Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Southern Forests Food Council delivers value to West Australian growers
New report confirms council adds millions in economic value
LeaderBrand mourns the loss of horticultural pioneer Stuart Davis
Davis has contributed over 35 years to New Zealand’s horticulture industry including in areas of sustainability and pest management
New Zealand apple exporters look for US alternatives as tariffs bite
One Hawke’s Bay grower will divert volume away from the US as he readies for significant crop of large apples this season
Funding secured for Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program
Funding from the Victorian government still falls short of the level requested by partnering councils, Fruit Growers Victoria and other industry bodies
Air New Zealand Cargo readies for festive fresh produce flights
Hundreds of tonnes of fruit and vegetables will be flown to markets across Asia
Conversations
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant explains how supermarkets can reconnect with customers through better design, storytelling, and a renewed focus on food
Fruitbox 108 · Carlo Magni & Louise Beard, Forward Insight
Chris, Carlo and Louise consider the consumers of tomorrow, the choices they will make and how we can develop fresh produce that will appeal to them
Fruitbox 101 · Alex Garcia-Devis, GlobalGAP
Chris speaks with Alex about the scarcity of water in some of the world’s key production regions, and what this means for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry
Researchers discover coffee scraps help preserve blueberry freshness
UNSW study uses nanofibres from coffee grounds to protect waterloss and extend expiry date of blueberries
Zespri to sell additional red variety to support growth of RubyRed
New cultivar was naturally bred by the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (KBC), Zespri’s joint venture with Plant & Food Research
Australian blueberry industry celebrates arrival in Vietnam
Representatives from both countries come together for two market launch events
Mildura’s Minter Magic embraces technology to compete on global stage
John Deere’s GPS technology and AutoTrac technology help Australian citrus, almond and asparagus grower to improve its business
WA Farm Direct releases recyclable Baby Bravo packaging
The protective packaging is designed to reduce reliance on plastics while boosting presentation
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New drone technology protects Australian crops from bird damage
Three-year trial to unlock innovative, non-lethal bird deterrence strategies for almond, stonefruit, apple and pear growers
Australian almond industry set for new era of significant growth
Industry could claim a larger share of the global market as production area increases
The Berry Collective sends Australia’s first shipment of blueberries to Vietnam
Consignment is part of collaboration between The Berry Collective, Ti Produce Marketing, An Minh Fruits and Berry Sweet in Western Australia
Australian fresh produce industry’s Wiggles campaign takes out global marketing award
Award recognises programs that “galvanise industry to work together through partnership to effect meaningful change
Queensland fresh produce pumps $6bn into the economy, new report finds
Sector also supports almost 45,000 jobs across the state
Australian cherries launch season in Vietnam
Launch event in export market highlights the 72-hours journey from orchard to plate for Australian cherries
Cherry Growers Australia announces 2026 National Cherry Industry Conference dates
Cherry 2026 will take place across two days in Adelaide, matching an engaging conference programme with orchard tours and more
Australian macadamia crop finalised following challenging 2025 season
Significant rainfall across the season made for difficult growing conditions
Parisi and Trims Fresh Merrylands take cherry crown in Sydney Markets Foundation auction
Annual Sydney Markets Foundation Cherry Ball raises A$260,000 for charity partner, Little Wings
New initiative set to boost Australian melon exports to the Gulf
Project takes practical approach to building market knowledge and connections for Australian industry