Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Soluna Australian apples launch in mainland China
Partnership with Joy Wing Mau and Riverking Group opens a new chapter for premium imported apples
FMA pushes for practical Horticulture Code reform
Submission to independent review supports retaining merchant formula/method pricing as a legitimate price setting method within the merchant role
Australian tech firm Fresho makes major UK acquisition
Deal a significant part of Fresho’s broader plan to accelerate its AI capabilities and drive continued product innovation across its markets
Record export outlook for New Zealand apple and pear sector
Productivity increases to help mitigate ongoing cost pressures
Early warning system uses AI to help growers predict climate risk
WayBeyond says its new forecasting tool offers predictive intelligence for crops in tunnels and greenhouses
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
NZ kiwifruit industry secures funding for productivity push
NZKGI and Zespri will deliver ‘Optimising Kiwifruit Land Use – More from Less’, co-funded through the government’s Primary Sector Growth Fund
Cherry Growers Australia launches national five-year strategy
Strategy outlines a clear national roadmap to improve productivity, grow demand and expand trade opportunities
2026 Horticulture Awards for Excellence recognise the industry’s finest
A dozen awards presented at the culmination of Hort Connections, recognising achievement right across the fresh produce industry
Zespri rejects minister’s claims on Māori kiwifruit access
Kiwifruit marketer responds to claims it is holding back development opportunities for indigenous growers on shared land
Flavorite Group wins MOYA 2026 for Maddie’s Month campaign
Australasia’s premier fresh produce marketing award presented to purpose-led campaign which raised money for charity and drove sales
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Zespri develops ‘self-pollinating’ kiwifruit to challenge Hayward
Variety known as Green146 is described as ‘most promising new cultivar’ to emerge from company’s pre-commercial trial
Zespri welcomes plan to fund port expansion
Kiwifruit marketer says action is needed to address infrastructure bottlenecks as export volumes continue to surge
Tomra Food launches 5S Blueberry sorting and grading platform in Australasia
The 5S Blueberry is designed to deliver new levels of precision, fruit protection and packhouse efficiency
Australian horticulture accelerates push into Asia
Hort Innovation spotlights suite of export-focused initiatives to boost export growth for Australian fresh produce growers
Wiggles campaign delivers consumption impact for Australian produce industry
IFPA A-NZ’s 2026 Impact Report shows how Fruit and Veggies Yummy Yummy campaign helped drive consumption conversation with Australian families
Australian cherries celebrate successful season built on quality and export growth
Industry secures double-digit growth in export volume and value
Katherine Faull takes the reins of Summerfruit Australia as new CEO
Carrie Starkings steps down after 14 months at the head of industry body
Australian avocado industry launches global-first VR supply chain training programme
New initiative sees avocado industry partner with Woolworths to focus on quality across the avocado supply chain
Costa expands blueberry breeding programme with launch of BluGenix
BluGenix will amplify the reach of Costa’s blueberry varieties into global markets