Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
Coming soon: Fresh Focus Berry 2025
Fruitnet’s special annual publication is the perfect platform to promote your brand to the global berry business
Register now and save… Grow your berry business at Fruitnet Berry Congress! 🌱
Join the biggest names in the berry industry at Fruitnet Berry Congress, the world’s premier event dedicated to the international soft fruit business, at the Ahoy Convention Centre in Rotterdam on 13-14 March.
Iran identifies challenges to boosting organic produce sector
Iran Organic Association hosted a seminar to highlight key areas of development to support Iran’s organic sector, including education, infrastructure and international collaboration
Wadi El Nour upbeat about Egyptian orange campaign as demand rises
Egyptian citrus exporters are confident of achieving a better balance between supply and demand this season, helping to improve the profitability of the category compared with last year
Driscoll’s, Hortifrut, and Rabobank share knowledge at Fruitnet Berry Congress 2025
Several of the world’s leading berry companies will take part in Fruitnet’s event on 13-14 March in Rotterdam
Fresh disturbance in the force: produce leaders expect political upheaval
Prominent figures voice concern over disruption that fresh produce companies can expect in the next 12 months, as Trump returns to the White House and political wrangling over climate change and sustainability continues
Oman produces first blueberries
Four Southern Highbush varieties grown in Jabal Al Akhdar in government-backed project
Suez return uncertain following Gaza ceasefire
Despite hope the Israel-Hamas truce will last, a resumption of trade through the Suez Canal is expected to take time
MSC switches India-Africa service from Coega to Cape Town
Move expected to benefit exporters in South African’s Western Cape region that want to sell more in the Gulf and Indian subcontinent
Egyptian citrus makes waves
Juhayna’s Amr Eltarabolsy is optimistic for the future of Egyptian citrus, as the company expands in both the fresh and juice markets across the world
Egypt’s Pico widens range as global presence grows
As Pico Modern Agriculture expands with new products, new varieties and new markets, its continued focus on premium quality, timely deliveries and innovation ensures the Egyptian company’s standing as a trusted supplier
Key challenges in the produce sector drive automation trend
MAF Roda’s Vincent Boulbes, export sales manager, Daniel Bourdin, general manager for China, and Chris Bray, New Zealand business development manager, discuss the drivers of automation and the challenges and opportunities in sorting
Kuehne & Nagel shortens Spinneys supply chains
Changes to way airflown shipments from London Heathrow are handled have sped up process, says company
Fruit Logistica 2025: Fruitful connections for the global fresh produce business
With over 2,500 exhibitors, groundbreaking innovations, and countless networking opportunities, the event sets the stage for industry growth and collaboration
Turkey’s Alya Fruits committed to top service
In the face of today’s plethora of challenges, Turkish exporter Alya Fruits continues to be focused on quality, innovation and expanding its global reach, says CEO Ceyhun Gündüz
Fruitnet Tomato Congress heads to Malaga, Spain, in 2025
The tomato category’s leading event, Fruitnet Tomato Congress, is back on 11-12 November 2025 at a new location in Malaga, close to one of Spain’s primary tomato production areas
Bella Fruitiva sees breadfruit potential in Europe
European demand for breadfruit has been so strong that Mauritian exporter Bella Fruitiva has decided to start its own production, according to managing director Vickram Meghu
Vanguard expects strong demand for Peruvian grapes
Early end to European and Californian seasons have led to good commercial conditions for the country’s exporters
Angus Soft Fruits marks 30 years at annual conference
Scotland’s leading berry supplier hosted its yearly conference this month, celebrating 30 years of business and assessing the best path forward for its growers and partners
Saudi dates going mainstream in Europe
With consumption remaining relatively low across the continent, the potential growth for Saudi dates is huge, according to Yogi Geheniau of Dutch-Saudi collaboration Yogi & Yousef
Turkish exports head up despite changing climate
Turkish producers of apples, pears and grapes are noticing the impact of climate change, according to the latest report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the USDA, but exports remain strong
Wholesale markets union backs global fruit and veg day
WUWM, FAO and AIAM5 join Chile’s Le Valledor market in pushing for a new International Day of Fruits and Vegetables
Strong apple market cannot prevent Q3 loss for BayWa
The group’s fresh produce division performed well during the period, but problems persist in other parts of its business
Bruno Plantaz prepares to make Seafrigo Group shine
Incoming chief executive describes company as “a sparkling diamond” that now “needs to be polished”
Australia finalises trade deal with the UAE
Under the deal, 99 per cent of Australian products will enter the UAE tariff-free
Jordan signs agreement with FAO over water security
The Jordanian water ministry has signed a deal with the FAO to launch the Water Scarcity Initiative to secure its water resources
Comment: How to recover fresh produce claims effectively
Lina Jasutiene, MD of Hamburg-based cargo claims recovery specialist Recoupex, explains how to reclaim for damaged cargo
Hypermax to replace Carrefour in Jordan
Majid Al Futtaim has announced that it is suspending Carrefour Jordan and rolling out new brand Hypermax at its 34 stores across the country
Saudi firms Iyris and Red Sea Global launch regeneration initiative
The National Food Production Initiative is aimed at regenerating unproductive land, reinvigorating the economy of Saudi Arabia and reducing its reliance on imported produce
Climatic conditions favour Egyptian oranges
Egypt is preparing for an “exceptional” season for oranges, with demand expected to be high thanks to ideal conditions for large, uniform, high-quality fruit this season
Supply trends revealed in brand new Fruit Logistica trend report
Trade show’s in-depth analysis shows how international fruit and vegetable trade flows are changing across the globe
Kenyan avocados held back by logistical challenges
Significant rainfall was good news for this year’s avocado crop in Kenya, but increased transit times to Europe have created headaches for exporters
Turn promises into action on biodiversity, says UN chief
The World Biodiversity Conference begins this week in Cali, Colombia, with a focus on the halt of species loss and ecosystems by 2030 and a call for action
Lebanese produce businesses hit by widening war
As Israel broadens its war in the region, Lebanon now faces wide-scale bombings and continuing threats of a major invasion, as fresh produce companies strive to continue trading
Rockit apples pack a punch with Kung Fu Panda
New global marketing campaign launches in Asia and Middle East
Egyptian citrus turns to Europe
Europe has struggled under the weight of the citrus volumes being diverted from the East Asian market, but issues in South Africa and Brazil mean opportunities remain for Egyptian suppliers