Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Agovor completes funding round for autonomous robots
Investment will accelerate manufacturing in Australia, and expand Agovor’s sales and service infrastructure across Australasia
VentureFruit strengthens North American footprint with strategic berry partnership
California Giant Berry Farms to license selection of premium VentureFruit berry varieties
Australian macadamias source market insights in Europe, US and Asia
Data from online and offline retailers to help the industry effectively supply key export markets
Kalfresh secures A$80mn investment for bioenergy facility
Queensland vegetable grower to lead development of food and energy precinct
Philippines committed to meeting Australian banana import requirements
Australia to conduct a technical visit to the Philippines in early 2026
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
Zespri tips record returns in final 2025/26 forecast
New season New Zealand fruit expected to arrive in market from mid-April
Adelaide prepares for Hort Connections 2026 as event expands to four days
Exhibitor space at the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest horticulture conference in high demand
Australasian Space Innovation Institute launches National Digital Twin supporting Australian agriculture
Institute commits A$15mm to create dynamic, virtual replica of Australia’s agricultural landscapes
Freshmax Group appoints Reg Weine as CEO
High-profile agrifood executive to lead Australasian group as it pursues growth strategy under new owners
Nuffield Australia opens applications for 2027 scholarships
The scholarship is widely recognised as the pinnacle of industry-based learning,
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New food safety requirements for New South Wales horticulture
Food Authority licence required for berry, leafy vegetable and melon growers
Australian Mushrooms takes over Gigi’s Pizzeria for February feast
Partnership will elevate mushrooms with a range of creative recipies
Demand for Australian almonds remains strong in key export markets
Export volumes far exceed early crop expectations reaching almost 146,000 tonnes in first 10 months of 2025/26 selling season
Rockit launches premium Rockitship gifting range
Rocket-shaped collectable pack doubles as a toy delivering added value through sharing and play
A Wiggly celebration of fresh produce for National Lunchbox Week
Campaign inspires families to add fruit and vegetables to lunchboxes as children head back to school
T&G reports strong demand for Envy ahead of Lunar New Year
Forecast sales volumes expected to increase 27 per cent in China, 19 per cent in Vietnam and 16 per cent in Thailand
Sassy prepares for “bold” season as harvest gets underway
Key growing regions across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have reported excellent colour, high Brix and a strong crop set
Fair Farms appoints Amanda Higgins as national programme manager
Higgins previously served as the Fair Farms’ workplace relations specialist
Te Mata takes the lead with a1 apple
Early-season variety opens the 2026 New Zealand export season
New Zealand apple and pear harvest gets underway
Early forecasts point to another standout season with “exceptional” quality and high packout rates