Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Zespri funds research into natural defence against kiwifruit disease
As chemicals lose effectiveness against PsaV, which threatens kiwifruit around the world, scientists aim to find a more natural solution
NZ growers fear price squeeze from T&G Fresh deal
Commerce Commission raises concerns that proposed acquisition could weaken growers’ bargaining position and reduce competition
New Zealand records boost in produce consumption
Seasonal, good-value produce cited as the biggest driver behind eating more
IGA takes Canstar fruit and vegetable crown from Aldi
Independent grocers network wins most satisfied customers award for the first time
Rijk Zwaan takes lead to address consumption challenge
Jan Doldersum recently took charge of consumer partnerships at Rijk Zwaan. In this exclusive interview, he outlines the seed company’s consumer strategy focused on getting people to eat more fruit and vegetables in markets worldwide
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
Australian apple industry celebrates new chapter in China
Event in Beijing celebrates the opening of the Chinese market for mainland Australian apples
HortNZ welcomes progress on crop protection reforms
Indsutry body encourages ongoing support to the ACVM Amendment Bill through its remaining stages
Australia aims to double its horticulture export sales
Hort Innovation Strategy 2031 sets long-term direction for investment in productivity, innovation, market access and grower capability
Australia’s industry celebrates World Macadamia Nut Day
More than 800 growers produce around A$275mn worth of macadamia nuts in Australia
New agreement strengthens Australian horticulture’s partnership with China
The agreement builds on many years of engagement between Australian and Chinese horticulture stakeholders
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Asia Fruit Logistica 2026 wraps up record show
Asia’s premier trade show registers its most international participation ever, attracting some 16,000 attendees from 95 countries and regions
Asia Fruit Awards 2026 winners announced
Zespri, Freco International, Tops/Central Food Retail and Goodfarmer receive the 2026 Asia Fruit Awards
Koru mascot captures attention in Asia
New Zealand apple brand’s mascot takes off on social media
Zespri defends labour standards after ‘medieval slave’ accusation
Coalition government minister levels fresh criticism at NZ kiwifruit exporter, prompting robust defence
Produce Plus Spring out now
Exclusive interview with MOYA 2026 winner Flavorite Group and a full wrap-up of Hort Connections
Fresh produce prices fall but growers face mounting cost pressures
Australian Inflation data shows prices are declining, but QFVG says rising costs and supply chain imbalances are pushing producers to the brink
Box Divvy expands into Queesnland
Community-driven food co-op sets up first hubs in third state
Tasmanian fruit on the radar in Asia
State’s fruit growers set off to key market Hong Kong for Asia Fruit Logistica
Barden Farms stays ahead of the harvest clock with John Deere
Major vegetable producer is extracting maximum value out of its equipment
Visy launches plastic-free automated labelling system
Proprietary overclose labelling system secures punnets with cardboard flaps and paper labels