Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Entries open for MOYA 2026
Australasia’s premier marketing award for the fresh produce and floral industries returns in 2026 as part of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence
Australian fresh produce exporters cut off from Middle East
Fruit and vegetable exporters face freight freeze as supply chains in the region shut down
Australia’s macadamia industry cautiously optimistic for 2026 season
Early-season forecast has macadamia crop reaching 59,080 tonnes, a strong recovery from 2025’s 43,800 tonnes
Kiwifruit labour providers forced to close
Two of Zespri’s New Zealand contractors cease trading with millions in unpaid taxes, after allegations of widespread non-compliance
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
Hort Innovation Frontiers reveals first Incubate cohort for 2026
A group of 16 innovators will receive hands-on guidance to help make their concepts commercially viable
Ausveg secures PMTV compensation for affected potato growers
Arrangement represents first time growers have been compensated without a formal national biosecurity Response Plan being initiated
New Zealand wraps up challenging cherry season
Quality prioritised as volumes drop in the wake of poor weather
Centre for Australian Horticultural Market Access unveiled on Central Coast
Centre to strengthen the government’s primary industries research capabilities
Seeka delivers record profits for 2025
Operating revenue was up 7 per cent to NZ$440mn with net profit before tax increasing 60 per cent to NZ$48mn
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Premium apple demand underpins positive T&G Global 2025 results
Company revenue rises 14 per cent to NZ$1.6bn, with operating profit up 269 per cent to NZ$46.9mn
Hayward Medal awarded to Peter Ombler for outstanding contribution to the kiwifruit industry
The former NZKGI president was an early leader in both organic and conventional kiwifruit production systems and made a significant contribution to the KiwiGreen Programme
Visy opens new packaging hub in Tasmania
New site includes 8,500m² warehouse and office space which will supply cardboard packaging to customers including berry and produce growers
Zespri launches updated sustainability targets and climate transition plan
New targets announced at the kiwifruit industry’s Momentum 2026 Conference in Mount Maunganui this week
MSC launches standalone direct service from Australia to US East Coast
Weekly service supports Australia and New Zealand’s perishable and cold-chain exports with 11 vessels ranging from 2,500 TEUs to 4,500 TEUs
Australia’s horticulture industry reaches highest production value on record
Total output across fruit, vegetables, nuts and nursery grew 6 per cent in value in 2024/25 reaching A$18.4bn
Zespri launches 2035 strategy with ambition to become the world’s healthiest fruit brand
Strategy supported by three strategic drivers of unleashing brand demand, transforming global supply and creating a product portfolio of the future
Biosecurity New Zealand lifts fruit fly controls
After six weeks of trapping, government agency says there is no further evidence of Queensland fruit fly in Auckland’s Mount Roskill
New Zealand and India hold first meeting on horticultural cooperation
Joint Working Group meets to advance collaboration in the horticulture sector, with strong focus on kiwifruit, apple and pear development
Agrifood leaders gather at evokeAG 2026 to shape the future of farming
EvokeAG’s largest iteration draws in visitors, tech start-ups, and speakers from across Australia and the world