Markets news from Eurofruit
Essential stories, analysis and research from Europe’s fresh produce markets, with a focus on imports, retail, wholesale, marketing, and consumers.
Risky business in the Gulf hits produce trade
The Gulf faces the possibility of fruit shortages, as vessels remain stranded at sea and new routes are sought, with few willing to take the risk
Mercadona to expand fresh produce space in €3.7bn refit
Food retailer to roll out new Tienda 9 store model that significantly expands fresh produce and ready-to-eat offer
Trump tees up new tariffs as importers including Dole demand refunds
Three weeks after US Supreme Court ruled out the use of IEEPA, government digs foundation to erect new barriers
Analysis: Costco Korea shifts its decade-long banana pricing strategy
Hyojun Kim breaks down the retailer’s sales structure noting recent changes that could see a bump in price after ten years
Italian apple exporters avoid major disruption in Middle East
Assomela says suppliers have ’largely withstood’ Middle East conflict, as strong sales and late-season timing helps to limit commercial impact
S&A Produce kicks off new season British strawberries
The British strawberry season is underway with the first pick at Kent supplier S&A Produce, alongside growing advances in winter season British berry supply
Exotic sales may benefit from focus on fun
Top-down health messaging is less of a priority for European marketers of exotics, with the focus being on innovation and helping consumers discover the tastes and uses of lesser known fruits
Dia invests €16m to secure completely Spanish strawberry supply
Retailer increases investment by 15 per cent to source 4,300 tonnes exclusively from Spanish suppliers, with focus on Huelva production
Polish retailers adhere to new law on fruit and veg origin labels
Authorities report dramatic improvement after introduction of new flag regulation and major fines against Biedronka and Kaufland
‘Customer focus key to growing avocado category’
Fred Searle speaks to Wim Destoop, global chief customer officer of Westfalia Fruit, about the avo supplier’s customer-led marketing strategy, the potential of the Gem variety, and the growing importance of supply diversification
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Italians buy more fruit and veg as big retailers strengthen grip on market
Consumers in Italy bought more fresh produce in 2025 for first time in years, with packaged and organic products performing especially well
Chilean avocado consumption keeps on growing
Per capita consumption has risen from 2kg in 2000 to almost 9kg in 2025
Buenas Hasta El Hueso campaign reflects on successful third year
Promotion seeks to raise the visibility of stonefruit grown by national cooperatives amongst Spanish consumers
Gulf chaos continues as Lebanon under fire
The US-Israeli war on Iran has created an unpredictable situation across the Middle East, with ports and airports temporarily closing and vessels remaining stranded
Fresh Forward celebrates exceptional growth of Bachata strawberry
Fresh Forward’s Bachata strawberry programme is expanding into new regions, with production ramping up significantly for the 2026/27 season to meet rising demand
Female berry leaders share tips for success in ‘male-dominated’ industry
Senior female figures from Haygrove, Angus Soft Fruits and Driscoll’s are joining the International Women’s Day 2026 campaign to raise up other women
Tesco secures 60 per cent more UK asparagus
Warmer temperatures and new production techniques have enabled one grower to bring forward start of season by six weeks
Dutch fresh produce consumption rises slightly in 2025
First consumption increase in the Netherlands for several years comes as demand for fresh convenience evolves
Iran conflict could raise fertiliser prices as growers prepare for planting
Gas price volatility and restriction of key fertiliser inputs through Strait of Hormuz could impact UK growing season for key salad and veg crops
Intermarché expands long-term contracts with French suppliers
French retail chain plans to strengthen ties with domestic fruit and vegetable producers through expanded long-term contracts