Moscow-based produce media outlet FruitNews.ru is expanding its offering with a new version in English, along with a weekly newsletter aimed at industry professionals who are interested in the booming but politically problematic market.

The service builds on the first Russian-language produce news website, which was established in 2008 and caters to around 60,000 readers, according to general director Irina Koziy.

"We are proud to provide this new audience with the news and market reports of the fruit and vegetables market of Russia and neighboring countries," said Koziy, who also heads up consultancy RK Marketing.

"I hope that this new section will help our foreign partners better understand the peculiarities of the local market, that it will lead to strengthened business ties in the fresh produce sector, support the development of the Russian fruit and vegetables market and will assist in expanding the variety of fruit and vegetables available to the Russian consumers."

As Russia's per capita consumption continues to grow, so does the amount of produce it imports from various countries around the globe. Koziy said around 9.3 million metric tons (MT) worth of fruit and vegetables were imported in 2013, with a value of more than US$9.3 billion.

The executive highlighted the service was free of charge with accessible and quality news that was organized in an easy-to-use way.

www.freshfruitportal.com