Expansion of Georgian market means more blueberries are headed for the UK
The Georgian Ministry of Economy announced that the sector is projected to ship 500 tonnes of blueberries to the EU and UK this season. The shipments are part of the Lead Generation Program, which seeks to connect producers with foreign buyers and expand international market opportunities. The initiative is implemented by the state agency Enterprise […]
As wholesalers, we have an obligation to not just ‘sell what we want to sell’ but listen to customers
It’s no secret that the biggest problem currently in the industry is the cost of labor and the lack of it (followed by the high cost of transportation). Within this same supply chain-squeezing climate, consumers have become more demanding for quality, service and sustainability. Regional and local produce wholesalers sit in a prime position to […]
Why the next steps on EU’s approved packaging regulations are so critical to a sustainable future
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was first presented in November 2022 by the European Commission with the goal of making packaging and its waste more sustainable in the European Union. This regulation sets requirements for packaging throughout its lifecycle, including its design, use and waste management. In October 2023, the committee on the […]
Why Southern Africa’s focus on ‘premium’ makes it a quality partner in blueberry market
This Q&A features highlights from an interview done with Dane Castle, Blueberry Technical Sales Manager Southern Africa at Planasa, who discusses the state of the Southern Africa blueberry season. For the full interview and charts, go to FreshFruitPortal.com. Could you share insights into the expected volume and quality of the 2024 Southern African Blueberry season? Southern […]
Colombia cements its status as one of top suppliers of avocados to UK
During the first quarter of 2024, the Hass Avocado Producers and Exporters Corporation of Colombia (CorpoHass) reported significant growth in the industry’s contribution to the nation’s economy. The avocado sector’s input to Colombia’s Gross Domestic Product surged by 150%, representing 1.5% of the national GDP, according to CorpoHass data. Avobook highlights the impact of this […]
New CEO of South Africa Table Grape Association has ties to Nottingham school
The South Africa Table Grape Industry Association (SATI) has appointed Mecia Petersen as its new chief executive. Petersen joined SATI in March 2022 and has managed numerous key projects and initiatives in support of maintaining South Africa’s position as a preferred global supplier. During her tenure, Petersen has been instrumental in executing projects aligned with […]
Avocado exports expected to increase in South America, Mexico over next two years
A recently released Rabobank report notes that avocado production and exports are expanding, with Mexico, Peru, and Colombia expected to become the largest exporters by 2026. Peru is the main source of avocados for the UK, but could there be further opportunities for imports from other areas? “To remain profitable, industry players must innovate in […]
South African raisins rebound, ready for major promotional campaign in UK
South African raisin producers have bounced back in 2024, achieving a total crop size of 95,000 tonnes with outstanding quality, following several challenging years for the industry. A combination of adverse weather conditions, global economic uncertainty and increased input costs has put pressure on suppliers, resulting in a reduced crop of 60,231 tonnes in 2023. […]
