Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
National Melon Field Day returns for 2026 Australian Melon Conference
Tickets now on sale for multi-day event in Townsville and Ayr
QDC Fresh launches Australian citrus programme with Redland
Announcement follows QDC Fresh’s expansion into Los Angeles and addition of bagging capabilities
Consumer health trends drive fresh produce opportunity in New Zealand
United Fresh Mid-Year Fresh Produce Trend Report says a convergence of health and nutrition forces is reshaping what ends up in the supermarket trolley
Australia’s organic horticulture sector unites behind national strategy
All four of Australia’s organic certification bodies throw support behind strategy to double the value of the country’s certified organic horticulture sector
Compact fruit and vegetable dicer Little Gem Aspire set Australian launch
Heat and Control will showcase the compact new dicer at Foodpro 2026
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
Seeka forecasts lower profit amid reduced kiwifruit volumes
Supplier attributes lower profit forecast to return to typical growing conditions in New Zealand and challenging weather in Australia
Zespri expects strong grower returns for 2026/27
Kiwifruit marketer reports strong start with European and North American markets performing well, though freight costs rise due to Middle East conflict
Warakirri acquires 250ha Cobram orchard assets
Agricultural investor will lease farms to new partner DiOrsa Farms, a merged entity controlled by the Diaco and Orsida families
Australia’s assessment of Philippine banana imports moves forward
Government publishes issues paper following technical visit and will now commence Biosecurity Imports Risk Analysis
Rockit secures significant PVR enforcement win in China
Court found an unauthorised nursery and grower operation had been producing, propagating and selling the PremA96 apple variety without a licence
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Catalytic Generators delivers ripening reliability
Ripening solutions provider helps customers meet stringent requirements with consistent supply and results
FMA pushes for practical Horticulture Code reform
Submission to independent review supports retaining merchant formula/method pricing as a legitimate price setting method within the merchant role
Soluna Australian apples launch in mainland China
Partnership with Joy Wing Mau and Riverking Group opens a new chapter for premium imported apples
Australian tech firm Fresho makes major UK acquisition
Deal a significant part of Fresho’s broader plan to accelerate its AI capabilities and drive continued product innovation across its markets
Record export outlook for New Zealand apple and pear sector
Productivity increases to help mitigate ongoing cost pressures
Early warning system uses AI to help growers predict climate risk
WayBeyond says its new forecasting tool offers predictive intelligence for crops in tunnels and greenhouses
NZ kiwifruit industry secures funding for productivity push
NZKGI and Zespri will deliver ‘Optimising Kiwifruit Land Use – More from Less’, co-funded through the government’s Primary Sector Growth Fund
Cherry Growers Australia launches national five-year strategy
Strategy outlines a clear national roadmap to improve productivity, grow demand and expand trade opportunities
2026 Horticulture Awards for Excellence recognise the industry’s finest
A dozen awards presented at the culmination of Hort Connections, recognising achievement right across the fresh produce industry
Zespri rejects minister’s claims on Māori kiwifruit access
Kiwifruit marketer responds to claims it is holding back development opportunities for indigenous growers on shared land