South African citrus: Freight capacity and infrastructure may be "tested to the limits" amid container shortage

While hopes are high for the South African citrus season in terms of production volume, the industry looks set to be challenged by a lack of refrigerated containers and sky-high shipping costs.

April 12 , 2021

Berries drive increase in U.S. fruit imports in February

Strawberries and blueberries were among the biggest growth items in February for U.S. fruit imports, while avocados saw a sharp decline, USDA data shows.

April 12 , 2021

Australia declared free from citrus canker

Australia has been declared officially free from citrus canker following remaining restricted areas in the Northern Territory (NT) being lifted.

April 12 , 2021

Economic cost of major foodborne illnesses in U.S. increased $2B from 2013 to 2018

To determine the economic cost of foodborne illness, the USDA's ERS looked at the costs of medical care, the value of lost earnings, and a monetary measure of death linked to how much people are willing to pay to reduce risk of dying from foodborne illness

April 09 , 2021

Mexican researchers developing new varieties of lemon

Mexican researchers developed a new lemon variety with higher yields, traits and adaptability as part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development plan to promote citrus production.

April 09 , 2021

Peru detects possible TR4 case on banana plantation

Peruvian authorities say they have detected a possible case of Fusarium wilt tropical race IV (TR4), the highly contagious soil-borne fungus that has devastated banana plantations around the world.

April 09 , 2021

Cornell’s Ed McLaughlin sees smaller format stores with secondary warehousing, JIT delivery, and changes in retail-buyer relationships

Perishable Pundit Jim Prevor recently interviewed Ed McLaughlin of Cornell University about the interaction between the produce industry and the broader retail and foodservice sectors and the Covid-19 pandemic

April 09 , 2021

Oppy expects smooth SH apple transition despite production challenges

Oppy is anticipating a smooth apple transition to the Southern Hemisphere despite production challenges, and also noted that packaged apple sales also skyrocketed in 2020, now representing 45 percent of category pounds.

April 09 , 2021

Mission Produce releases inaugural ESG report

Avocado company Mission Produce has announced the release of its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, titled “Finest for the Future.”

April 08 , 2021

AgroFresh's Harvista 1.3 SC solution provides dramatic benefits for U.S. blueberry growers

Leading AgTech company, AgroFresh, has announced that its pioneering near-harvest Harvista 1.3 SC solution is now available to U.S. blueberry growers, providing them with huge benefits and helping them to enjoy a more successful harvest season.

April 08 , 2021