Thompson killers and the road ahead for white seedless

Thompson seedless might reign today as the top grape among consumers but a rosy past doesn’t guarantee a bright future and a new wave of highly produced varieties have been in the works for years. Their commercial future looks bright and their mission is dramatic: Kill the Thompson.

January 03 , 2011

South Africa grape exports slow in week 50

Grape exports slow although intakes hold. Northern Europe, still suffering from a cold spell, the main receiving market

December 29 , 2010

Chile set to introduce new peach variety

Andesduuno, ideal for canning, was 12 years in the making. has a round shape without a point and a red top that doesn’t go through to the pulp. Compared to other varieties such as Tirrenia and Romea, the Andesduuno stands out for its good size and sugar content.

December 28 , 2010

Chile’s organic fruit exports dominated by apples, blueberries

Apples dominated exports, making up 50% of organic fresh fruit shipments.Blueberries (24.5%), kiwi (11.7%) and avocados (5.4%) followed.Europe is the main receiving market with 55% of shipments

December 27 , 2010

Argentina pear and apple volumes to increase 23.9% in 2010-11

An increase in pears of 21.2% over last season and an increase of 26.1% for apples is expected for growers from Neuquén and Río Negro.

December 24 , 2010

South Africa grape exports top 6 million cartons

Rain on December 16 shook up the harvest and packing of grapes in some areas as the season continues to move ahead of its traditional time frame.

December 23 , 2010

In Chile, 2 new cherry varieties launch, apples varieties on their way

The Earlise and Bigalise cherry varieties will be grown in Chile and exported abroad.

December 17 , 2010

Rain reduces Chile cherry export forecast by 10%

Precipitation hit right before the harvest peak in growing areas south of the capital over the weekend.

December 15 , 2010

More South Africa stone fruit shipments heading to Middle East

Shipments of apricots, plums and nectarines to the Middle East see big jumps, while exports to the EU and the U.K. grow slightly or decline.

December 13 , 2010

South Africa's fruit exporters grapple with supermarkets, labor

In an interview with FreshFruitPortal.com, Stuart Symington, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum, South Africa’s main exporters association, discusses the changing fruit export business, labor shortages and the industry's expansion into India, Pakistan and Russia.

December 10 , 2010