and CEO of Sakata Seed…

TopFruit celebrates 40 Years of fruit innovation and growth

TopFruit commemorates its four-decade journey as a pioneering force in the South African and international fruit industry. This momentous milestone marks TopFruit's commitment to innovation, building lifelong relationships and reshaping the fruit industry landscape.TopFruit’s originsSince its…

New group president – food sorting and handling solutions for Duravant

Duravant announces the appointment of Jack Lee as group president, food sorting and handling solutions. Lee is responsible for leading strategies that bring sorting, conveying…

California vegetable grower-shipper expands to East Coast

Mann Packing recently expanded its offering of its commodity vegetables and value-added products to the East Coast with the support of parent company Fresh Del Monte's wholly-owned distribution facilities. The company is now servicing several major retailers out of North Carolina-based distribution…

Exploring Southeast Asia’s evolving market

Southeast Asia has long been an important region for Vanguard, with Indonesia emerging as a cornerstone market. Vanguard’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Yuyuh Sukmana,…

Fobek acquires monopoly varieties' rights from A. De Nijs & Sons

On Augustus 30, 2023, Fobek B.V. acquired the rights to A. De Nijs & sons' monopoly varieties. This Dutch company's estate was declared bankrupt. Fobek, also a Dutch company,…

LA Urban Farms

The gaps, barriers, and opportunities for urban agriculture in LA

"Urban agriculture will play a significant role in paving the way for food sovereignty in Los Angeles. At the same time, urban farming is also a potent instrument in mitigating the effects of climate change," said Alba Velasquez, executive director of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. "The methods we…

Bayer invests EUR 220 million in new research and development facility at Monheim site

Bayer is underpinning its commitment to innovation for regenerative agriculture with a €220 million investment in research and development at its Monheim site. This is the company's largest single investment in its crop protection business in Germany since the foundation stone of the Monheim campus was…

Washington apple grower partnership ends next year

After many years of successful partnership, Starr Ranch Growers and Gilbert Orchards will part ways in 2024. Regardless of this change coming in the new year, the two…

Grower-shipper celebrates 10 years of business at Southern Innovations

Ark Foods is celebrating its 10th anniversary in business. Two notable product launches this month honor this momentous year as the company reflects on the decade. Back in 2003, Noah Robbins had a “light bulb” moment when he first bit into a Shishito Pepper. Since then, Ark Foods has shown a commitment…

International segment drives Costa Group’s revenue growth

Costa Group Holdings Limited, the Australian grower, packer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables today announced its financial results for the half year ended 2 July 2023. Key Headlines International segment delivered +32.8% revenue growth vs pcp, with both China and Morocco contributing to an impressive…

Fresno area growers and farm labor contractor cited for wage theft violations

The Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has cited farm labor contractor (FLC) M.G. Luna, Inc. of Parlier and growers Madera Persimmon Growers Inc. of Madera and Willems Farms,…

IFPA announces 2024 Board of Directors slate

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the slate of new officers and directors for the 2024 IFPA Board of Directors. This group will begin its service at the 2023 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, October 19-21. The Board is guided by the Executive Committee, which will be led in…

Reflecting on this year’s AMHPAC Convention

This year’s AMHPAC convention on August 24-25 welcomed more than 60 agricultural companies from 14 states of the Mexican Republic. This included representatives of 70 companies supplying products and services and directors of nearly 20 allied organizations in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Chile,…

Recipient of first Carlos Cortes Scholarship selected

The Organics Unlimited GROW Fund has selected Carmen Leticia Hidalgo Mujica as the first recipient of the Carlos Cortes Scholarship. This $15,000 scholarship honors the work and memory of organic banana pioneer Carlos Cortes Sr. and is awarded to an individual whose journey embodies the values of…

Camposol registered gross profit margin of 29.5%, during H1 2023

Camposol Holding PLC sales amounted to USD 154.1 million and registered a gross profit margin of 29.5%, during the first half of 2023. EBITDA from continuing operations amounted to USD 33.6 million, up 44.37% compared to the same period in 2022, and the corresponding EBITDA margin was 21.8%. This…

Antonio Dominguez appointed as new Maersk head for Latin America and the Caribbean

Antonio Dominguez has been appointed as the new regional head for Maersk in Latin America and the Caribbean. He will oversee leading the next stage of Maersk's transformation…

The customs agency and logistics operator Partida celebrates its 100th anniversary

The customs agency and logistics operator Partida, based in Algeciras, Cadiz, has just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and to commemorate the occasion, the company has organized some special activities to reflect on its history, achievements and commitment to its customers and partners. "We have…

'Expanding global presence and implementing lean operations'

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited today announced interim results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the 6 months ended 30 June 2023. 2023 interim results highlights Total throughput…

An Italian company is among the finalists in the "Best organic producer" category

The EU Organic Awards is a competition that celebrates operators who stand out in the agricultural sector at a European level. Roberto Giadone from Italy, founder of Natura Iblea, Thomas Moschos from Greece (Moschos Farms) and Mikhaylo Haliv from Spain (Tomelloso) are the finalists in the "Best organic…

Citrus grower prepares for new California season

While wrapping up its 130th season, Sunkist is focusing on the return of the California citrus season. With a grower base of over 1,000 members and a portfolio of conventional and organic citrus offerings, Sunkist is allocating additional resources to its category management and consumer insights…

VOG starts the new harvest with Royal Gala and Sweetango, high quality and lively markets

Beginning with the Royal Gala and SweeTango™ varieties, mid-August saw the start of the 2023 harvest of the 4,600 member growers of the VOG Consortium in Terlano (Bolzano), one of Europe’s largest table apple production and marketing organisations. The apple season is off to a promising start for VOG,…

Dovex Fruit Co. names new national sales director

Dovex Fruit Company named Bob Haarhues as national sales director. Haarhues joins Dovex Fruit Company with several years of senior sales experience including vice president of…

French company joins International New-Varieties Network

The International New-Varieties Network LLC (INN) is pleased to announce that a new member from France, with operations in China, has joined the company. Dalival Holding, based in France has been active in China for more than 15 years and has expanded its operations with the creation of the 100% owned…

Jetbest Group welcomes new shareholder

Jetbest Group, an Australian fresh fruit wholesaling business, is embarking on a new chapter as it announces a change in its shareholder structure. This transition signifies…

BelOrta officially opens new automated top fruit sorting center

On Friday, BelOrta officially opened its new fully-automated top fruit sorting center in Belgium. The new Belgian top fruit season is in full swing, so some 40,000 to 60,000 tons of apples and pears can pass through the cooperative's new sorting center annually. The new building had been operational for…

Discounter creates its own playbook on fresh produce

The discount supermarket Boxer is nearing fifty years and is opening hundreds of stores, and its sixth distribution centre, across the country. Recently the 450th store was opened and people are starting to realise that Boxer is a major player, remarks Boxer’s head of fresh produce Deon Wessels. “We can…

Koppert and EWS-KT launch joint action research

East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT), Koppert India, and Koppert Foundation recently launched their first collaborative project involving action research in India. This research is being implemented at EWS-KT’s Center of Excellence learning farm in Keonjhar, Odisha. Earlier this year,…

Greenyard sales grows by 10.3% Q1

Greenyard’s Like-for-Like (LfL) Net sales amounted to € 1 281,3m in the first quarter of the current financial year, growing 10,3% from € 1 161,2m last year in the same…

Pandol Bros., Inc. CEO announces retirement

Pandol Bros., Inc. (PBI) announces the upcoming retirement of long-time employee Cheri Diebel at the end of 2023. Diebel has worked for PBI since 1981 in varying capacities, most recently as the president/CEO, since January of 2012. Diebel has overseen a period of planned growth, innovation and value…

Finnish fresh produce trading company opens UK subsidiary

Luonnosta Finland Oy and Phil Rayner are excited to announce the establishment of Luonnosta UK Ltd. Luonnosta’s strategy for several years has been to develop international business and strengthen networks worldwide. Now the time was right to take the operations to the next level with a subsidiary in the…

July container volume down in Port of Melbourne

Port of Melbourne reported total container throughput, full and empty, in July 2023 were down against July 2022. More specifically, full container imports volumes were down in…

German potato seed company opens subsidiary in Spain to reach Mediterranean region

Europlant Pflanzenzucht GmbH has established a subsidiary in Spain to expand its market presence in the Mediterranean region. From now on Europlant España Semillas S.L. will…

Plenty expands its products to Whole Foods stores in California

Plenty has doubled its retail presence in California with its expansion to all Whole Foods Market stores and Gelson's Markets throughout the state. "Opening Plenty's first…

Avocado sales growth sustains half year profit run to Kshs 171.1 million for Kakuzi PLC

Kakuzi PLC has announced a Kshs 171.1 (€1.1 mln) million half-year pretax profit on the back of a difficult trading period due to the prevailing macadamia global glut. The firm, which recently adopted a new corporate brand identity, enjoyed a more than double profit lift against its avocado export…

DP World announces resilient 1H2023 results with adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 billion

DP World Limited has announced resilient financial results for the first six months to 30 June 2023. On a reported basis, revenue grew by 13.9% to $9,037 million and adjusted EBITDA grew by 7.0% to $2,611 million with adjusted EBITDA margin of 28.9%. Results Highlights: Revenue increased by 13.9% to $9,037…