TECH DRIVES EFFICIENCIES
• TECHNOLOGY
• APPLES & PEARS
• GRAPES
• BERRIES
• SEEDS & CROP CARE
From software to robotics, technology is rapidly changing the way fresh produce businesses operate
Another vital tool in navigating the future will be technology
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Better together
I had the pleasure of making the trip down to Hobart in February to attend BerryQuest International 2025. As an official media partner, it was great to see attendees flicking through copies of Produce Plus from the visitor bags.
There were plenty of highlights to take in over the multi-day event, reports from the farm tours detailed some great hands-on lessons delivered right across the apple isle. Meanwhile, the conference programme provided some useful insights for all corners of the value chain.
I’d be remiss not to mention Fruitnet’s own Mike Knowles who made the trip all the way from the UK to share some global berry trends gleaned from over ten years running our own Fruitnet Berry Congress. One of the observations that came from Mike, and other international speakers, was the unity of the Australian berry industry. They each remarked on the willingness of different categories and different companies to work towards common goals – a sentiment that I came away with as well.
That’s not to say there is a lack of competitive edge in the berry industry, but there is truth behind the saying “a rising tide lifts all boats”. Maybe a lesson to be learned for other fresh produce categories or even horticulture as a whole, because there is no shortage of challenges facing this industry which can only be overcome with a collective approach.
Another vital tool in navigating the future will be technology, which our cover draws attention to. We’re really starting to see technology uptake accelerate at both ends of the pipeline. Digitisation is increasing as more horticulture-specific software solutions become available while automation and robotics are making the move from trials to commercial deployment. The next advances are just around the corner, so make sure you don’t get left behind. n
EDITORIAL
editor Liam O’Callaghan +61 3 9040 1605 liam@fruitnet.com
staff journalist Bree Caggiati +61 3 9040 1606 bree@fruitnet.com
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DESIGN
Simon Spreckley Qiong Wu Mai Luong Asma Kapoor
CONTRIBUTORS
Luisa Cheshire Maura Maxwell
Bringing together leading brands in processing, product handling, inspection and packaging equipment for the vegetable industry. Our solutions set the standard for yield, efficiency, and safety across a wide range of industries. Whatever your product needs, we can meet it with precision and passion.
Produce Storage I Peeling, Grading, Washing I Electroporation
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ROUND-UP
FRESH BITES
Need a bite-sized guide to what’s new in the Australian and New Zealand markets? The team rounds up the latest news and views from the industry.
DRISCOLL’S OPENS NEW HIGH-TECH TISSUE CULTURE LABORATORY, NURSERY AND R&D FACILITY
Driscoll’s Australia has officially opened a new state-of-the-art tissue culture laboratory and foundation nursery in Pakenham, Victoria with a ribbon cutting by Cardinia Council’s deputy mayor, Alanna Pomeroy, on 17 January 2025.
The facility integrates Driscoll’s research & development activities with an advanced propagation system to provide premium berry genetics to growers across Australia.
“The Pakenham site is designed to be a centre of excellence in plant propagation, housing Driscoll’s nucleus mother stock and facilitating both foundation and production cycle propagation,” said Driscoll’s Australia general manager Jon Gleeson at the opening. “By leveraging innovative tissue culture techniques, the facility ensures growers receive plants that are consistent, reliable, pest and pathogen-free, and optimised for high-quality production.”
The plants established at this site will be transferred to commercial nurseries within the Driscoll’s network and then onto farms where they will grow the raspberries, strawberries, blueberries
CHERRI GLOBAL ENTERS LIQUIDATION 01 02 03
and blackberries. “By removing third party nurseries from our supply chain and drastically aligning our plants with the growers needs we have managed to delight the berry consumer who are able to get access to superior fruit at times of the year when historically this wasn’t possible,” Gleeson said.
NEW ZEALAND EXPECTS LARGER AVOCADO CROP IN 2025
New Zealand is on course to produce around 7mn trays of avocados this season, a notable increase on the 5mn trays it harvested last year, according to industry body New Zealand Avocado.
The association’s marketing and communications manager, Matthew Ball, told the New Zealand Herald that a feeling of optimism had returned to the business after two challenging campaigns hampered by Cyclones Dovi and Gabrielle.
Leading New Zealand cherry grower, Cherri Global, has gone into liquidation, according to reporting from Farmers Weekly.
The first report from New Zealand liquidators, PwC, revealed more than 30 unsecured creditors are owed approximately NZ$42mn.
WARAKIRRI ASSET MANAGEMENT ACQUIRES NEW RIVERINA CITRUS HOLDINGS
Warakirri Asset Management has announced the addition of two Riverina citrus holdings to its Warakirri Diversified Agriculture Fund (Fund), taking the portfolio value beyond the A$150mn milestone.
The modern 160ha planting adds to the Fund’s existing exposure to the citrus sector and its first investment in New South Wales.
The A$15mn off-market deal also brings a new tenant partner to the fund. Eureka Farms Australia – a subsidiary of long-time citrus industry farm manager, Southern Cross Farms – supported by packer-marketer Mildura Fruit Company, will operate the aggregation.
ACCC SUPERMARKET INQUIRY RECOMMENDS 20 REFORMS
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has finalised its inquiry into the Australian supermarket sector and made 20 recommendations to provide better outcomes for consumers and suppliers.
The recommendations, which include clearer pricing practices, greater transparency for suppliers and reforms to planning and zoning laws, are designed to improve competition in the supermarket sector, make a difference for consumers and give suppliers fairer bargaining conditions.
AUSVEG BACKS NEW OUTDOOR MEDIA CAMPAIGN
Ausveg has partnered with the Outdoor Media Association and Health and Wellbeing Queensland to launch ‘Fresh veg, deliciously affordable’, a new marketing campaign aimed at increasing vegetable consumption.
The campaign urges consumers to rethink their grocery habits, highlighting new Ausveg research – supported with funding from Hort Innovation – that shows eating just one extra serve of vegetables a day could help ease costof-living pressures, improve national health, and support industry. Additional research shows Australians currently only eat 1.8 serves daily.
HORT FRONTIERS STARTS MENTORING PROGRAMME
Hort Frontiers has launched a programme offering mentoring for Australian growers launching new products and services, aiming to turn ideas into commercially viable solutions.
The new programme – developed in partnership with Startupbootcamp and Cluster Connect – will accelerate grower-led innovation through three stages of mentorship.
PEOPLE
BLOOM FRESH NAMES CAMPBELL BANFIELD AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER
Leading fruit breeder Bloom Fresh has appointed of Campbell Banfield as its new general manager Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and Korea. The company said the move underscores its belief in the huge growth potential in the table grape, cherry, raisin and blueberry industries in these markets.
This appointment follows the successful conclusion of the integration process of IFG and SNFL in Australia where Bloom Fresh was formally launched in late 2024. It also follows the breeder’s first grower open day for table grapes in Australia in February.
Banfield brings a wealth of experience to the role, with most of his career spent in table grapes. Previously at Costa Group, Banfield played a pivotal role managing and growing Costa’s extensive partner grower network. Banfield said there couldn’t be a better time to join Bloom Fresh. “Table grapes are going through a period of transformation, and no other fruit category has the spectrum of flavours and varieties that table
grapes offer. Bloom Fresh has, in my opinion, the industry leading position here globally,” said Banfield. “Add to this the world class portfolio of low chill cherry varieties, which will significantly extend Australia’s
DAVID DANIELS LEAVES CITRUS AUSTRALIA AFTER 12 YEARS WITH INDUSTRY BODY
Citrus Australia has announced the departure of David Daniels, general manager of market development, after 12.5 years of service to the Australian citrus industry.
During his tenure, Daniels played a pivotal role in expanding market opportunities, strengthening international trade relationships, and advocating for
Australian citrus both locally and globally. His leadership and expertise have significantly contributed to the growth and success of the industry, ensuring that Australian citrus remains a key player in global markets.
“David’s commitment, vision, and passion for the industry have been truly invaluable,” said CEO Nathan Hancock. “His efforts in market development have helped shape the strong position our citrus sector enjoys today,” said Hancock.
“We sincerely thank him for his years of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Daniels said he was saddened to be leaving but that after many years in the role, it was time for the next chapter.
cherry window, the recent acquisition of some very exciting blueberry genetics, and some great domestic opportunities for our raisins business. It makes for a very exciting space over the coming years.”
SUMMERFRUIT AUSTRALIA CEO CHANGE
The board of Summerfruit Australia has announced the appointment of Carrie Starkings, the industry body’s new CEO. Starkings takes over from Trevor Ranford who departed at the end of December 2024 after seven years in the role.
Chair Dean Morpeth said: “We would like to acknowledge and thank Trevor for his exceptional contribution to Summerfruit Australia. We are in a phase of significant change here at Summerfruit Australia, and Carrie is the right person to drive this change and create real impact for our industry. We are confident she has the skill and experience to lead Summerfruit Australia into a new era.”
After 75 years of being in the citrus business, we’ve learned a thing or two.
Growing a citrus business takes a lot more than planting and harvesting fruit. It starts with taking care of the people around you and stopping at nothing to make sure those relationships grow and thrive. We’ve also learned that a vertical approach works best. From growing and packing to marketing, building brands, and beyond, we’ve reimagined how to grow a healthy and thriving citrus business from the ground up. And we’d like to thank all our partners for continuing to make Wonderful Citrus a lot more wonderful.
Entries open for MOYA 2025
Australasia’s premier marketing award for the fresh produce and floral industries returns in 2025 as part of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence.
The International Fresh Produce Association Australia New Zealand (IFPA ANZ) and Produce Plus Magazine are pleased to announce entries are now open for the 2025 Seeka Marketer of the Year Award (MOYA).
Now in its 14th year, MOYA continues to recognise outstanding achievement in the field of marketing within the Australasian fresh produce and floral industries.
The award is open to any individual or team, with nominees sought from all parts of the value chain. Each nomination is judged on the ability to develop and execute a highly visible and effective marketing campaign. This includes any campaigns conducted in Australia and New Zealand and international campaigns conducted by Australasian entities.
Three finalists will be selected from the field of entries and will deliver presentations on their campaigns at the annual MOYA showcase held at the largest horticulture conference and trade show in Australasia –Hort Connections – in Brisbane on 4-6 June 2025.
MOYA HONOUR ROLL
2024 - Kristie Emerson
2023 - Belinda Van Schaik
2022 - Elisa Siliato
2021 - ‘A better choice!’
2020 - Pinnacle Fresh
2019 - Olivia Grey
2018 - T&G Global
2017 - Matt Stillwell
2016 - Matthew Crouch
2015 - Harris Farm Markets
2014 - OneHarvest
2013 - Lisa Cork
2012 - Sarah McRae
produce and floral businesses –marketing produce locally, as well as internationally”.
Produce Plus editor Liam O’Callaghan said MOYA celebrated the vital role marketing plays in adding value to fresh produce.
“Last year we had a strong collection of entries that highlighted how marketing can engage customers and encourage action. We are looking forward to another great selection of submissions from right across the value chain this year.”
domestic markets.”
O’Callaghan also prompted past nominees to consider applying in 2025 to showcase how they have made their campaigns bigger and better.
“It’s never a case of set and forget for marketing campaigns. Each season offers a chance to learn and improve and demonstrating how updates have delivered better results makes for a compelling entry.”
Self-nominations and nominations by third parties are welcome and must be received by Friday 11 April 2025.
This year’s winner will join an illustrious honour roll, which includes 2024 winner Kristie Emerson of Perfection Fresh for Quke O’Qlock. n
The winner will be presented at the Hort Connections Gala Dinner as part of the 2025 Horticulture Awards for Excellence on 6 June 2025.
Wilson noted that nominations are open to both domestic and international marketing campaigns to recognise excellence from all parts of the Australasian fresh produce value chain.
IFPA ANZ managing director Belinda Wilson said, “The quality of applicants from last year were outstanding, showcasing the best in-class of produce marketing – including 2024’s MOYA winner, Perfection Fresh with the Quke O’ Clock campaign.
“We look forward to another impressive crop of nominations from Australian and New Zealand fresh
“Exports account for a significant amount for the Australasian fresh produce trade and we want to acknowledge the work being done in this space by Australian and New Zealand businesses,” she said.
“This is of course, in addition to any campaigns conducted on the Australian and New Zealand
Submit your MOYA nomination at https://hortconnections.com.au/ moya-nominations/ Nominate now
For more information on MOYA, please contact: Liam O’Callaghan Editor, Produce Plus liam@fruitnet.com
Proud Sponsors
Michael Simonetta to retire from Perfection Fresh
Rod Quin appointed as successor and will assume the chief executive role on 1 July 2025.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Perfection Fresh Australia has announced the retirement of chief executive Michael Simonetta and the appointment of Rod Quin as his successor.
Group chairman, Dave Chen says after more than 40 years of transformative leadership, Simonetta will retire as chief executive on 30 June 2025, having played a pivotal role in shaping both Perfection Fresh and Australia’s fresh produce industry.
Simonetta’s retirement is part of a carefully planned transition process that started in February 2024, when he informed the board of his intention to resign as chief executive within 12–18 months, pending the selection of a successor.
Rod Quin has been appointed as the company’s next chief executive and will join Perfection Fresh as incoming chief executive on 5 May 2025 before assuming the role on 1 July 2025 to help ensure a seamless transition.
Quin brings extensive global experience in agribusiness and food production, having held leadership roles at Fonterra, Westland Milk Products, and Roquette.
Simonetta will continue to be part of Perfection
Fresh through three key roles. He will become a non-executive director on the board, supporting the company’s strategic direction. Additionally, he will play a crucial role in assisting the new chief executive with the search and sourcing of new, unique vegetable and fruit genetics. Simonetta will also collaborate with the chief executive in the development and expansion of Perfection Fresh’s international market presence, focusing on growing our unique brands and varieties.
Chen says Simonetta’s leadership has shaped Perfection Fresh into the company it is today.
“His contributions to the industry are extraordinary, and his impact will be felt for generations. After an extensive global search that began
when Michael informed the board in February 2024 of his intention to resign, we are very pleased to welcome Rod Quin, whose exceptional leadership experience will guide us into the future,” says Chen.
“Michael has built a legacy that extends beyond business – his innovation and passion have fundamentally changed how Australians experience fresh produce.”
Reflecting on his time at the company, Simonetta says it was the people that made the most impact.
“It has been an incredible journey, and I am immensely honoured by what we have achieved together. I am confident that Rod will continue to drive Perfection Fresh’s success, and I look forward to supporting the company in my new role on the board,” says Simonetta.
“There are so many people I want to thank – my colleagues, my team, the board, our investors, the growers we work with, our valued customers, and of course, my beloved family.”
Rod Quin says he is honoured to join Perfection Fresh and looks forward to working with the company, its partners, and customers.
“Perfection Fresh will remain a driving force in the fresh produce industry, with an unwavering commitment to delivering great-tasting, high-quality, and unique, branded produce. Our mission remains the same – making the goodness of fruit and vegetables a bigger, more loved part of every diet,” says Quin.
“Our legacy of innovation –across varieties, branding, and farming practices – will continue to define our next chapter.” n
New PREMIER FRESH tomato partnership
Premier to market and distribute Goodness Grown’s glasshouse-grown tomatoes throughout Australia.
by Bree Caggiati
Victorian tomato grower, Goodness Grown (GG) has announced a new strategic marketing and distribution partnership with Premier Fresh Australia.
The partnership aims to ensure consistent quality and availability of GG’s glasshouse-grown tomatoes across Australia, providing customers with reliable access to fresh produce through Premier’s extensive marketing and distribution network.
GG is a newly established farming enterprise cultivating 20ha of premium tomatoes in a state-ofthe-art, ultra-modern glasshouse
in Tongala, Victoria. The company is dedicated to the production of fresh, high-quality tomatoes and sustainable farming practices with a commitment to transition away from conventional energy sources.
Through the partnership, Premier will provide marketing and technical support and manage the distribution of GG’s tomato production. This partnership is set to bring together GG’s commitment to producing sustainably grown, high-quality tomatoes with Premier’s expertise in delivering fresh produce to market.
“We are thrilled to partner with Premier Fresh Australia to bring
our premium tomatoes to homes across Australia,” says Paul Geurtsen, managing director of GG. “This partnership allows us to have expertise and focus on each critical part of the supply chain, ensuring our tomatoes reach consumers quickly and efficiently, while maintaining the freshness and quality we will be known for.”
Premier’s deep-rooted experience in the fresh produce supply chain, strong market presence and yearround operations position the company as an ideal partner for GG.
“Goodness Grown is investing in the future of sustainable, high-quality agriculture, and we are excited to support their growth,” says Anthony Di Pietro, chief executive of Premier Fresh Australia. n
ABOVE— Goodness Grown grows 20ha of premium tomatoes at its ultra-modern glasshouse in Tongala
Roc Partners acquires Freshmax Group
Acquisition will see Roc Partners invest significantly in the company’s growth with Freshmax maintaining its existing structure and leadership.
by Bree Caggiati
Freshmax Group, a leading player in the Australasian fresh produce industry, has announced its acquisition by Sydney-based alternative investment manager, Roc Partners.
The move comes after Freshmax Group revealed it was seeking a strategic partner in May 2024 to help drive the future growth and development of the business.
Roc Partners plans to invest significantly in the company’s growth and development while maintaining the business’ existing structure and leadership, a Freshmax release explains.
The investment manager specialises in private market investments, with approximately A$9bn capital funds under management across private equity, private credit and real assets.
Roc Partners currently manages A$2.5bn in assets in its food and agriculture portfolio and maintains a dedicated agricultural investment team. The acquisition underscores its commitment to driving growth in the sector.
“This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Freshmax,” says Freshmax Group chief executive, Murray McCallum.
“Roc Partners’ deep expertise and proven track record in food and agriculture make them an ideal partner for the next phase of our journey. Together, we will look to
We intend to use this strong foundation as a platform for further expansion
explore new growth opportunities, while continuing to deliver exceptional value to our supplier and customer partners around the world.”
Roc Partners vice presidentfood and agriculture, Todd Winkley says Freshmax represents “a compelling opportunity” for investment due to its growth and experienced management team.
“We intend to use this strong foundation as a platform for further expansion,” Winkley says. “We are committed to leveraging our resources and expertise to support Freshmax in achieving its ambitions, nurturing continued
innovation, and strengthening its position in the global fresh produce market.”
Glenn Wallace, Freshmax Group chairman, adds: “The acquisition by Roc Partners ensures a stable and strategic future for Freshmax. Their understanding of the food and agriculture sectors and their commitment to sustainable growth perfectly align with our vision. We look forward to seeing Freshmax thrive under their stewardship”.
The sale process was conducted by Kidder Williams, a leading corporate advisory firm in food and agribusiness transactions. n
ABOVE—Freshmax Group chief executive, Murray McCallum
New Zealand apple and pear exports to rise as sales top NZ$1bn for first time
Industry body NZAPI reflects on return to form in 2024 with a positive forecast for the new export season.
by Mike Knowles
New Zealand’s apple and pear industry has surpassed NZ$1bn in orchard gate revenue for the first time, according to new economic impact data released by New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI).
And that upward trajectory is set to continue with the group’s annual crop estimate predicting an “excellent, clean harvest of high-value, premium-quality fruit” for the season ahead. NZAPI also expects a 10 per cent increase in exports to around 21mn cartons in 2025.
According to the industry body, “textbook” winter and spring conditions have ensured New Zealand’s apple and pear harvests have exceptional colour, eating quality, and flavour.
Storage potential for the “incredibly clean” crop is also expected to be “as good as ever”.
NZAPI chief executive Karen Morrish says the crop represents a return to form after some big challenges in recent years and reflects a move towards higher-value varieties.
“New Zealand apples and pears are renowned as a pre-
mium product. While New Zealand is not the biggest supplier of apples in the world, we punch well above our weight globally,” Morrish says.
“Our growers take pride in producing fruit that is healthy, clean and sustainable, and this year’s crop is exactly that. Demand in the industry’s key export markets is strong, with consumers consistently returning for New Zealand fruit.”
Almost two years after Cyclone Gabrielle slammed many of the country’s orchards, the body’s 2024 economic impact report also suggests the industry contributes around NZ$2.5bn to the New Zealand economy – 27 per cent more than in 2023.
“We take immense pride in the
economic impact that our industry contributes to New Zealand and the regions we live and work in and our economic impact statistics highlight the value of the industry’s work,” Morrish adds.
“With little change in planted area, increasing costs and yet a growth in our economic contribution, we can be confident that this has come from increased productivity, investment in high-value IP varieties and a diversification of international markets.
“Our industry is pulling sustainable levers to grow our contribution and NZAPI wants to ensure a healthy operating environment that is conducive to prosperity remains.” n
LEFT—NZAPI expects a clean harvest of highvalue fruit this season
T&G expects strong top line growth in coming years
T&G Global’s CEO, Gareth Edgecombe, reflects on the company’s annual results as a rise in apple revenue signals positive momentum after another year of cyclone recovery.
by Bree Caggiati
Can you start by sharing an overview of the T&G business and how it's currently standing?
Gareth Edgecombe: Effectively, we are organised into three main business units.
We've got T&G Fresh, which is our New Zealand, Australian and Pacific focused business. It grows tomatoes, citrus, berries and stone fruit in New Zealand, as well as ber-
ries in Australia, and this produce is sold domestically in these countries as well as exported to the Pacific. It also operates New Zealand’s biggest nationwide market network, connecting over 600 independent growers to buyers.
Our second business is our vertically-integrated global apples business, we call it a vertical because it's all the way from genetics right through to consumers at the other end. We're focused on our premium Envy, Jazz and Joli brands within this business. We grow those branded apples ourselves, we have our own highly-automated post-harvest facility and we also work with independent growers who then come back into our sales and marketing programme globally where we have offices in 13 countries. Our global apples business is New Zealand-anchored, but the majority of apples are now grown around the world with the largest concentration being in Washington State.
And then we have our third business unit, VentureFruit, which is an IP-based business focused on commercialising a range of unique plant varieties primarily apples, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. These new varieties are not just for our own growing operations, they’re for global application with other growers and marketers too. We are mostly focused on new cultivars that solve interesting problems and that we can scale up into big businesses. For example, VentureFruit is the global commercialisation partner of the Hot Climate Partnership which is developing new apple and pear varieties that have been specifically created for hot and warming climates. So far, it’s launched the world’s first two apples that thrive in hot climates –Tutti and Stellar apples.
T&G released its annual results in March, with the apple business
helping to drive a partial turnaround. Can you share some of the most important takeaways from the year?
GE: You can see in our numbers that we've been investing heavily in our apples business over the last five to six years, and that's been very deliberate around the fact that we've got excellent genetics and branding in Envy. It’s got a lot of global potential and to go after that, you do need to invest in growing, postharvest and in-market capability, and that takes time to come on. We're now largely complete in terms of our investment cycle, and in the years ahead we’ll see a lot of the growth come through.
In the meantime, we've also had NZ$100mn+ negative impact from Cyclone Gabrielle which impacted us not only in 2023, but also in the year we’ve just been through.
The good news is that, while you can see that we still have some hangover from the cyclone in our 2024 numbers, we're starting to
come out of that as our growth comes on in 2025. We’re currently right in the middle of the New Zealand harvest and generally across the board we're seeing that the region has bounced back pretty much to full production, and the trees that have got through their cycle are now back in great shape.
Broadly speaking, our strategy is now well set and invested in. Our outlook on capital expenditure is down on historical averages for the last few years. The orcharding investments that we've made are also starting to come on in terms of full production. So, we’ll see relatively consistent, large step ups in volume each year for the next few years. Because our system is based around having all of the capability to execute on a large scale, as the volume comes on we'll see strong top line growth and stronger bottom line growth because of the leverage of those fixed investments.
The investors in our business have been very patient on the jour-
OPPOSITE—T&G
CEO Gareth Edgecombe
LEFT—T&G sees significant further growth potential for Envy
ney that is the apples cycle, and the confidence to invest in that back in 2019 has been based around the fact that we have got the advantage of great genetics and great brands that are worth investing in. So, the combination of reduced new investment going out, and the benefits of those things, should see strong economic improvements in the numbers from here on in.
With increased production coming online, how are you determining who to target with what?
GE: We're projecting out to 2030-2035 when we’re making these decisions. So, as best you can, it's having a view on where the premium consumer markets of the future are going to be, and how contested are they going to be, and what's our right to win in them. So, while it’s quite a difficult challenge we’ve developed a world-class apples system and a sophisticated framework to drive growth.
We decide on that basis where we should plant in order to meet that demand for that future knowing that we're not going to be 100 per cent perfectly accurate, and also knowing we're going to have to have flexibility and optionality to accelerate some markets when others don't turn on.
We found that we can accelerate growth and protect growth by having teams on the ground, working with retailers and working with consumers to build those brand franchises. That's been a deliberate strategy. n
Redland introduces Sassy to Australia
The early-season variety boasts high colour, a crisp balanced flavour and natural heat tolerant characteristics making it ideal for growing in Australia.
by Bree Caggiati
Redland has released the first Australian commercial volumes of the Sassy apple to the domestic market, following a short release in 2024.
“We’re really excited to introduce Sassy apples to the Australian market,” says Jordan Bain, head of sales and marketing at Redland. “You normally don’t see much movement or change in the produce department, but Sassy is here to mix things up.”
Known for its vibrant red skin, crisp texture, and balanced sweet-tart flavour, the early-season variety was developed by New Zealand’s crown research organisation Plant & Food Research (PFR) and commercialised by Prevar New Zealand.
Sassy apples are grown by Redland in the heart of Australia’s fruit bowl, Goulburn Valley, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainable and responsible growing practices. According to the grower-marketer, the variety has proven to thrive in Australia’s unique climate, resulting in a consistently high-quality apple with a rich flavour and high crunch.
ABOVE—Sassy is known for its high colour and balanced sweettart flavour
RIGHT—Redland worked with Emily Jensen on the Sassy release campaign
“Our farming team is passionate about producing the best fruit possible, and Sassy apples are a testament to their dedication,” says Brent Reeve, general manager, apples at Redland. “Sassy presents growers in the Goulburn Valley a real opportunity to take advantage of its natural heat tolerant characteristics.”
This heat tolerance is key for Reeve who sees potential for Sassy to replace Gala growing in the Goulburn Valley.
“Traditionally, Gala varietals have presented challenges particularly with achieving high colour,” he explains. “Sassy presents no such issue – it loves the heat and colours extremely well. We’re confident Australians will love this new addition to their fruit bowls.”
Redland currently supplies the Sassy apple in independent retailers across Australia. As more volume comes online, the company is optimistic it will stock major retailers including Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi.
“We believe this variety will become a staple in households across the country,” Bain says.
Redland’s commitment to apple IP varietal development is also demonstrated in its production of Dazzle. The mid-season maturing apple was also developed by PFR in New Zealand and is exclusively grown in Australia by Redland.
“[Dazzle] is uniquely sweet with low acidity making a fragrant well-balanced eating apple,” Bain says. “[It] has become a household name in key Asian markets thanks to the work and success of our kiwi friends, [and now] Australian growers are presented with the opportunity to focus on growing for export markets.” n
The sweet thing with zing!
Sassy™ is a bold, next-generation apple with vibrant red skin, an unforgettable crunch, and an attitude to match. A winner at the 2024 Food Awards, Sassy™ is the apple with personality, quality, and innovation. Grown in Australia exclusively by Redland Fruit.
First crop of QTee pears harvested in Australia
HBMA-managed variety was first planted in Australia in 2020.
by Bree Caggiati
KIWI CRUNCH SEES BOOST IN PIQA CROP
Kiwi Crunch is set to experience a boost in volume of Piqa Red pears this season, with 26 per cent growth expected in 2025 based on the harvest to date.
“Last year we harvested 142,500kg (142.5 tonnes) and this season we expect to harvest 180,000kg (180 tonnes), with further growth year-onyear going forward,” says Nigel Hope, Kiwi Crunch operations manager.
Despite this increase, James Bennett, Kiwi Crunch GM Asia sales, says the demand for Piqa is still outpacing the Kiwi Crunch supply.
“Feedback from customers has been extremely positive on orchard, it has been an exceptional growing season, the quality is outstanding,” Bennett says.
The first Piqa Red shipment grown by Kiwi Crunch was due to arrive in China on 16 March to be packed into retail pack formats ready for release to market late March.
We’ve equipped growers with the tools they need to produce exceptional fruit
The first crop of Norwegian-variety, QTee pears, was harvested in Australia in January this year – earlier than expected thanks to ideal growing conditions in Victoria and South Australia.
The QTee pear variety is a medium-sized fruit with an intense red blush and green background, characterised by delicate, juicy flesh and sweet flavour.
This new aromatic pear variety is the result of a natural crossing between the Williams and Broket July varieties. It was initially planted in Belgium in 2015 and was first planted in Australia in 2020 in the Goulburn Valley and Cobram in Victoria and the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. The variety has also been planted in Slovakia, Norway, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Italy, Austria and France.
Horticulture Brand Management Australia (HBMA) owns the exclusive Australian license for QTee pears.
“HBMA’s European co-ordinator, Roger Van Engelgem worked closely with ABCz and Fruithandel Wouters to develop an extensive grower manual,” explains HBMA general manager Eliza King. “By applying valuable learnings from Europe and South Africa to Australian conditions, and through regular visits to Australian growers to demonstrate pruning techniques and best-
in-class growing practices, we’ve equipped growers with the tools they need to produce exceptional fruit and ensure profitable yields.”
QTee pears can be eaten either hard and crunchy or juicy and soft and, according to King, are ideal for snacking, cooking, baking, and preserving.
“The biggest barrier to purchase for consumers is not knowing how to ripen a pear,” she says. “So, the fact that QTee pears can be eaten crunchy or soft is brilliant.”
Given this is the first Australian crop, quantities are limited this season, but HBMA expects volumes to more than double next season. n
ABOVE—The first Australian QTee pear harvest was weeks earlier than expected
Montague Farms courts consumers with branded apple varieties
The likes of SweeTango, Jazz, Ambrosia and Kissabel all capture consumer attention.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Montagues Farms’ 2025 apple offering will be led by a range of standout apple varieties that continue to build traction with Australian consumers.
The likes of SweeTango, Jazz, Ambrosia and Kissabel all offer different experiences in different windows helping the company drive engagement with the market.
SweeTango is one of the varieties that kicked off 2025 with 220 tonnes of the Honeycrisp and Zestar cross available in the first few months of the year.
Montague Farms highlights the apple’s eating quality this season,
LEFT—Jazz will have compostable labels this year
BELOW—SweeTango is a top seller at Montague Farm’s Bill’s Orchard Gate
particularly its crunch, to consumers. According to the company, its texture has earned it the Guinness World Record title for the World’s Loudest Crunch.
It’s a pitch that seems to be capturing consumers’ attention. Since launching in Australia in 2022, SweeTango has become the top-selling apple at Montague Farms’ Bill’s Orchard Gate.
Jazz apples will return to Australian shelves with a new feature in 2025, a compostable sticker. Montague Farms is implementing a compostable sticker trial, reaffirming its commitment to reducing environmental impact and paving the way for an eco-friendly future.
“This vision would make your Jazz 100 per cent plastic-free, with its sticker – which is important for traceability and quality purposes – suitable for home composting or green waste,” the company says in a release. n
Perth Markets supports Australia’s fresh produce supply chain
LEFT—Perth Markets’ recently completed cold chain development BELOW—The warehouse features an impressive amount of coolroom storage
salers, assist in the consolidation of fresh food businesses, and provide a larger output of fresh produce to retailers and consumers.
Installation of the site-wide rooftop solar system began in October 2024, and is estimated to be completed in October 2025, becoming Western Australia’s largest rooftop solar array. The A$10mn project is expected to reduce the markets’ carbon footprint by 3,910 tonnes annually, assisting the 120 tenants on-site by lowering energy costs, enhancing sustainability, and providing a more resilient power supply.
This investment not only supports fresh produce wholesalers in reducing operational expenses, which can be better spent in supporting their buyer demands but also strengthens Perth Markets’ commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term efficiency.
Multiple new projects including installation of the state’s largest solar energy system set to meet growing demands across the chain.
As Western Australia’s sole fresh produce wholesale market, Perth Markets plays a vital role in the state’s fresh food supply chain.
The 51ha site is home to 25 primary and 30 secondary wholesalers and continues to expand to meet growing industry and consumer demands, contributing significantly to the state’s horticultural industry and Australia’s economy.
Western Australia’s demand for fresh produce continues to rise, driven by population growth, increasing health consciousness, and a strong preference for locally sourced food. Restaurants, grocery retailers, and food service providers also rely on a steady supply of fresh, local ingredients, making efficient and reliable distribution channels more important than ever.
To meet these growing demands, Perth Markets has implemented multiple strategies and projects, including new cold-chain warehouse developments, upgrading amenities and beginning the installation of a site-wide solar energy system.
The recently completed cold-chain development is strategically located near one of the site’s gatehouse entrances, providing ease of distribution from growers and to buyers. The 3,500m2 warehouse also features 9.1m high ceilings and an impressive amount of cool-room
storage space, enabling longer shelflife, and a reduction in food waste.
As demand for fresh food in Western Australia continues to grow, this development enhances distribution efficiency and strengthens the resilience of the state’s fresh food supply chain.
With plans for additional coldchain developments now approved, the Perth Markets’ site expansion will be able to house more whole-
As Western Australia’s agricultural and retail sectors evolve and grow, Perth Markets remains a cornerstone of the state’s fresh food supply chain – adapting to challenges, driving innovation, and ensuring the needs of a growing population are met.
n
More info
For more information on Western Australia’s fresh food wholesale market, Perth Markets Group Limited, visit www.perthmarket. com.au.
Lyro Robotics sets new standard for efficiency and precision
Algorithms and machine learning arm pick and place robots with unprecedented precision.
by Luisa Cheshire
The Australian-based Lyro Robotics team has a mission to revolutionise fresh produce packing with its intelligent pick and place robots setting new standards for efficiency and precision.
“Our robots, equipped with a cutting-edge pattern packing system, excel at handling the unique chal-
lenges of natural products,” says general manager, Tim Holmes.
“From the delicate variations in size and shape of fruits and vegetables to the diverse range of everyday goods, our system adapts to ensure optimal packing patterns for every items.”
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tive, Nicole Robinson, adds that Lyro understands the importance of staying ahead in today's fast-paced industrial environment.
“Our software is at the forefront of technological innovation,” Robinson says. “It leverages advanced algorithms, including machine learning and computer vision, to enhance the robot's ability to identify, grasp, and relocate objects with unprecedented precision.”
Unlike their human packing counterparts, Lyro robots can operate anytime, anywhere, thus mitigating any potential labour shortages.
And, Holmes explains, Lyro’s Robotic Pattern Packing system integrates within existing production lines, and is tailored to specific requirements, ensuring optimal functionality.
“Beyond boosting productivity, our robotic solution is a smart economic choice,” she says. “Robots minimise error, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational efficiency, leading to significant long-term cost savings.” n
Yamaha launches agriculture arm with acquisition of Robotics Plus and The Yield
Acquisition follows years of strategic investment into the businesses by Yamaha.
by Bree Caggiati
Yamaha Motor has acquired New Zealand-based agricultural automation company, Robotics Plus, as well as the Australia-based precision yield management company, The Yield, to form the foundation of a new offshoot.
Through the strategic acquisitions the new company, Yamaha Agriculture, will deliver autonomous equipment and AI-powered digital solutions to growers of apples and other specialty crops in North America, Australia and New Zealand.
It aims to support these growers to become more sustainable, profitable and resilient in the face of scarcer resources and climate change.
Jim Aota, chief strategy officer for Yamaha Motor says establish-
ing Yamaha Agriculture aligns with Yamaha’s global technology roadmap, focusing on advanced energy management, intelligent systems and software-driven solutions.
“With the launch of this new company, we aim to leverage Yamaha’s technological expertise to contribute to sustainable and profitable farming using a customer-centric approach,” Aota says. “Growers will be able to better address challenges around labour shortages, resource scarcity and impacts from climate change.”
Following the acquisition, Robotics Plus will continue to operate its core business at its headquarters in Tauranga New Zealand, while benefiting from the support of Yamaha Agriculture to grow globally.
“This acquisition is a testament
FOOD AGILITY AND YAMAHA AGRICULTURE IMPROVE YIELD PREDICTION
A recent Food Agility study in partnership with Yamaha Agriculture, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has found that data captured via automated vehicles can increase the accuracy of harvest and yield predictions for grape growers.
“This was the first major initiative commencing the partnership between The Yield and Yamaha Motor Company,” says Food Agility AI and robotics pillar lead, Ashley Rootsey. “It had an explicit focus on exploring potential synergies between Yamaha’s robotics and automation capabilities with The Yield’s AI and machine learning expertise.”
The project, which commenced in January 2022 and concluded in February 2025, collected data across five growing seasons – three in South Australia and two in California. While the research project has initially focused on wine grape vineyards, Rootsey says the findings have application for table grapes and possibly other vine fruits.
“The combination of both ground-level observations from cameras driven through the vines, with high resolution overhead imagery sourced from satellites and fly-over planes meant that we were able to gain a comprehensive understanding of canopy and fruit development over the course of the growing season,” adds Evan Webster, data science manager of Yamaha Agriculture Australia.
“Models developed using [this] data suggest an 8 per cent improvement to block level predictive accuracies are possible from fruit-set onwards.”
to the strong partnership we’ve built with Yamaha over the years, driven by a shared vision and commitment to empowering large-scale growers,” says Robotics Plus co-founder and chief executive officer, Steve Saunders.
Similarly, Yamaha Motor has been supporting The Yield for some time including leading a NZ$7.13mn funding round in 2020. As a leader in applied AI for agrifood, The Yield provides advanced data analytics and AI-powered models to deliver yield predictions and optimise on- and off-farm operations.
The complementary technologies will be integrated to create a comprehensive platform that enables precision farming for growers. By combining autonomous equipment with intelligent data insights, Yamaha Agriculture aims to help growers reduce input costs, optimise resource utilisation and improve overall farm productivity and sustainability. n
ABC Software streamlines grower operations
by Bree Caggiati
Effective decision making is driven by data and ABC Software is working with fresh produce businesses to enhance their access to key information.
West Australian table grape grower Fruitico employs ABC Software solutions ABCgrower and ABCspray to help manage its hundreds of harvest staff and chemical use.
“Labour for us is about 75 – 80 per cent of our business. Through our harvest period, we'd be anywhere
up to about 500 staff,” says Fruitico labour manager Kevin Dell’Agostino.
“ABCgrower allows us to get an overview of data and statistics within the business, where our staff are, how long staff are in each blocks units, and to basically be able to pay our staff correctly.”
Dell’Agostino says the ability to
work offline essential for managing staff on the vineyards.
“It's all about reporting and getting that data through so you can make better decisions,” he says. “I can be anywhere and log on and access that data or help a staff member through a situation. So that's perfect for us.”
Fruitico farm manager – Southern Vineyards, Craig Dell’Agostino says ABCspray puts all the information in one place to enable precise chemical management.
“It allows us to create a spray sheet for our staff, tailor made to our conditions,” he says.
“It helps us order our chemicals and makes sure what we are putting out is going out at the correct rate.” n
Fresho perspective
US$50mn funding round sees wholesale ordering platform expand its capabilities, saving wholesalers more time.
by Luisa Cheshire
Australian wholesale ordering platform, Fresho, can now convert incoming customer orders into structured data that is automatically processed, saving suppliers significant administration time.
The new function is being dubbed a “potential game-changer" for wholesale companies that traditionally enter orders manually, often at unsociable hours. The feature, which works on orders placed via voicemail, text or email, is the latest addition to the Fresho app following a round of funding that saw some US$50mn invested in 2024.
Fresho co-founder and COO Huw Biddell says the funding marks an exciting new phase for the company.
“The latest round of investment will accelerate Fresho’s investment
in AI and emerging technologies, while driving further growth in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand,” he says. “AI order entry is our latest new feature. It can convert voice messages into text, then into an order. It can understand all regional accents, and even different languages.”
Other new improvements to the platform include payment and logistics features, Biddell adds –explaining that the wholesaler pays for the application while its customers use it for free.
The platform has been adopted by prestigious establishments, including Michelin-starred venues and leading restaurants like Bennelong and Cafe Sydney in Australia. Peter Marinos of Big Michael’s Fruit and Vegetable, based in Bris-
bane, Australia, said the wholesaler has been using Fresho for six years.
“It can handle the 2,500 customers we supply, each with tailored pricing, a favourites list, specific delivery instructions, proof of delivery, and even note that a particular guy only wants smaller cucumbers,” he says.
Fresho’s next goal is to officially launch in US, where it already has 12 clients all gained through word-ofmouth.
Biddell adds that customers can look out for more exciting features coming soon, such as food-waste tracking and surplus food donation.
“We are very customer-feedback driven. We listen and respond to what they want,” he says. “Both restaurants and wholesalers are very margin-driven businesses, and very face-paced.”
Fresh food distribution has been traditionally slow to adopt technology, but, according to Biddell, this is changing. The reasons include margin pressures, skills shortages and questions of succession in family-owned firms. As a result, Fresho is seeing unprecedented interest in technology to drive efficient operations. n
RIGHT—(l-r) Fresho co-founders Huw Birrell and James Andronis
Stacked Farm breaks ground on Melbourne indoor vertical farm
New 10,000m², fully automated, climate-controlled facility will produce 3,400 tonnes of product.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Australian controlled environment agriculture specialist Stacked Farm has broken ground on its second fully automated indoor vertical farm located at Melbourne Airport.
The company’s first facility on the Gold Coast reached full capacity in 2024 and its latest A$150mn venture is set to raise the bar.
The 10,000m², fully automated, climate-controlled facility will produce 3,400 tonnes of fresh, highquality herbs and leafy greens annually. Stacked Farm specialises in growing cos and mixed leaf lettuces, spinach, rocket, basil, coriander and parsley, among others.
Fully automated from seed to bag via 25 pieces of proprietary robotics, the facility will require only 15 staff members to operate, comprising farm operators, horticulturists and technical maintenance engineers. The production timeline is also quicker than traditional farming methods, with crops ready to harvest in just 16 to 31 days, compared to 45 to 80 days.
The farm will also be powered entirely by green energy, operate with a zero-waste water system, and use cutting-edge robotics to deliver fresh produce 365 days a year.
Sam Canavan, chief operating officer of Stacked Farm, says the
ABOVE—Stacked Farms’ first facility on the Gold Coast
BELOW—The Melbourne indoor vertical farm facility has a footprint of 10,000m²
Melbourne facility will be a game-changer and it is set to open mid-2026.
“Our cutting-edge design and proprietary technology are redefining farming efficiency and setting a new global benchmark. This is the future of fresh food, built by a world-class team,” says Canavan.
“Aussies want fresh, nutrient-packed food without the mark-up. They crave real flavour, fewer additives, and maximum nutrition, but rising costs make healthy eating feel out of reach. That’s where we come in. Stacked Farm is quite literally growing the solution – top-tier produce at prices that make sense, fuelling a healthier nation.” n
New mapping technology supports Australian biosecurity responses
Initiative allows first responders and authorities to utilise grower location data to quickly plan protection zones in the event of a pest or disease incursion.
by Bree Caggiati
A new A$1.7mn mapping initiative is set to change how fruit growers respond to biosecurity threats.
The initiative asks cherry, dried fruit, lychee and stonefruit producers to log location data through an app to allow first responders and authorities to quickly plan protection zones during pest and disease incursions.
Delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the University of New England’s (UNE) Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARSC) in partnership with Future Food Systems CRC, the new tool marks an expansion of the Australian Tree Crop Map – a map which services eight tree crop industries and also boasts market access, traceability, yield forecasting, carbon storage, regeneration, and drought
Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield emphasises the critical role of the map in supporting biosecurity preparedness and response.
“The Australian Tree Crop Map has repeatedly proven its worth, particularly in the face of biosecurity challenges like the Varroa Mite incursion,” says Fifield.
“With its ability to quickly pinpoint areas of concern, the map is an essential tool in managing biosecurity risks and equipping the industry with the timely data needed for an effective response.”
Cherry Growers Australia president Alison Jones said the map will be a game-changer for industry.
manage production more effectively but also to stay ahead of potential biosecurity threats and mitigate their impact,” Jones says.
“This tool will ensure we are better prepared to tackle biosecurity challenges and respond swiftly to emerging risks.”
University of New England senior researcher Craig Shephard says the map is becoming a cornerstone for biosecurity monitoring.
“The Australian Tree Crop Map, created to Australian mapping standards and freely available for industry use, is rapidly advancing as a benchmark for industry-wide spatial data adoption. This data is critical for early biosecurity detection, risk assessment, and response coordination,” Shephard explains.
“In this next phase, we’re expanding the map to include cherries, lychees, dried fruit, and summerfruit, while also enhancing it with additional data such as variety, planting date, and management practices for those fruits we already track such as mangoes. This will enable tailored biosecurity strategies for different industries.”
Australian Lychee Growers’ Association executive officer, Jill Houser, says the map will enhance biosecurity planning for lychee growers.
“Access to this comprehensive mapping resource will give lychee growers invaluable insights to better respond to biosecurity risks and other industry challenges,” Houser adds.
“Being part of the Australian Tree Crop Map provides cherry growers with vital data to not only
“The data on crop trends and regional variations will help us make informed decisions, ensuring that we can protect our industry from both biosecurity threats and market shifts.” n resilience applications.
LEFT—The map will service eight tree crop industries
Fresh paper look for table grape bag
Detpak’s design features 70 per cent less plastic than the standard plastic grape bag and is kerbside recyclable.
by Bree Caggiati
This February saw Australian supermarket retailer Coles roll out a new paper table grape bag across its national footprint.
The new design was created by Australian-based packaging manufacturer, Detpak and is certified for kerbside recycling.
“The response from clients and customers has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Christian Bell, Detpak business development manager – fresh produce. “The new packaging has been well-received for its sustainability and functionality, meeting the needs of both producers and consumers.”
Compared to the original plastic grape bags, which used on average 6.5g of plastic, Detpak’s paper grape bags only contain 1.87g of plastic, reducing the plastic content of grape packaging by more than 70 per cent.
“By reducing 70 per cent of plastics from the original bags, we’re providing more sustainable solutions in supermarkets and increasing recyclability for consumers,” Bell says.
The development of the new design started as a collaboration between Perfection Fresh Australia and Detpak in 2022, with Perfection seeking a quality, sustainable, and differentiated premium grape packaging solution.
Given Detpak had previously produced a kerbside recyclable paper bag for fresh potatoes with Mitolo Family Farms and Coles –
BELOW—Detpak’s design process began in 2022 ahead of the launch of Perfection Fresh’s Autumncrisp campaign
which, according to Bell, saved 8.2 tonnes of plastic going to landfill annually – it was a natural fit to develop a sustainable replacement for table grape packaging.
“Following the success of the Perfection Fresh launch for its Autumncrisp grape offer in 2023, the collaboration extended to include Costa Group and Coles Supermarkets as the launch partner,” Bell explains.
The paper-based bags were then trialed with Coles-branded white, red, and black table grape varieties across stores in Victoria and Tasmania from early 2024 and Coles began to progressively roll out the new bags nationally from 1 February 2025.
“The design of the paper grape bags was developed through a collaborative effort, leveraging LaunchPad, our in-house facility for
research, testing, product design, development, and validation,” Bell says. “The process involved extensive trials and testing to ensure the packaging met key criteria such as breathability, strength, moisture resistance, and product visibility while meeting APCO ARL requirements for kerbside recyclability in Australia.”
Based on the success of these trials, Detpak progressed to further develop the bag in a wicket format, which was tested and refined extensively in-field with Costa and Perfection.
“In the retail setting, the wicket format grape bag presents the same as the original bag, however, it delivers efficiencies during the picking and packing process, which has meant it has been easier to launch on a national scale,” Bell explains.
Following the successful roll-out, Bell expects paper packaging to soon become the norm across table grape retailing.
“There is a strong expectation that paper grape bags will become the norm in grape packaging in Australia,” he says. “The successful implementation and positive reception are evidence of a shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions, particularly when adopted by a supermarket giant such as Coles.” n
Australia eyes export growth
Strong international demand alongside expanded access to Japan and a five-year marketing programme into Asia have Australia primed for increased export growth.
by Bree Caggiati
Australia’s table grape season is off to a strong start with high quality fruit and significant demand from export markets, according to Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) chief executive, Jeff Scott.
“The season has been going really well so far,” Scott says. “We knew we were going to have a large crop [this season], and it has been living up to that expectation”
Hot weather in the Sunraysia growing region has brought much of the harvest schedule forward, but Scott says well-timed rain has kept quality high.
“We’ve got a lot of fruit out there and it is of very high quality,” he says. “It's created a lot of excitement from importers wanting to buy our fruit and we're in huge demand which is great.”
This positive start follows an early finish to the 2023/24 season that saw exports decline 19 per cent to 135,000 tonnes. But with exports 22 per cent higher than the same time last year as of mid-February, and supply
expected to hold out until June, Fresh Intelligence’s Wayne Prowse anticipates total export volumes could exceed the record 150,000tonne level reached in 2020.
For Sunraysia-based grower-exporter Perfection Fresh, this could certainly be the case.
“The season started very early with good volumes on the vine, and this might be to the industry's advantage as it could help us get through the whole season and move the entire crop whether that be in domestic or export markets because we won't get into market too late,” says Perfection Fresh account manager, Mark Cavallo.
LEFT—This season has produced high quality fruit for Australia
OPPOSITE—ATGA
CEO Jeff Scott (right) at the in-bound trade mission
“As of the end of January, we were starting to get traction on exports. We've had Japanese visitors out to see all the new varieties and all other Asian markets are looking good for a strong season."
Global fresh produce distributor, Valleyfresh, has also seen increased interest from Japan.
“We are seeing a lot of Japanese visitors planning one or two visits for this coming season,” says Valleyfresh director, Ryan Smith.
“They have a real interest in learning about the new Australian grapes varieties that are now on offer for their market.”
This increased interest comes after the Australian government secured an expanded access agreement with Japan in July last year. Under the new deal, Australia can now send more than 130 table grape varieties to Japan – a massive increase on the previously approved total of three varieties.
In a statement at the time Scott said the deal had been a long time in the making.
“Interest for Australian table
grapes in Japan has increased steadily over the past ten years since technical market access was granted in 2014,” he said. “However, our export market value has been limited by the varietal restrictions in place.”
Cavallo adds that Perfection Fresh is “working closely with the Japanese market to unlock the potential for our Australian grown table grape varieties”.
“We’ve had a lot of success previously with the Japanese market. Their consumers value high-quality Australian fruit,” Cavallo says. “But as other countries started flooding the market and sending IP varieties, Japan deprioritised Australia. We’re hoping from the discussions we’ve had with buyers and the confidence we’ve seen in our product that can regain some of that lost share and supply Japanese consumers quality varieties grown in Australia.”
The spotlight on Japan comes amid an ATGA-led marketing programme aimed at elevating the Australian table grapes brand in international markets.
While Scott says the five-year programme is still in planning stages, ATGA has already hosted trade seminars in five countries throughout Asia and facilitated an out-bound trade mission to Japan as part of the campaign.
“We took 15 grower-exporters over to meet all the key Japanese importers and retailers,” he says. “That was a huge success.”
There was also a recent in-bound trade mission spotlighting the Sunraysia region.
“We had about 40 importers from about seven countries,” Scott says. “We gave them demonstrations of our growing practices and they were able to taste the new varieties that we have on offer.”
Future elements of the campaign will include in-store activations in retailers across Asia. n
Sun World adds Australian licensees
Leading fruit breeder aims to maintain growth trajectory for the table grape category with new partners.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Towards the end of 2024 Sun World International announced a raft of new table grape licences around the globe including a number of Australian growers and marketers.
As this group embarks on its first season under the new agreements Sun World licensing manager Australia, Adam Knoll, says Australia remains a crucial supply region the breeder is committed to investing in.
“Our growth in Australia is broadly consistent with what we’re doing around the world in that we’ve got genetics and brands that are in demand and we’ve got to expand to put that into the marketplace,” says Knoll.
“Autumncrisp is certainly becoming more and more known as a consumer brand in Australia and Asia, and the Midnight Beauty brand is performing strongly as well.
“Our growth is strategically planned to meet demand and we understand that not every licenced marketer can meet every customer’s needs or want to deal with every customer. To meet the market requirement, we need to expand.”
Australia has a well-established domestic and export table grape trade, and Sun World is cognisant of meeting both needs.
“Australia is interesting because it has such a strong domestic market that’s taking around half of the production volume from a Sun World perspective. We see that increasing as we add more routes to market with more licensees who can supply the domestic chains, and there is also opportunity for export expansion,” says Knoll.
Knoll says the flow of Australian fruit continues to
BELOW—The Autumncrisp global marketing campaing is driving value
evolve and Australia’s opportunity in Asia remains strong.
“Market access in Japan appears like it’s going to give a kick to proprietary genetics now that the public space has competition. That’s a real positive,” says Knoll.
“There are countries from a Sun World perspective, like China, which are relatively untapped. We do see fruit from other global suppliers but in terms of Australia, it’s a little more reserved. We are also struggling to meet demand in other areas of Asia where Australia has a strong presence such as Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.”
Australia’s increasing supply will play an important role in Sun World’s global marketing campaign for Autumncrisp which is backed by efforts to develop 52 weeks of global supply.
“The global marketing campaign with Autumncrisp has been fantastic at trying to shift the brand to a consumer brand. It’s well positioned to hit the US$1bn mark in terms of global brand value which is a significant inflection point,” says Knoll.
Looking forward, Knoll expects more development in the green seedless space.
“There is the Applause brand and the variety behind it is a high flavoured Muscat with huge natural size. We have it in Australia and it’s testing well. The first commercial plantings are in the ground now,” says Knoll.
“There is another green seedless that sits between Applause and Autumncrisp, which is branded Epic Crisp. And a new red seedless –Ruby Rush, which we just had our first commercial harvest of in Australia and it was well received in the marketplace.” n
WA Farm Direct to market Sun World grapes in eastern states
Expanded partnership with Sun World sees the distributor double down on the table grape category.
by Bree Caggiati
In December 2024 Sun World International and WA Farm Direct expanded their marketing partnership to include grapes produced throughout all of Australia.
“We’d been a Sun World licensee in Western Australia for a number of years already,” says Elliot Jones, WA Farm Direct general manager. “They have strong ambitions for the amount of growth they want in Australia, and they felt that we could assist in that area by taking on the eastern states as well, which we were very keen to participate in.”
Adam Knoll, Sun World's licensing manager Australia, says the expanded partnership will provide
more opportunities for Sun World growers to choose marketers better suited to their needs.
“[WA Farm Direct is] also able to improve what's happening in Western Australia by supplementing the supply – it's really a complementary relationship expansion,” he says.
It seems that Australian table grape growers agree. Despite the expansion only being announced in midDecember, Jones says WA Farm Direct has already seen some significant interest from both existing Sun World growers and those looking to enter the programme.
“It's really exciting because we didn't necessarily expect to be actively trading from day one,” he says.
“For us, this year is about establishing a strong platform. We're beginning to transact with growers, work out where we fit with them. They're working out where they fit with us. We want to make sure that all of those first impressions are really positive ones.”
BELOW—Sun World’s Autumncrisp variety has become a popular option for Australian growers
The move also makes up part of a targeted strategy for WA Farm Direct to service its customers 52 weeks of the year.
“Table grapes is nice from a timing point of view,” Jones says. “It complements our other categories which are winter categories or, in the stonefruit case, much earlier in the summer.”
It means WA Farm Direct can dedicate its resources to each category in-season.
“We're not trying to participate where we can't bring a whole range of skills to either growers or customers,” Jones says. “[Our] company strategy is to be relevant to customers and be relevant to growers. And the way to be relevant to both of them is to be able to offer them something unique that’s going to drive growth. Hence why our focus is on superior genetics.”
This targeted approach allows the marketer to leverage existing relationships when introducing Australian table grapes to new customers as well as new varieties as they come online.
“We will focus on the varieties that we think have the greatest relevance to our customers and opportunity for growers to increase their profitability,” Jones says.
“We think Sun World is going to continue to be the preeminent breeder of the highest quality varieties, so the next Autumncrisp cannot be far away.” n
Grapa expands varietal offerings
Sunraysia field day showcases Arra Fire Crunch variety to Australian growers for the first time.
by Bree Caggiati & Liam O’Callaghan
It's been over a decade since the first Arra varieties were planted in Australia. Now, the global breeder partners with over ten licensed marketers across the country, growing in all states bar the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
“Arra varieties are well-regarded for their genetic resilience to
BELOW—Attendees of the Arra Fire Crunch field day said the variety displayed a remarkably crisp texture
“This variety thrives in challenging conditions, making it possible to supply fresh, locally grown grapes to the domestic market at a time when table grapes are typically imported,” says Nel.
This year will see the Arra Australia range expand even further with two additional red varieties – Arra Fire Crunch and Arra Cherry Crush – nearing commercial volumes.
To showcase this expansion, Grapa Varieties held its first Australian Arra Fire Crunch field day on 24 January 2025 with more than 80 table grape growers and industry representatives in attendance. The group gathered at Alpha Fresh Australia, one of Australia’s largest Arra growers and marketers, to get a first-hand look at the vibrant red Arra variety.
“While growers appreciated the colour and crop load, what truly stood out for many, was the exceptional crunch of the berries, a quality perfectly fitting for a variety named Arra Fire Crunch,” Nel says of the event. “Attendees expressed amazement at the crisp texture, with some even declaring it the crispest red grape they had ever eaten.”
These field days exemplify Grapa’s commitment to introducing innovative varieties and supporting growers with the tools to succeed in local and export markets.
“Arra Fire Crunch’s texture contributes to its impressive hanging ability on the vine, while its strong cold storage capability ensures it is perfect for export markets,” Nel says. “The future looks bright for this exciting new red variety.”
Additionally, Nel says Grapa is excited for two varieties newly released from quarantine: Arra Fire Kiss, a very early red seedless, and Arra Mystic Charm, a very early black seedless.
“These varieties, along with Arra Honey Pop, form the world’s earliest trio of white, red, and black seedless grapes,” Nel says.
A good example of this resilience is the Arra Sweeties variety which is primarily grown in Far North Queensland and harvested during Australia's off-season.
They also boast short production cycles which can both help support economic efficiency and promote sustainability by reducing labour, irrigation, and pesticide needs.
“All these newbies to Australia, are already delivering impressive results worldwide and driving market demand,” Nel says. “We are therefore eagerly following their performance in Australia.” n rain and extreme heat, which is crucial in Australia’s unpredictable climate,” says Arra Australia manager, Stephan Nel.
Bloom Fresh bolsters Australian presence as industry transitions
Shift from public to proprietary varieties supported by table grape breeder as it sets out to expand its footprint.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Change is a familiar feeling in the Australian table grape industry at the moment as new proprietary varieties take an increasing share of the market.
For Bloom Fresh, change has also come in the form of merging the operations of the old IFG and SNFL breeding programmes and teams. Bloom Fresh’s Rachael McClintock says the process is now complete in Australia and the breeder can now turn its attention to growth.
“In Australia table grapes is our largest portfolio but we’re also starting to diversify. We’re doing a lot of evaluation of new cherry varieties and importing some new blueberry varieties,” she says.
“Now that we're fully united, we're building our personnel on the ground and starting to really focus on the technical support we can provide for growers.
“We’re in a world where production costs are rising, if growers are to invest in a variety they want the technical support to make it a success.”
The decision to move to new proprietary varieties is one many Australian growers are making at the moment, according to McClintock.
“The key change in the Australian industry is the diversification away from Crimson and Thompson. A lot of the old public varieties are being reviewed for timing, yield, quality and ease of growing. I’d say by 2026 there will be a clear change and the majority of table grape pro-
duction will be proprietary,” explains McClintock.
Bloom Fresh is servicing this transition with varieties that meet the varying needs of growers.
“We have a test block here and we’re doing a lot of R&D. We’re working on some of our new Navsel and Genesis collections that have been bred out of Spain and we do a lot of evaluations and rootstock trials,” notes McClintock.
“A key demand is the early window, which comes back to competition in markets like China. There’s also demand for ultra-early and mid-season windows and varieties with flavour and good fertility that colour naturally.
“We also have a couple of selections that are disease resistant, which will be ideal for organic production but also for Far North Queensland where you’ve
BELOW—Bloom Fresh is expanding its team in Australia to help growers
got high humidity. We’ve also got some exotic, high-flavour varieties coming through.”
Growers have to meet consumers’ tastes and in Asia, McClintock says, there are high expectations from the market.
“In Asia, flavour and sugar are important. You want your variety to be firm, crisp and crunchy with good texture,” she says.
“But sweetness is really key and that’s where, from a Bloom Fresh point of view, quality assurance plays a critical role in that pre-harvest period.” n
Cordoma builds highflavour brand
A new Sun World marketing licence will supplement Cordoma’s exotic brand as it aims to delight customers.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Australian table grape growermarketer Cordoma is ready to provide its customers with a full complement of proprietary varieties under its high-flavour brand this season after being awarded a new Sun World marketing licence.
General manager, Adrian Cordoma, says the marketing licence will allow the company to market indemand varieties like Autumncrisp under its ‘Australia’s Exotic Grapes’ brand. The brand has been in the market for a few years focusing on unique, high-flavour varieties, but
now Cordoma can meet all of its customers’ needs at once.
“The main aim of Australia’s Exotic Grapes brand is to have a brand we can promote all the new varieties under. By getting the Sun World marketing licence we are now in all the breeding programmes and have full seasonality which will really catapult the brand,” he says.
The very latest varieties that deliver exotic and flavourful eating experiences are the cornerstone of the brand, represented in its tagline “Like nothing you have ever tasted before”.
“We’re always looking to surprise and delight the market, whether it be a new variety, different timing, higher Brix or a different pack type. We always have something new in the pipeline,” Cordoma says. “We target high-end customers who want a unique product, in some markets we’re the only ones supplying a certain variety. Now with the Sun World marketing licence we can match some of the more niche orders with anything else customers need.”
Cordoma has paired the high-end taste of its grapes with sophisticated brand imagery emphasising flavour and providence. Sun and wave symbols represent the warm Sunraysia climate and the waves of the Murray River. Cordoma’s most unique varieties are reserved for its Dancer Range, packed into punnets and wrapped with stylish bands which detail the flavours consumers can expect.
“It’s all doubling down on the origin of the fruit and the flavour. As Australian exporters, flavour is where we think we can stand out from competitors like Chile and Peru,” says Cordoma.
The brand has also gained traction domestically with the premium wholesale sector representing one of the company’s largest growth markets.
Cordoma is a third-generation family business operated by Mario Cordoma and his son Adrian. In addition to its newer brand, the company will continue to market ‘The Quality King’ brand which has been synonymous with Australian grapes for over 30 years.
“We’ve expanded our packhouse this season which is now up and running and that’s going to help us increase our production. We might be able to nearly double our volume in the coming years,” says Arian Cordoma. n
LEFT—(l-r) Mario and his son Adrian Cordoma
Palms Vineyards to leverage new Sun World licence
Australian table grape grower-exporter hopes to leverage new licence as it delivers top quality fruit this season.
by Liam O’Callaghan
High-quality fruit will always find a home in international markets but pairing quality with indemand varieties is a recipe for success.
John Argiro, owner of Palms Vineyards, says the company will be even better placed to tick both boxes after being awarded a licence from Sun World International.
“It’s very exciting and will open a lot of doors for us,” Argiro says. “The beauty of the Sun World breeding programme is that the varieties are well proven.”
It will also give Palms more flexibility to work with its customers and meet their specifications.
“We’ve kicked off some direct supply ourselves, but we’ll still maintain our partnerships with the marketers we’ve worked with for a
long time,” he adds.
Palms has a sharp focus on quality to set itself apart in the market. The business has made significant investments in covered production to ensure its fruit has the best chance to reach its potential.
“The quality of our covered fruit is second to none, that’s our major point of difference in the industry. We’ve got three quarters of all product undercover and whatever new production we put in goes undercover,” says Argiro.
BELOW—Palms hosts a visit for international buyers
BOTTOM—Brand ambassador Amanda Cordony
Palms is based in Yelta, northwest of major table grape production hub Mildura, a location that yields an earlier harvest. This timing combined with a portion of covered fruit provides another advantage, according to Argiro.
“We’re already the earliest region in Sunraysia and with the covers, we get a two or three week advantage,” he explains. “The covers also give you more time to pick a crop –we can pick the uncovered fruit and then go back and pick the covered fruit over the space of a month to six weeks.”
The majority of that fruit is then airfreighted, Argiro’s preferred method of delivery to ensure quality is maintained.
Palms will supply a range of Asian markets this season with key markets including Vietnam and Indonesia. Japan has also opened access to all varieties and Argiro believes it could prove a reliable market for high-end Australian product because consumers are accustomed to paying a premium price for Shine Muscat grapes.
“I personally believe that the Japanese market – once they see the product and if we can give them the quality they want – is willing to pay to the price levels of what they’re paying for Shine Muscat,” says Argiro.
To help build momentum with its customers, Palms hosted an international delegation in February where visitors were treated to a morning with brand ambassador and owner of The Cordony Kitchen, Amanda Cordony, and the launch of new Palms gift boxes. n
Gilad Sadan
The Packaging Hippie gilad@navicoglobal.com
Gilad is The Packaging Hippie, a creative with a focus on sustainability and packaging as a marketing tool.
RIGHT & OPPOSITE—Fruit
Logistica showcases all the latest fresh packaging trends
If there were a way to glimpse the future of fresh produce – how it is marketed, packaged, and sold – what lessons would we take back?
Each year, Fruit Logistica in Berlin feels like a portal into what’s next and this year’s edition has provided valuable lessons once again.
Europe is moving fast, with automation, material innovation, and sustainability shifts transforming the industry at an incredible pace. Being there offers a chance to observe, learn, and bring back insights that can guide how we approach fresh produce marketing in Australia –not from a place of prediction, but from a place of preparedness.
Back from the future of packaging
by Gilad Sadan
AUSTRALIA’S UNIQUE ADVANTAGE
Observing what works (and what doesn’t) on the global stage gives Australian retailers and growers a competitive edge – we don’t just react to change; we get to anticipate it. With Europe setting the pace, we can analyse emerging trends, evaluate their impact, and adopt the best solutions before they take hold locally. The future of produce packaging isn’t a distant reality – it’s unfolding right now. Innovations in sustainable materials, automation, and consumer engagement are no longer optional; they are becoming industry standards. Those who embrace these changes early will shape the next era of fresh food retail. So, what did I see this year? Buckle up, because we’re about to hit 88 miles per hour and ride into the future.
TOP-SEAL REVOLUTION
Once an alternative, top-seal packaging is now the industry standard in Europe, driven by efficiency and the need for increased through-
put in packhouses. With automation at the forefront, this format provides key advantages:
• Reduces packaging material while maintaining product freshness.
• Optimises automation, making it compatible with high-speed packing lines.
• Enhances shelf presence, offering a neat, visually appealing solution.
• Versatile and applicable across various formats – especially when paired with fibrebased trays.
• Ideal for tiering – plastic for core products, cardboard for premium offerings.
As the industry evolves, top-seal technology will shift from an option to a necessity.
CARDBOARD THE NORM
Cardboard has gone mainstream, taking over core fresh categories like tomatoes, citrus, avocados, and apples. Once a premium choice, it’s now everywhere – offering a natural, fresh appeal that consumers trust. As paper and
fibre-based materials become the norm, differentiation is becoming a challenge. Brands and retailers must ask: If everything looks the same, where does differentiation come from? The answer is not just in material choice but in creative execution, smart design, and consumer engagement.
SUSTAINABILITY: THE NEW SEATBELT
Just like Volvo’s three-point seatbelt became standard, sustainability is no longer an optional feature – it’s a non-negotiable. For years, the focus has been on reducing plastic, compostable materials, and eco-friendly packaging. But after witnessing Europe’s shift firsthand, it’s clear that sustainability is now the seatbelt and airbags of packaging – builtin, expected, and essential. Retailers aren’t debating if they should embrace sustainability; they’re asking how fast they can make it happen while ensuring packaging remains functional, automated, and scalable.
BUCKLE UP
Great Scott! The future of fresh produce packaging is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed yet. Those who
embrace change now will set the benchmarks for the industry, shaping how fresh food is presented, protected, and perceived by consumers. Much like Doc Brown’s vision for the DeLorean, those who harness innovation today will drive the industry into a smarter, more sustainable tomorrow. It’s an exciting time to be in packaging. The key is not just to follow trends but to understand how they fit into a bigger strategy – efficiency, sustainability, and consumer engagement. The future won’t wait – let’s create it. n
BerryQuest International sets scene for future of Australian berry industry
Over 500 delegates come together in Tasmania for Berries Australia event.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Australia’s berry industry and visitors from across the world descended on Hobart, Tasmania 24-27 February to take in insights from multiple farm tours and an extensive conference programme.
The event kicked off with two tours spanning fresh produce operations in the north and south of the state, with the likes of Driscoll’s, Hillwood Berries, Reid Fruits, Piñata Farms, Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, R&R Smith and Hansens Orchards opening their doors.
Then, more than 500 delegates took in a packed agenda at Wrest Point Hotel Casino for the final two
days of the event. Speakers covered a range of topics such as market trends, trade opportunities, technology developments, technical growing advice and updates from the latest levy-funded research projects.
Highlights included keynote speaker Rachael Robertson, who shared the leadership lessons from her time in Antarctica. Fruitnet’s managing director Europe, Mike Knowles, delivered a breakdown of global berry trends and John Gray, managing director of Scotland’s Angus Soft Fruits provided an international perspective on berry growing and the development of the UK berry market.
Excellence from across the Australian berry industry was also recognised with the inaugural Berry Industry Awards. Winners were announced at the Driscoll’s Gala Dinner & Awards evening and included Agronomist of the Year – Stuart Doyle from AgVista; Next Generation Award – Rebecca Scurr from Piñata Farms; Industry Impact Award – Tyler Scofield from Driscoll’s Berries; Grower of the Year - Anthony Yewers from Berry Sweet Strawberry Farm; Lifetime Contribution Award – Apollo Gomez.
Two awards were presented during the conference, the Supply Chain Champion Award was award-
ed to Freshcare and Damien Clothier from Mountain Blue was chosen as Researcher of the Year.
Rachel Mackenzie, executive director at Berries Australia, congratulated all those involved in making the event happen.
“From the Berries Australia team, we are so grateful to the delegates for coming along. I’d like to thank our platinum sponsors Mountain Blue and Perfection Fresh, all of our other sponsors, speakers, trade show delegates and all of the people involved to make this a success,” said Mackenzie. n
OPPOSITE TOP—More than 500 delegates took in a packed agenda
OPPOSITE BOTTOM—The trade show provided further opportunity for learning and networking
LEFT—John Gray, managing director of Angus Soft Fruits
BELOW—The event started with two tours of fresh produce operations in the north and south of Tasmania
PHOTO—Huemen Media
Berries top Australian horticulture
Berries had the highest production value of any Australian fruit in 2023/24.
by Liam O’Callaghan
New data has revealed that berries had the highest production value of any Australian fruit in 2023/24 (12 months to 30 June 2024).
The figures released as part of Hort Innovation’s Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook show that over the past decade, berry production values have steadily increased from A$567mn in 2013 to A$1.3bn in 2024.
Chair of industry body, Berries Australia, Anthony Poiner says the new figures are “very pleasing”.
“Berries Australia has been operating since 2018 as a joint venture between the blueberry, strawberry and rubus (raspberry and blackber-
ry) industries,” Poiner says. “The figures released today along with the response to the conference show the value of working together and taking a collective approach.”
Brett Fifield, chief executive of Hort Innovation says the result continues a positive streak for Australian berry growers.
“The industry, through Berries Australia, has worked closely with Hort Innovation to invest in worldclass R&D that is building a bright future for growers and some tasty berries for consumers, here and overseas,” Fifield says.
According to Poiner, the industry still faces challenges with produc-
tion volumes also reaching record highs for all berries, collectively rising by 26 per cent, which is slightly higher than the 21 per cent increase in value.
“The disparity between production volume and value highlights the importance of new export opportunities for the sector and we are working closely with Hort Innovation and the Australian government to open new markets for the industry,” Poiner says.
Berry grower, James Kellaway of Oz Group Co-Op, says shifting consumer preferences have expanded opportunities for berry growers.
“Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries have seen a large increase in production over the last 12-18 months. We can attribute this growth to increased consumer and supermarket demand, and the diversity of market opportunities for blueberry exports,” Kellaway says.
“As people are changing the way they eat, leaning more into snacking as they navigate their busy lives, berries are providing a versatile treat they can indulge in on the go. We really are seeing more and more people treat them like nature’s lollies.”
Kellaway adds that new berry genetics and expanded market access into Asia should see Australia’s berry industry continue to grow.
“With more new berry plants feeding the market, we are seeing an increase in the characteristics consumers are looking for in the fruit including bigger berries, better crunch, and sweeter flavour - all things we hope will continue to drive demand into the next 12 months and beyond,” says Kellaway. n
Berry business bursting with potential
Fruitnet Berry Congress hears how there’s plenty of room for growth in the category – but better marketing is key.
by Maura Maxwell
The berry business is in high health, with plenty of opportunity for further growth in the coming years.
This was the message delivered to more than 200 key players from across the industry who gathered in Rotterdam’s Ahoy Centre on Wednesday for the Fruitnet Berry Congress. Delegates heard how berries are
outperforming all other produce categories, and with consumer confidence and spending on the rise and new genetics driving improvements in quality and consistency, the outlook is bright.
A key takeaway from the day was the need for better consumer messaging on the health benefits of
TOP ROW—Speakers shared the need for better consumer messaging
MIDDLE LEFT—Hoogstraten strawberries
ABOVE & BOTTOM RIGHT—Sekoya jumbo blueberries
BOTTOM LEFT—Exhibitors showcased innovative packaging designs
regular berry consumption. Young consumers, in particular, should be the focus of targeted campaigns that tap into the growing wellness trend.
Varietal innovation is fuelling the growing premiumisation of the category, with consumers proving to be willing to pay more for the right product in the right packaging.
Driscoll’s, Hortifrut, Camposol, Sekoya, Früchte Widmann, Berries South Africa, Angus Soft Fruits, GroentenFruit Huis, Unitec, Rabobank and Coöperatie Hoogstraten were among the companies and associations sharing exclusive insights on how to deliver sustainable growth in the coming years.
Neolithics, Dogtooth Technologies, BG Door and Agriplace provided an insight into some of the cuttingedge technological innovations to make berries better. n
MUSHROOMS
New mushroom trend shakes things up
Australian Mushrooms launches Shaker Bag Mushrooms with multi-pronged marketing campaign.
by Bree Caggiati
Ahead of the Australian summer season, Australian Mushrooms has launched a national campaign introducing consumers to Shaker Bag Mushrooms.
The new food trend, inspired by the playful experience of ‘shaker fries’, aimed to provide a fresh and innovative way to enjoy mushrooms by reimagining the humble brown paper bag.
The campaign encouraged consumers to add spices, seasonings and chopped mushrooms into the shaker bag and shake before cooking.
“Not only does it give people options to bring their mushrooms to life, but it also gives mushrooms
their moment as the star of the dish,” says Hort Innovation senior brand manager, Victoria Zourkas.
BRINGING THE CAMPAIGN TO LIFE
To build momentum for the trend, Australian Mushrooms engaged two well-known social media creators, Ash Pollard and Kat Clark, to showcase the fun and versatility of the Shaker Bag Mushrooms.
The pair produced engaging content utilising a custom soundtrack and dance, encouraging their audiences to follow along.
“The creators saw impressive results across both organic and paid
activity on their channels and on Australian Mushrooms social media platforms,” says Zourkas.
“Food lovers across social media responded by creating their own content and engaging with the campaign ambassadors.”
Ash Pollard was also featured on a morning television segment on Today Extra, showcasing three mushroom recipes including the Australian Mushroom’s signature shaker bag.
“With 1.8mn people reached so far, her influence is helping spread the word about this exciting new way to enjoy mushrooms,” says Zourkas.
As part of the national campaign, Australian Mushrooms also partnered with meal kit service, HelloFresh, to feature two Shaker Bag Mushroom recipes.
“[It] has seen overwhelming demand with 21,000 recipe boxes including Shaker Bag Mushrooms distributed over a two-week period,” says Zourkas.
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM GOING
To further build momentum, Australian Mushrooms partnered with six additional content creators who will share their own favourite shaker bag recipes along with other mushroom-based recipes. Ash Pollard will also release additional Instagram reels, high-quality imagery, and a supporting blog post for the Australian Mushrooms website. n
RIGHT—Shaker bags are paired with spices and seasonings
Irradiation proves value in Australia
Fresh produce industry turns to irradiation to enhance and protect domestic and export trade.
by Liam O’Callaghan
Trade volumes using phytosanitary irradiation are growing rapidly in Australia, with the generically effective biosecurity tool providing a solution to emerg-
ing challenges in the fresh produce industry.
Steritech fresh produce manager, Benjamin Reilly, says the irradiation service provider has seen
ABOVE—Retailer support has increased demand for irradiation
OPPOSITE— On-shelf QR codes linking to information help with consumer acceptance
domestic treatments of fresh produce double in 2025.
“The domestic market has really taken off. It now accounts for about 65 per cent of our total produce treatments. Five years ago, it was less than 1 per cent,” says Reilly.
“Independent retailers were the first to support domestic use in late 2020. Some of these businesses took a progressive approach to labelling requirements, promoting the sustainability and quality benefits.”
Last year, Australia’s two largest retailers joined the rest of the industry in using the treatment to meet biosecurity requirements.
“National retailer acceptance was a key moment for the treatment, as it became a single solution to supply any crop to any customer in fruit fly restricted markets,” notes Reilly.
“The feedback we are receiving from suppliers and retailers is very positive. Sales have improved, and seasons have been extended due to more reliable interstate supply of Australian-grown produce. Consumers are gaining greater choice and experience.”
The suspension of alternative chemical-based treatments including dimethoate and methyl bromide for several crops has contributed to the growth in demand for phytosanitary irradiation. Reilly says irradiation can play an important role in helping the industry respond to new obstacles.
“Continuity of trade and commercial pressures have certainly been factors. I think the loss of some older pathways was a shock to many, forcing businesses and industry groups to reconsider their strategies and solutions,” says Reilly.
“The dynamic nature of biosecurity and the trend toward the loss
of chemistry will require ongoing development of solutions like phytosanitary irradiation, or trade will become restricted.”
While Steritech’s growth in the domestic market has been rapid over the past year, it has not been without challenges.
“We have been making investments preparing for this growth for a long time. In 2023 we installed a second X-ray machine for redundancy and to meet future capacity needs,” notes Reilly.
“The volume of new customers utilising the service for the national retailers not just increased volumes rapidly, but also increased the complexity of customer needs. We
went through a period of growing pains that was tough on everyone,” he adds.
“I am appreciative of everyone who remained supportive and worked with us through this period. The business has made significant investments in staffing and IT and adapted quickly.”
Australia has become a leader in the development of phytosanitary irradiation, with over 20 years of use for commercial trade. Today, Australia’s industry maintains trade in over 80 crops to three domestic interstate markets and six export markets. Multiple countries in Asia also export produce to Australia using the treatment. n
BASF Nunhems maintains standards in battle against ToBRFV
Disease-resistant offer continues to grow as BASF Nunhems meets grower and consumer demands.
by Liam O’Callaghan
The varieties do not compromise on consumer aspects such as flavour, colour or visual appearance
As the Australian tomato industry manages a Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) outbreak the value of disease-resistant varieties has become all the more apparent.
BASF Nunhems debuted its first resistant tomato varieties in 2020 and it continues to expand its offering.
In this time BASF Nunhems has not only been able to develop resistance but maintain the other characteristics that are vital to a successful tomato variety.
LEFT—Vitalion is resistant to ToBRFV
Customer marketing specialist Sam Clayfield says growers and consumers all have certain expectations of a tomato, and it's not enough to address just one need.
“Nunhems' Rugose-resistant varieties all meet the requirements of the different levels of the agri-food value chain. Despite their good marks in vitality, productivity, and plant health, the varieties do not compromise on crucial consumer aspects such as flavour, colour or visual appearance,” says Clayfield.
Two of BASF Nunhems’ standout resistant varieties include Vitalion and RonVine.
Vitalion is a cherry tomato suitable for high-tech production and year-round planting and harvesting, with a long shelf-life and low waste percentage.
“It’s shown a good level of ToBRFV resistance in field trials and has an excellent flavour level,” says Clayfield.
RonVine is similarly suited for high-tech production with a strong and vigorous plant.
“This variety has firm fruit with deep red and shiny colour. It has strong and attractive green parts and a long shelf-life,” notes Clayfield.
BASF Nunhems’ portfolio offers ToBRFV resistant varieties across multiple segments, such as truss, cherry round and grape, cocktail and roma.
Its development pipeline is continuous, with new varieties always in the works. Clayfield says this will allow BASF Nunhems to help growers overcome challenges now and in the future. n
Bayer brings new tomato varieties in Australia
If trials are successful, Bayer aims to make two ToBRFV-resistant varieties commercially available towards the end of the year.
by Bree Caggiati
Vegetables by Bayer has begun first look adaptability trials to determine how its two Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)-resistant tomato varieties will perform under Australian environmental conditions and local growing practices.
“Once adaptability trials are complete and we are confident with their performance, we aim to make them commercially available towards the end of 2025,” says Bayer agronomy lead ANZ, David Campbell.
The two varieties, Novero and
DRTH2913, are already commercially grown in North and South America with high yield potential.
“Novero is an early maturing beef tomato hybrid with high yield potential, good fruit quality and intermediate resistance to ToBRFV,” says Campbell. “[It is] commercial in the US and Canada and is being grown in high-tech glasshouse production environments.”
The DRTH2913 variety is a large, loose, hot to cold tomato hybrid bred for low and mid technology production environments, with intermediate resistance to ToBRFV.
BELOW LEFT—Novero is an early maturing beef tomato
BELOW—DRTH2913 is commercially available in Mexico and Argentina
“The variety demonstrates good total yield potential and produces excellent fruit quality,” Campbell says. “DRTH2913 is already commercial in Argentina and Mexico.”
By making the varieties available to growers in Australia and New Zealand, Campbell says they will have a significant tool to manage fruit production if the virus is identified in their infrastructure and growing systems.
“The virus transmits easily, can decimate crops, and is difficult to eradicate,” he says. “Varieties with resistance to a disease are a significant tool in the management of the disease, rather than eradication.”
While the Australian industry still maintains an eradication strategy following two outbreaks in South Australia in 2024 and Victoria in 2025, Campbell says growers are showing interest in resistant varieties.
“Growers are interested in getting in front of the inevitable shift from eradication to management and are keen to have resistant varieties integrated into their programmes,” he says.
To meet this interest, Bayer has been connecting its global R&D and plant breeding team with Australian and New Zealand growers and industry stakeholders to share experiences from Europe and South America through webinars and one-on-one interactions.
“Since ToBRFV was first detected in 2014, Bayer has developed extensive protocols to support seed health and quality, and the company continues to test new varieties under grower conditions to evaluate effectiveness,” Campbell says. n
Rijk Zwaan fights spread of ToBRFV with Rugose Defense
The combination of good hygiene and genetic resistance is the most effective approach in the fight against ToBRFV, Rijk Zwaan says.
by Bree Caggiati
For nearly a decade – since the initial discovery of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in the Middle East in 2014 – plant breeding and seed company Rijk Zwaan has been accelerating its research and development of ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes. These varieties, sold under the Rugose Defense brand, have been commercially available in affected countries and trialed throughout Australia since 2022.
“Selecting varieties with high resistance to ToBRFV is a crucial long-term strategy to reduce virus pressure and prevent widespread devastation,” Rijk Zwaan says.
ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant disease that primarily affects tomatoes and capsicums. As of March 2025, the virus is present in 55 countries, including Australia following an outbreak in August 2024.
While tomatoes infected with ToBRFV are not dangerous to consume, the virus poses a significant threat to the vegetable industry due to its rapid spread and potential to reduce yield by up to 70 per cent.
According to Rijk Zwaan, the combination of good hygiene and genetic resistance is the most effec-
tive, economical, and sustainable approach in the control of viral disease, and minimising losses caused by ToBRFV.
“Rugose Defense varieties pro-
BELOW TOP—Good hygiene still plays an important role in the ToBRFV response BELOW BOTTOM—Rugose Defense tomatoes have been commercially available since 2022
vide the strongest protection against the disease for the Australian market, while retaining agronomic value for growers,” the company says.
Under the Rugose Defense brand, Rijk Zwaan sells seeds for cherry, snack, cocktail, beef, and large truss tomato varieties.
According to the breeder, all of the Rugose Defense varieties provide proven high resistance to ToBRFV, even under high temperatures without compromising on yield, quality or taste.
The company also ensures all seeds have been tested for ToBRFV before being shipped to Australia.
“All Rijk Zwaan tomato, capsicum and chilli seed batches are tested for ToBRFV by Naktuinbouw-accredited laboratory tests and are only shipped to Australia when the absence of ToBRFV has been confirmed,” Rijk Zwaan explains. n
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RubyRed harvest begins New Zealand’s earliest-ever kiwifruit season
Following a very positive growing period, marketer Zespri looks ahead to another record-breaking crop.
by Mike Knowles & Bree Caggiati
New Zealand’s kiwifruit harvest began earlier than ever this season, with the first RubyRed fruit picked just outside Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty in early February.
According to grower organisation New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI), the berrytinged variety will be supplied to domestic supermarkets, as well as some overseas markets.
The early harvest follows what growers have called “ideal” growing conditions with industry expecting a record crop of just over 200mn trays this season. If achieved, this would represent a modest increase on last year’s record-breaking campaign, when the country sold more than 190mn trays from mid-April to June.
NZKGI chief executive Colin Bond says he shares growers’ enthusiasm about the season ahead.
“While my thoughts are with those Tasman and Whakatane growers who received significant hail damage at the end of last December, overall, growers have experienced a great lead up to harvest with ideal
Demand for our fruit remains strong and we’re focused on delivering highquality fruit
BELOW—Zespri is expecting to exceed NZ$4.5bn in global revenue this year OPPOSITE—Zespri will continue to receive submissions for its innovation fund Zag in 2025
sun and little wind to produce excellent kiwifruit,” he says.
“Over the last few years, our industry has been working collaboratively to ensure our supply chain is
robust, to export increased volumes and deliver our high-quality fruit to consumers around the world.”
Zespri chief executive, Jason Te Brake, says he is excited to see another record-breaking crop with moderate increases in SunGold and Green kiwifruit volumes, as well as the doubling of RubyRed volume.
“Demand for our fruit remains strong and we’re focused on delivering high-quality fruit early and consistently throughout the season to maximise returns for our growers,” he says.
“Our customers and teams in the market have come off a strong 2024 season, are looking for more of our fruit, and are ready to begin sales strongly in the coming months.”
The strong back-to-back seasons have Zespri expecting to exceed its target of reaching NZ$4.5bn in global revenue by 2025.
“The strong value we’ve secured on a big crop [in 2024] means we’ll exceed the target set in 2015 of reaching NZ$4.5bn in global revenue by 2025,” Te Brake explains. “This is a tremendous effort from the industry and reflects our commitment to building brand-led demand, delivering outstanding quality kiwifruit to our markets and innovating to create value for growers.”
Te Brake adds there has been a strong sense of confidence within the industry.
“The successful industry discus-
sion on expanding Zespri Global Supply at the end of 2024 [showcases] our ability to make strategic decisions together, and it’s great to see growers positive and the industry moving forward so strongly,” he says. “With a positive outlook and
strong demand for our fruit, we’re looking forward to the 2025 harvest, as we look to build on the strong momentum the industry has.”
This year will also see the marketer reaffirm its US$2mn investment to its innovation fund, Zag.
Since its launch in November 2023, Zag has received more than 100 submissions from more than 15 countries, with 11 submissions moving into pilot programmes.
This year the kiwifruit marketer is looking to rally innovators and pioneers to strengthen climate resilience across food systems and help create solutions that advance productivity and carbon-positive practices relevant to kiwifruit.
“We’ve had a really positive first year with Zag,” says Jiunn Shih, Zespri chief marketing, innovation and sustainability officer. “It’s helped connect us with innovative problem solvers from around the world to address key challenges our industry faces as we meet the growing demand for kiwifruit, but this is just the beginning.” n
Fresh Provisions: a passion for quality and freshness
For more than three decades, Fresh Provisions has been a trusted name in Western Australia’s fresh food scene, offering customers high-quality produce and a strong commitment to supporting local growers.
Fresh Provisions has been serving the Perth community for over 30 years, with locations in Mount Lawley and Bicton. The stores have built a loyal customer base by focusing on fresh, high-quality produce and a unique shopping experience that blends convenience with a passion for food. At the heart of this independent retailer is Shawn Offer, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to the business.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on sourcing the best fruit and vegetables available,” says Offer. “We work tirelessly to ensure our customers get the freshest seasonal produce from local growers, which really sets us apart.”
Unlike larger supermarket chains, Fresh Provisions has the flexibility to curate a diverse range of products that cater to food lovers. From premium dairy and artisan
baked goods to specialty international items, the store offers a carefully selected variety that keeps customers coming back.
THE ROLE OF INDEPENDENT GREENGROCERS
As a proud supporter of independent retailers, Offer highlights the essential role they play in the industry.
“Independent greengrocers like us bring a level of quality and service that’s hard to match. We build relationships with our customers and growers, which means we can provide a personalised shopping experience.”
Fresh Provisions is also a strong advocate for the ‘A better choice!’ programme, which promotes shopping at local independent retailers to ensure a vibrant and sustainable fresh produce industry.
“The programme helps educate customers on the benefits of shopping local – supporting farmers, ensuring product freshness, and keeping independent businesses alive.”
ADAPTING TO CHANGING CONSUMER TRENDS
Consumer habits continue to evolve, and Fresh Provisions is always looking for ways to innovate.
“We’ve seen a growing demand for organic and specialty produce, so we’ve expanded our offerings to
ABOUT A BETTER CHOICE!
This article was prepared by A better choice!, Australia’s first national programme designed to encourage consumers to shop for fresh produce at their local independent retailer. The programme aims to unite the fruit and vegetable industry and buy back customer loyalty. A joint initiative by industry group Fresh Markets Australia and the Central Markets Association of Australia, the programme supports more than 700 retailers across Australia who supply over 1m tonnes of fresh produce to households each year.
include more sustainable and ethically sourced items,” Offer explains.
The store has also embraced convenience trends, offering ready-togo meal solutions, curated gourmet hampers, and an enhanced in-store shopping experience to cater to modern consumers’ busy lifestyles.
“People are looking for quality, but they also want convenience. We aim to provide both,” he says.
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
As Fresh Provisions looks to the future, the focus remains on quality, service, and community engagement. Offer and his team are committed to maintaining their strong relationships with local growers and ensuring that their customers have access to the best fresh produce Western Australia has to offer.
“Fresh food should be exciting and accessible. We want to continue being a place where customers can discover and enjoy the best produce every season,” Offer says. n
ABOVE—Fresh Provisions has been serving the Perth community for 30 years
HUNDREDS OF L ABELS. ONE SOURCE YOU CAN TRUST.
At The Fresh Connection, our reputation and commitment are something we don’t compromise. With that reputation, we source produce from growers across six of the seven continents in the world with offices in the US, Mexico, South America, South Africa, Lebanon, India, Australia, and New Zealand. We have the ability to source the fruits and vegetables that suit your year-round needs with quality assurance teams that have standards just as high as your own. Combine this with experienced sales, procurement, and operational professionals, you can rely on The Fresh Connection for produce that fits your global needs. Take a closer look at thefreshconnection.com
