Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Australian avocado industry eyes China access as Western Australia reports record harvest
National production estimated to hit 171,163 tonnes within the next two years, up from 150,913 tonnes in 2023/24
Fresh Produce Safety Centre launches revised fundamental guidelines
Fundamental guidelines are accompanied by food safety quick guides for day-to-day use by growers and team members
Avocados Australia appoints MasterChef judge as international culinary ambassador
Audra Morrice to lead culinary workshops and mentorship initiatives across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand
Perth Markets opens its doors for Back to Market Buyers’ Day
Retail and foodservice buyers from across the state get a chance to connect with wholesalers
Ausveg launches pledge for increased vegetable consumption with celebrity cook-off challenge
New Pledge for More Veg initiative aims to boost Australian vegetable consumption as part of the Plus One Serve programme
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
Summerfruit Australia spotlights fruitful season ahead
Stonefruit crops across the country are shaping up well
New breakthrough in management of HLB
China-based research team has developed an eco-biological control approach to combatting citrus disease
Innovar partners to develop Procado avocado rootstock IP worldwide
Australian-bred proprietary rootstock offers the potential for significant improvements in yield, tree habit and Phytophthora resistance
Kiwifruit drives New Zealand’s fruit export growth
Fresh fruit exports generated NZ$5.68bn FOB in 2025, up 42 per cent on 2024 results
Final charter for New Zealand kiwifruit season sets sail for Japan
Over 5,000 tonnes of Zespri Green kiwifruit expected to arrive in Tokyo mid-November
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Steven Roberts steps down from Rijk Zwaan Oceania handing over to Peter Smith
Roberts joined Rijk Zwaan in 1995 and founded the Love My Salad platform
Coles expands Halloween fresh range with Mini Wart pumpkin
Retailer provides edible and display fruit and vegetable options as Australian consumers embrace Halloween
Anaru Ruri takes out Brisbane Markets' Forklift Operator of the Year grand final
Ruri of Pershouse Produce topped nine other finalists for 2025 title
Hort Innovation and Western Sydney University announce internship programme
Interns will receive industry-based training and practical experience helping to address skill gaps in Australia’s fresh produce industry
Insights delivered at Australian Horticulture Trade members’ forum
Annual event held online, allowing more members to attend
Yellow-legged hornet nest found in Auckland
Bisecuirty threat poses risks to local honeybee and wild bee populations with potential impacts on growers
Brisbane Markets Forklift Operator of the Year event celebrates ten years
The 2025 event set to be held on 28 October, with participants vying for a share of A$5,000 prize pool
La Trobe University launches A$27mn protected cropping hub
The research hub will work closely with industry to solve practical challenges
Ausveg updates seed potato growers at Victorian PMTV forum
Industry body affirms national approach as industry transitions from eradication to management
Zespri wins landmark IP case in China
Kiwifruit marketer successfully prosecutes plant variety rights infringement case involving unauthorised production and sale of Gold3