New packaging extends the shelf-life of mini cucumbers

The mini-cucumber category continues to gain popularity as a result of increased healthy snacking trends and salad consumption. Recognizing these…

Low crops and high pricing push mango consumption down

The combination of lower mango crops and subsequent higher prices has impacted the consumption of mangos, a fruit that has generally seen a good year…

Small gap on imported organic Heirloom tomatoes until mid-April

There is a slight gap in imported organic Mexican heirloom tomatoes. "The gap will be until about April 15 from our growers," says Ashley Berlinger,…

Pickle trends help grow dill pickle cucumber consumption

Hank Scott is getting a lot of calls already about the upcoming dill pickle cucumber season. "That means that there's not much supply out there," says…

APHIS bans cherries from Quebec over fruit fly

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) amends Federal Order DA-2017-15 to include the Province of Quebec, Canada…

USDA

USMCA Seasonal Perishable Products Weekly Update

Asparagus demand from Mexico continues to improve

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, after a vessel collision in the early morning of March 26, is expected to severely…

USDA files action against New Jersey’s Safeway Fresh Foods for alleged PACA violations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Safeway Fresh Foods LLC for alleged violations of the…

Mexico delays glyphosate ban amidst agricultural and trade pressures

In 2023, the Mexican government issued a decree to phase out glyphosate and eliminate genetically modified corn, with the ban expected to start on…

Ikigai fruits enters the US market with luxury Japanese fruit

Ikigai Fruits, a retailer specializing in luxury Japanese fruit, has expanded its offerings to the United States, providing consumers with access to premium…

Reopening Baltimore's port with a temporary channel

The US Corps of Engineers is in the process of removing debris from the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse. A temporary channel on the northeastern side…

USDA

National Retail Report - specialty crops

Easter items like pineapples, strawberries, avocados, grapes abundantly featured

Shoppers had plenty to enjoy in grocery stores this week, whether they were celebrating Passover, Easter, Ramadan, or simply that spring had arrived.…

US study looks into beneficial gut microbes through whole-food dietary fiber

Americans typically consume only about half of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber, highlighting a significant public health challenge. Bruce…

NASA

Astronauts to study plant growth and development on the Moon

NASA has chosen the first science instruments designed for astronauts to deploy on the surface of the Moon during Artemis III. Once installed near the…

Several counties in Georgia declared natural disaster zones after severe drought

Following weeks of severe drought during the growing season, the United States Department of Agriculture has designated over 30 counties in Georgia,…

Courtesy of UF/IFAS and growers

Florida’s blueberry season means yummy fruit

Ready to pick your own blueberries or buy them at the grocery store? Florida's blueberry season is here, so you'll likely find a University of Florida…

Brazilian nut exporters hope to regain lost market in Europe and US

Since the beginning of the year, the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil) has been actively working to enhance…

Increases in export volumes estimated for South Africa's 2024 citrus season

South Africa's 2024 citrus export season will begin in earnest this month. The variety focus groups of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern…

Edging out Turkish fruit in price

The Moroccan Hass avocado made its debut on the Georgian market

According to EastFruit analysts, in March 2024, an noticeable event occurred in the Georgian avocado market – for the first time, the first ever direct…

Egyptian onion exports resume after a six-month ban

The start of April marks the end of the Egyptian government's ban on onion exports. According to Mohamad Hassan, Export Sales Manager at Al Gamal, this…

NAADs wants Ugandan farmers to consider Hass avocado cultivation

The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) in Uganda has identified the Hass avocado industry as a burgeoning sector with significant…

Frits Popma

"In the Middle East, ripeners who work for supermarkets are told a day of ripening is enough"

Why should banana prices actually be higher in stores? Why will it be years before other African countries will take Central and South America by storm…

Carles Peris, from La Unió Llauradora i Ramadera:

"Promotion is essential: we're not just competing with other countries, but with other products on the shelves"

In late March, the prices of various orange and mandarin varieties still in season have once again recorded significant declines compared to the…

Ukraine became the second largest supplier of fresh apples to the UAE market

EastFruit analysts draw attention to Ukraine's success in exporting premium quality apples. In particular, in one of the most important and capacious markets…

Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area

On March 31, Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members: the Schengen rules will apply in both Member States, including on issuing Schengen visas,…

First public consultation -

Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for fresh produce is now open

The Technical Secretariat (TS) of the FreshProducePEFCR, which is developing technical rules for calculating the environmental footprint of fruits and…

Enchanting hazelnut fragrances: from gourmet delights to perfumed elegance

Hazelnut, beyond its culinary uses, plays a pivotal role in creating beloved fragrances, thanks to its rich, nutty aroma. Esteemed perfume brands…

Avocado ripeness checker soon available in Australian retail

For Australian avocado enthusiasts, discerning the ripeness of Hass or Shephard varieties remains a challenge prior to purchase. The introduction of an…