Apricot farmers struggling in Armenia amid crop failure

Apricots may have served as Armenia's calling card at this year's Eurovision pop music contest, but, back home, severe crop damage has transformed these "kisses of the earth, fruits of the sun" into a source of economic hardship.

"We have no idea what to do. I want to cry bitterly looking at my orchard trees," said Margo Vardanian, the owner of an apricot orchard in Jrashen, a village in central Armenia's Ararat Valley. "Hail and rain have spoilt the crop. The apricots that survived … are not fit for export."

Freezing temperatures in late March, along with protracted rain, severely damaged apricot orchards in the Ararat Valley, the 3,071-hectare-large epicenter of Armenia's apricot industry. Nearly three months after the procession of storms, orchard owners are still cursing the bad weather.

Agriculture Minister Gerasim Alaverdian has predicted a 30-40 percent slump in the 2010 apricot harvest, compared with last year's yield of 85,000 tons. That slump is reflected in prices at Yerevan's central market, where imported bananas now sell for far less than local apricots -- about 600 to 800 drams (about $1.60 - $2.00) per kilo of bananas compared to 1,000 to 2,500 drams (about $3.00 - $6.50) for a kilo of apricots. Those prices, roughly three to eight times the level of last year's prices, have made apricots a delicacy for many Armenians.

At a June 2 press conference, Alaverdian pledged that "[t]here will be no problems with apricot export and storage," but high prices and short supplies make some experts skeptical about how well Armenia's apricots will be able to compete this year in Russian and European markets. Last year, Armenia exported 13,500 tons of apricots to Russia and the European Union. Data on the revenue value of those exports was not immediately available.

The country's largest apricot export company, Spayka, is expecting to slash its exports by 30 percent this year, according to Spayka Development Manager Karen Baghdasarian.

Apricot farmer Vardanian shares the skepticism about the market outlook for apricots. She expects less than a ton of apricots from her one-hectare orchard this year. In 2009, the orchard produced about 22 tons. To keep the orchard going, her family took out a bank loan of more than a million drams, or about $2,670, she said. "Huge loans and debts -- this is all we have now, we don't know what to live on," Vardanian recounted. "I wish the government helped us by freezing [interest payments on] our loans until next year's harvest."

An apricot orchard owner from Etchmiadzin, a town about a half-hour's drive from Yerevan, expressed similar frustrations. "The trade in our orchards was in full swing at this time in the past, while now we have neither work to do nor any expectations [of work]," complained the orchard owner.

But, for now, whether or not the government plans to intervene remains unknown.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Samvel Galstian said the ministry is still evaluating the damage to Armenia's apricot crop and will submit a report for cabinet consideration in July. "We don't know yet whether the government will be able to help the farmers or not; we have to wait now," Galstian said.

Meanwhile, apricot farmers are settling down to wait, too. "We must survive until next year, then we'll see what we can do," said one Etchmiadzin orchard owner, pointing out the poor quality of his orchard's speckled apricots. "Still, a question remains whether we'll manage or not."

US (TX): Watermelon breaks all records

A Texas watermelon has broken all records this week by achieving the grand total of $20,250 at the Luling Watermelon Thump Auction.

A local farmer who has been entering the competition for 47 years had his first winner. Locals and businesses bid on the watermelons and proceeds are donated to a scholarship fund for local high school students with the remainder of the money going to the farmers.

Morocco: Citrus semi-annual report

Citrus production in Morocco is estimated to increase 8 percent compared to last year. The total estimated for 2009/2010 is 1.4 million MT.

Exports in 2009/2010 totalled 476,529 MT, coming in 10% less than the target set by the Moroccan government, and one percent less than the previous year. The main European export destinations are the Netherlands, UK and France.

Total exports to Europe rose by 10%, while exports to Russia declined for the second year, to 192,600 MT compared to 285,000 MT in 2007/08. An agreement on phytosanitary requirements was signed in May between Morocco and China that would allow Moroccan citrus exports entry into the Chinese market.

Mexico plans to scrap kiwi tariff

Mexico is planning to eliminate the 20% tariff on NZ kiwifruit. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Mayorga reckons this will happen soon and does not expect opposition from from Mexican farmers, as there is no domestic production of kiwifruit.

In the future there is a possibility of home-grown kiwis though, land is being eyed on the Pacific coast for possible kiwi production using help from New Zealand's technicians.

There has been no date set for starting production.

Pakistani mangoes big hit in China

At the Mango Expo in Guangzhou Pakistani mangoes got an overwhelming response according to Waheed Ahmed, Chairman of All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA).

Orders for three tons of melons were received per day. Pakistan had planned to export around 200 tons of mangoes to India. Due to the great response the exhibition was extended from one week to three and will now conclude on July 5.

By improving product quality and keeping in view the FTA between China and Pakistan, the Chinese market could be developed to become the third biggest export destination for Pakistani mangoes.

Dubai, Iran and Saudi Arabia are top three export markets for the Pakistani mango. Seventy per cent of Pakistan's total mango exports in 2009 went to these countries.

Last year, Pakistan exported 0.13 million tons of mangoes worth $41 million, which is estimated to reach $50 million this year. Cultivation of the fruit may drop to 1.6 million tons against 1.8 million tons last year. "The cyclone and rains ruined a notable part of the orchards this season," he concluded.

Zespri kiwi supply hit by disease

Zespri's supply of kiwis from Chile and Italy have been seriously affected by disease.
Two thirds of Chilean production and around one third from Italy have been destroyed by disease.

Zespri has had to "adjust" some market values, according to general manager for global supply Simon Limmer, but it was still able to supply key customers. Prices should remain steady despite the drop in production.

Meanwhile Turners&Growers said Zespri could have a "serious problem" meeting demand in the northern hemisphere for gold kiwifruit, because of the diseases.

Zespri's 2009 annual report showed that around 10% of fruit marketed by the company was grown outside New Zealand.

Zespri say the diminished volumes from Chile and Italy are being off-set higher production in other regions.

The reduction in supply from Italy is due to "bacterial canker" and is equal to about 1 million trays, less than 1 per cent of Zespri's total global supply.

Australia: Good prospects for cherry season

After a good Autumn there are high expectation for the coming cherry season in Australia. At the moment trees are going into dormancy, according to Ian Hay, a member of Cherry Growers Australia, he sees an exiting but challenging time ahead.

Mr Hay says, "The varieties we have been breeding at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) are not only very exciting for this area but for the world." Some of the latest strains are huge, dark non-crack varieties and also a white variety which is very delicate, but also very popular

The Taiwan market will open this year after the signing of the protocol in a few weeks time.

Spain: Two Catalan organizations unite to create the largest state producer of fruit

The Catalan organizations, producers of fruit and vegetables, Catalonia Qualitat and Asofruit announced today their fusion into one organization that will become the largest state-wise, and will bring together some 130 companies with a combined production of over one million tons.

The president of Asofruit, Josep Panades, will become president of the new merged organization, which for now is "not baptized," as he explained.

"The union of the two associations has been a very long job, due to the fact that it has lasted about seven years. The entity has no name yet but we are very happy.

After what happened last year, when they had no product, with an increasing demand and falling prices, they were pricked by not having the capacity to react. "We must be strong and unite ourselves so this will not be repeated" he pointed out.

Zambia will take part in Macfrut 2010

The Ambassador and the Minister of the African country confirm their interest in taking part in the most important show of the Mediterranean area

(Cesena, 24th of June 2010)- Zambia will take part in Macfrut 2010, which will be held in Cesena (Italy) from the 6th to the 8th of October. This is confirmed by Domenico Scarpellini, President of Cesena Fair, who explains: "The participation of Zambia is the result of contacts that were started with some Agriculture Ministers of the Sub-Saharan area and of later meetings. A few days ago I was glad to hear from the Embassy of the African country in Italy that the Minister would like to take part in Macfrut together with a delegation of companies".

Zambia and the countries of the Sub-Saharan area are interested in the Cesena exhibition because they need to develop their agriculture and in particular the fruit and vegetable sector, which play a key-role in their growth and development projects. The possibility to find in one single event the whole fresh produce industry, from seeds to production, from processing to marketing, is the reason of the strong interest of the Zambian minister in the show.

Zambia already applied for participation in the bilateral meetings between Italian exhibitors and foreign companies, that were organized for Macfrut, showing a strong interest in the nursery sector and in the cold chain.

Clouds gather over Poland’s strawberry

Bad weather, floods and rain have affected this year's strawberry pickings, driving prices up by almost 200 percent.

Currently, markets in Warsaw offer a punnet of strawberries for between 7-10 zloty (1.7-2.4 euro).

The bad weather has also meant that there are less strawberries available than in 2009, although experts' opinions differ as to the extent of the fruit's decline.

A fruit market expert, Prof. Eberhard Makosz told the press that Poland's strawberry yield this year will amount to around 150,000 tons, a drop of 45,000 tons on 2009.

The expert added that the lack of strawberries may cause problems for fruit processing plants in 2010.

Companies buying up strawberries in bulk for frozen products currently pay 2.4-2.8 zloty per kilogram, a hike of 200 percent on 2009 prices, which amounted to 1.4 zloty per kg.

Dr. Bozena Nosecka, a specialist from the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics in Warsaw, believes that the purchasing price of strawberries does not only depend on the size of the yield, but also thanks to the food producers' strawberry stockpiles.

"Reserves are low, and demand has grown due to the better economic situation in [fruit] exports," Nosecka claims, adding that strawberry prices may still rise due to the lack of other fruit pickings this season.

Strawberry season has hit central and eastern Poland, with northern regions expecting to harvest their yields in the near future. Experts estimate that the season will last for a further two weeks, depending on the weather.

Chile achieves entry of blueberries to India

The second most populous nation in the world (1.1 billion inhabitants) has just opened its boundaries for Chilean exports of avocados and blueberries.

Jose Antonio Galilea, announced the final agreement of the sanitary protocols that will allow the shipment of these fruits to India and as a counterpart, the entry of Indian mangoes to the national market. Galilea said that of the administrative phase the only thing left to do is to conciliate the official text between the departments of Agriculture and Commerce of India to then proceed with the formal signing of the protocols, process that should culminate in late August.

The Secretary of State sustained "we expect that in a term of five years India will become one of our main markets, specially for blueberries". This way we will diversify the destinations of our exports."

Dole South Africa is now distributing its new Mando table grape varieties in Europe

Dole South Africa is exporting its new table grape varieties on the European market under the umbrella brand Mando -a combination of Manchester and Dole. After having purchased the exclusive marketing rights in 2004, in 2007 Dole bought the full ownership rights for these varieties, along with the majority share in the remaining Manchester crossings. This totals approximately 900 new potential varieties. Among them, three table grape varieties stand out: black seedless Desert, white seeded Moonballs, red seeded Alpha Red, which are eco-friendly and uniquely attractive. With Mando varieties, Dole aims at answering both producers' high-quality plant expectations and consumer's sweet tooth.

Diversification as a decisive trump in a competitive market
The development of the Mando varieties started in 2004 when virus-free mother blocks were established at the breeding facility in Worcester, a prominent grape growing area in the Western Cape region of South Africa. To date, the 900 crossings are in an evaluation phase and being assessed for any potential new varieties.

"We believe that an investment in new varieties to keep offering best possible produce is a key strategic corner stone allowing us to differentiate in an increasingly competitive market, says Jean-Christophe Juilliard, President of Dole Europe. The sales figures show the growing interest of the market in these varieties: volumes have more than doubled over the past three years. It is mainly due to Asian and Middle Eastern markets, Jean-Christophe Juilliard adds, however Europe has recently become an opportunity to expand them and Dole South Africa has made the most of its know-how to develop grapes that are complying with European consumers' newest preferences".

A unique plant material for a high quality and effective production
Dole firmly believes that one of the benefits of these new varieties for producers will be to offer exclusive access to new plant material that will be more cost-effective and increase yields to produce. This is due to lower labour and pesticide costs, greater rain resistance, higher yields per vine and reduced preparation costs- all of which leads to significantly lower costs per bunch. They also offer longer storage time and shelf life which is a decisive competitive point of difference for customers.

Sweet and eco-friendly varieties: benefits equally reward for consumers
Mando varieties are uniquely attractive to consumers because of appearance, size and taste which are of greatest importance in Europe.

Moreover, these innovative varieties are in line with Dole's concern for environment protection: they require less pesticide, which implies fewer residues on fruit and also comply with sustainable production methods in saving water.

The marketing of these varieties is now in full swing. Desert and Moonballs have been grown in South Africa until now, but Dole has recently finalized master licenses in various countries such as Egypt for the growing of these varieties. More importantly, the development of these new varieties is now possible in South America.

"Our development in grapes will keep going. For example, Dole South Africa also owns a table grape variety called Tropical Wild - a large red seed grape with a litchi flavour- and is still investigating new varieties according to its continuous will to develop innovative and eco-friendly agricultural practice", says Gerald Gant, General Manager of Dole South Africa.

Fruit terminal Seabrex in Rotterdam files for bankruptcy

Belgian New Fruit Wharf – in the capacity of Seabrex Rotterdam BV's owner – filed for bankruptcy of Seabrex.

Staff members, works council, trade unions and customers were informed of the decision.

The ownership of shares was taken over in the summer of 2009 from the Exbrex Group with the view to saving Seabrex, which was already in trouble at that time.

The current bankruptcy petition is the consequence of an accumulation of circumstances :

- Shortly after the taking-over of Seabrex' shares last year the sudden bankruptcy of the Ebrex Group also struck Seabrex due to the uncompleted detachment.
- A substantial decrease in the arrival of volumes due to climatic influences i.e. the earthquake in Chile, the aridity in South Africa and the floods in the Canary Islands, together with the economic crisis and the fierce competition of inland warehouses.
- The intended future plans of the local authorities (development of "Stadshavens") have recently been frozen due to the financial crisis implying for Seabrex that the step towards a new location is indefinitely postponed. In view of the move no investments in the Merwehaven location were made during the past years.

From that perspective the continuation of the company with its present cost structure at the current location is no longer justified.

For the port of Rotterdam's sake the supply of services to the actual customers will be continued by all parties involved as best as possible. Meanwhile BNFW investigates in the possibilities of taking active part in the Rotterdam fruit segment.

Apple and tomato chains in China and the EU

China exports much more fruit and vegetable to Europe than the other way round. Nevertheless the EU has chances to develop niche markets for certain agricultural products in China. China must also look for new market possibilities out with Europe, for example the Middle East and Afrika, because the fresh produce market is almost saturated.

These are a few of the conclusions reached by the report 'Apple and tomato chains in China and the EU'. This report was compiled by the LEI Wageningen, Holland who researched the agricultural trade between China and the EU. The researchers looked at the natural resources, business structure, marketing and policy in the EU and China. They also carried out a thorough analysis of the Chinese export of fresh apples and tomato purée.

Namibia: Huge potential for potato production

It might be news to some, but the country is able to grow about 30 percent of its potato requirement.

Six years ago, Namibia used to produce only five percent of the potatoes consumed locally. About 70 percent of potatoes are still sourced and imported from South Africa.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Agronomic Board of Namibia, Christof Brock, only 200 hectares of potatoes are currently under irrigation with the potential to put a further 600 hectares under irrigation.

He said Namibia has the potential to produce potatoes throughout the year, due to its varying climatic conditions in different areas.

In regions, such as Omusati and Kavango, potatoes can be harvested from April to September, while the time-frame varies in other areas.

Big potato farmers can be found in the Hochveld area of the Otjozondjupa Region, while others can be found in the Caprivi and Hardap regions as well.

This information was revealed at the Potato Information Day at Tsumeb in the Oshikoto Region yesterday.

According to Johan le Riche, a farmer in the Kavango Region, the day was organised to inform farmers about the possibilities of producing potatoes in the country.

"We have to start producing more potatoes for our own consumption, as only 200 hectares are under irrigation," Le Riche said.

He, however, noted that potato production is a very expensive and a high-risk undertaking, as the input costs per hectare can amount to N$100000.

Le Riche said there are very few potato producers and those who have the knowledge do not share it with others, hence such information days are essential.

The information session was attended by potato farmers and potential farmers, as well as experts and experienced established potato farmers from South Africa, who shared their experience with the Namibian farmers.

About 50 farmers attended the event, which was organised by Cape Agri Namibia.

Potatoes originated from Peru in South America. They are the third or fourth biggest food crop in the world.

Only 10 percent of the crop is produced in Africa - China is the top producer with 65 million tonnes.

Turkish figs doing well

TURKEY expects a shortage of dried apricots this year as its crop totals just 54 500 tonnes, with sources now expecting prices to stay high throughout 2010. Turkey usually exports around 100 000 tonnes of dried apricots each year and some 15 000 tonnes are consumed domestically.

Meanwhile, Turkey's dried fig crop is developing well despite losses in some areas after sudden rains at the start of June. Growers are now keeping a close eye on development and pollination of the fruit. If there is no rain during the drying period in September, the 2010 crop is expected to satisfy domestic and foreign demand.

Germany want to improve position European organic strawberries

In Germany discussions are going on about the situation on the organic strawberry market, the latest discussions of the 'Strategy Forum' in Gleisdorf are going on. Last year a considerable amount of Chinese organic strawberries were exported to Europe. And this year the quantity will increase as well. At the moment Chinese organic strawberries are 50 percent cheaper than the European Bioware strawberries. Therefore as a result the sale of organic strawberries from the region is in danger.

But how should European organic products react? According to the forum this will only be possible, when the organic growers are only involved in the cultivation and leave the selling for the account of the trading companies. These companies are in a position to offer European and non-European products to the same buyers simultaneously. In this way the European strawberries can be sold with the best possible margins in the long term as well.

For many consumers price is the most important aspect when buying. The consumer uses this often as a justification when not buying organic products. But the emotional outlook can quite easily add value to the product, for instance by emphasising the region where the product was grown. As long as the European organic products are grown outside of Europe, the organic grower will have to contend with worldwide competition.

Complete acess to Japanese market for Australian grapefruit

Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke welcomed the decision by Japan to allow complete market access to Australian grapefruit, and not just for fruit from fruit-fly free areas.

He said the decision by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries allows new access for producers from all over Australia to export to the lucrative Japanese market. This result is good for producers of the sweeter red fleshed grapefruit who have invested heavily to create a product for the Japanese market.

The Japanese agreed to the imports after they were given the necessary assurance that the risk of fruit flies will be adequately managed through cold dis infestation treatment and appropriate bio security measures.

Citrus Australia Ltd's Chief Executive Officer Judith Damiani said Australian citrus producers are keen to capitalise on the new market opportunities.

Orders have already been placed for the new season starting in March. An estimated 1,500 tonnes of grapefruit will be exported to Japan in the first year, valued at approximately $1.5 million.

The long-term outlook is very promising, with demand from Japan over the next five years estimated to be around 4,000 tonnes and valued at $4.8 million annually.

The tomato lover’s tomato

Nunhems' Tropical cherry tomatoes on the vine are truly in a class of their own. Their elegant appearance and color allow them to stand out from the crowd on fresh fruit and vegetable displays. Their sweet taste and succulent texture are truly unique and have made them a premium choice for European connoisseurs.

"I like to think of Tropical cherry tomatoes on the vine a bit like the great grapes on the vine that go into the world's finest wines," proudly declares Daniel Kretzschmar, Nunhems Produce Chain Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Like vintage wine grapes, Tropical tomatoes are extremely rich in natural sugars and their complex and subtle taste is truly a refined delight.

And, of course, they have wonderful color and shape which means they will grace the most elegant dishes. Tropical is truly the tomato lover's tomato."

Great tomato vineyards

Tropical cherry tomatoes on the vine are an extraordinary variety developed by
Nunhems to produce very uniform medium-sized premium cherry tomatoes that grow
symmetrically on a very fine olive-green vine. Cultivated by very select growers exclusively in Mediterranean countries, they benefit from the
sun-drenched climates and warm temperatures that are unique to that part of
the world. The result is the nec plus ultra of cherry tomatoes that look great, smell great and taste great.

Attractive to the eye
Once on retailers' shelves or market stalls, Tropical cherry tomatoes on the vine stand out from the competition. Stylishly packaged in beautifully-designed barquettes, they are a distinctive and attractive addition to fresh fruit and vegetable displays. The ruby-red color of the tomato and the naturally fresh appearance of their stalks will attract the eye of the most discerning consumers looking for a premium high-end product.

Retailers and fresh food merchants can count on consistent quality and a
secured European-wide supply chain, which means they'll always be delivered on
time and that the product will arrive in impeccable shape, ready for
convenient placing in shops and stands. And, of course, Tropical cherry
tomatoes on the vine have a very long shelf life, staying fresh and looking
fresh for several days. Having been ripened to perfection on the vine, they
will maintain their appearance and will continue to taste as good as the day they were picked.

The sweet taste of quality
Of course, looks aren't everything! Tropical cherry tomatoes on the vine above all offer the consumer a perfect preparation and taste experience. They will also be pleased with their texture, a perfect balance of flesh and gel that doesn't spurt or collapse when cut. Tropical cherry tomatoes on the vine can also be warmed and served as a graceful decorative element in gastronomic dishes.

Once in the plate or the salad bowl, Tropical cherry tomatoes on the vine will offer the diner the ultimate taste experience. Rich in natural sweetness, firm, juicy and enhanced by a deep and natural aroma, they will impress the most demanding palates.

"Tropical cherry tomatoes on the vine are truly a natural wonder," concludes
Daniel Kretzschmar, "They've been available in Europe for two years now and
the 2010 vintage is promising. With people looking for a bit of sunshine on their tables, they will be enchanted with this great Mediterranean product that will bring sunshine and refinement to their table!"

Andalusian producers criticise EU-Morocco agreement

The deal agreed between the EU and Morocco which planned to take affect in 2011, is likely to be opposed by the Fruit and Vegetable sector in Andalusia. The growers there are afraid that this kind of deal will end up backfiring.

The agricultural organisations in Spain have criticised the lack of border control to monitor the movement of Moroccan produce into the EU. An article published in El Pais recently underlined the increasing presence of Andalusian companies in Morocco. According to data from the Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, 80% of strawberry production and 50% of tomato production in Morocco is turned out by Andalusian companies.

The deal agreed by the EU and Morocco will most affect the production of tomatoes and strawberries. The agreement is for a progressive increase to the amount of tomato imports from Morocco to be taxed at a lower rate by 52,000 tonnes progressively starting in 2010-2011 until 2014-2015. Overall, in four years, imports would increase from 253,000 to 285,000 tonnes. As for strawberries the agreement allows for an import quota to the EU of 3,600 tonnes exempt from customs taxes starting on April 1, and a reduction to customs taxes by half for 1,000 tonnes, from May 1-31. The current deal calls for a 100-tonne allowance for the month of April to which a lower rate is applied compared to the normal customs tax on imports of 7.7%.

US: Low forecast for cherry production

A 75% drop is expected in the Idaho cherry crop this season compared to last year's record harvest, this is according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. This is the result of freezing conditions during the pre-bloom which damaged the crop. The expected volume is 1,500 tons, 21% less than in 2008.

The overall sweet cherry crop in the US is expected to be 315,400 tons, down 27% on last year. The crop in Washington is lacking due to cool wet weather in Spring. The forecast is 160,000 tons is down 35 percent from 2009.

Production in California is forecast at 90,000 tons, 15 percent higher than the 2009 production. Spring weather generated occasional rain and cool temperatures during the critical development of the crop. A strong bloom occurred in March.

Production in Oregon is expected to be 45,000 tons, down 33 percent from 2009. Cold, wet weather conditions hindered bloom, pollination, and growth.

In Michigan the forecast is 17,000 tons, 41 percent below the 2009 production and in New York 1,100 tons are expected after the majority of sweet cherries enjoyed a big bloom with only a few growers reporting frost damage. Meanwhile Utah is expected to produce 800 tons, a significant decrease from 2009, due to a late frost, cold wet Spring combined with tree fatigue from last year's record crop making this year's production half of last year's level.

South African grapefruit set to take United States by storm

Consumers of grape fruit are in for a real treat when the first South African grapefruit arrives next week.

The first South African grapefruit ever to be exported to the United States will arrive in the port of Philadelphia on the American East Coast today. The South African grapefruit is expected to bring a whole new eating experience for the American consumers and experts agree that the category has very exciting opportunities in this market.

The arrival of the first grapefruit also marks the beginning of a new export market for citrus growers in the Orange River region of the Northern Cape.

The Star Ruby grapefruit is part of the first shipment of South African citrus fruit to the United States this year. The shipment of more than 2500 pallets, which is expected to arrive in Philadelphia on board the Seatrade vessel, Tama Hope, next Tuesday, also includes Clementines and Navels.

"The Star Ruby grapefruit grown in the Orange River offers a new eating experience which will change the way American consumers perceive the product," says Kennith Dial, one of two inspectors from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) who are presently in South Africa to do the pre-shipment inspections of all citrus fruit being exported to the USA in order to ensure that they comply with the US regulations.

"American consumers are used to round, yellow grape fruit and the reddish coloured, oval shaped South African Star Ruby's will be new to them. The South African fruit, with the red flesh, is also very sweet and this will also fit in well with the palate of US consumers," says Mr Dial.

The opening of the United States market for citrus fruit from the Orange River is a result of a decision by the USDA earlier this year to increase the number of areas in South Africa recognized as pest-free areas for citrus black spot disease. The new deal means that Valencia types from this region will now also be available much earlier to the US market than in the past.

"Crops in the Orange River are much earlier so this enhances our basket of products," says Joretha Geldenhuys, CEO of Western Cape Citrus Producers' Forum (WCCPF). The first Midknight Valencias from the Orange River will be available from the beginning of August and it is hoped that it could even be earlier in future years.

Whilst South Africa has an excellent citrus crop and the early navels and Clementines are proving to be of exceptional quality, it is the introduction of the grapefruit that is expected to make the most impact. The region where it originates from offers a climate conducive to sweet and juicy products. It is South Africa's desert region, with the Mighty Orange River bringing the water which is the life-line to kilometer upon kilometer of fruit orchards along its banks, stretching over more than 250 kilometers from Upington in the east to Pofadder in the west.

The Orange River is South Africa's biggest river, crossing the country from east to west from its origins in the mountains of Lesotho, and eventually running into the sea on the West Coast where it forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. The lower part of this river is where a new fledgling citrus industry is now being established in what is primarily table grape country.

Amongst the first grapefruit exported from the region are organically certified fruit grown by the Spangenberg family, who farms Swartbooisberg between the towns of Keimoes and Kakamas. "We have been farming here for 18 years and all our citrus orchards and vineyards are organic certified," says Santa Spangenberg. Santa is also responsible for marketing the crop and for this purpose a grower owned export company, Orex Export Ltd, has been established.

In the rest of the Orange River there is equally great interest in supplying the US market with citrus fruit. South Africa's leading table grape grower, the Karsten Group, who has farms along a distance of 250 kilometers from Klein Pella in the west to Kanon-Eiland in the west, is busy with a rapid expansion programme at Mosplaas near Keimoes.

Mosplaas Citrus is an empowerment project which will eventually be partly-owned by the Group's workers. More than 50 hectares of citrus are already in production and a further 300 hectares have been planted.

Andre Van Blommestein, Managing Director of WP Fresh, says the South African export community is excited about the prospects that Star Ruby grapefruit offers to the South African programme in the United States. "The fruit is truly exceptional, in terms of appearance and taste. It is sweet and refreshing and nothing like what the US market experience in the past."

Retailers cut margins for French cherries

The FCD (Federation of Commerce and Distribution Companies) in France has indicated that the agreement for retailers to voluntarily reduce their margins on fresh produce during crises is being put into practice this cherry season.

"Cherries are in a situation of economic crisis," the FCD stated in a press release, "mostly due to the bad weather in the month of May, so retailers are now going ahead to moderate their margins as agreed with the president of the Republic on 17 May."

Through various advertising and promotional activities in-store, retailers are planning to push this seasonal product from this week, according to Agrisalon.com.

Chiquita Hellas supports sporting initiatives

Chiquita's Greek subsidiary Chiquita Hellas has continued its commitment to backing sports initiatives and supporting sensitive social groups by distributing thousands of free bananas at sporting events and community initiatives.

During May and June, the US-owned company handed out 15,000 free bananas to disabled athletes from Greece and abroad, as well as their guides and trainers, during test events for the Special Olympics that took place in the country.

In May, Chiquita was present at the Big Semi-Marathon in Faliron, offering fruits to participants, while the company's bananas will also be the official fruit of the Athens Classic Marathon, distributing more than 30,000 bananas during the event.

For the second successive year, Chiquita Hellas is collaborating with the Triple Crown Basket Academy, handing out fruit to children at the academy's camps in Athens and Patra. In addition, the company will be informing the children of the importance of fruit in their daily diet and the nutrition value of bananas.

A spokesperson for the company said it would also continue its support for charity associations, institutions and non governmental organisations. Particularly, during May and June, Chiquita distributed 6,000 bananas at the institution 'Kivotos tou Kosmou' (The Ark of the World) that takes care of more than 200 kids.

At the same time, Chiquita distributed 16 banana boxes at Thessaloniki to several charity organisations, including The Bee orphanage, the Hellenic Children's Village and Concern for the Poor.

Finally, Chiquita Hellas handed out 3,200 bananas at the Meals Distribution Centre in the Municipality of Athens, a facility which provides everyday meals to poor families and homeless people.

In a statement, the company's brand activation manager, Nikos Stefanidis, said: "Chiquita Hellas is at the side of athletes and sensitive social groups, supporting initiatives that promote fair play and healthy and balanced nutrition.

"We hope that every year we will have the opportunity to be part of occasions that support the athletic spirit and healthy nutrition."

Zespri releases three new varieties

International marketer Zespri has announced the commercial release of three new kiwifruit varieties as well as the start of orchard trials for two red cultivars, steps which it says will ensure further growth for the New Zealand kiwifruit industry in years to come.

The three new varieties scheduled for planting or grafting in the next few months are: Gold3, an early-season gold; Gold9, a potentially long-storing gold; and Green14, a new sweet green. A second early gold cultivar (Gold1) was not approved for commercial release.

The two new red varieties, meanwhile, which growers are now free to trial in their orchards, have now been placed on a pre-commercial shortlist for possible commercial development in future.

Welcoming the decision, which was officially confirmed today, Zespri chief executive Lain Jager said the new varieties had the potential to boost sales significantly in markets worldwide, expanding the industry's product range and contributing to an anticipated tripling of export sales by 2025.

"This underlines our commitment to future growth in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry," he told Fruitnet.com. "This is a high-growth industry and we feel there's plenty of growth to come, backed by strong marketing and innovation."

Mr Jager is due to discuss the prospects for the new varieties with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and the country's Minister of Health Tony Ryall during a meeting at the company's headquarters in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, 17 June.

From the start of next week, growers will be given detailed information about the three new commercial varieties and, this season, a total of 600ha will be licensed to be either planted or grafted, representing about 5 per cent of all New Zealand land currently planted with kiwifruit.

The first commercial volumes are expected to be available on international markets in time for the start of the 2012 New Zealand export marketing campaign.

The decision to proceed marks the latest stage in a 10-year natural plant breeding programme carried out by Zespri in association with the New Zealand Government through horticultural science group Plant & Food Research.

That process has included four years of trialling the varieties' attributes in relation to production, storage, shipping and consumer reaction, with extensive testing carried out in New Zealand, Europe and Japan.

According to Mr Jager, the release of the three new varieties is a vitally important step in the ongoing development of Zespri and the New Zealand kiwifruit industry, and will form a major part of its medium- and long-term strategy to progressively and sustainably grow the New Zealand kiwifruit offering while taking care not to cannibalise existing sales and prices.

"This has been the most thorough and rigorous product development process ever undertaken by the New Zealand horticulture sector, and, as a joint industry/government initiative, it is New Zealand Inc at its best," he said.

Out of more than 50,000 potential new varieties assessed by the programme, which is led by Plant & Food Research's Dr Luis Gea, more than 10,000 cultivars made the initial shortlist and only 40 went to initial growing trials.

From that group, just four made it to on-orchard trials, where they underwent extensive testing.

World Cup boost for Italian fresh-cut fruit

Consumption of fresh fruit in Italy is expected to receive a timely boost from the FIFA World Cup, according to a new report, with sales of fresh convenience products in particular benefiting from rising consumption during the four weeks of the football tournament in South Africa.

New figures published by agricultural organisation CIA have forecast a 15 per cent increase in sales of ready-prepared fruit and vegetables from mid-June to mid-July compared with normal levels.

The World Cup is also set to liven up whole fresh fruit sales, contributing to a 6 per cent increase, with melons and watermelons set to show an even bigger rise of 10 per cent.

CIA conducted a survey of producers, distributors and consumers across Italy and found that many were confident that consumption during the tournament's 64 matches would not be dominated by unhealthy snacks and carbonated drinks.

A wave of hot weather which recently arrived in Italy is also expected to favour consumption of key summer products including stonefruit, melons and grapes.

Russia lifts ban on Tajik nuts, dried fruits

Russia has lifted a ban on imports of Tajik nuts and dried fruit, news media reported June 15, quoting Gennady Onishchenko, director of Russia's consumer protection agency.

Onishchenko imposed the ban in early May, citing the Tajik polio outbreak. Outraged Tajik farmers complained that polio is not transmissible through dried fruit and that Onishchenko's action cost them a vital market.

The prohibition did its part in preventing a mass polio outbreak in Russia, Onishchenko said in announcing its end.

Jordan: Talks to increase exports to Russia

Minister of Agriculture Saeed Masri and Minister of Industry and Trade Amer Hadidi met with a Russian delegation from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday to discuss ways to increase export of fresh fruit and vegetables from Jordan to Russia.

Zawya reports that the two groups discussed way of increasing cooperation of the private sectors of the two countries and the agricultural relations.

Almasri also met with Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan Zainulbahar Noor and discussed bilateral cooperation between Jordan and Indonesia in agricultural fields.

US: Agriculture enlisting farmers to try pineapple

In an effort to boost fruit production in the territory, the V.I. Agriculture Department is offering $2 pineapple plants to local farmers.

Three popular commercial varieties not typically grown in the territory — sugar loaf, cayenne smooth and elite gold — will be available and will be shipped to growers for free in orders of 36 or more. The Agriculture Department will collect data about acreage and the the kinds of food grown by each farmer who orders the fruit.

The ultimate goal is to build a territorywide farming database, Agriculture Commissioner Louis Petersen Jr. said. Using that database, the department will be able to determine how much and what types of food the territory is capable of producing and compare that to foods that are being imported. The program is geared toward helping the Agriculture Department figure out how self-sufficient the islands can become.

"We continue to ask ourselves whether we can produce enough for the territory," Petersen said. "Instead, we need to look at what we import on a yearly basis of a given commodity."

Petersen said he hopes to bring a business-minded, scientific approach to farming to the territory, maximizing yields and profits.

"We've been asking the question for decades 'Why aren't we doing more?'" Petersen said. "I believe, if we add some structure, some formality to the process, we can.
Food is always going to be a need," he said. "It's a matter of: Where are you going to get it from? Where will your agricultural base be? Will it be under your feet, or will it be somewhere else?"

Given the popularity of pineapples and other tropical fruit in the hospitality industry, local growers will find a ready market, Petersen said.

And given the territory's climate, pineapple production is a natural crop choice, according to Gerald Hodge Jr., president of the St. Thomas farmers association, We Grow Food Inc.

"You can establish a pineapple plot here easily, because they like the temperature and can do very good in the rocks," Hodge said. "We're similar to Hawaii and other regions that have done well with it."

AU: Sweet potato growers rise to soil pest challenge

Sweet potato researchers are working closely with growers to resolve an over-dependence on a limited number of industry-approved insecticides by developing improved IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies.

Agri-Science Queensland research horticulturist Russ McCrystal has just finalised an Australian Sweet Potato Growers (ASPG) supported Horticulture Australia Limited project with a charter to assess the efficacy of available insecticides for the control of wireworm, root knot nematode and sweet potato weevil.

Mr McCrystal said the challenge for the largely Queensland-based industry now valued in excess of $50 million annually was to identify new "soft options" to manage sweet potato soil insect pests now regarded as the greatest risk factor for market failure in the rapidly expanding sweet potato supply chain.

Mr McCrystal said a combination of all year around sweet potato production; the stable sub-tropical environment in the major production regions; and the difficulties in managing volunteer post-harvest sweet potato growth were contributing to the ideal conditions for continuous and rapid soil pest cycles.

"As a consequence, the industry is constantly putting the few permitted insecticides available under maximum working pest pressure throughout the year," Mr McCrystal said.

"To manage the inherent risk of developing resistance to these insecticides, there is a need to pursue a range of alternative chemistry and introduce appropriate guidelines for managing potential insecticide and nematicide resistance in sweet potato pests.

"The grower survey also recommends future research to investigate better management of post-harvest crop residue as the current break crops such as forage sorghum are not able to successfully out-compete sweet potato volunteer regrowth.

"There is no doubt that crop regrowth is a major contributor to the viability of the pest cycles in the Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Lockyer Valley and Cudgen (Tweed) production areas."

Mr McCrystal said that when the four year project was launched in 2006, growers were continually reporting increased incidences of major soil insect damage.

To control wireworms, root knot nematodes and sweet potato weevil, growers were applying multiple broad spectrum insecticides that were incorporated into the soil prior to planting followed by foliar sprays during crop development.

"Our survey found growers were often applying insecticides as an insurance cover when it was possibly the wrong choice of insecticide or it was not needed."

The Agri-Science Queensland research, a part of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), reviewed the efficacy of insecticides on wireworm, nematicides on root knot nematode and insecticides on sweet potato weevil.

The project has recommended that the industry should pursue changes to current application methods for insecticide use to control wireworm.

"We found that some insecticides are more effective at controlling wireworm when applied at reduced rates through the drip irrigation at strategic times during crop development rather than incorporating the insecticide into the soil prior to planting," Mr McCrystal said.

"An alternative nematicide was trialled and found to be effective against root knot nematode. The minor use permission for its use was successfully pursued on behalf of the sweet potato industry.

"This outcome was necessary to manage the risk of degradation or resistance issues developing for the only registered nematicide in the sweet potato crop.

"A new insecticide applied to the soil prior to planting has shown to be effective against sweet potato weevil. Because this product works systemically in the plant, it appears to have low impact on beneficial insects which will be a very good IPM fit for the crop," he said.

Pheromone technology to attract and destroy sweet potato weevil was successfully demonstrated at a Rossmoya district on-farm trial. As a result, the grower adoption of weevil pheromone technology has increased from 6 per cent in 2006 to 80pc in 2010.

Prior to the project, no growers were reported to be taking nematode counts before planting but in 2010, 30pc of growers were now assessing nematode populations.

Mr McCrystal said the survey identified a significant decrease in the use of organophosphate-based insecticides incorporated into the soil prior to planting in the past four years.

"While this is regarded a good outcome, it has led to an over-dependence on bifenthrin which controls both wireworm and sweet potato weevil as a soil incorporated or foliar application," Mr McCrystal said.

Mr McCrystal said the industry adoption of the grower survey research and development recommendations would make a valuable contribution towards developing a strong integrated approach to pest management in the crop.

This would further secure the reputation of the sweet potato industry as "clean and green" in the heavily regulated Australian horticultural production environment and the demanding domestic market place.

Philippines: Ice crystals destroy vegetable plantations

A huge volume of vegetables in their vegetative, flowering and harvest-able stages grown in highly elevated areas of this province were affected by the sudden downpour of ice crystals locally known as "dalalo" for over 40 minutes over the past several days.

However, agriculture stakeholders ruled that the damage wrought by the ice crystals on vegetable farms will not take its toll on the supply of vegetables coming from the province since only those produced in highly-elevated areas were partially damaged.

"Dalalo" or hail usually occurs after a hot day with cumulus clouds over the sky, thus, the hot and cold weather often meet and create interaction that will result to the breaking of the ice crystals formed by the clouds and causing it to drop on the ground.

Several farmers whose crops were partially affected by hail described the ice crystals to be as big as marbles and that they reportedly break after falling on the ground.

Fruit/vegetable juice in Finland

Total volume sales of fruit/vegetable juice declined in 2009 by 6%, thus continuing the stark decline exhibited in 2008. Volume growth rates in both 2009 and 2008 were markedly lower than the review period average. The drop in demand in 2009 was largely a result of the economic recession, but increasing maturity and price increases in 2008 also hindered volume sales.

The Fruit/Vegetable Juice in Finland report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (2005-2009), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they legislative, distribution, packaging or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2014 illustrate how the market is set to change.

Product coverage: 100% Juice, Fruit-Flavoured Drinks (No Juice Content), Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice), Nectars (25-99% Juice)

US (OH): Late frost spares area's blueberry crop

Local blueberry farmers are hoping that a recent cold weather spell won't wreak too much havoc on a popular summer treat that grows right in Ottawa County.

Grand Haven Township resident Howard Behm, owner of Behm Blueberry Farms Inc., said that there are different varieties of blueberry and depending on the stage they are at during a cold snap, the weather can affect them more or less.

"There is one variety that sustained some damage that we have noticed," Behm said. "It is a Rubel variety that looks like it was hit."

Aside from this variety, he said there is going to be a wait and see approach that is taken to see if what other problems there are for this year's blueberry crop.

"It is going to take time to see if there is any damage," Behm said, adding that there are things that might not be visible several days after a cold spell that could pop up several weeks later.

Other local farmers are also noticing a slight impact due to the cold weather. Ken Reenders, co-owner of Reenders Blueberry Farm in West Olive, said he doesn't think the recent cold weather will have a major impact on the business, however, like Behm, there was some damage to certain blueberry varieties.

"Some of the fields had some loss," he said, adding that it all had to due with the timing of the plants flowering and how they'd be impacted by colder weather.

"If we'd been 10 days later, it would have been a lot worse," Reenders said, referencing the maturity of certain blueberries.

He also said that the blueberry farmers weren't hit quite as bad as other fruit farmers in the state.

"We didn't get hit as hard as the cherry people or the apple people," Reenders said.

Though this year hasn't been bad for them, Reenders does recall a time when weather hasn't been so kind to he and other local blueberry farmers. He said nearly 20 years ago, there was a time when they lost nearly 66 percent of the crop due to damage from the weather.

While there is some damage to certain varieties, experts in the agriculture field believe there will be are expecting typical returns on the crops this year.

"We are expecting to have a normal crop," said Dr. Carlos Garcia Salazar, Ottawa County small fruit educator at Michigan State University Extension. "About the same amount of volume for this state."

While he had no specific data regarding the total amounts of berries harvested in the Ottawa County, he did say numbers should be similar to those found in Michigan during last year's harvest. During this time, the state harvested 99 million pounds of blueberries.

Salazar also said he didn't think the weather would have a huge impact on the amount of berries harvested this year. When this late winter/early spring frost took place, he said that most of the local blueberry farmers were able to turn on their irrigation and frost protection systems to prevent significant damage to the blueberry crop.

Zespri Kiwifruit takes retail show on the road

ZESPRI always moves into a new season with zest and verve, and 2010 is no exception. Projecting beyond the retail trade's traditional tactics of ads and demos, ZESPRI has chosen to partner with retailers on promotions that engage consumers and direct maximum impact to the point of sale. The world's largest marketer of kiwifruit also works with wholesalers across the country to reach independent retailers and produce stores, which are important outlets for ZESPRI Kiwifruit.

This year, ZESPRI is planning roadshow programs and will deploy mobile merchandising teams during the summer season in Milwaukee/Madison, Minneapolis/St Paul, New York, and Northern and Southern California. These programs include a variety of elements, such as kiwifruit-wrapped vehicles, demos and power-hour tastings, complete with trained brand ambassadors.

The roadshows, along with other consumer outreach programs, encourage all to enter The Great Kiwi Adventure sweepstakes - www.thegreatkiwiadventure.com. The lucky winner will receive a trip for four (4) to New Zealand, complete with seven (7) nights accommodation and numerous day trips. Comments Karen Brux, market manager for ZESPRI International North America, "The sweepstakes is a great way of bringing our New Zealand heritage alive, while highlighting everything that makes ZESPRI unique. Retailers and wholesalers are excited about potentially having their customers win and are working with us on many different levels to promote the sweepstakes."

Based on strong sales of kiwifruit among ethnic retailers, ZESPRI will go into select Asian markets with in-store demos. "Ethnic markets continue to be important to ZESPRI because of the high value their customers place on fresh produce," says Brux.

ZESPRI provides additional support with outreach to Chinese and Korean press and social media posts. In Texas, ZESPRI will team up with Tjian, a popular Latino fruit and snack seasoning, for in-store demos at a prominent chain catering to Hispanic
customers.

For select retailers, a new eye-catching shipper/display unit will provide more display space for ZESPRI Kiwifruit. Canvassed in bright Kiwi-green, with an attractive flared top, the shipper delivers SuperFruit nutrition messaging on the side. To publicize the Kiwifruit's impressive nutritional punch (more nutrient-dense than comparable popular fruits) ZESPRI is also working to educate consumers with staff dietitians at a Midwest chain, in conjunction with demos and ads. Another chain will showcase how kiwifruit can be enjoyed as more than an out-of-hand snack, and will feature kiwifruit recipe samplings at all stores.

Apple and tomato chains in China and the EU

China exports much more fruit and vegetable to Europe than the other way round. Nevertheless the EU has chances to develop niche markets for certain agricultural products in China. China must also look for new market possibilities out with Europe, for example the Middle East and Afrika, because the fresh produce market is almost saturated.

These are a few of the conclusions reached by the report 'Apple and tomato chains in China and the EU'. This report was compiled by the LEI Wageningen, Holland who researched the agricultural trade between China and the EU. The researchers looked at the natural resources, business structure, marketing and policy in the EU and China. They also carried out a thorough analysis of the Chinese export of fresh apples and tomato purée.

Trade agreement between Morocco and EU initialized

The agreement on trade in food products between the European Union and Morocco has finally been initialized after four years of intensive negotiations. The agreement still has to be concluded by the European Parliament.

Right from the start this agreement has caused debate as to what the economic benefits would be for the fruit and vegetable trade. It was described by the Moroccan authorities as "Balanced and beneficial for Morocco", while the Europeans called it "a positive compromise".

Agreement content
Added to the "advanced status" granted to Morocco by the EU in 2008, the agreement highlights Morocco's status of privileged commercial EU partner within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy. Consequently, relations between both parties were reinforced after being governed by the Association Agreement (2000) and the Action Plan (2005). Regarding the opening of markets to farm products, the agreement eliminates 55% of custom fees on Morocco's exports to the EU, and liberalizes instantly 45% of EU exports to Morocco. It also liberalizes 67% of Moroccan farm products exports over a ten year period, and 98% of agro-food industrial products. This according to the Global Arab Network today.

Some Moroccan agricultural products are subject to a seasonal import schedule because they compete with European production they are tomatoes, strawberries, Clementine, garlic, cucumber, zucchini. The rest have been totally liberalized with the exception of sugar. Only a few products such as orange, peach, apricot, grapes and artichoke will be subjected to quota restrictions or to a schedule and tomato export will gradually increase. The Moroccans should see a tax benefit of 1.7 Dirham and 700 million Dirham due to new export privileges.

On another hand, the Moroccan market will be gradually opened to European products up to 70% over a ten years period, except for some products that are considered socially and economically delicate by Morocco; this is the reason why they're left out from the liberalization process and subjected to a particular treatment (19 products, notably cereals, pastas, pasteurized milk and meat). Morocco has granted its European partner limited privileges regarding quantity, in order to reinforce concerned sectors and their competitiveness. The European party, for its part, will benefit thanks to the agreement from a freedom to access Moroccan markets for the agro-industrial products, knowing that a complete liberalization is expected within ten years, except for pastas that will remain subjected to quantity limitations.

Asia Fruit Logistica attracts additional exhibitors

More companies and organisations are signing up to exhibit at Asia's leading trade show for the fresh produce business which takes place in Hong Kong in September.

With less than 100 days to go before the doors open at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, new exhibitors include fresh produce businesses in Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Latest additions include national pavilions from Japan, Italy and Argentina.

"ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA is growing again this year," said Gérald Lamusse, managing director of organiser Global Produce Events GmbH. "This progress demonstrates the real potential of the fresh produce business in Asia as well as the opportunities for suppliers in the rest of the world."

ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA takes place on 8-10 September 2010 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Some 250 exhibitors and more than 3,500 visitors from all over the world are expected at this year's event. ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA is organised by Global Produce Events GmbH in cooperation with Asiafruit Magazine.

The trade show runs alongside Asiafruit Congress, Asia's only fresh produce business conference which has taken place annually in the region for more than 10 years.

"Some 600 decision makers from more than 25 countries in Asia and the rest of the world are set to attend the Asiafruit Congress again this year," said Asiafruit Magazine editor John Hey. "We have put together a very interesting programme, which looks at the big issues about how to succeed in the fresh produce business in Asia."

US(MI): Cold snap means smaller apple crop

Michigan, one of America's top apple producing states is expecting a smaller than usual apple crop this year. This is due to a period of cold weather in May.

According to the Michigan Apple Committee there were area of frost damage through out the whole state when the temperatures dropped the mid 20s.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates Michigan's annual harvest at 19.3 million bushels. The Michigan Apple Committee says a consensus of state growers and shippers finds the 2010 crop is expected to be about three-quarters of that size, reports Business Week today.

Last year, the USDA estimated Michigan's crop to be 28.6 million bushels.

Organics boom in France

Organic production in France experienced an enormous growth surge in 2009, according to figures released by French organic agency Agence Bio.

In 2009, 3,769 new farms were converted to organic production, an average of over 300 farms a month.

In late 2009, France boasted some 16,446 organic farms, an increase of 23.7 per cent over the previous year, and 677,513 ha of organic land, 16 per cent more than in 2008.

As for consumption, organic sales reached an estimated €3bn in 2009, almost double the figure from 2005 and an increase of €400m compared with 2008.

Organic consumption is also on the rise in canteens, where purchases more than doubled from €44m in 2008 to €92m in 2009.

Early figures for 2010 confirm that these trends are continuing, according to Agence Bio.

Soil Association criticises GM trial

It was recently announced that a trial plot of genetically modified (GM) potatoes was to be planted at a secret location on a farm in Norfolk, in the East of England, to test for blight resistance.

In response, the UK's Soil Association has spoken out in criticism. Policy manager Emma Hockridge said that the trial demonstrated just how far behind GM technology was in comparison with convention breeding.

"A blight resistant potato variety (Sarpo) has already been bred using conventional methods and is commercially available," she said. "The fact that this GM potato variety is still at the field trial stage – after 10 years, no significant results and £1.7m (€2m) of tax-payers' money later – clearly demonstrates what a failing and old technology this is."

Ms Hockridge added that money should be put to more practical use, particularly in the face of climate change.

"Research should instead be focused on conventional breeding, which is showing much better results at a far cheaper cost," she said.

"The IAASTD report, the largest scientific farming study ever conducted and produced by over 400 scientists from across the world, concluded that in a world faced with climate change and resource depletion, agro-ecological farming methods like organic need be utilised, rather than throwing more money at GM crops," she concluded.

Tesco fresh director Colin Holmes quits

K retailer Tesco has confirmed the shock departure of its fresh foods commercial director, Colin Holmes, just a day after it was announced that chief executive Sir Terry Leahy will be stepping down next March.

"Colin's decided that rather than have one role he'd prefer to have a portfolio of business responsibilities," a spokesman told the Fresh Produce Journal. "That could involve some non-executive positions, but he also wants to achieve a different work-life balance."

Mr Holmes, who joined the company 22 years ago, had been tipped as a possible eventual successor to Sir Terry prior to this week's announcement that Philip Clarke, currently international and IT director, would be taking on the role.

According to one leading UK-based fresh produce supplier, Mr Holmes is understood to have reconsidered his future within the business after being overlooked for the top job.

"When he returned it was widely suggested that he was heir apparent to Terry Leahy," he commented, "so I guess that the fact that he has now not got the top job has meant that he has genuinely decided to look at his work/life balance."

Mr Holmes, who took a 12-month sabbatical a few years ago in order to spend more time with his family, had also been linked with the job of running Tesco's UK business, a role that has now been handed to his direct boss, Richard Brasher.

Four years ago, he was rumoured to be in the running for the CEO position at rival group Morrisons in 2006. The post eventually went to Marc Bolland, now CEO of Marks & Spencer.

According to the Financial Times, his resignation will be a blow to Tesco as it tries to foster solidarity among its most senior staff members in preparation for Sir Terry's departure in the spring.

Del Monte denies CR melon claim

Global fresh produce marketer Fresh Del Monte has strongly denied a rumour circulating within the fresh produce trade which implied the company would no longer sell Costa Rican melons in the European market.

Trade sources had earlier suggested the multinational, which last month closed its melon sourcing operations in Brazil, would no longer ship melons from the Central American country to Europe and had opted to concentrate all of its efforts on sending Costa Rican melons to the US.

A spokesperson for Fresh Del Monte declined to comment on the decision to close its Brazilian melon operations, refusing to speculate on the reasons behind the move.

The Brazilian melon sector has suffered hugely in recent months, rocked by the recent devaluation of the country's currency, the real, against the euro and a downturn in consumption levels across a number of key markets.

Chile anticipates avocado shortfall

The Chilean Hass avocado industry is expecting an off production year during which exports will fall by at least a 30 per cent in comparison to 2009/10.

The volume decrease is forecast have a positive effect on the trade, however, by helping to relieve pressure on some markets, according to data from Decofrut and reported by SimFRUIT.

"Last season, Chile produced a record crop of Hass avocados, resulting in a tripling in exports to Europe from 16,000 tonnes to 50,000 tonnes," explained Decofrut chairman Manuel José Alcaíno.

In 2010/11, however, Decofrut suggests more volume may end up on the US market due to a weaker euro and "slightly more limited" demand in Europe compared with last year.

Even so, the Chilean analyst expects a "more difficult" US market this season since Mexican avocado exporters will probably export more fruit to the US and less to Europe (as a result of the weak euro).

According to Decofrut, the US market will also have a greater abundance of California avocados.

Last season, Chile exported almost 6,000 tonnes of avocados to Argentina, while the local market was also very well supplied, absorbing 74,000 tonnes of the fruit.

"Chile is developing quite an interesting promotional campaign in Argentina," said Mr Alcaíno. "It's hoped that this increase in activity can be maintained or even expanded this season."

Tighter controls over Chilean blueberries

THE Chilean Berry Committee from ASOEX, the country's fruit and vegetable exporters' association, is to continue working on the competitiveness of the industry a year after it was created. Regulations across international markets are becoming stricter and exported fruit must be of an excellent quality when it reaches consumers.

The committee will continue to carry out its work with the Foundation for Fruit Development (FDF) with an intense programme of "diffusion and transference" in order to improve management of fresh blueberries for export.

German asparagus harvest 20% smaller than last year

2010 is an unusual year for asparagus. This is the conclusion of the Bundesfachgruppe Gemüsebau im Zentralverband Gartenbau (ZVG), shortly before the traditional end of the asparagus season on 24th of June. The German asparagus crop is estimated at almost 800,000 tons. This is about 20% less than last year. The extra investments in order to advance the harvest have paid off this year.

Contrary to the average sale of fresh vegetables, of which 50% is sold via discounters, with asparagus the traditional market stalls and farm shops are still of more than average importance.

According to marketing organisation AMI imports from Greece, Spain and Morocco decreased this year, but the import from Peru increased. According to provisional estimates Germany imported about 25,000 tons of asparagus during 2009. For the first time Peru was the second most important supplier after Greece.

UK: Del Monte launches ‘Naked’ pineapple

UK: Del Monte launches 'Naked' pineapple

Britain's number one fruit brand, Del Monte, is launching the first ever branded WHOLE prepared Pineapple into the UK market this month.

Utilising over 100 years of fresh produce expertise, Del Monte has selected its premium Del Monte Gold extra sweet pineapple which is cored and peeled to appeal to the increasingly convenience-driven and health-focused needs of today's modern consumers by attracting a new, younger audience. This will be vital in driving incremental growth within the prepared fruit category.

Del Monte Naked Pineapple arrives at an opportune time in line with the start of the summer season, providing daunted consumers with an accessible, versatile fruit WHOLE Pineapple which offers an array of individual serving suggestions; chop it, chunk it, slice it, dice it!

James Harvey, managing director at Del Monte UK, said 'The prepared fruit category has not seen any significant innovation in the past few years and has not achieved the penetration levels seen in other prepared categories such as salad and vegetables. We know this new offering will reinvigorate the category and attract new and lapsed users'.

Naked Pineapple was identified as a growth opportunity as currently only 35% of households buy into whole pineapples, citing 'fiddly preparation' and 'challenging to select' as the barrier to purchase. As a trusted brand, Del Monte is perfectly placed to maximise this opportunity and push the boundaries of the brand.

The Del Monte Naked Fruit brand has already secured major listings with Tesco and Budgens nationwide.

Australia: Demand for domestic garlic on the rise

The Australian garlic industry collapsed in the 1990 when cheap imports from China hit the market.

According to the Australian Garlic Industry Association imports have been fumigated with methyl bromide and is often bleached.

Nick Diamantopolous of Australian Garlic Producers told abc.net today that growing garlic is not as easy as it seems. "It's the unforgiving crop and if you don't do everything at the right time when it's due it will come and bite you at the end," he said.

The main difficulty in increasing the garlic production in Australia is lack of healthy virus free seed stock.

There has been a recent rise in demand for Australian grown garlic which might be enough to regenerate the market.

Spain: FEPEX says stone fruit production lower than expected

The Stone Fruit Committee of FEPEX, constituted by producers of Andalucia, Valencia, Murcia, Extremadura, Aragon, La Rioja and Cataluña, is meeting today in Madrid to analyze the evolution of the campaign, in which it is being noted that there is a lower production than was originally planned.

The Committee will consider the development of the campaign in the early areas such as Andalucía, where the commercialization started in May and is about to be completed. The committee will also assess the other producing areas, which were confirmed to have a lower production than the expected.

The Stone Fruit Committee of FEPEX is chaired by Antonio Chavero.

The products represented on FEPEX's Stone Fruit Committee are: apricot, cherry, plum, peach, and nectarine. The committee is composed of seven associations that are in the main producing areas: ASOFRUIT (Cataluña), APOEXPA (Murcia), ASOCIAFRUIT (Andalucia), AFRUEX (Extremadura), APEPH (Aragon), ARIFRUT (La Rioja) and FEXPHAL (Comunidad Valenciana)