All articles by Tom Joyce
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AnalysisIs the UK grape market heading from feast to famine?
Analysis from UK fruit importer Richard Hochfeld predicts a switch from a demand-driven to a supply-driven market in the UK around week 16
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FeaturesFrench stonefruit suppliers face steep challenges
Apricot growers in France are struggling to make a profit, according to Serge Mouneyrac of Mouneyrac Frères, while cherry production requires substantial investments to protect the crop
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NewsOscar Gold kiwifruit season underway in South Africa
France’s Primland says season looks ‘very promising’, as company highlights importance of grower partnerships
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NewsNCP to appeal High Court judgment on Nadorcott
Group to fight on after court ruled Asda had not infringed plant breeders’ rights with sale of Tang Gold mandarins
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NewsTurkish farming sector backs digital transformation
Country aims to develop smart farming systems to boost yields, preserve soil and water, help producers adapt to climate change, and strengthen food security
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NewsRisky business in the Gulf hits produce trade
The Gulf faces the possibility of fruit shortages, as vessels remain stranded at sea and new routes are sought, with few willing to take the risk
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FeaturesExotic sales may benefit from focus on fun
Top-down health messaging is less of a priority for European marketers of exotics, with the focus being on innovation and helping consumers discover the tastes and uses of lesser known fruits
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NewsGulf chaos continues as Lebanon under fire
The US-Israeli war on Iran has created an unpredictable situation across the Middle East, with ports and airports temporarily closing and vessels remaining stranded
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NewsFresh Forward celebrates exceptional growth of Bachata strawberry
Fresh Forward’s Bachata strawberry programme is expanding into new regions, with production ramping up significantly for the 2026/27 season to meet rising demand
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NewsMAF Roda cracks date challenge
Sticky and delicate, Medjool dates have long been a headache for automation specialists, but France’s MAF Roda says its new sorter ticks all the boxes
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NewsMoroccan citrus exports face challenges from much-needed rain
Improved water reserves have lifted the mood in Morocco, but persistent rain is disrupting citrus harvesting and forcing downward revisions to export expectations
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NewsParametric Service to offer instant relief to farmers
Through a collaboration between CNH Capital, Shepherd Compello, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions and Swiss Re, the Parametric Service aims to protect European farmers from the impact of weather extremes
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NewsEuropean demand for Egyptian strawberries stays strong
Adverse weather conditions in Morocco and Spain have disrupted berry supplies to Europe this winter, with buyers turning instead to Egypt
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FeaturesDubai bolsters standing as regional hub
With the creation of the Foodstuffs, Fruit and Vegetable Market, set to be twice the size of the current market, Dubai is reinforcing its position as a world-class hub for fresh produce, according to Redha Mansouri, CEO of Fresh Fruits Company, and Hesam Rahi, CEO of Farzana Trading
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NewsOmer-Decugis & Cie beats annual growth target
The French importer-exporter expects its impressive growth of the last five years to continue, driven by the expansion of its operations in Dunkirk and the development of its fresh-cut segment
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AnalysisECA demands rethink on funding remote territories
The European Court of Auditors calls for focus on long-term sustainability in EU’s outermost territories to preserve soil and adapt to climate change
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FeaturesOmer-Decugis cements position in West African mangoes
With the acquisition of Ivorian mango exporter Vergers du Bandama, France’s Omer-Decugis & Cie has further bolstered its position as the leading exporter of West African mangoes
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FeaturesMoroccan berry volumes curbed by cold
Adverse weather is creating challenges for Moroccan berry growers, limiting volumes and keeping prices up, as demand from the UK remains firm
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NewsFrench competition authority waves through agri-food mergers
The Autorité de la Concurrence has approved two major mergers, between Greenyard Frozen France and Eureden, and between the Terres du Sud and Vivadour agricultural cooperatives
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FeaturesAvocados on the rise in Lebanon
Investment is pouring into avocado production in Lebanon, with the Avocado Lebanon Association working to ensure growers meet all the requirements for European market access