Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand’s 26 Seasons signs Saudi strawberry partnership
26 Seasons and Qassim Strawberry & Fruit Cooperative Society sign commercial partnership
Seeka upgrades full-year earnings guidance again
Solid trading through the third quarter sees Seeka lift profit before tax forecast
Australia to review alternative biosecurity measures for the import of Philippines bananas
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) strongly opposes the proposal saying “imports are unnecessary”
Phoebe Scherer wins 2025 Young Grower national title
Bay of Plenty regional champion Scherer beat out six other finalists, including runner-up Steven Rink and third-placed Amelia Marsden
Australian vegetable industry sentiment in decline as compliance costs top A$200mn
Latest industry survey from Ausveg suggests two in five vegetable growers are actively considering leaving the industry within the next year
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
New Zealand horticulture industry recognises excellence at annual awards
Five awards were handed out, including the Horticulture Bledisloe Cup to Andrew Fenton, current president and chair of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation
Australian government launches export market diversification initiative
New A$50mn project to give peak industry bodies tailored support to target new markets
Sydney Markets celebrates 50 years at Flemington
Of the original tenants trading at Sydney Markets, 39 individuals still operate at the Markets today
Australian avocado sales rise despite production dip
Industry body reports growth in domestic demand and export markets as production is forecast to reach 170,000 tonnes within two years
California Table Grape Commission launches global marketing campaign to support autumn crop
Campaign utilises multi-channel promotions and key festive celebrations to boost consumption
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Bravo apples win Best Fresh Snack Award
Healthy Food Guide Awards recognise most nutritious food products on Australian supermarket shelves over 17 categories
New agrichemical strategy for Australian growers
National Agrichemical Management Program set to support growers through changing regulatory landscape
Seafrigo expands presence in Australia with new state-of-the-art facility
New 10,000m² warehouse at Melbourne Airport features vastly increases operational capacity in the region
Australian apples bound for Canada under new deal
Improved access conditions allows trade pathway for fresh apples without the need for fumigation or cold treatment
Potato mop-top virus found at two additional Tasmanian sites
A total of eight sites have been impacted with early traceback activities indicating it may have been present in the state for at least two years
2026 Nuffield Scholars announced
Yumeng Chen and Jackson Boardman set to explore virtual modeling in vegetable farming and drone use in avocado orchard management
HBMA announce record Kanzi year as Rob Cathels steps down as chairman
Adam Buckley succeeds Cathels after six years in the role
VentureFruit partners with Joy Wing Mau on Tutti expansion
New agreement will see Joy Wing Mau plant 300ha of the hot climate apple
ACCC takes court action against fresh produce suppliers for alleged price fixing cartel
ACCC alleges cartel conduct while supplying Aldi by Perfection Fresh Australia, Hydro Produce, Velisha National Farms and Fragapane Farms
GP Graders launches industry-first sanitary blueberry sorting machine
Post-harvest technology specialist GP Graders has released a new fully sanitary-designed sorting and grading machine specifically engineered for blueberries, featuring dry-handling technology and advanced defect detection