South Africa water pollution a risk for exporters

According to a report, the level of water pollution is high enough that fruit and vegetable exports could face action from the EU, which is known for its strict parameters for food quality.

December 21 , 2010

Chile fruit shipments from Valparaíso port jump 170% in December

Blueberries, cherries, stone fruit make up 8,400 MT loaded and shipped from one of the countries most important commercial ports.

December 20 , 2010

Argentine citrus production expected to rise in 2010-11

Production of lemons, oranges and tangerines is foretasted to grow, although exports should hold steady in 2010-11.

December 20 , 2010

U.S. authorities turning back Mexican limes

The shipments of Persian limes to the United States had been accepted without incident until Dec. 6, when U.S. officials started rejecting imports due to the presence of a disease called sweet orange scab

December 14 , 2010

Heavy rain damages up to 7,000 MT of Chile’s cherries

Unusual precipitation falls as cherries reach peak harvest time. Damage could affect as much as 10% of the season's harvest.

December 14 , 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

Chile’s fruit exports to Europe fall 12% in three years

Unfavorable exchange rate, economic crisis to blame; Asia and Latin America fill in the gap

December 13 , 2010

Most of Chile's blueberry growers switch to pint package

Higher-than-expected volumes in Chile’s central growing region have the majority of the nation's growers packaging pints as the harvest moves into its peak phase.

December 10 , 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

Panama Canal functioning again after 17-hour closure due to rain

Heavy rain in Panama forced a 17-hour closure of the Panama Canal starting Wednesday afternoon, the first closure of the canal since the U.S. invasion of the country in 1989.

December 09 , 2010