U.S. authorizes fresh citrus imports from China

Market access for five citrus varieties was a requirement under the Phase One trade deal signed between the two countries in February.

April 14 , 2020

U.S. extends hours of service waiver for food by a month

The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended the hours of service exemption for truck drivers delivering fresh produce and other food during the COVID-19 pandemic by a month.

April 14 , 2020

North American blueberry industry concerned by market disruptions as season gets underway

The coronavirus pandemic has created a huge number of challenges for the blueberry industry over the past few weeks. We spoke with Cort Brazelton, Kasey Cronquist and Jaime Sanchez to hear about the situation in North America and Europe.

April 13 , 2020

EU produce supply chain long-term stability in doubt amid increasing burden - Freshfel

Freshfel says that the European fresh fruit and vegetable sector is facing "significant challenges", including insufficient labor availability and risings costs of around 10% for growers and up to a third for logistics operators.

April 09 , 2020

U.S.: Fresh produce sales fall from peak but remain high at end of March

Fresh fruit and vegetable sales in the U.S. saw a marked decline from their mid-March spike in the last week of the month, but they still remained higher than the same week last year.

April 08 , 2020

California avocado harvests slow following March demand spike

The California avocado season is running far ahead of last year following "very strong pull" pull from retailers in early and mid-March amid the coronavirus pandemic, the California Avocado Commission said on Monday.

April 07 , 2020

EU grape market: Red seedless to come under pressure amid changing shipping patterns

FreshFruitPortal.com caught up with Robert van Melle of Netherlands-based Origin Fruit Direct to hear about European grape market dynamics during the Covid-19 pandemic.

April 06 , 2020

Argentine citrus exports will be "paralyzed" unless lockdown regulations changed

The Argentine citrus industry will be severely impacted if the government doesn't take immediate action to roll back some regulatory measures designed to mitigate Covid-19, industry body Federcitrus has said.

April 03 , 2020

Fresh produce foodservice demand has "virtually stopped" in Europe, NA - Rabobank

However, Rabobank said in a report that overall sales volumes of fresh produce are expected to remain at pre-pandemic levels or even to increase.

April 02 , 2020

Dozens of produce organizations urge USDA to develop market stabilization plan

The letter comes as the industry suffers from economic consequences related to the Covid-19 pandemic, which United Fresh previously estimated would cost it at least US$5bn plus US$1bn per week in lost sales.

March 31 , 2020