Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Hort Connections announces new additions to 2026 lineup of speakers and demonstrations
Four day event will introduce a refreshed event format including tours of local farming and processing operations, a programme of speaker sessions and activations, an evening Gala Dinner and Horticulture Awards for Excellence
Piñata Farms celebrates record season for Honey Gold
Strong consumer demand with increased retail pricing led to above average tray returns for growers
Out now: Episode one of The Produce Plus Podcast with Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake
Rising input costs, New Zealand exports kick off and an exclusive interview with Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake on the marketer’s new strategy
T&G Global explores break-up options amid sale process
Divisions of T&G Fresh could be sold off to different buyers as part of one option under consideration
Naimo Citrus to sell off remaining assets
The move follows the sale of two orchards earlier this year
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
NZAPI appoints Danielle Adsett as new chief executive
Organisation’s board says it was unanimous in the decision following a rigorous recruitment process
Australian horticulture industry calls on retailers to respond to price increase requests
NFF Horticulture Council open letter urges supermarkets to provide certainty as costs rise for growers
IFPA A-NZ briefing provides Middle East management guidance
Geopolitical-risk expert Duncan Hains shares crisis management tools with the Australasian fresh produce industry
Australian government defers export cost recovery increases
Phased transition was originally set to commence from 1 July 2026, pushing costs up for exporters
New project to tackle Australia’s A$2.5bn food waste losess
National on-farm trials to measure where losses occur, find ways to lift utilisation and identify commercially viable pathways for surplus
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MOYA deadline draws closer
One week left to enter Australasia’s premier marketing award for fresh produce and floral industries
Australian horticulture sector calls for government action on cost crisis
Industry highlights potential long-term effects if immediate support not provided
Australian Citrus Congress charts industry future
Australian Citrus Congress provides practical pathways for future growth as industry excellence recognised in Adelaide
Mackays Marketing leases Melbourne ripening facility for tropical fruit
The grower-backed business has secured a 17-room facility in Epping to support its core banana and avocado programmes
Positive global demand drives strong start to T&G’s apple season
Company reports on smooth transition from Northern to Southern Hemisphere Jazz and Envy apples
LeaderBrand integrates Laser Weeder into salad leaf production
New Zealand vegetable producer becomes first in the region to use the technology at this scale
Japan and Australia strengthen horticulture ties through new knowledge exchange
Hort Innovation initiative launched in early March with Shared Table Gala Dinner with industry, government and research representatives from both countries
T&G Global appoints Goldman Sachs to assist with sale
Goldman Sachs to aid BayWa AG’s plans to sell majority shareholding in New Zealand-based fruit business
McCain and Heinz Wattie’s close New Zealand vegetable processing facilities
McCain to close Hastings plant by January 2027 while Heinz Wattie’s closes four sites across the country
Zespri issues first 2026/27 guidance with strong harvest underway
New Zealand kiwifruit marketer provides early season forecast with returns expected at similar levels to 2025