Asia & Oceania
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from Asia and Oceania.
Zespri CFO to step down
Richard Hopkins will take on a new CFO role with New Zealand energy company Mercury in April
Seeka lifts full year earnings guidance
Expected profits now between NZ$27.5mn and NZ$31.5mn, up from earlier guidance of between NZ$23.0mn and NZ$27.0mn
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
Grape exporters should take note of new trends
Changes to production in China, India and the US could affect world markets
China eyes growth for Lunar New Year
Unwavering demand for high-quality, high-value products is set to drive growth despite economic caution as the Lunar New Year approaches
ToBRFV detected in Victorian tomato glasshouse
Virus detected in tomato seedlings recently moved from South Australia
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
New Zealand expects larger avocado crop in 2025
Following two difficult seasons that were affected by poor weather, production is set to rebound as Asian markets beckon
Asia Fruit Logistica’s Bangkok Meet Up returns with ASEAN focus
Asia Fruit Logistica is back in the Thai capital on 25 June for a day of networking and knowledge-sharing focused on the dynamic ASEAN fresh produce market
Thailand tightens durian export quality control
Chinese authorities enforce stricter inspections after a durian shipment was rejected for lack of BY2 certificate
California Table Grape Commission adds new marketing directors
Alexandra Merritt to become director of global marketing and Lisa Massie to take on director of international marketing for Asia
Seafrigo moves into Vietnam
Tropical fruit and seafood will drive company’s export business from Vietnam
Prices fall as Chilean cherry exports to China surge
Greater availability of early varieties puts pressure on market ahead of Chinese New Year
Asiafruit Knowledge Centre: Breeders break down the future of fruit
Leading breeders discussed what the future holds for varietal innovation and how new offerings will meet the needs of growers and consumers at Asiafruit Congress
India offers UK farmers food for thought at OFC
India has grown to become a superpower in many areas, including in food production and the environment, consul general tells OFC
Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch return to Australian shelves in 2025
New season of premium strawberries available to Australian consumers through the first three months of the year
New Zealand implements swift biosecurity response to single fruit fly detection
No new flies found since single insect detected in Auckland suburb at start of January
WA Farm Direct commences Queen Garnet sales in Western Australia
Australian-bred plum to hit shelves in Western Australia across summer with exports bound for Asian markets
Summerfruit Australia on search for new CEO as Trevor Ranford departs
Announcement precedes the launch of new Summerfruit Masterplan due in April 2025
Innovation vital for grapes during uncertain times
Present challenges demand innovation, according to Rafi Karniel, CEO and chairman of Grapa Varieties, whose grapes aim for both excellent taste and high resilience to extreme weather
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
Coming soon: FPJ Marketing & Branding Special
FPJ’s first-ever Marketing & Branding Special celebrates innovation and offers inspiration as opportunities for fresh produce brands grow in the UK
United Fresh identifies key trends influencing fresh produce in 2025
Food is medicine, compostability, and wellness among the trends set to make their mark according to New Zealand organisation
Technology advances key to success for Hapag-Lloyd’s Cherry Express
Bolstered fleet with onboard sensors and cloud-based tracking part of this season’s efforts to support growing Chilean cherry exports
Indonesian government pursues fresh durian deal with China
Facility review set for January could see a MoU signed between the two countries
New Zealand cherry exporters partner with Air New Zealand Cargo ahead of Chinese New Year
Airline set to move up to 1,000 tonnes of cherries throughout December and January
Mahaberry & 8 Berries host Indian strawberry conference with partner Nova Siri Genetics
Events in Mahabaleshwar and Tamil Nadu showcased NSG’s breeding programme including its latest strawberry varieties
Taiwan celebrates Lunar New Year with Tasmanian cherries
Start of season launch event will host Taiwanese importers, buyers and key representatives from the Australian state’s cherry industry
Temptation Valley brand spotlights New Zealand apricots and cherries
Ardgour Valley Orchards’ new premium brand set to capture attention in domestic and international markets with fresh look
Leaderbrand watermelons to hit stores earlier than ever
New flavour-filled varieties were harvested two weeks early this season thanks to good weather
Round-up: Stories you might have missed over Christmas
Fruitnet brings you a digest of key industry developments that emerged during the Christmas and New Year break
Ausveg to ramp up advocacy efforts after leaving NFF
Industry body won’t renew its membership of the National Farmers Federation Horticulture Council but lays out advocacy plans ahead of 2025 federal election
Record Central Otago cherry crop bound for world markets
Southern Fruits International launches new Moment cherries brand ahead of bumper season
IFPA ANZ signs Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation pact
APCO works in collaboration with sustainability leaders in government, industry, community groups and academia to meet National Packaging Targets
Thailand reopens for South African apples
South Africa granted access once again after losing the Thai market more than a decade ago
Thailand restores market access for South African apples
Asian country lifts ban imposed in 2008 and provides exporters with new opportunity to grow their business in the region