Retail news from Produce Plus
Important developments in the food retail arena in Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on fresh produce procurement, distribution, marketing, merchandising, and new product development.
Tasmanian cherry season underway
First boxes of Tasmanian cherries are now available across the state as exporters prepare for international sales
Produce Plus Summer out now
Scott Montague discusses the next chapter for Montague Farms and Australia’s berry category is in the spotlight ahead of BerryQuest 2025. Plus, features on summer favourites mangoes and stonefruit
Box Divvy connects tomato growers directly with consumers
Modern cooperative supports Australian growers through truss oversupply, paying up to double the market price
Delayed start leads to positive finish for Darwin mango producers
Red Rich says well-timed rainfall and an organised packhouse turned the season around following a slow start
Consistency key to category growth for Piñata Farms
Piñata Farms sees growth potential for Australia’s berry category, calling on industry to commit to higher quality fruit, improved cold chain processes and a better retail offering
Hort Innovation develops venture fund to back startup solutions
Fund was created in partnership with impact investment firm, Artesian, and includes a A$60mn investment through Frontiers
Avocados Australia signs A$300 mn purchase deal with Shanghai Huizhan Markets
Agreement one of several signed at CIIE in a bid to progress technical market access for Australian avocados into China
Perfection Fresh introduces Mexican-grown Calypso mangoes to US market
Mangoes supplied to Whole Foods Market in Los Angeles in collaboration with Sonora-based grower Campos Borquez
Success of apricot packs brings category “back to life”
Pride of Prima launches second season in stores, doubling volumes year-on-year
Fresh Facts 2024 reveals New Zealand’s fresh produce exports reach NZ$4.3bn
United Fresh partners with Plant & Food Research on annual New Zealand horticulture statistical handbook
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Mountain Blue and Opal partner on plastic-free packaging trial
Kerbside recyclable and FSC-certified cardboard Eureka blueberry punnets available in 34 Coles stores
New Zealand Commerce Commission declines Foodstuffs merger
Proposed Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island merger would reduce number of major grocery operators in the country from three to two
Cost-of-production crisis and poor returns threaten Australia’s vegetable industry
Ausveg study finds 34 per cent of commercial vegetable growers are considering leaving the sector in the next 12 months
Asia Fruit Logistica wraps up stellar show
More than 13,000 trade visitors meet with some 760 exhibitors from 42 different countries and regions
Rockit set for Back to School period in Gulf
Kids’ return to school seen as key sales period for Rockit apples in the Middle East region, with a strong omni-channel campaign planned for the season
Umall Asian Supermarket acquires Delish Deliveries
The strategic acquisition aims to improve deliveries and expand product lines for Umall customers
Pink Lady officially enters China market with Goodfarmer partnership
Goodfarmer gains brand license and exclusive marketing rights for next ten years in Greater China
Sydney Markets crowns Fresh Awards winners
Winners include wholesaler of the year Lemdell and produce grower of the year D Fresh Produce
Fruit and vegetable prices in New Zealand see largest recorded drop
Overall food prices also see decrease for first time in six years
Outgoing Zespri CEO reflects on golden era
Dan Mathieson has overseen a period of “phenomenal growth” as CEO of the world’s leading kiwifruit marketer. He tells Fruitnet what he’s proudest of looking back on his seven years at the helm