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.
Australian avocado season kicks off with launch event in Malaysia
Shepard avocado crop opens 2025 season with Hass avocados expected in April
Sassy apples hit South African shelves
New Zealand-developed variety is lighting up South African stores as consumers are introduced to the apple’s ‘new zing’
ACCC supermarket inquiry recommends 20 reforms to support consumers and suppliers
Australian competition regulator suggests changes including clearer pricing practices, greater transparency for suppliers
Heartland Fruit wins Foodstuffs South Island Fresh Partnership Award
Award honours 20-year relationship supplying daily Luv’ya apples
T&G and WinCommerce partner to grow Envy apple sales across Vietnam
Following the signing of a new MoU, WinCommerce has agreed to increase ranging and promotions to increase sales of Envy by 50 per cent
Queen Victoria Market fruit and vegetable traders strike
Traders strike for the first time in market’s history as part of dispute with Market operators
Australian horticulture production value reaches A$17bn
Annual Horticulture Statistics Handbook shows total production value up 4.3 per cent year-on-year
New Zealand retailers receive first Avogrey Greenskin avocados of the season
Following a limited offering last year, Avogrey Greenskin avocados will be available in greater volumes this season
Rabobank: health and technology among top trends impacting agriculture to 2030
Global strategists predict changing trade dynamics, health concerns and innovation to influence agriculture in the next five years
Leaderbrand watermelons to hit stores earlier than ever
New flavour-filled varieties were harvested two weeks early this season thanks to good weather
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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