Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
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
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd: no immediate return to Red Sea
Full steam ahead for Gemini Cooperation as shipping lines announce plan to ‘phase in’ Gemini Cooperation by February 2025
DP World says new, high-tech vessels cut costs and benefit planet
Addition of two more advanced ships is part of plan to introduce greater fuel efficiency across its entire fleet, says company
Soluna apple shows promise in Asia, as production expands
The first batch of Soluna apples grown in Europe is expected to be exported to Asia this year, while Australian volumes are forecast to grow by 15 per cent, as momentum builds for the brand in the region
Conflict and cold weather cramp Ecuador’s banana exports
A succession of challenges have made it hard for the country to build on increasing market demand, says AEBE
Fruitnet and Agtools team up to provide top-class insight and analysis
Publisher will use Agtools’ award-winning data platform to enhance its coverage of the international fresh produce business
Blue Whale says Candine ready to pack
The first Candine apples of the season are ready for packing, according to Blue Whale’s Mehdi Benaissia, who says the variety is perfect for the Asian market
GPG and F2 secure new UC Davis strawberry licences
Renowned US breeding centre has reached new international agreements with UK-based Global Plant Genetics and Mexican group Fresa Fortaleza
AI technology can help support Iranian agriculture
Iran is embracing Artificial Intelligence as the country looks to modernise and streamline its agricultural practices, but multiple challenges remain, writes Alireza Emami, CEO of Tehran-based Zarrin Group
Australia secures trade deal with the UAE in boost for produce exporters
Under the new agreement 99 per cent of Australian products will enter the UAE tariff free
Egyptian grape exporters welcome demand despite low prices
Mina Eissa, founder and agribusiness export consultant at RejoicePro, analyses Egypt’s latest grape campaign, one marked by good quality and demand, if not prices
Chipotle trials robot tech to speed up avocado prep
Automation is a priority for chain whose workers will process almost 60,000 tonnes of the fruit this year
In memory of Alaa Kamel Diab
In this moment of profound sadness, we come together to honour the remarkable life of engineer Alaa Kamel Diab, the visionary leader of Egypt’s Pico Modern Agriculture, who died in August
Egypt highlights diversity of range at Fruit Attraction
Expolink says the Egyptian pavilion in Madrid will serve to showcase the country’s strategic location as a sourcing partner, as well as the broad range of fruit and vegetables exported
Asia Fruit Logistica preview: Africa & Middle East
Asia’s leading fresh produce trade show draws exhibitors from all across the globe, as Asiafruit’s continued special report demonstrates
FAO warns of grave state of Gaza food production
With over half of cropland destroyed by the ongoing conflict with Israel, as well as a third of its greenhouses, Gaza faces massive food insecurity, according to the FAO
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