Markets news from Produce Plus
Essential stories, analysis and research from the fresh produce markets in Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on retail, wholesale, marketing, and consumers.
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
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
Fruit in Schools programme fills New Zealand lunchboxes
Daily fruit for students paired with curriculum-linked teaching resources about fresh produce
Southern Forests growers unite behind Gen Fresh campaign
Television, digital media and retail partnerships highlight the growers behind the produce and encourage consumers to seek out Southern Forests food
Rockit launches 2026 season as New Zealand fruit reaches global markets
Season launch coincides with the rollout of the Rockit Every Moment campaign set to include influencers, key opinion leaders and celebrities to build greater awareness for the brand
Momentum builds for Piqa Red
Prevar anticipates strong season for red pear with volumes expected to increase 15 per cent on last year
Potatoes and onions take over Australian high school classrooms
New project aims to help young people better understand food production systems
Entries open for MOYA 2026
Australasia’s premier marketing award for the fresh produce and floral industries returns in 2026 as part of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence
Australian avocado industry deepens Malaysia collaboration
Avocados Australia partners with Monash University Malaysia and UOW Malaysia on nutrition education, culinary innovation and industry engagement
New Zealand wraps up challenging cherry season
Quality prioritised as volumes drop in the wake of poor weather
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Zespri launches 2035 strategy with ambition to become the world’s healthiest fruit brand
Strategy supported by three strategic drivers of unleashing brand demand, transforming global supply and creating a product portfolio of the future
ACCC raises concerns over supermarket produce pricing practices
Consumers have raised concerns about being charged per item instead of by weight
VentureFruit teams up with California Giant to introduce premium berries
Specialist partners with leading supplier in move that should bring new varieties to Canada and US
Australian macadamias source market insights in Europe, US and Asia
Data from online and offline retailers to help the industry effectively supply key export markets
Zespri tips record returns in final 2025/26 forecast
New season New Zealand fruit expected to arrive in market from mid-April
Australian Mushrooms takes over Gigi’s Pizzeria for February feast
Partnership will elevate mushrooms with a range of creative recipies
Rockit launches premium Rockitship gifting range
Rocket-shaped collectable pack doubles as a toy delivering added value through sharing and play
A Wiggly celebration of fresh produce for National Lunchbox Week
Campaign inspires families to add fruit and vegetables to lunchboxes as children head back to school
T&G reports strong demand for Envy ahead of Lunar New Year
Forecast sales volumes expected to increase 27 per cent in China, 19 per cent in Vietnam and 16 per cent in Thailand
Te Mata takes the lead with a1 apple
Early-season variety opens the 2026 New Zealand export season