USA: Pineapple, apple top list of children’s favorite fruits

Oct 31, 2009 - Billings Gazette

Pineapple is by far the most popular item in a snack program that serves fresh fruits and vegetables to students at eight Billings elementary schools. ... read more...

Decline in May figures

by David Ivanovic

EU imports amounted to 86,200 tons in May 2009, a figure 13% than what was recorded for the same month last year; however, total pineapple imports for between January and May of this year were slightly higher compared with 2008.

David will be in Japan! Any requests?

by David Ivanovic

I'll be in Japan for a couple of days, and I'll take that opportunity to meet some key players involved in exotics product imports and to share with you how they are marketed in this 130 million people market.

Mata!

Thailand: Tipco confident of pickup in exports in 2nd half

July 14, 2009 - The Nation Business

Tipco Foods (Thailand) is confiฌdent that its exports in the second half of the year will be better than during the first six months, as customers in overseas markets have started spendฌing again. The company produces, distribฌutes and exports canned pineapple, pineapple juice and mixed fruit juice under the Tipco brand. Managing director ... read more...

Côte d'Ivoire: un plan de sauvetage de 30 millions d'euros pour l'ananas

July 13, 2009 - Abidjan.net

La filière ananas de Côte d'Ivoire, en crise depuis plusieurs années, s'est dotée d'un "plan de sauvetage" de 20 milliards de FCFA (30 millions d'euros) pour relancer la production et reconquérir le marché européen, son principal débouché, a annoncé lundi son responsable. Ce plan vise à installer "d'ici deux ans 300 petits planteurs, chacun ... lire davantage...

New US import data available tomorrow!

by David Ivanovic

Stay tuned as tomorrow I’ll publish the latest US import data for May 2009. EU data will be availalbe a few weeks later.

Taiwan pineapple exports increase sharply

July 8, 2009 - Taiwan News

The volume of pineapples exported in the first half of 2009 rose 112% to a record 1,601 tons, compared to 753 tons in the same period last year, according to the agency's statistics. In recent years, the council has been promoting initiatives such as Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) for fruits and vegetables, Certified Agricultural ... read more...

Kenya: Kirdi to build Sh5m pineapple factory

July 7, 2009 - The Standard

The Kenya Industrial Research Institute (Kirdi) is building a Sh5 million pineapple factory in Homa Bay District to streamline marketing of the crop in Southern Nyanza. The institute has taken over the former Homa Bay Millers and work on the plant is going on. Farmers termed the construction of the factory a major breakthrough for the region’s economy. ... read more...

South Africa: Unlocking new future for pineapple

July 7, 2009 - Dispatch Online

THE Eastern Cape’s pineapple industry faces a bright future after the completion of a multi-million rand study funded by the provincial development agency, Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), which aims to unlock the dietary fibre richness of the pineapple (Ananas Comosus) plant. The study, the second of three, is part of a public and private partnership to address several ... read more...

European imports are up so far this year but significantly lower in April

by David Ivanovic

Total EU imports for the first 4 months of 2009 are 6% higher than last year, however imported volumes for April were lower by 9% compared to the same month in 2008.

Australia: New levy for pineapple growers

July 1, 2009 - abc.news.net.au

As of today, pineapple growers across the nation will be paying a new levy.Last year, growers voted for the levy which is $2 per tonne for pineapples heading straight to the processor and $5 per tonne for those sold on the fresh market. Doug Christensen from a Brisbane market wholesaler says the money will be primarily spent on research and ... read more...

Cuba: Ciego de Avila fighting to recover the pineapple production kingdom

The geographic lack of concentration of the pineapple plantations in 102 cultivation areas, conform the strategy of Ciego de Avila province for recovering the Cuban leadership in the fruits queen harvest.

Almost all municipalities dedicate their lands to the promotion of the fruit, fact that is no more an exclusive responsibility of the state including farmers ... read more...

Ecuadorian pineapple exports 'recover'

June 18, 2009 – by Reefer Trends

After a dip in value last year the country’s Central Bank reports that pineapple exports in the first four months of 2009 are trending similarly to 2007.

US: Golden Goodness

June 16, 2009

Organics Unlimited Organic Pineapples now available throughout the U.S.

Organics Unlimited is now offering organic pineapples throughout the United States. Organic gold pineapples, which are being shipped from Ecuador through the Port of Los Angeles to ensure quality and freshness, will soon be available under the GROW (Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers) label. Rich in Vitamin C and fiber, gold pineapples continue to lead as one of the most popular types of produce in the U.S. with its peak seasons in spring and summer.

"By utilizing small growers in Ecuador, we are continuing our mission to provide better lives for the workers, their families, and future generations," says Organics Unlimited President, Mayra Velazquez de Leon. "In an effort to assist our partners meet the growing demand for high quality produce, Organics Unlimited is now offering the gold standard of organic gold pineapples which will soon feature the GROW label."

The GROW program was established in 2005 by Mayra and Manuel Velazquez de Leon. Through this program, buyers in the United States can help improve the lives of these workers through a small surcharge on each box of GROW produce. GROW has provided educational assistance, scholarships, homework clubs, dental health and medical assistance to the workers and their families. Produce sold with the GROW label are available exclusively through Organics Unlimited.

All Organics Unlimited produce is USDA certified "organic", ensuring quality organic processes are used in all growing and handling of the produce. Organics Unlimited works closely with growers to oversee the growing process. Through standardizing growing from one farm to another, they ensure the finest and most consistent quality for their customers.

Contact:
+1 619.710.0658
www.organicsunlimited.com

EU Pineapple Imports in 2008 / 1st part

by David Ivanovic

In 2008, pineapple imports for the EU-15 have witnessed another big jump in terms of pineapple shipments. Between 2004 and 2008, arrivals have grown by nearly 80%, representing an annual growth rate of 15%.

Costa Rica is the main locomotive in this highly competitive market, growing from 250,000 metric tonnes in 2004 to 670,000 four years later. Latin American suppliers are confirming their leaderships while traditionnal West African suppliers are progressively switching their products from Smooth Cayenne to MD-2 varieties.

In 2008, pineapple imports recorded a CIF value of €595 million.

Project for management of pests and diseases in pineapple

A union between two private companies from Costa Rica and the Netherlands are investigating how to help pineapple producers to produce environmentally fair products in Pital, San Carlos. It will start this year with a project of international character whose goal is to offer alternatives for pest and disease control in the cultivation of pineapples by small and medium producers. This project was started given the increasing participation of Costa Rica in the international market as an exporter of agricultural products such as pineapple and the market trends as forcing domestic producers to be not only competitive, but to adapt to market demands. In this regard it is noteworthy to mention that the international markets (especially European) are increasingly seeking producers who comply with regulations, standards and certifications such as Fair Trade, which seeks voluntary trade relations, friendly and just between producers and consumers.

Taking into account that to achieve social and economic justice, the application of measures of friendly production with people and the environment is where the proposed project arose from.

TASTE Dutch company dedicated to promoting Fair Trade, together with the Dutch company Koppert Biological Systems, who are dedicated to control agricultural pests and diseases by using living organisms or derivatives that are safe for the environment or human beings, have taken the step to fund the project that seeks to change the old paradigms of using highly toxic chemicals to control pests and disease in pineapples. In Costa Rica the project is implemented by the company Reflex Central America and the Association PROAGROIN, so commercial products and products of the company Koppert BS will be evaluated scientifically in two pineapple farms in Guatuso de San Carlos.

For all parties involved in this project it is prideful to plan and evaluate a new production that can bring benefits to international trade, as well as for domestic producers and ultimately consumers.

Contact:

Reflex S.A Central America
Tel: +506 2273-0981
Email: info@reflexca.com

Publication date: 6/5/2009

AU: Sweet future for pineapple growers

One of only two remaining pineapple farmers in the Gympie region to still have a Golden Circle canning contract, veteran grower Ken Buchanan sees the future as sweet.

Food manufacturer Heinz formally took ownership of Golden Circle on December 19, 2008 and for Mr Buchanan it's business as usual at the family's 4000 tonne a year Sandowne Pineapple Company.

He says while it's early days, once the integration is complete he is cautiously optimistic about the continued viability of pineapple growing in the area.

“We hope it will be good - it will take 12 months to sort out where Golden Circle fits in to their organisation.”

The gradual decline of growers in an area that prided itself on producing a solid percentage of the state's pineapples is not without its problems in an industry that is simply not as profitable as it once was.

“There's still some other growers (in the region) but they won't be replanting,” he said. “It's causing some difficulties with transport - there's less pineapples going out and that impacts on the economies of scale and people aren't eating as many pineapples,” he said.

Imported pines, he says, are an influencing factor, but not a major one. Like most Queensland pineapple growers, he is welcoming the new national pineapple industry levy that will come in on July 1.

The levy was proposed by the Australian pineapple industry body Growcom and was met with overwhelming endorsement from growers. Pineapple Growers Advancement Group chairman Chris Fullerton said in the first year the research and development levy would be used to address a range of urgent research needs including chemical registration and research into more modern and effective pest and disease control methods.

Mr Buchanan agrees with the levy's focus: “Nothing happens if you don't have the money,” he said.

Growing premium pineapples for some 40 years means Mr Buchanan has seen many changes in the industry and has always embraced innovation in streamlining production. Sandowne is the only farm in the region growing the Golden Circle Gold hybrid - its less acid, sweeter taste becoming favoured on the fresh fruit market.

“The price is about two-thirds more than smooths so it's quite attractive to grow them,” he said.


Source: gympietimes.com.au

Publication date: 5/27/2009

Australia: Pineapple growers want to decide how levy is used

The Pineapple Growers' Advancement Group says it's determined to spend the new pineapple levy in consultation with growers.

The levy of $2 for production fruit and $5 for fresh fruit will be introduced on July 1.

PGAG chairman Chris Fullerton says growers are keen to see more research and development, as well as promotional projects for the industry.

"So we have identified priorities where those growers think the best spend for their money should be directed," he says.

"We are really going to concentrate on spending the grower's money on where they want it spent most."


Source: abc.net.au

Publication date: 5/28/2009

Chiquita pineapple bites named best new fruit product at the United Fresh Produce annual convention

Healthy snacks attracted a lot of attention at the 2009 annual convention and expo of the United Fresh Produce Association in Las Vegas. Chiquita Pineapple Bites was named Best New Fruit or Vegetable Product as the produce trade association announced the winners of its first-ever competition in new product categories.

All United Fresh convention exhibitors were eligible to submit new products, and each entry was evaluated on the following criteria: impact on fresh produce quality and consumer satisfaction; potential to enhance industry profitability and sales; innovation and creativity in product concept; and use of new technology to create added value. Chiquita Pineapple Bites won the best new fruit or vegetable product award, while Fresh Express branded Gourmet Cafe Salad was a finalist in the broader new product competition making Chiquita the only company with two finalists for best new product consideration.

Pineapple Bites was launched in April in grocery stores throughout the U.S. The single-serve 2.8-ounce pineapple spear comes in two flavors: traditional and coconut. The product can be frozen or eaten fresh and is packaged like a push-up popsicle without the stick. The new product idea came from research with consumers who asked about making fresh fruit more portable and easier to eat anywhere you want.

"We were delighted to be recognized by our peers for new product innovation and creativity," said Brian Kocher, president of Chiquita North America. "Chiquita Pineapple Bites is an example of our innovation work designed to win the hearts and minds of consumers with branded fresh foods."

"We are proud to be able to extend our leadership position in bananas and value-added salads while creating consumer excitement in the growing category of healthy snacks," added Kocher.

About Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. is a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and value-added food products - from energy-rich bananas and other fruits to nutritious blends of convenient green salads. The company markets its healthy, fresh products under the Chiquita(R) and Fresh Express(R) premium brands and other related trademarks. With annual revenues of nearly $4 billion, Chiquita employs approximately 23,000 people and has operations in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Publication date: 5/6/2009

US: Pineapple, the true miracle fruit

When it comes to a healthy diet, all of us are aware that a nutritional regimen consisting of an abundance of fruits and vegetables is a sure way to a healthy lifestyle. Some plant based foods fight cancer, some assist in bolstering the immune system, and still others make the aging process a bit more palatable by assuaging such maladies as macular degeneration. Each vegetable and fruit seems to have its own “specialty” when it comes to the health benefits they provide.

All except for the pineapple; this wonderfully tasty fruit doesn’t just have one specialty, it offers a plethora of health benefits that no miracle drug could ever claim. Indigenous to South America, primarily Brazil and Paraguay, here are some of the pluses that pineapple provides to the health conscious:

Vitamin C

Pineapples have an abundance of this free radical fighting vitamin, along with a good portion of B1, B6 and magnesium, according to the online journal “Elements 4 Health.” Centuries ago, explorers discovered that the fruit was an effective “cure” for scurvy; thus the first instances of pineapple importation across the continents.

Bromelain

Many of the positive health benefits come from one substance found throughout the pineapple: bromelain. Bromelain is a protein ingesting enzyme, known as a proteolytic enzyme, that aids digestion and “banishes inflammation better than drugs,” according to Barbara Minton, editor of Natural Health.

According to a study conducted by Duke University Medical Center, bromelain is an effective agent against bowel disease. Already effective on its own, bromelain also works as a catalyst with other substances and enzymes to produce favorable results. As far as breaking down proteins, bromelain is as effective as meat tenderizer.

More Health Benefits

Pineapple, loaded with the “miracle” enzyme bromelain, doesn’t just aid digestion and the immune system. Following are more benefits noted by researchers:

Reduces Swelling

Because of its anti-inflammatory attributes, the bromelain in pineapple reduces swelling in bruises and sprains. Doctors have also found that it can reduce postoperative swelling and tenderness.

And, according to “Elements 4 Health,” clinical studies have shown that treating osteoarthritis patients with proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain is equivalent in effectiveness to NSAID treatment.

Benefits the Circulatory System

Heart patients can benefit from bromelain because it eliminates thrombosis in its entirety, according to the journal “Med Hypotheses.” The enzyme also significantly reduces excessive coagulating of the blood.

Fights Free Radicals

According to a recent article in Natural Health, researchers found that skin tumors in laboratory mice were reduced by 65%. Volume in the tumors was significantly reduced because the bromelain results in the up-regulation of the anti-cancer gene p53.

Historically, the pineapple has been a symbol for hospitality. Soon it will become increasingly known for its myriad health benefits; truly, some “[pine]apple a day, helps keep the doctor away.”


Source: foodconsumer.org

Publication date: 5/4/2009

Awe Sum offers gold pineapple from

05/01/2009 By Ashley Bentley

Organic importer Awe Sum Organics Inc. is bringing in a new Peruvian gold pineapple this year.

A pineapple being imported into the U.S. from Peru by Awe Sum Organic Inc. under the Sol Sol label is an improved variety, says David Posner, president and chief executive officer.

Capitola, Calif.-based Awe Sum Organics, formerly Farmers Fruit Express Inc., expected its first shipment of the MD2 gold pineapple late April.

“It’s a better variety of gold pineapple,” said David Posner, president and chief executive officer. “It’s grown right next to the equator, so it’s really sweet and juicy because of the nice, dry climate.” click for more...

DA researcher discovers technique to grow pineapple that meets export standards

A researcher from the Research Outreach Station of the Department of Agriculture (DA) here has discovered a technique for growing export-quality pineapple.

“Pineapple performs well when given the right amount of fertilizer,” and the new technique would give fruit growers fruits “that are in accordance with the standards of the export market,” DA researcher Inocencio Obrero said.

In his study entitled “Performance of Queen Pineapple as Influenced by Varying Amounts of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizers,” Obrero found out that nitrogen and potassium applied to the soil improve the height, length and width of the pineapple plant’s leaves.

Attaining a specific plant growth means high-quality fruits that suit the requirements of the export market, he said.

Applying of nitrogen and 200 kilograms of potassium to a hectare of land planted with the Formosa queen variety would prompt the plants to yield the desired fruit quality, Obrero said.

This rate of fertilizer application also highly influences the total soluble solids or sugar (TSS) of the fruit although it has little effect on crown size and sucker production, he said.

“Both nitrogen and potassium fertilizers are vital to increasing the weight and size of queen pineapples. To pass the export requirement, the fruit should be 15 centimeters in length, 10 centimeters in diameter and 14-percent TSS [content],” he said.

This is a welcome breakthrough as farmers, particularly in Camarines Norte—one of the top producers of queen pineapple variety in the country—can now produce fruits of the required length, diameter and sweetness, according to DA regional executive director Jose Dayao.

“This means more income for farmers as fruits produced through this technique command a higher price,” Dayao said.

Obrero’s study, DA regional chief said, was designed to improve the queen pineapple production of Camarines Norte and other parts of the Bicol region.

Pineapple fruits from the province are export products that have penetrated several markets, like the US, Japan and Australia. Through this breakthrough in research, “our queen pineapple would become more competitive in the world market,” Dayao added.

While Camarines Norte is Bicol’s main pineapple producer, it has also emerged as a key source of hand-loomed fabric that uses fiber out of pineapple leaves. The fabric is mainly used as material for the Filipino costume barong Tagalog.

“Indeed, our pineapple of the Formosa queen variety, whose fruits are not only sold in the domestic market but also exported abroad, offers our farmers a good source of income,” Vice Mayor Serafin Raymundo of this provincial capital said. “And now the fibers of its leaves provide an alternative source of livelihood for our handloom weavers.”

With the quality of pineapple leaves enhanced by the technique discovered by Obrero, farmers would be able also to produce more fiber for weaving the piña cloth, he added.


Source: businessmirror.com.ph

Publication date: 5/4/2009

Malaysia: Kubang Pasu to have big pineapple plantation

The Kubang Pasu district is set to become Kedah's largest pineapple exporting area soon.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Johari Baharum said a study had shown that the district could host a commercial-scale pineapple plantation.

Johari, who is also the Kubang Pasu member of parliament, said the ministry was planning to plant pineapple on a 1,200ha site in the district soon.

"The soil quality and rain-fall is suitable to plant pineapples.

"There is a 200ha pineapple plantation in Bukit Kayu Hitam near here, which produces good quality crop," he said here on Saturday.
Johari said he would meet the district's Area Farmers Association to discuss the matter.

He added that he would also seek help from the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board to advise villagers and farmers interested in planting the crop.

"The plantation will help generate income for rural folk," he said.

"There is great demand in the market for raw and processed pineapples.

"I hope the people of Kubang Pasu will use this opportunity to improve their livelihood."



Source: nst.com.my

Germany: Police stumbles upon $37m illegal drugs hidden in pineapples from Ghana

German customs stumbled across 28 million euros (37 million dollars) worth of illegal drugs hidden amongst seven tonnes of pineapples in Hamburg harbour, officials said yesterday.

“While unloading a ship from Ghana, we came across a container full of pineapples meant to be delivered to a fashion boutique in Western Germany,” custom official, Dietmar Schulze said.

“It seemed bizarre that a clothing store would order 15 tonnes of pineapples so we launched an investigation.”

Scanning and searching the container revealed that it contained five and a half tonnes of marihuana as well as 18 kilograms hashish—both preparations of cannabis. Schulze said it was the biggest drug bust for more than 15 years.


Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com

Publication date: 3/26/2009

DAVCO moving towards greener environment

In the recent multi-partite monitoring team meeting of Davao Agricultural Ventures Corporation (DAVCO), a company engaged in the production of fresh pineapples under the Del Monte label for export to international markets, the goal of moving further towards a greener environment for 2009 was delineated.

DAVCO Environment Officer, Norman Antipala, presented the company plan to continuously plant fruit-bearing and non-bearing trees to areas adjacent to water sources and major rivers such as Panigan River , Cogon Creek, Gumalang Creek and Talomo River in Baguio District, Davao City , where the pineapple plantation is located. This is intended to prevent soil erosion especially in sloping areas and provide watershed and buffer easement protection.

“We are employing necessary procedures to keep our operations safe for the people in the area and to protect our environment as well. In fact, we conduct water sampling twice a year and soil sampling every two years”, said Antipala.

Planting of coffee is another prospect as it could serve as an additional easement and buffer protection zone for nearby squat houses as well as provide dwellers supplementary livelihood. Moreover, in the last four months, the company has already planted almost 3,000 fruit bearing and non-bearing trees as part of their corporate social responsibilities.

The multi-partite monitoring team composed of representatives from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority (FPA), Davao City Agriculture Office, Davao City Engineers Office and Davao City Planning Office, comes in a regular basis to conduct area inspection and makes sure that dwelling buffer for newly acquired and planted areas is implemented.

DAVCO, an affiliate of Anflo Group of Companies, is a joint venture of Del Monte Fresh Produce International, Inc. since 1981 and has been exporting its products to as far as Japan , Hong Kong , Korea , Middle East and New Zealand .

Contact:
Ms. Korrine Gil
ANFLOCOR CorpCom
Davao City, Philippines
Tel: 00639206653357/082-2348202
corpcom269@yahoo.com


Publication date: 3/24/2009

Sri Lanka seeks to raise pineapple export to Pakistan

Seeking to increase its fruit exports, the Sri Lankan Government has undertaken a marketing campaign to sell pineapples to Pakistan. Pineapples in Sri Lanka are grown in an area of over 4,750 hectares producing over 35,000 tons a year. The fruit is grown on a large scale in the country as it has a ready demand in the international market.

Fruits and nuts constitute less than one per cent of Sri Lanka s total exports, official data shows. Besides pineapple, Sri Lanka exports jack fruits, passion fruits and avocado to various countries.

Moves are afoot to encourage high density planting and intensive management to enhance production of high quality pineapple production, officials said. Last month, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Karachi organised a Sri Lankan pineapple promotional campaign.

Besides carrying out demonstrations on the correct way of cutting pineapple, the promoters in Karachi also offered the public to taste the delicious fruit. Sri Lankan pineapple has penetrated into the Pakistan after the implementation of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement with effect from June 2005.

Source: indiainfo.com

Publication date: 1/3/2008

Ghana, Africa, pineapple farmers, others to benefit from Praxis Strategy Group expertise

Delore Zimmerman's arrival in the African country of Ghana's capital city, Accra, meant a winning outcome for his host from the very start.

'Very few Americans visit the countryside in Ghana,' Zimmerman, President of Praxis Strategy Group, explains. 'My colleague, Tony Mensah, told his business associates he could bring an American businessperson there, and they bet that he couldn't. It was
a lighthearted beginning to a very productive, fruitful visit to a country full of potential and one of the African continent's strongest democracies.'

Fruitful, indeed.

One of the efforts underway as a result of Zimmerman's visit is organizing a group to import pineapples to North America, possibly organic pineapples, through a sustainable farm community project. The core group consists of Tony Mensah, Kwami Ofei of Farm Anas Ltd. - a commercial grower of mango and papaya - and a professor from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). The pineapple will be grown by women brought together as a farm-based organization (FBO) that will focus on sustainable, low-impact use of natural resources - an initiative that is part of the Paramount Chief Osaadeayo Nana Addo Danquah III's vision for the Akaupem area.

'Pineapple production provides vital work and income in the pineapple growing regions, yet the current structure and organization can be improved, especially for exports to the United States,' Zimmerman explains. 'We're now working on putting together a market for the pineapples, likely out of Los Angeles, California, because it provides a larger base of people for the contract. Our colleagues in Ghana will organize the farmers while we organize the buying groups and marketing efforts.'

As a developing country, Ghana now relies on a few primary commodities and minerals for revenue and foreign exchange. Cocoa, snails, mangos, pineapples, gold and timber are all important export products for the African country. Zimmerman and Praxis Strategy Group are helping coordinate efforts to improve production techniques, production, packaging and shipping for enhanced export opportunities. Praxis is also leading efforts to organize a first-ever agricultural expo for Ghana that will include participants from across North America.

Preserving history

The initial impetus for Zimmerman's visit was to speak at a rural economic development conference a few days before Ghana's annual Odwira Festival. The Odwira Festival is celebrated in the fall by the people of the Akwapem traditional area. The festival is mainly the dramatization of Akwapem sacred traditions, myths and olden day legends, handed down by the ancestors of the 'Oman.'

'The Festival has been held since 1826, and the celebration includes an amazing number of events,' Zimmerman explains. 'In participating in the festival, we learned that there is no cultural museum for the area, so we're also now looking at securing funding through foundations and development banks to establish a cultural museum for the Akuapem area. Separately, an architect is working on designs for a museum.'

Moderate efforts yield major accomplishments 'Ghana's key challenges are development, sanitation and healthcare,' Zimmerman says. 'The chiefs, sub-chiefs and everyone I met with is very entrepreneurial minded and motivated to do their part to develop their country. It's rewarding that even moderate efforts can produce a major impact on improving their lives and preserving their heritage.'

Zimmerman plans to return to Ghana in the fall of 2009 to participate in the Odwira Festival and lead a tour of other economic developers and agri-business professionals from around the world. As to the other ambitious plans for that visit, all bets are off.

About Praxis Strategy Group

Praxis Strategy Group is a growth strategy company that works with economic development corporations and agencies, research and development organizations, entrepreneurs and companies to develop and implement technology-based industry initiatives and business ventures. The Group specializes in economic strategies for small to medium-sized metropolitan, micropolitan and urbanized rural regions. Praxis Strategy Group is headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with offices in Fargo, North Dakota, and Los Angeles, California.

Publication date: 3/6/2009

Farmers in Misamis Oriental launch commercial-scale pineapple plantation

Small-scale farmers in this small agricultural town are currently testing the suitability of pineapple, a major export crop for Northern Mindanao, amid local conditions, specifically, in terms of soil quality and availability of rainfall.

And from initial results, the town could host commercial-scale production of this high-value crop.

Although produced in many parts of Misamis Oriental as well as in the nearby province of Bukidnon, pineapple has not been grown here in commercial quantity in the past. The town is largely covered with coconut trees along its coastline, intercropped with bananas and other tropical fruits such as lanzones, and mangoes.

Changes, however, are happening with interventions from Del Monte Philippines, Inc. and several government agencies.

Two weeks ago, farmers made their initial harvest of pineapples in a 10-hectare area. Most of these farmers were members of the local cooperative that benefited from a pineapple-growing project.

Dubbed PineappleGrow, it is a joint project of the Salay government, Del Monte, Land Bank of the Philippines and Department of Agrarian Reform. More than 220 farmer beneficiaries benefited from the project under the agribusiness enterprise initiative of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

In the project concept, Del Monte provided the technology and serves as the market for the fruits harvested. The Landbank extends its financial assistance to the farmer growers.

Del Monte operates major pineapple plantations in Bukidnon as well as cannery in this city’s Bugo area.

Landbank has been active in funding agribusiness projects, not only in Mindanao where most of these ventures are, but nationwide. The bank recently announced that it has released a total of P23.5 billion in loans to small farmers and fisherfolk in various regions. Its report stated that loans for crop production grew by P3.8 billion to P10.2 billion last year from P6.4 billion in 2007.

The agribusiness development program of CARP, said Agrarian Reform regional officials, enhances the capability of agrarian reform communities to further increase their contribution to the country’s gross domestic product as well as increase the income of the rural farmers.


Source: bworldonline.com

Publication date: 2/27/2009

US: Chiquita wins melon farms' lawsuit

Chiquita Brands International may have suffered major losses on Wall Street in recent days, but the downtown-based produce giant scored a victory in a federal suit over a pricing dispute that saved the company at least $8 million and possibly more. A pair of Honduras-based melon farms had sued Chiquita in U.S. District Court for what they claimed was unfair pricing on their product at the end of the growing season.

But on Feb. 13, an eight-person jury found in favor of defendant Chiquita on all 11 claims. "Even though the plaintiffs threw a 'kitchen sink' of specious claims at Chiquita - like fraudulent inducement and violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act - the jury quickly saw them for what they were: desperate attempts to extort more money from the company," said Michael Cioffi, chief trial lawyer for law firm Blank Rome LLP, which represented Chiquita in the case argued in Cincinnati.

Chiquita's stock has been battered since late last week, when it reported a fourth-quarter loss of nearly $412 million. Chiquita shares closed at $5.60 Monday, down $1.67 or 23 percent.

The suit hinged on a marketing agreement between Chiquita and the two farms signed in 2001. Chiquita sold the remnants of that growing season for less than the original market price as stipulated in that contract, company officials said.

The farms said the fruit was worth full price, and sued in October 2002 for at least $8 million in compensatory damages, legal fees and interest, as well as unspecified punitive damages and a refund of Chiquita's profits from the sales. The total value of the melons for that season was $33 million, and Chiquita resold the fruit in U.S. markets on behalf of the farms for a 7 percent commission.

The case finally went to trial this month.


Source: news.cincinnati.com


Publication date: 2/25/2009

MPIB seeks to develop Sabah's pineapple industry

The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board is seeking some 15,000 hectares of land to jointly develop the flagging pineapple industry in Sabah. It is also seeking a similar acreage in neighbouring Sarawak. Its Chairman, Datuk Ir Hasni bin Mohammad told Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, here today that the board felt that the state had the potential and sufficient land to become a major pineapple player in the country.

He said the land could be developed in clusters or via cooperative to enable the people, particularly the hardcore poor, to participate in the pineapple industry of the two states. Hasni said MPIB would provide financial assistance and technical know-how as well as marketing expertise to help Sabah pineapple growers succeed.

He told Musa during a courtesy call on the latter at Wisma Innoprise that the Board would be able to start as early as next year, and that a Sabah regional office had already been opened to lay the groundwork.

In a statement issued through the Sabah Land Development Board, which will be working closely with the MPIB, Hasni said all that was needed to be done now was to extend the Pineapple Industry Act to these two states.

"The Act has to be amended to include Sabah and Sarawak under its jurisdiction and a draft has already been prepared and agreeable by all parties concerned," he told the Chief Minister.

"By this extension order, once it is passed in Parliament, we will then be able to spread our wings to east Malaysia and carry out our various programmes," he said, adding that suitable land had been identified.

Hasni said MPIB would work closely with SLDB to come out with various schemes to encourage smallholders to plant pineapples with the assurance of a guaranteed buy-back upon maturity, as well as assist small and medium scale industries using pineapples as feedstock.

He said there was good demand for Malaysian pineapples, and at the moment, some five to seven container-loads, were being exported weekly to the Middle East.

"This is not enough when we find that even the Koreans and Japanese are seeking Malaysian-grown pineapples, and it is difficult to expand our acreage in peninsular. As such we need to look at Sabah and Sarawak to grow more and to meet demand," he added.

While the overseas markets opted for fresh fruits, Hasni said downstream processing has seen MPIB come up with 10 products which included juices, canned cubes, pineapple-flavoured tea and coffee, jam, fritters etc.

Hasni said smallholders could be amply rewarded by going into the pineapple growing as a 10-acre farm would be able to earn the farmer a monthly RM5,000 income after the first crop is harvested.

He said MPIB would provide the smallholders or cooperatives with technical know-how, a fast-growing variety and fertilizer assistance as provided for under the Pineapple Industry Act, and would assist in purchasing the fruits for export or local processing.

It is understood that for a start, MPIB and SLDB would jointly work on a 100-acre piece of land in Ulu Bongawan as a trial plot, before suitable land is obtained in Sipitang, Beaufort and Nabawan regions.

Meanwhile, Musa said he welcomed MPIB's move and the participation of state-owned SLDB in this venture, adding that marketing was a critical factor in ensuring the success of the industry.

Meanwhile, SLDB general manager Encik Jhuvarri Majid said SLDB would soon undertake to plant the famous Babagon pineapples on a 300-acre piece of land in Penampang.


Source: bernama.com.my


Publication date: 2/25/2009

US: New growth for pineapple farming

Pineapple farming in Hawai'i declined sharply in the past few years at the hands of two agribusiness industry giants, but increasing numbers of small farmers see sweet opportunity in the crop long associated with the Isles. "Call us crazy, but let's hope we're crazy like a fox — not crazy crazy," said Craig Bowden, a farm industry veteran who partnered to start two local pineapple farm ventures three years ago and has rapidly expanded.

Bowden was one of 42 pineapple growers in the state in 2007, up from 34 in 2002 and 27 in 1997, according to the three most recent farm census reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The rise in pineapple farming involves mostly small farms, so the crop isn't about to reclaim its crown as king of Hawai'i agriculture — a title lost in 2006 to seed crops.

But the niche growth for pineapple is helping maintain agriculture's roots in Hawai'i and counters a perception for some that pineapple farming is dying out in the state.

"It's part of Hawai'i," said Mark Hudson, statistician for the state Department of Agriculture.

Plantation-scale pineapple farming in Hawai'i has suffered over several decades from competition largely from Central America and Asia where land and labor costs are cheaper. Hawai'i's pineapple production by acreage actually peaked in 1955, though the value of annual pineapple sales topped out in 1991 at $108 million.

Cutbacks seen

The most recent pullbacks involved Del Monte Fresh Produce leaving the local market in 2006, and a cutback last year by Maui Land & Pineapple Co. from roughly 2,000 acres to 1,000 acres. Dole Food Co. reduced its local pineapple business in 2006 from 3,100 acres to 2,700, and remains the biggest grower in the state.

Matthew Loke, agriculture development division administrator with the state Department of Agriculture, said Hawai'i farms still supply 100 percent of pineapple for local consumption, but the changes by big producers have created opportunity for more small farmers, especially organic producers and growers of special varieties.

New growth in local pineapple farming has mostly involved very small farms, according to census figures. On the Big Island, 19 pineapple farms averaged one acre in size. On Kaua'i, 16 acres of pineapple were spread over 13 farms.

Those in the industry suspect that some of the small farms counted in the census don't produce fresh fruit for commercial sale, or may only sell at farmers markets.

Bowden is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, among the new crop of Hawai'i pineapple farmers. A graduate of Kalani High School and former manager with Del Monte who worked in the Philippines, Hawai'i and Florida, Bowden partnered with fellow Kalani alumnus and crop research specialist Tom Menezes to start Hawai'i Pineapple Co. LLC in 2006 and produce fruit under a brand named Hawaiian Crown.

The company started with a few acres of its own pineapple variety sold in Times Super Market, and has since dramatically expanded by tens of acres and added more retail outlets including Foodland Super Market, KTA Super Stores and military commissaries.

Growth on big island

Hawai'i Pineapple Co. operates a farm on the Big Island, but most of its production comes from a partnership with large diversified crop grower Aloun Farm in Kunia on O'ahu.

Bowden said 99 percent of Hawaiian Crown pineapple is sold locally in stores typically for $1.59 to $1.79 a pound, with a few exports to places such as California, Las Vegas and even Dubai.

Bowden said plans are in the works to partner with two more existing farms on O'ahu and the Big Island that would double the size of the business.

On a smaller scale, Sweet Spirit Farms on the Big Island incorporated pineapple farming with a Kona coffee farm started in 2004 by Deb and Paul Sims after they moved to Hawai'i from the Mainland in 2003.

Deb Sims said they started planting crowns from white pineapple they bought to eat, and two years ago had accumulated enough plants to begin selling regularly at the local farmers market where the fruit typically sells for $3 a pound.

"They're easy to grow," she said. "They don't need a lot of care."

Sweet Spirit, which has about 3,600 coffee trees, has about 250 pineapple plants on one-fourth an acre, and Sims said she and her husband intend to plant more. "The supply I don't think meets the demand," she said.

Other small pineapple farmers include Phil Green, who grows organic pineapples on Kaua'i at Kaua'i Organic Farms, and James Bunten and Sharon Umbaugh of Bunten Farms who grow white pineapples on the Big Island.

The growth among small pineapple farmers, however, doesn't mean the business is easy or a sure thing. Small farmers have left the business in recent years, a reminder that farming is inherently tough with its exposure to inclement weather, pests and other factors that are hard to control.

Personal production

On Lana'i — once the world's largest pineapple plantation operated by Dole Food — only one commercial farmer is believed to be growing pineapple, but the plants aren't for commercial production.

Alberta De Jetley farms 18 acres planted in a variety of crops, including lettuce and bananas, sold to the island's two resorts and other local businesses. De Jetley said she first planted pineapple for fun about 18 months ago with about 20 plants, and has since more than doubled plantings of crowns she receives from a hotel bakery.

Still, De Jetley, who once contemplated asking Dole for propagation material for 200 plants, intends to keep her pineapple harvests small for sharing with friends and making what she said is a fantastic fruit salad.

"The pineapple is so amazing," she said. "Sweet, sweet, sweet."
Pineapple's history in Hawai'i

1813: Don Francisco de Paula y Marin, Spanish adviser to King Kamehameha I, introduces pineapple, or hala kahiki, to Hawai'i.

1885: Capt. John Kidwell, recognized as the pioneer of Hawai'i's pineapple industry, pursues crop development trials in Manoa.

1900: "California Homesteader" Alfred W. Eames starts selling fresh pineapple at what would become Del Monte Fresh Produce (Hawaii) Inc.

1901: Visionary businessman and future "Pineapple King" James Drummond Dole incorporates Hawaiian Pineapple Co. and begins growing fruit on 60 acres in Wahiawa.

1903: Maui's missionary Baldwin family establishes a company that would bring the pineapple industry to Maui and later become Maui Land & Pineapple Co.

1922: Dole buys nearly all of Lana'i to establish the world's largest pineapple plantation.

1930: 9 million cases of canned pineapple packed by eight canneries.

1955: Pineapple production peaks at 76,700 acres planted, and 1.5 million tons of harvested fruit.

Early 1960s: Hawai'i pineapple growers supply more than 80 percent of the world's canned pineapple output.

1966: Pineapple production is firmly in decline.

1983: Del Monte ceases Hawai'i pineapple canning operations.

1988: Last pineapple plantation on Moloka'i closes.

1989: Del Monte introduces fresh-cut chilled Hawai'i pineapple, the first nationally distributed, fresh-cut, refrigerated fruit item.

1990: Dole Food Co., successor to Hawaiian Pineapple Co., announces pineapple production on Lana'i will cease by 1993.

1991: Value of Hawai'i pineapple annual sales peaks at $108 million.

1992: Dole closes its Iwilei cannery and tears down its landmark pineapple water tower a year later.

1997: Del Monte unveils a premium pineapple, Del Monte Gold, described as sweeter than traditional varieties and the first new variety of commercial pineapple in Hawai'i in more than 20 years.

1998: Maui Pineapple, the largest single pineapple grower in the state, announces plans to extend operations to Indonesia and Central America to cut costs.

2004: Del Monte reduces pineapple farming on O'ahu from 6,000 acres to 4,000 acres.

2005: Fresh pineapple production and sales sink to their lowest since the state began keeping records in 1950.

2006: Del Monte shuts down all Hawai'i pineapple operations.

2007: Maui Pineapple, Hawai'i's last producer of canned pineapple, stops canning.

2008: Maui Pineapple announces plans to cut pineapple farming from 2,000 acres to around 1,000 acres, and warns that it will have to exit the business completely if financial losses can't be reversed.


Source: honoluluadvertiser.com

Publication date: 2/23/2009

Uganda: Luweero to get Sh1 billion pineapple factory

The Government, Kasana-Luweero Catholic Diocese and three private investors from Austria are to construct a sh1.2b pineapple-drying factory in Luweero district.

The state minister for investment, Semakula Kiwanuka, on Tuesday toured the proposed site and met some of the farmers who would supply the pineapples.

Kiwanuka said the Government would contribute 70% of the total cost to be released this financial year.

The move follows a 2007 visit to Luweero by investors from the south Austrian province of Corinthia headed by Olivia Mugabe, a Ugandan living in Austria.

Mugabe said the project is expected to be completed by February 2010.

She said the factory would be run by Nature Uganda, a newly registered co-operative entity which comprises 30 farmers in Luweero, three Austrian investors and Caritas Kasanaensis, the social services development arm of the Kasana-Luweero Diocese.

According to the terms of engagement, the 30 farmers will supply the fruits, Caritas Kasanaensis will provide extension services to the farmers, while Eine Weit AG, an Austrian firm, will handle fruit processing and marketing.


Source: allafrica.com

Publication date: 2/12/2009

Pineapple growers weather rains, tight economy

The Packer
By Cynthia David

(Feb. 11, Pineapple Marketing Profile) Between poor weather in Central America and an uncertain economic climate, the pineapple industry is preparing for a challenging year.

“It’s been a tough few months, but overall we see pineapple markets remaining steady,” said Ken Nabal, vice president of sales and logistics for Edinburg, Texas-based Frontera Produce Ltd., which sells mainly to retail and club stores.

Alan Dolezal, vice president of sales for Coral Gables, Fla.-based Turbana Corp., the North American marketer of Fyffes Gold pineapples, reports volumes for 2009 look to be relatively close to 2008.

“The market tightened dramatically right after the first of the year,” Dolezal said, “partially in response to seasonal fluctuations, but also due in large part to the exorbitant amount of rainfall Central America experienced in November and December.”

Production in Costa Rica alone is down by as much as 50% because of the weather, said Roc Baggett, senior category executive for grower-shipper Rosemont Farms, Boca Raton, Florida.

“With all the rain, the fruit didn’t size up,” Baggett said. “We now have a shortage of size 5s and 6s.”

While volumes from Costa Rica are usually lowest in January and February, Bill Sheridan, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Banacol Marketing Corp., Coral Gables, said volumes this year are down considerably because of weather.

“Customers are looking for value and looking more on a per-unit price,” Sheridan said.

On Jan. 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported prices of $13-14 for 5s and 6s, and $10-11 for 7s.

To weather the economic downturn, Nabal said Frontera is working well in advance to secure movement commitments for projected volumes.

“This environment will not allow for us to bring volume into the marketplace without a plan for the sale or knowing who we will sell the product to,” he said. “We can’t predict consumer spending patterns three months out.”

As for exports, Nabal said exports to Europe aren’t as attractive as they once were because currency exchange rates are in flux.

Growing areas

With Del Monte’s acquisition last June of independent grower Caribana, the company is well positioned to serve its North American and European customers, said Dennis Christou, vice president of marketing for Del Monte Fresh Produce, Coral Gables, Fla.

Dole, meanwhile, continues to expands its growing areas in Costa Rica, adding three new farms in the north-central Pacific area, said Bil Goldfield, communications manager for Dole Fresh Fruit Co., Westlake Village, Calif.

While Nabal sees Costa Rica as important for Frontera’s growth over the next five years and credits offshore production for an expected 20% increase in volume from 2008, he also sees major benefits from the company’s Mexican plantation.

“Our Mexican production is closer to the consumer, which reduces food miles,” Nabal said. “Faster transit times allow us to harvest at the peak of quality with higher golden shell color.”

Some of Frontera’s European customers prefer the Mexican pineapple over the Costa Rican product, he added.

Panama also has its fans, including Rosemont Farms, which spreads out its pineapple production between Costa Rica and Panama in case of problems in one area.

“All the production being planned and developed is going to Panama,” Baggett said. “Costa Rica is pretty tapped out, production cost is getting prohibitive and growers in certain areas are under pressure to sell their land for vacation homes.”

He praised Panama’s excellent growing conditions and sunny days, which allow shorter production time, and said the product is equal in quality to Costa Rica.

“The transportation hub is excellent,” Baggett said. “There’s the canal and you can ship off both coasts.”

Turbana, which produces its Fyffes pineapples mainly in Costa Rica, also sees Panama and Guatemala as up-and-comers, Dolezal said.

Outlook

Whether consumers see pineapples as an unnecessary expense or an affordable luxury remains to be seen.

Christou said regions of the country where pineapples are not regularly consumed are starting to show lighter sales and slower growth. On the other hand, he said, areas where there is a high concentration of ethnic cultures have not been affected.

He predicted that rapidly rising input prices will have to be passed on to consumers this year, but he’s confident consumers will continue to recognize the value of Del Monte’s extra sweet golds, even at a higher price.

“Pineapples are not a staple purchase for consumers,” said Goldfield, echoing the concern of many industry watchers. “If the economy continues in an unfortunate downward trend, pineapple sales may fall into a similar pattern.”

David Nelley, pineapple category director for The Oppenheimer Group, Vancouver, British Columbia, remains optimistic.

“We see a good outlook for pineapples even during the recession, as consumers who would otherwise eat out in restaurants reach for a pineapple at the grocery store as an affordable and healthy treat,” Nelley said.

US: First to market, Sundia’s True Fruit organic arrives in stores

Responding to consumer demand for organic produce, Sundia Corporation, today announced that True Fruit Organic, the only fruit cup on the market filled with ready-to-eat, organic fruit grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, can now be found in supermarkets. The cups come with a spork (combination fork and spoon).

“We developed True Fruit Organic for consumers committed to organically-grown food,” said Brad Oberwager. “Our fruit is packaged in clear containers to let them see the quality of the fruit which tastes as good as it looks, and we pasteurize to eliminate all safety concerns. It is now easy and convenient for organic food consumers to eat the recommended two servings of fruit per day.”

According to Oberwager, studies suggest that about 90% of Americans don’t eat the recommended amount of fruit per day, and convenience is often the reason cited for not doing so. “It’s for these people that we developed True Fruit – people who want to eat right but lead such busy lives that eating well is often a challenge,” he said.

Consumer awareness of the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables has risen in recent years and with that has come an increased demand for cut fruits and vegetables. Sundia is the first produce company to introduce a line of fruit cups filled with organically grown fruit.

True Fruit Organic, packed in 10.75 ounce cups, comes in three wholesome and delicious varieties -- - mango, peaches, or pineapple. The cups retail for $1.99 each.

Publication date: 2/4/2009

Costa Rica’s key players in fresh produce unite in strength for the first time with a country stand

Costa Rica at Fruit Logistica 2009

Costa Rica’s bananas, pineapples, papayas and tropical roots and tubers are present for the next three days in Berlin at the 17th edition of FRUIT LOGISTICA, one of the most important European fresh produce fairs.

Europe is the second biggest market for Costa Rica’s agricultural products. Four key players of the Costa Rican fresh produce industry, in cooperation with Procomer, the Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica, will be exhibiting their products at FRUIT LOGISTICA, namely:
CORBANA, the Costa Rica banana producers association
Nutrifresh de Costa Rica, the producer of new hybrid papaya called ‘Pococi’
Nayudel SA, a key pineapple exporter
B&C Exportadores, a specialist in tropical roots and tubers
Due to the fact that the agricultural sector accounts for 21.8% of Costa Rica’s total export revenue and almost half of total agricultural exports go to Europe, participation at the FRUIT LOGISTICA 2009 is crucial for Costa Rica as a country. More importantly, bananas and pineapples are Costa Rica’s second and third most valuable exports respectively, after microprocessor components. In total, all products exhibited at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2009 (bananas, pineapples, papaya, chayote, cassava, malanga and tiquisque) generated a significant €1,023.43 million in foreign currency receipts last year and constituted 64% of total agricultural exports.

Germany is a very important market for Costa Rican agricultural products as it is Europe’s second largest importer of Costa Rican agricultural products: German imports equal 20% of total European imports of Costa Rican agricultural produce. More than half of these imports are bananas and pineapples. In Germany, consumer expenditure on fruit per capita grew almost a quarter (24.4%) since 2003. Thus, fresh fruit supply is increasingly important for Germany. German consumption of fruit totalled €11,930.5 million in 2008 with an average annual growth rate of 4% since 2003.

Costa Rica Bananas, the World’s Best Bananas

CORBANA (the National Banana Corporation of Costa Rica) is a public non-governmental entity that promotes and develops Costa Rica’s banana industry under the slogan ‘World’s Best Bananas’. Its main objectives are to foster the sustainable development of the banana industry, to advise the government in the area of internal policies likely to affect the banana industry and to carry out research in the agricultural sector. For CORBANA, the quality of bananas is not measured just by their taste but also by the social and environmental conditions of their production. In 2008, global exports of Costa Rican bananas reached €517.6 million.

Papaya Pococí, a Novelty in Tropical Fruits

Nutrifresh de Costa Rica produces papaya and is currently exporting 80% of its production. At FRUIT LOGISTICA, Nutrifresh de Costa Rica will be introducing a new hybrid variety of papaya called Pococí, which was developed by the University of Costa Rica and is unknown to the European consumer. Due to its exquisite taste, this new variety of papaya has been very well accepted by Canadian consumers. In 2008, Costa Rican exports of papaya amounted to €847,270,000.

Quality Pineapples

Nayudel S.A. will be exhibiting its quality pineapples, which have been certified with high-standards labels such as FAIR TRADE, ISO 9000, ISO 14000, FDA ORGANICA, EUREP GAP and Rainforest Alliance. In 2008, Costa Rican exports of pineapples increased to €436.9 million. The European Union represents the second biggest market for Costa Rican pineapples and absorbs almost half of all exported Costa Rican pineapples. Of these exports, approximately 8% went to Germany.

The Passion for Tropical Produce

B&C Exportadores specialises in tropical roots and tubers. Among its main exports to Europe are chayote, cassava, malanga and tiquisque, which are EUREP GAP- and BASC-certified. Global exports of these exotic tropical products generated € 66.6 million in 2008.

“Having these four influential players united at this trade fair is very important for Costa Rica because Europe is a key market for our fresh produce and FRUIT LOGISTICA is therefore the place to be,” said Mr. Zacarías Ayub, Commercial Director of Procomer Europe.

Location: Costa Rica stand, Hall 25, Stand B-03 at the Messe Berlin, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin Germany.

About Procomer

Procomer is the official Trade and Promotion Office for the export of Costa Rican products and services. Procomer is represented in Latin America, the United States, Canada and Europe. The office falls under the expert guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and helps all local manufacturers communicate with foreign countries regarding exports.

www.procomer.com
www.corbana.co.cr
www.canapep.com
www.nutrifreshcr.com
www.bycexportadores.com

Publication date: 2/4/2009

Tesco calls for lower supplier prices

Fruitnet.com 31 January 2009

Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy claims suppliers must pass savings made from lower commodity prices on to consumers

Tesco has called on its suppliers to pass savings made from falling commodity prices on to consumers, claiming that it is critically important that savings translate into lower retail prices to ease financial pressures on shoppers.

In a keynote address at the prestigious City Food Lecture in London this week, Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy (pictured) told an invited food industry audience that rising demand for discount goods underlined the need for lower prices for consumers.

“Commodity prices are down by over 50 per cent from their peak, while the price of oil is down by over US$100 – these lower prices need to be passed into the supply chain and fed on to consumers who are under growing financial pressure,” he said.

Sir Terry said that Tesco wanted to ensure that all its suppliers understood this and was “going to great lengths to speak to them about the pressures consumers are under”.

The Tesco chief executive argued that although the adjustment “would be difficult for some”, it was “critical if consumers are to be given what they need”.

As evidence of the demand for lower prices, Sir Terry claimed that the retailer was now Britain’s biggest discounter and said sales of Tesco’s discount and value ranges had increased by 65 per cent compared with a year ago.

He also delivered a robust defence of free market economics, claiming that agricultural subsidies were “too high”, reducing the efficiency of agriculture production and keeping food prices in protected markets “artificially high”.

But environmental concerns were also tackled in the speech and the Tesco chief claimed that government backing for biofuels had backfired, causing forests to be cleared and leaving “less land was available for other crops”.

European grocery prices to fall this year

Grocery prices are likely to fall this year as food retailers react to the rise of discounters and lower oil and raw material prices.

Steep food price inflation propelled the value of the European grocery market to euro 901.5bn in 2008, research house Verdict's European Grocery Retailers 2009 report showed.

But the plunge in the price of oil and better harvests last year have depressed price inflation, while the impact of the credit crunch and increased shopper focus on value are likely to be reflected by grocers.

The effect of the downturn on food retailers is anticipated to put a brake on mergers and acquisitions, format diversification and international expansion. Sale and leaseback deals are likely to lose their appeal and sales of non-food and organic goods are expected to take a hit.

Verdict European retail analyst and report co-author Daniel Lucht said: "While grocers are to a certain extent insulated against the downturn that hurting the rest of the retail sector, the effects of the credit crunch and onset of global recession will still be felt."

Privately-owned grocers such as Auchan, Leclerc and Rewe may be in the strongest position to profit from tough conditions. The report's co-author, Simon Chinn, said: "Being privately owned, such retailers are not under the same kind of financial pressure from investors that publicly listed retailers have to deal with.

"The companies are able to take a more long-term view of investment, which has been a key driver for many of these retailers' expansion strategies."

Source: retail-week.com


Publication date: 1/15/2009

UK: Environment secretary on food labelling

UK’s Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said that supermarkets and companies needed to label products more clearly to show consumers exactly where their food was coming from. Under current European regulations, a product's country of origin was the place where it had undergone its last significant process, but this could hide where it had really come from. Mr Benn suggested a voluntary labelling scheme for retailers and caterers that would show the country of origin. The Food and Drink Federation, however, said it would be an expensive move to label products like pizza or pies that had a number of ingredients. Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, Mr Benn said consumers could help boost the agricultural industry by eating healthier, locally produced food that was also more environmentally friendly because of less transport.

Robin Maynard, Soil Association Campaigns Director, commented that Hilary Benn should know there was already a label that delivered what he was calling for: the Soil Association's organic symbol, which offered a 'one-stop shop' for consumers wanting food free from bad ingredients, providing high animal welfare and care for the environment. Given organic farming used 26% less energy to produce the same amount of food as non-organic agriculture, organic farmers would be top contenders for Mr Benn's 'low-carbon farming award'. Robin Maynard continued that it was time the Secretary of State and Defra finally acknowledged that there was a burgeoning body of British farmers doing exactly what he and the public said they want, producing sustainable, climate-friendly food that was what our long-term food security depended on above all.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk

14.01.2009

Plantings double of first Australian-bred pineapple

Plantings of the first-ever Australian-bred pineapple have doubled in the past year, meaning there will be no shortage of the new variety for the niche markets targeted for 2009, according to the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Fifteen years in the making, the DPI&F's Aus-Jubilee is proving popular for its consistent good flavour from perfectly timed picking.

Commercial partner with DPI&F in the project, Favco, contracts growers to produce the fruit and ensures the fruit is picked at the right stage to achieve optimum eating quality.

Favco varietal development manager Doug Christensen said while plantings in 2008 stood at 300,000 plants, double those of the previous year, plant numbers would still need to increase to be more widely available on the fresh-fruit market.

"As a result of this year's plantings, the fruit's availability will increase when these plants harvest in 2010," he said.

"However, this is still a niche supply – the 2008 plant numbers will need to increase ten-fold for the new variety to be a year-round, commonly available, product.

"Taking advantage of its extra sweetness, the Aus-Jubilee supply will therefore concentrate on a shorter supply season through winter."

DPI&F senior horticulturist Dr Garth Sanewski said the intention of the Aus-Jubilee was to take the guess-work out of choosing a sweet pineapple by producing a fruit that was always good eating.

"The Aus-Jubilee was created specifically for consumption as a top-quality, fresh-fruit variety, allowing the juicier smooth cayenne to be the main variety for processing – canning and juicing," Dr Sanewski said.

He said hand-pollinated crosses from other pineapple varieties were made, taking the best traits from each until DPI&F scientists arrived at the ‘AJ’.

"‘AJ’ was selected as the preferred variety after major taste testing was done by DPI&F food scientists," Dr Sanewski said.

DPI&F senior research scientist Stephen Nottingham said of three varieties tested by consumers, the Aus-Jubilee was rated one of the highest for appearance; strong, yellow colour; and sweetness.

While the variety was available sporadically through Rocklea Markets, Mr Christensen said consumers would have to wait two to three years before it became more widely available.

"The ‘AJ’ pineapple is premium-sized in winter, and therefore has good market acceptance," he said.

"Marketable stock is limited in summer due to a natural reduction in fruit size, so we are still working on regulating this before the fruit goes mainstream."


Source: farmonline.com.au

Publication date: 1/14/2009

UAE: Fruit and vegetable market hit by downturn

Although some sectors such as banking and real estate have been heavily affected by the global financial crisis, its effect on the fruit and vegetable business has been relatively low.

The fall in oil prices and the onset of winter has slightly brought down the prices of some fruit and vegetables as more imports arrive from regional countries at a lower transportation cost.

Gulf News spoke to importers, wholesalers and retailers at Dubai fruit and vegetable market to find out how their businesses were running.

According to importers, the prices of necessary agricultural items have remained mostly unchanged while the price and demand for luxury fruit and vegetables has fallen slightly.

"Buying vegetables and fruit is not like purchasing or investing in the automobile or property industry. Food in general - and many agricultural products in particular, are necessary items and people will continue to buy them."

"However, the number of buyers and the purchase of quantities of vegetables and fruit these days has slightly gone down because many expatriates have lost their jobs and left the country. Many residents have also tightened their budgets and are not buying expensive fruit," said Husainy Sharbat, accounts manger at Kibsons International, a company which imports fruit and vegetables.

Travel costs

"In general the prices of necessary items such as potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and salad items have mostly remained constant. But the price and demand for luxury fruit and vegetables such as grapes, lychees, etc has dropped by 10 to 15 per cent," said Arsalan, a Pakistani importer.

"Currently my business is down. Before those who cooked for a lot of people used to buy a lot of onions and potatoes from me, but now they buy these items in smaller quantities," said a Pakistani wholesale seller.

"My profits have decreased by 20 to 30 per cent," said a Bangladeshi wholesaler. "There are five of us here and there is nothing much to do these days," he added. Retailers at the market have complained that their businesses are not thriving for other reasons as well. They pointed out that its distant location and the heavy traffic on Emirates Road continue to be among the factors contributing to the low turnout of buyers at the market.

"The prices of some agricultural products have decreased and the quality of many items is also good due to the winter season, however, many residents still prefer to buy from grocery stores and supermarkets.

"When the market was located in Al Hamriyah, many people used to go there because it was close to residential areas. Now people are hesitant to come here," said a Bangladeshi seller.

"I don't go to the fruit and vegetable market because it is more convenient for me to shop at a hypermarket. It is like a one-stop shop where I can buy other kind of products as well. The last time I went there was two years ago," said Roopa Mathews, an Indian expatriate who lives in Al Twar.

"You may find fruit and vegetables at slightly cheaper prices there but the travel costs and traffic will add to your expenses," added Bena Soris, who has visited the market only twice.

"Before I used to buy all my groceries within a budget of Dh100 to Dh150. But these days I am spending around Dh300. I don't think the prices have gone down."


Source: gulfnews.com

Publication date: 1/13/2009

UK: Oranges are not the only fruit juice as sales dip

Orange juice has been pipped at Britain's breakfast tables by more exotic varieties for the first time.

Once a glass of OJ was the only way to start the day, but now early-risers are opting for unusual flavours like pineapple, cranberry and pomegranate.

Since 2003, sales of the traditional breakfast drink have been cut by as much as 13 per cent, with volumes dropping from 501million litres to 445million litres in 2008.

Meanwhile, apple juice - orange juice's nearest rival - has seen sales increase by 19 per cent over the same five-year period.

Five years ago orange juice accounted for 58 per cent of sales, but this has dropped to 44 per cent.

Apple juice is the second most popular flavour with 14 per cent of the market, while cranberry comes in at number three with eight per cent of volume sales.

A spokesman for market analysts Mintel, which compiled the figures, said: "Sales of orange juice have suffered as Brits have been tempted by other more exotic flavours such as tropical, pineapple and mango.

"Although orange juice is still the number-one selling fruit juice, sales have fallen dramatically."

Grapefruit juice has also seen sales drop by 10 per cent since 2003.

Mintel's report said: "The superfood phenomenon plays a strong part in the juice market with flavours such as cranberry and pomegranate growing.

"New product development has also seen blueberry juice becoming more popular."

But the credit crunch has seen those who bought premium fruit juices and smoothies now opting for less expensive supermarket own-brands.


Source: mirror.co.uk

Publication date: 1/9/2009

Philippines: Firm grows bananas in land of pineapples

A local fruit grower is planting bananas in the land of pineapples, creating an alternative livelihood source for residents here.

Mont Manna Fruits, Inc. wants to make Ormoc, known for its pineapples, to become a major banana processor.

Former Ormoc City Councilor Jose Serafica, who founded Mont Manna, said the company could serve the rising demand for banana in the Visayas. Most Visayan provinces get their bananas from Davao.

Mr. Serafica started with a four-hectare farm in Luna, about seven kilometers north of downtown Ormoc. Using tissue culture, Mont Manna propagated the lakatan variety from Davao and claims to have managed to produce bananas that are golden yellow in color, bigger and fuller in size, and carry a pleasing smell and sweeter taste.


Source: bworldonline.com

Publication date: 1/9/2009

UK: Imported fresh produce prices to soar

David says: Will exotics be affected? Of course


The cost of fresh fruit and vegetables will soar this year as European farmers shun the plunging pound. British importers believe shoppers will face increases as high as 20 per cent in coming weeks, with some produce disappearing from our shelves altogether. All sorts of fresh produce is affected but potatoes, onions and tomatoes are particularly at risk from fluctuating prices.

Producers and growers on the Continent are losing out because of sterling's slide and are putting up their prices for the UK market to compensate or bypassing it altogether in favour of their eurozone neighbours who have not been hit by sterling’s currency slump.

In weeks the pound has lost almost a quarter of its value against the euro, creating a nightmare for importers.

While independent shops will be hardest hit because they don’t have the commercial muscle of the major supermarket chains, even retail giants like Tesco and Sainsbury’s will be forced to up prices, if pressure on margins continues.

Some analysts believe even more greengrocers will disappear from our high streets. Simon Lane, managing director of importers Fruco plc, said: “The problem is that the producers and growers have the option to sell to other markets in the EC. “Margins when dealing with sterling are being squeezed all round and inevitably people here will have to pay more for their fresh produce.” More than 3,000 greengrocers have vanished from Britain’s high streets in the past decade.

Alex Liasi, of wholesalers 4degreesC in London’s New Spitalfields market, said: “One of our farmers in Spain says he is currently losing £500 on every lorry load of fresh produce he sends to the UK. “A lot of produce is now being shipped to Russia because they are prepared to pay more than we are.


Fruit and vegetable prices are already at risk from controversial European Union rules which would see many of the pesticides used by UK farmers outlawed.


Source: internationalsupermarketnews.com

Publication date: 1/8/2009

Exotic fruit sales plunge in Italy

CIA reports 25 per cent year-on-year fall in sales of pineapples, bananas, avocados and mangoes during festive period

The amount of exotic fruit consumed in Italy over the festive period fell dramatically compared with the same period of 2007, according to Italian farming organisation CIA.

In a statement, the group reported a year-on-year downturn of more than 25 per cent in sales of fruits such as pineapples, avocados, bananas and mangoes eaten in the country over Christmas and New Year.

Overall sales of fresh fruit and vegetables fell by 1.5 per cent compared with the year before, according to CIA. However, sales of dried fruit and nuts rose by 2.5 per cent, while vegetable sales grew by 3.5 per cent on the back of increased demand for lentils and beans.

Before Christmas, Italy's Minister of Agriculture Luca Zaia called on consumers to boycott pineapples and other imported food items over the holiday period in favour of traditional domestic products.

The calls were met with dismay from the trade, however, with industry body Fruit Imprese labelling the minister's comments "misguided".
According to CIA, the majority of Italy's 23m families did their shopping in retail stores (56 per cent), followed by traditional stores (24 per cent), local markets (18 per cent) and the internet (2 per cent)

www.fruitnet.com 5 January 2009