Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Protected Cropping Centre for Mild Winter Climates launched at Gatton AgTech Showcase
Research centre features Cravo retractable roof technology and will facilitate insights for growers
Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook to add regional data to next issue
Kynetec and Hort Innovation welcome grower contributions ahead of 2026 release
Fresh Berry Company partners with Driscoll’s for record-breaking blueberries
New Zealand grower-partner to grow Eterna blueberries, recently certified as the world’s largest variety by Guinness World Records
MG Group opens applications for associate director programme
Programme designed to give emerging leaders experience of how the MG Group board operates
Veronica Papacosta appointed as new CEO of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance
Outgoing CEO Claire McClelland will continue in her role until January 2026 to ensure a smooth transition
Conversations
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant returns to Fruitnet’s podcast series to explain 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
Bright outlook for Australian table grapes
Better growing and market conditions bode well for Australian table grape industry as production grows
Australian Horticulture Trade adds Mike Tyler and Nick Makris to board of directors
Two new additions join the experienced board of the representative body for Australia’s horticultural importers and exporters
Perfection Fresh rolls out the red label with new brand campaign
Integrated campaign spotlights the company’s masterbrand with produce love story
Scales continues to dazzle despite geopolitical uncertainty
New Zealand apple exporter increases full-year guidance citing ‘continuing positive performance’ and appoints new director
New Zealand women in horticulture spotlighted at Inspiring Wāhine Conference
Three-day event shines light on the women powering New Zealand’s NZ$6.85bn horticulture industry
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Protected Cropping Australia welcomes Michael Simonetta and Ben Hoodless to board
Appointments signal new era for organisation as it guides industry through period of rapid change
Next generation weed management takes centre stage at Gatton AgTech Showcase
Australia’s horticulture industry is set to benefit from a major innovation in weed management, announced at the Gatton AgTech Showcase.
Rockit under pressure as New Zealand grower enters administration
The premium apple brand’s growers have struggled lately to secure good enough margins as supply chain costs have risen
Produce shippers await net zero vote amid US threat
As geopolitical storm grows, fresh produce shippers watch for outcome of crucial meeting on sustainability framework that could reshape industry strategy for years to come
Asiafruit Statistics Handbook breaks down growth in Asia trade
Asiafruit Statistics Handbook 2025 provides expert analysis of key trends in trade across 12 different Asian markets
Ultraviolet light helps growers put fungicides to bed in new R&D project
Hort Innovation project to validate the effectiveness of UV-C light treatment for powdery mildew
LeaderBrand’s southern asparagus hits New Zealand shelves
New Zealanders will be able to buy South Island asparagus all the way through Christmas
Zespri targets world’s healthiest fruit brand status by 2035
New Zealand kiwifruit marketer outlines ambitious strategy, as it looks to capitalise on growing consumer demand for naturally nutritious products
Coles kickstarts Banana A-Peel with Little Athletics
Annual fundraiser sees portion of every Cavendish banana sale donated to the children’s sports organisation
BASF and Jane Bunn team up for Ask a Farmer campaign
Campaign connects consumers with the people who grow their food by letting Australians ask questions about farming