Latest news stories from Asiafruit
News updates for Asia’s fresh produce business.
Court ruling deals blow to Chilean cherry exporters in Maersk Saltoro case
Chile’s Constitutional Court rejects Maersk’s liability and upholds compensation limit
Climate shift sparks surge in tropical fruit production in South Korea
Supermarkets stocking more locally grown fruit including bananas and citrus
Hapag-Lloyd signs cooperation agreements with Indian government
Shipping line has agreed to explore reflagging vessels under Indian registry and collaborate on port infrastructure development
South African apple sector poised for growth despite challenges
Despite Middle East conflict, supply chain disruption and rising costs, South Africa’s apple and pear industry is optimistic about the future
US trade mission takes produce bodies to Vietnam
California Fresh Fruit Association, California Prune Board, Potatoes USA and Washington Apple Commission head to Vietnam
Conversations
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant explains how supermarkets can reconnect with customers through better design, storytelling, and a renewed focus on food
Fruitbox 113 · Franka Rodriguez, Aldi South Group
Franka talks to Chris White about the extension of Aldi South Group’s ethical sourcing model into avocados, with more categories on the horizon
Fruitbox 112 · Daniel Sauvaitre, Interfel
Chris and Daniel look at global trade policy and its impact on the fruit and vegetable business
Philippines banana industry braces for Middle East impact
Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association says country may lose US$200mn in revenue following loss of key markets
Unifrutti Group launches premium blood orange juice with Sam’s Club China
Collaboration expands Unifrutti’s premium Mediterranean offering in China with one of the first blood orange juices available in the region
Sunkist Growers appoints two new directors to leadership team
The citrus cooperative has appointed Joshua Carr as director of procurement and Stephen Sheldon as director of global business development
South Africa grapples with Middle East impact
Shipping surcharges soar as exporters struggle to redirect fruit with specifications tailored specifically for Middle Eastern consumers
Early start for Malaysian durians
Warm weather has brought forward the harvest for some growers in Penang
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Middle East conflict impacts airfreight options for fresh produce
Some flights have been able to reach Middle Eastern markets to supply fruit and vegetables, but global capacity has dropped as prices rise
Australian avocado industry launches in-store ripeness scanner trial
Ripeness scanner developed by Dutch agri-tech company OneThird uses near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to rapidly and non-destructively assess avocado firmness
Fresh Del Monte completes acquisition of select Del Monte Foods assets
US$285mn deal marks “historic milestone” that brings the Del Monte brand under single ownership for the first time in nearly four decades
Hass Avocado Board elects first female chairperson
Gwen Jackimek heads a new executive committee tasked with guiding the organisation through what it describes as a critical period for the industry
Eternal.ag launches autonomous tomato harvesting robot Harvester
The AI-powered system addresses labour shortages that have seen European greenhouse workforce decline 30 per cent since 2010
Zespri launches RubyRed kiwifruit in Australia, Vietnam and Canada
Boost in volume to 18,000 tonnes this season expands export opportunities for the global marketer
Analysis: China’s fruit trade sees strong growth in 2025
Fruit imports and exports were both up sharply in 2025, according to latest customs data
Flash Gala apple campaign reaches over 100mn people
South African premium apple brand has significantly expanded its global reach through a digital-first marketing strategy
South African stonefruit gains foothold in Chinese market
The country has achieved its first successful sales in China, with sugar plums and interspecific varieties welcomed by the market
South Africa announces rail and logistics reform plans
The South African government has announced sweeping transport reforms – but will they make a difference?