Latest news stories from Produce Plus
News updates for the fresh produce business in Australia and New Zealand.
Zespri raises 2025/26 forecast with record per-hectare returns
Zespri has upgraded its November forecast for the 2025/26 season, with per-tray returns increasing across all fruit groups and record per-hectare returns now projected
Two iconic New Zealand apple varieties mark 40 years
Scifresh and Scilate, marketed as Jazz and Envy, were first developed by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute in 1985
Government hears industry concerns as potato mop-top virus enters management phase
Government-industry meeting brings together over 50 potato industry, grower and government biosecurity representatives
Innovar introduces CIV strawberry genetics to New Zealand market
Freshmax Group’s commercial IP development arm extends partnership with Italian breeder
WA Farm Direct highlights Bravo apple’s heart health benefits
New research shows the burgundy apple has one of the highest levels of flavonoids in Australia
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
Favco QLD introduces new mango variety Ruby Gold to Australian market
Commercial volumes to hit Australian shelves for the first time from late November
APVMA suspends dimethoate for blueberries, raspberries and blackberries as precautionary measure
Regulator considers the level of residues detected unlikely to pose a serious risk to human health, but has suspended use as a precautionary measure, adding berries remain safe to eat
Global blueberry demand rises as supply becomes more diverse
Global demand for blueberries continues to rise, with North America and Europe leading the way, according to the latest RaboResearch Blueberry Update 2025. The report highlights growing consumption alongside an increasingly diverse global supply landscape
Australian shoppers encouraged to ‘Go Local for Fruit & Veg’ in new ‘A better choice!’ campaign
National campaign champions Australia’s independent fruit and vegetable shops
Honey Gold mango season begins
Piñata Farms kicks off Katherine harvest, with Queensland harvest anticipated to begin late-November
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Industry invests in vegetable consumption initiative Plus One Serve by 2030
Projects to drive increases in vegetable consumption across all generations
Fresh Markets Australia appoints Brett Collins as CEO
Collins will be based at FMA’s office at the Melbourne Market
Metagen Australia promotes Liam Riedy to general manager
Riedy takes on new role as the company enters growth phase
Seeka uncovers invoicing fraud worth up to NZ$350,000
New Zealand fruit company confirms its is conducting a review of payment processes and intends to recover the full amount paid out
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
Summerfruit Australia spotlights fruitful season ahead
Stonefruit crops across the country are shaping up well