https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/ FreshPlaza, portal for the fresh produce industry, offering the latest news, job advertisements, pricewatching, and photo reports https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771443/ukrainian-grape-prices-driven-by-imports/ Despite the current harvest in Ukraine, grape prices in supermarkets are determined by imports rather than domestic production, according to Oleksandr Khorev, coordinator of the EastFruit Weekly Ukraine project. He noted that the present availability of grapes is temporary, with prices expected to rise… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771446/fairtrade-ceo-lisa-prassack-steps-down/ Fairtrade International has announced that CEO Lisa Prassack will step down from her role effective 7 October 2025. The organisation stated that continuity and stability remain priorities, with its vision of ensuring secure and sustainable livelihoods for producers unchanged. Marike Runneboom de Peña The Fairtrade… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771242/heaviest-tomato-weighs-more-than-newborn/ It's wonderful that we celebrate the delicacy of little, exquisite flavor bombs—tomatoes with a Brix of over 9, strong vines, and impressive shelf life. They shine like pieces of gold, or like a tiny angel playfully sprinkling sweetness across your tongue. A true treat, a delight for the senses.But let's… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771529/south-africa-blocks-all-namibian-fresh-imports/ More than a thousand employees have been sent home, and the final 3,000 tonnes of their tomatoes might have to be destroyed because South Africa has closed its border to Namibian produce, says Albert van der Merwe of Sonop Farms, growing tomatoes, butternuts and table grapes in Noordoewer, Namibia.… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771004/global-market-overview-strawberries/ Italy has seen strawberry prices recover in early October after a September decline, with cooler weather slowing ripening and tightening supply. Planting is underway in the south as demand data shows strong household purchasing habits. In the Netherlands, greenhouse growers report steady volumes of… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:04:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771575/bangladeshi-potato-oversupply-pushes-prices-to-record-lows/ Potato prices in Bangladesh have fallen below Tk 20 (US$0.17) per kilogram, compared with Tk 25 (US$0.21) a month ago, creating losses for growers amid oversupply. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh reported retail prices between Tk 18 and Tk 25 (US$0.15–0.21) per kilogram, down from Tk 25–30… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:57:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771205/croatian-team-uncovers-roman-shipwreck-with-fruit-cargo/ The International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar has completed research on a Roman-era shipwreck in Barbir Bay near Sukošan, Croatia. Over four years, the 12.5-meter vessel was uncovered and documented through daily photography, later compiled into three-dimensional models. Mladen Pešić,… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771540/photo-report-fruit-attraction-2025/ Fruit Attraction's days as a relatively small Spanish growers' fair are long gone. Madrid has literally been dominated by this fruit and vegetable show these past few days. With two new halls and a healthy influx of visitors, the show once again demonstrated its continued growth. We've been providing you… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771579/costa-rican-bananas-linking-plantations-to-global-markets/ It's easy to pass by a banana in the store. Another fruit among many. Grabbed quickly for breakfast on the move, added cereal, and packed it into lunchboxes. Familiar, routine. But that simplicity hides something remarkable: A banana can be the vitamins needed to keep your family healthy, the sustenance… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771047/new-zealand-rockit-apples-offered-as-mooncake-alternative/ New Zealand brand Rockit is positioning its snack-sized apples as an alternative gift option for the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, one of the country's peak periods of consumer demand. The company launched its campaign on 24 September with an event at Fresh Hippo (Hema) headquarters in Shanghai,… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771407/tanzania-faces-avocado-waste-and-inequality-in-trade/ Avocados have been cultivated in Tanzania since the 1890s. Global demand for the crop continues to rise, with the industry's value reaching US$16.24 billion in 2024 and projected to expand to US$23 billion by 2029. Tanzania has become Africa's fourth-largest exporter, behind Kenya, South Africa, and… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/external/9771441/byzantine-grape-varieties-replanted-in-israel-s-negev/ Byzantine-era grape varieties uncovered in Israel's Negev desert are being replanted after more than a thousand years, reviving ancient farming traditions that once supplied wine to Mediterranean markets. The new vineyard is taking root at Shivta National Park, within the remains of Byzantine terraces,… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771447/index-decreased-5-to-1-669-per-40ft-container/ The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell 5% to $1,669 per 40ft container, marking the 16th consecutive weekly decline and reaching the lowest level since January 2024. Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased 5% to $2,196 per 40ft container, while those from Shanghai to New York decreased 2% to… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771574/turkey-s-inflation-climbs-to-33-on-food-costs/ Turkey's annual inflation rose to 33.29% in September, above forecasts of 32.5%, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute. Monthly inflation was 3.23%, compared with 2.04% in August. Food and non-alcoholic drinks increased 36.1% year-on-year, while housing rose 51.4%. On a monthly basis, food… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:57:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771372/recylced-bottles-used-to-grow-lettuce/ "I was fascinated by high-efficiency vertical farming systems, but doing research and looking at commercial aeroponic systems, my bank account screamed in agony. My inner entrepreneur voice said, there has to be a cheaper way to grow food efficiently," says Phathisani Vundla, founder of Zambezi Eco… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:54:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771435/philippines-allows-onion-and-carrot-imports-to-ease-prices/ The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced that imports of red and white onions, as well as carrots, are being allowed to help stabilize retail prices in local markets. Speaking at the 47th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771438/pakistani-floods-damage-onions-dates-and-chilies/ According to a report presented by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) before the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, nearly 2.5 million acres (1.01 million hectares) of crops were destroyed, representing about 7.7% of the cultivated area. In Punjab,… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771531/fareshare-midlands-has-announced-a-merger/ SPAR Scotland's annual trade show inspires successSPAR Scotland, operated by SPAR UK wholesaler CJ Lang & Son Ltd, brought together almost 900 delegates for its annual trade show in Aviemore, under the theme of 'Inspiring Success'.Source: spar-international.com UK: Waitrose boosts commitment to London… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771573/potato-exports-rise-with-record-yields-in-pakistan/ The potato market in Pakistan has witnessed strong growth over the past 15 months, says Shoaib Ahmad Basra, Managing Director of National Fruit Pakistan. "Potato production reached historically high levels of roughly 9 to 9.5 million tonnes in the 2024-25 season, surging by 20% over the previous period."… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771577/ukrainian-onion-oversupply-drives-prices-to-seasonal-lows/ For the third consecutive year, Ukraine has entered the onion season with record-low prices. Analysts report wholesale levels at UAH 5–10 (US$0.12–0.25) per kilogram, with further declines expected as large volumes of medium and low-quality produce remain on the market. Onion is the country's… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:57:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771488/frost-of-2024-still-has-impact-on-current-turkish-pomegranate-season/ The Turkish pomegranate season has begun with the early varieties, but lower volumes are expected due to the weather conditions the fruit trees had to endure in 2024, says Kerem Tümen, export manager for Turkish fresh produce trader Tümen Tarim: "The citrus season could become a difficult one, so we'll… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9764512/oscar-is-a-true-grower-s-variety/ Potatoes rarely win awards, let alone an Oscar. Yet Gerard Bovée and Joeren van Soesbergen of the Dutch potato trading company Plantera found their latest variety so impressive, they named it 'Oscar.' "It performs so well in so many areas, we thought it a fitting name," says Gerard, smiling. "Plus, it's… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771392/clean-good-apple-crop-from-pennsylvania-helping-move-fruit/ Pennsylvania is welcoming a strong apple crop for 2025. "It's beautiful. We're seeing really clean fruit with a good sizing mix, and it's picking above estimate. This is an increase from last year," says Valerie Ramsburg of the Rice Fruit Company. This comes following ideal growing conditions leading into… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:59:24 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771478/red-onion-season-in-india-kicks-off-with-dussehra-celebrations/ India's onion market is entering a period of strong supply and quality of both pink and red onions, says Shvam Dhumal, Director at fresh produce exporter Agroindi EXIM Pvt Ltd., based in Maharashtra, India. "This year, the availability of both pink and red onions is good as the production is higher than… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771439/indian-banana-farmers-demand-higher-support-price/ Banana farmers in Burhanpur are calling for a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2000 (US$24) per quintal in response to falling market prices. Farmers report current prices ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 (US$6–12) per quintal, driven by oversupply and weak demand. The Progressive Farmers' Organisation… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771103/consumers-can-point-their-phone-at-the-avocado-and-receive-a-ripeness-reading-in-seconds/ The idea behind ÉVO® HASS came to Troy Agosti a few years ago: How can you turn avocados into a high-value fruit rather than a commodity, and where can you create a true point of difference? "ÉVO HASS is a fresh-produce proposition built to guarantee better eating quality, reduce waste, and give… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771499/in-2025-the-early-season-fruit-really-set-the-tone-for-the-season/ The citrus harvest for Redland Fruit has just wound up for the season. They are processing the final bins, and the fruit will enter the storage program. This year has been very favourable for Australian citrus; the fruit has had great eating quality. "We really needed a good year, after two years of very… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200 https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9771448/container-shipping-outlook-points-to-overcapacity-by-2027/ A recent analysis of the global container shipping industry suggests that the market is structurally moving toward a new phase of cyclical overcapacity, expected to peak in 2027 at levels last seen during the 2016 container shipping price wars. The projection is based on nominal vessel supply compared… Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0200