Middle East
Fresh produce industry news and analysis from the Middle East.
Grand vision for green agriculture
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan for sustainable agriculture comes from a desire to diversify away from oil and the urgent need to adapt to the new realities of climate change, says Dr Juan Carlos Motamayor of Neom Food
‘Less than half’ fresh produce sold globally makes any profit
New report suggests massive increase in production and operating costs over past three years has left around 60 per cent of supply unprofitable
Egypt takes tough approach on IPR infringement
The Egyptian authorities believe the issue of illegally grown grape varieties is best solved at source, investing in the latest DNA machines to take random samples
BRICS Summit offers up fresh perspectives
Expansion of BRICS membership will bring new realities for the South African fresh produce export business
Fruit Logistica 2024 tickets now available
Organiser Messe Berlin reports rise in demand for stand space at the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business, as visitor tickets go on sale.
Rockit launches Back to School campaign in Middle East
Ready. Set. Rocket. Back to School will build on last year’s marketing campaign
Asia Fruit Logistica exhibitor previews: Europe, Middle East and Africa
Asiafruit previews some of the Europe, Middle East and Africa-based exhibitors set to highlight a wide range of products and services at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong on 6-8 September 2023
IPD presents new opportunities at Fruit Attraction
Avocados, berries and herbs from a range of countries are among the products that will be on show in Madrid next month
Sustainability report shows importance of affordability and convenience
A new study finds three-quarters of consumers wish to live more sustainably, with convenience and affordability the main impediments
Karastergiou Bros braced for harsher climate
Soaring temperatures represent an additional challenge for the Greek pear and stonefruit supplier, which is already managing the impact of the spring’s hailstorms and rainfall
Turbulent times for Iranian banana imports
Since Donald Trump backed out of the JCPOA deal with Iran, the country’s banana importers have faced familiar hurdles in sourcing fruit
Maersk opens first UAE coldstorage facility
New facility spread over 13,000m2 at Dubai Industrial City serves the FMCG sector with ”uninterrupted cold chain logistics solutions”
Sustainable investments boost Saudi agriculture
Investments to support modern technologies and promote sustainable development are boosting the Kingdom’s agricultural sector
Neom urges creativity, collaboration and commitment
Neom Food’s Dr Juan Carlos Motamayor says he is confident we can develop the solutions needed to grow crops in conditions of extreme heat and water scarcity and create a more sustainable world
Rockit signs Lulu deal in Middle East
Apple brand signs year-long MOU with hypermarket group to help grow the Middle Eastern market
Fruitbox 95 · Sir Charles Godfray, Oxford University
Chris and Sir Charles discuss what population growth and climate change mean for the global food system
UAE welcomes better mango season in Pakistan
Following last year’s heat wave-affected season, a good quality mango crop from Pakistan is expected to bring prices down on the UAE market
Tomatoes remain big business
Growth in volume and value of globally traded fresh and chilled tomatoes shows the appetite remains for the salad staple
Salix Fruits reports smooth transition in citrus supply
CEO Alejandro Moralejo analyses the current US import citrus market as it transitions from Northern to Southern Hemisphere supply
Uganda's avocado ambitions
Fred Searle travels to the East African nation as it begins to export Hass for the very first time. The aim: to establish the country as a trusted supplier and help lift small-scale farmers out of poverty
Chilean cherry exports set new record
Volume of shipments rises to 415,315 tonnes thanks to recovery in Chinese demand
Haskelberg and IG Deccan enter avocado propagation partnership
Deal will enable IG Deccan to bring the best genetics from Israel to India and help in the local production of avocados
Brexit has ‘boosted trade opportunities’ for East Africa
Kenyan export consultant says East African producers stand to benefit from competitive production and labour costs as UK importers look to keep down costs and avoid red tape
Rockit partners with charity for Ramadan
Collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent will see funds donated for every Ramadan-inspired Rockit giftbox sold
TropiWorld gets growing in exotics
Exotics specialist TropiWorld is increasingly expanding into production, as it sees demand blossom for exotic roots, vegetables and fruits
Fruit and veg shortages raise blood pressure, says study
Data-led research into availability of fresh produce and its effect on human health suggests access to fruit and veg is vital for consumers
Sizeable challenges for Egypt
Small citrus sizes and increased costs present a challenge for Egyptian exporters, but high European demand for strawberries, salads and other vegetables has been a blessing
Blue Skies celebrates 25 years of ‘people, profit and quality’
Adding value at source, employing local people, and transforming communities has been central to the supplier’s approach since sending its first fruit to UK in 1998
Looking up for Egyptian grapes
The depreciation of the Egyptian pound is exacerbating rising costs for Egyptian firms, but progress on new varieties is good news for Egypt, says Karim Fayed, operations manager at Fata Farms
Logistical issues continue to impact Turkish exporters
Port congestion has eased off in southern Turkey two weeks on from the earthquake, but low availability of trucks, diverted to the disaster zone, is pushing up prices
World of Fresh Ideas · Rory Byrne, Dole
The CEO of the world’s largest fruit and veg company reflects on major challenges and exciting growth opportunities for the business
Understand the business better with Fruit Logistica’s free report
Produced by Fruitnet, publication provides expert analysis of the industry’s most important trends, key developments, and some big challenges ahead
MENA region must work together on water security
Collaboration between the public and private sectors and use of the latest water efficiency technologies are seen as crucial for the future security of the region
Tunisia sees fruit exports rise in 2022
Fruit export volumes from the North African country increased by 41 per cent last year compared with 2021, with watermelons and peaches leading the way
Iranian banana imports change course
Iran is increasingly turning to Indian bananas, as multiple factors reduce the volumes coming from the Philippines and Ecuador and as sanctions continue to limit importers’ options
Macfrut 2023 targets leadership goal
International trade fair prepares to mark 40th anniversary with expanded programme of events and two additional exhibitiuon halls.