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“Imported blueberry demand grows nearly 50% over last year in India” by FreshPlaza

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Madeira variety showcasing consistent quality this season

“Imported blueberry demand grows nearly 50% over last year in India”

Fresh blueberry availability in India is currently tight, with air shipments from Peru dropping from 70 tonnes per week in September to just 30 tonnes in November, says Sharath Loganathan of Ninjacart Global. “Peru is the only active origin supplying the market right now, but production there is around 25 percent below early projections.”

According to Loganathan, “Many Peruvian farms are also grappling with size issues in the later part of the season, producing more berries below the 14 mm size preferred by Indian buyers.” He notes that most imports are coming via the Netherlands’ wholesale ecosystem, which has kept supply reasonable so far. “However, we expect these Holland-routed volumes to gradually reduce in the coming weeks as the Peruvian season progresses.”

Quality this season has been mixed, with over 95 percent of imported blueberries originating from Peru. “While Madeira has performed consistently well, certain dominant varieties showed unexpected variability early on. The market has required more active selection compared to last year,” Loganathan explains. Prices reflect the tighter supply. “Pricing is currently at USD 15 to 17 CIF in the Netherlands, up from USD 12 to 13 CIF during the same period last year. This firming comes from lower volumes and stricter quality picks at origin.”

Loganathan notes how Chile stepped up meaningfully last season during January-February and should do so again, offering a supply bridge as Peruvian fruit tapers. “Although less firm than what Indian consumers favor, Chilean berries provide reliable volumes. Demand for imported blueberries remains strong regardless, up nearly 50 percent year-over-year, especially from organized retail and e-commerce. Tier 2 cities are showing strong double-digit growth, and consistent brands are gaining higher recall in wholesale.”

Domestic production typically enters the market from February to May, coinciding with the end of the Peru season. The two supply windows work well together, Loganathan shares. “This year, domestic supply is expected to arrive earlier, around mid-January. But despite Indian berries gaining visibility, there is still a strong preference for imported berries in premium channels due to their consistency and well-established quality benchmarks.” He adds, “Newer origins like Poland and Georgia have entered the market, but their quality and volumes don’t yet rival Peru. South Africa looks promising for the future as import protocols open.”

Looking ahead, supply and quality are expected to hold steady through mid-December. Loganathan predicts that from late December to early February, things may tighten as Peruvian volumes drop before Chile scales up. “The focus will be on managing quality and supply continuity during that window,” he concludes.

For more information:
Sharath Loganathan
NinjaGlobal
Tel: +91 80 50 064 652
Email: sharath@ninjacart.com
www.ninjacart.com Publication date: Fri 28 Nov 2025

© FreshPlaza.com / Alysha Fernandes

Ukrainian demand rises for sweet potatoes and asparagus by FreshPlaza

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Ukrainian demand rises for sweet potatoes and asparagus

Demand for niche vegetable crops in Ukraine is rising, particularly for sweet potatoes and asparagus, according to a market review published in “Gardening in Ukrainian” by Ksenia Guseva, fruit and vegetable market analyst at APK-Inform IA.

Guseva notes that sweet potatoes, once available only in premium supermarket formats such as Le Silpo or Delmar, are now stocked in mainstream retail, including the Varus chain. “While sweet potatoes used to be sold only in premium supermarkets, like Le Silpo or Delmar, now they can be found even in regular retail chains, in particular Varus. The price has become quite affordable,” she says.

She reports that production of salads and leafy greens is also increasing. Supermarkets now offer a wider selection of mixes, packaged salads, green onions, parsley, and dill. “I won’t say that prices are high, but the choice is much wider now than a few years ago. Conditions for growing greens are now favorable, so production is gradually increasing,” Guseva notes.

Despite wider availability, she emphasizes that sweet potatoes and greens remain niche crops grown largely under contract-based supply programs for supermarkets and restaurants. “This is not a mass product: you need to know exactly who you are selling to before you plant it. If ten farms nearby grow onions and only one grows potatoes, then the potatoes will be more expensive,” she says.

The current trend reflects increased consumer interest in alternative vegetable crops and a shift in retail assortment, though production remains limited and targeted toward specific buyers rather than broad distribution.

Source: PotatoPro

Frontpage photo: © Jianghongyan | Dreamstime

Camposol in Peru reports 35% volume growth in Q3 update by FreshPlaza

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Camposol reports 35% volume growth in Q3 update

Camposol Holding PLC has released its preliminary financial results for the third quarter of 2025, covering the period ending September 30. The figures, prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards, remain subject to adjustment following the completion of audited financial statements.

For the first nine months of 2025, the company reported sales of USD 367 million, a 21 per cent increase compared with the same period of 2024. Volumes sold reached 99,737 metric tons, up 35 per cent year-on-year. EBITDA stood at USD 101.2 million, down 1 per cent from the previous year, with a margin of 28 per cent. Net profit was USD 19.2 million, a 41 per cent decline. The company’s net debt to EBITDA ratio was 2.81x.

During the third quarter, Fitch Ratings upgraded the company’s long-term credit ratings to B+. The company also inaugurated a new biofactory in Virú, northern Peru. The 2,000-square-metre facility integrates in-vitro and ex-vitro production and has a stated annual capacity of up to five million blueberry plants. The facility is intended to support the company’s varietal development programme and long-term planting plans.

Camposol took part in several industry events throughout the quarter, including meetings focused on avocado and blueberry production. The company also received recognition from Peruvian export and regional trade organisations and obtained ISO 37001 certification for its anti-bribery management system.

In a statement, CEO Ricardo Naranjo said, “The third quarter demonstrated the continued strength of our strategy and disciplined execution. We delivered another solid financial performance, maintaining our Net Debt-to-EBITDA ratio well below the 3.5x threshold for the fifth consecutive quarter, reinforcing the progress of our deleveraging trajectory and the resilience of our financial profile.” He added that the inauguration of the Virú biofactory enhances the company’s development capacity and supports its replanting and new planting programs.

Blueberry volumes in the first nine months grew 62.8 per cent year-on-year to 36,500 metric tons. Sales reached USD 242.2 million, up 34.1 per cent, while gross profit rose 38.7 per cent. Cost per kilogram decreased 19.9 per cent, supported by pruning strategies applied in 2024 and an earlier start to the 2025–2026 season. Avocado volumes rose 14 per cent, and the company reported a 20 per cent gross profit margin for this crop despite lower market prices.

Tangerines experienced lower volumes and quality due to adverse weather in Uruguay and Peru. Mangoes and grapes performed in line with expectations following the close of the 2024–2025 season. Capital investments continued during the period, including funding for the new biofactory and nursery.

Short-term debt represented less than 27 per cent of total debt, and the company expects working capital levels to ease as blueberry collections take place in late 2025 and early 2026.

To view the full report, click here.

For more information:
Jossue Yesquen Lihim
Camposol
Email: jyesquen@camposol.com
www.investors.camposol.com Publication date: Thu 27 Nov 2025

Le Benelux élargit l’accès aux emballages sans plastique pour les produits frais avec Quality Pack par FreshPlaza

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Le Benelux élargit l’accès aux emballages sans plastique pour les produits frais

Les fournisseurs de produits frais du Benelux doivent se conformer aux nouvelles réglementations européennes en matière d’emballage tout en conservant des formats d’emballage efficaces et protecteurs. Une nouvelle collaboration entre Quality Pack et SoFruPak vise à répondre à ce problème en mettant la gamme d’emballages sans plastique de SoFruPak à la disposition des entreprises de la région.

La ligne d’emballage SoFruPak utilise du carton combiné à un film de cellulose. Ces matériaux ne contiennent pas de plastique et sont conçus pour préserver la fraîcheur des produits. L’emballage est recyclable et biodégradable en 24 semaines. Comme le carton et la pellicule de cellulose peuvent être traités ensemble, le système offre une alternative aux emballages en PET à un moment où les exigences réglementaires deviennent plus strictes.

Adam Sikorski, directeur commercial de SoFruPak, a déclaré : “Notre partenariat avec Quality Pack nous permet d’apporter des solutions d’emballage véritablement durables au marché du Benelux. Ensemble, nous permettons aux entreprises de répondre facilement aux exigences réglementaires et à la demande des consommateurs pour des emballages respectueux de l’environnement, sans compromettre la commodité ou la qualité du produit.”

Le partenariat s’aligne sur la législation européenne en cours qui devrait exiger une adoption plus large de matériaux respectueux de l’environnement dans les emballages de fruits et légumes. SoFruPak est actif dans le secteur des produits frais depuis plusieurs années et a été récompensé pour ses concepts d’emballage entre 2016 et 2023.

Cette collaboration permet aux producteurs, emballeurs et criées du Benelux d’avoir accès à des emballages conçus pour répondre aux attentes réglementaires en constante évolution, tout en offrant une option aux entreprises qui souhaitent réduire l’utilisation du plastique dans leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement.

Pour plus d’informations :
Marnix van der Caaij
Quality Pack
Tél : +31 6 53 57 27 74
mvandercaaij@qualitypack.nl
www.qualitypack.nl

When automation supports blueberry and asparagus growers with Berryway and Optisort by Maf Roda and FreshPlaza

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Berryway and Optisort by Maf Roda

When automation supports blueberry and asparagus growers

At the IAD-IBD trade fair held last month in the Bordeaux region, the Maf-Roda Group – platinum sponsor of the event – presented its sorting and grading solutions for red fruit and asparagus. The two installations did not go unnoticed.

Berryway and Berryscan: Cutting-edge technology for high-precision sorting while respecting the fruit
The Berryway grading machine attracted the attention of visitors, as it offers a complete solution for post-harvest blueberries, combining delicate handling with high-precision sorting. “The Berryway is designed to handle blueberries with the utmost delicacy. Each line takes care of the berries to limit shocks and guarantee the integrity of the fruit,” explains Fabrice Blanc, managing director of Maf Roda. Modular from two to eighteen lines, processing 160 to 200 kg of blueberries/hour/line at an average weight of 2g per fruit, Berryscan is equally suited to small-scale producers and industrial structures.

The Berryscan module enhances this performance with particularly accurate multispectral optical sorting. Taking 360° photos of each berry, it analyzes color, shape, and external quality, while detecting defects such as soft, dehydrated, or damaged fruit. “Thanks to Insight technology, we can measure sugar levels to guarantee a consistent, tasty product,” explains Fabrice Blanc. Based on artificial intelligence, the software makes it possible to fine-tune the sorting criteria (shape, firmness, size, Brix) and automate the entire process right through to packaging.

Already widely deployed internationally – from the United States to South Africa, via Eastern Europe – the solution is now attracting considerable interest in France. “Demand for high-performance, automated sorting lines is growing strongly,” observes Fabrice Blanc. By reducing dependence on manual sorting while maximizing final quality, Berryway and Berryscan are positioning themselves as essential tools for growers looking to improve precision, productivity, and added value.

An asparagus grading machine for high-precision associativity
Since acquiring the German company Strauss, Maf-Roda has also been offering a complete range of solutions for asparagus, from harvesting to packaging, including grading and weighing. At the IAD-IBD trade fair, it was the grading machine for white and green asparagus that was presented. “In this sector too, we can offer turnkey solutions that can be adapted to any type of structure,” explains Fabrice Blanc.

These solutions are all the more appreciated in this particularly labor-intensive sector, since no human intervention is required, apart from receiving the packaged product. “We were the first to automate bundling. Our grading machine enables us to achieve high associativity accuracy, to +/- 4g on the bundle. The capacity of our machines ranges from 800kg/1.2T to 2T/h.” Another special feature of the Strauss-Maf-Roda grading machines is their high-pressure washing system. This is a definite advantage for products that come straight out of the ground, such as asparagus, which is contaminated by the sand that slips into its scales.

The asparagus grading machine presented at the show can also be adapted to leeks, zucchinis, and rhubarb.

For more information:
Christophe Nivet
Maf-Roda
Phone: +33 5 63 63 27 70 Publication date: Wed 26 Nov 2025

“We began a major expansion that will bring us to nearly 50 hectares”Raspberries and blackberries production grown in hydroponic tunnels at BigRed berry farm by FreshPlaza

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Raspberries and blackberries production grown in hydroponic tunnels

“We began a major expansion that will bring us to nearly 50 hectares”

A major expansion is underway for a Polish soft fruit producer, as the company is increasing acreage for both raspberries and blackberries, says Oleh Naumenko, CEO and co-owner of Polish soft fruit producer BigRed berry farm: “Our raspberry and blackberry projects have grown very dynamically. In 2023, we started with a pilot project in Poland, about 7.5 hectares of fully hydroponic tunnels near the German border. We tested different varieties of raspberries and blackberries and saw strong market demand. By 2025, we began a major expansion that will eventually bring us to nearly 50 hectares of hydroponic tunnels. We’re adding around 45 hectares of raspberries and 5 hectares of blackberries, bringing us to nearly 60 hectares total.”

In recent years, overall demand for soft fruit has been in the lift according to Naumenko, which has also resulted in better prices for the produce. “We’ve seen steadily growing demand and gradually rising prices. During the summer season in Poland, there are weeks when berries are scarce on the market and competition is low, allowing us to operate profitably.”

Naumenko emphasizes that their high-tech way of growing the raspberries and blackberries is the future for growing premium berries: “Hydroponic systems are easy to manage and very efficient in terms of yield and quality. They let us control climate and irrigation automatically, which is the future of premium berry production. In 2025, we built the core infrastructure and added 12 hectares of tunnels. In 2026, we’ll add another 15 to 20 hectares, and in 2027, another 15 to 20 hectares. We’re also launching a separate project for our own long canes.”

BigRed berry farm isn’t just growing the soft fruit, they’re also growing in the post-harvest process, working together with a well-known player in the industry: “We’re also expanding in terms of logistics, packaging, and sales. We’re working closely with Berry Group, which ensures smooth distribution and good pricing. Together, we’re ready to handle about 1,500 tons of berries for the European market and local sales in Poland,” Naumenko concludes.

For more information:
Oleh Naumenko
BigRed berry farm
Tel: +48 573 490 247 (🇵🇱)
Tel: +38 067 673 22 99 (🇺🇦)
bigredfarmpl@gmail.com
www.bigredfarm.net

The rush to grow strawberries in Egypt results in falling prices by FreshPlaza and Fruit.Farm

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The rush to grow strawberries in Egypt results in falling prices

The first Egyptian strawberries of the season are hitting the market. The industry is emerging from a difficult planting period, marked by issues with seedling quality, only to face a decline in value. However, according to several growers, export volumes this season are expected to reach record highs.

Amr Kadah, export manager at Fruit.Farm, sums up the situation: “The strawberry acreage in Egypt has increased dramatically this year. Growers rushed to cultivate strawberries, and the total area increased by 35% to reach more than 100,000 feddans (1 feddan = 0.43 ha). This has been accompanied by widespread problems with the supply of good-quality seedlings, necessitating extensive replanting. We are now seeing huge volumes and very low prices at the start of the season.”

This craze for strawberries has naturally led to fierce competition among Egyptian exporters themselves. Kadah says, “Despite increased production and transportation costs, prices for fresh strawberries are now lower than last season.”

“Strange strawberry season. We are barely two weeks in, and already we are witnessing a masquerade in the markets. I do not understand how a box of strawberries can be exported at half its cost to Gulf countries,” an Egyptian exporter rants on LinkedIn.

Kadah comments, “This is the inevitable result of the large expansion in acreage and the big jump in volumes. We expect to exceed 550,000 tons exported in a single season, in both fresh and frozen strawberries.”

According to the exporter, strong demand and greater market diversification will help sustain the export campaign. He explains, “We expect a large increase in exports to China, which has exempted Egyptian exports from customs duties. China will join markets that import Egyptian strawberries in large quantities, such as Arab countries, Europe, and Russia.”

“Egypt is therefore set to remain at the top of the podium as the leading exporter of strawberries for the fourth consecutive year, despite strong competition, surpassing all other sources such as China, the United States, Mexico, Chile, Turkey, Morocco, and Spain, thanks to unbeatable prices,” the exporter continues.

According to Kadah, this season’s Egyptian production is dominated by the Florida, Sweet Sensation, Fortuna, and Festival varieties. He concludes: “We strive to offer our partners in all regions of the world the variety they want, at competitive prices and with impeccable quality.”

For more information:
Amr Kadah
Fruit.Farm
Tel: +201009288377
Email: amr.kadah@mail.ru

Asparagus industry in E.China’s Jiangxi shows international human rights officials path to poverty relief (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)

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Asparagus industry in E.China’s Jiangxi shows international human rights officials path to poverty relief

By Li Yawei in Le’an (Global Times) 09:30, November 21, 2025

In Le’an county, East China’s Jiangxi Province, nestled among the mountains, farmers wear contented smiles as they harvest the final batch of asparagus this year. A reporter from the Global Times on Wednesday joined officials in the field of human rights on a tour of this county to witness the vivid practice of safeguarding farmers’ human rights through its asparagus industry.

The Human Rights Action in China – 2025 Jiangxi Tour took place from November 16-23, and was participated by officials, experts, scholars from countries including France, Mexico, Ireland, Switzerland, and China.

During the trip, participants visited Le’an county to observe its specialized asparagus industry. Following six years of development, the local asparagus cultivation area has expanded from 30 mu (approximately 2 hectares) to 2,500 mu, with greenhouse coverage reaching 1,500 mu, making it the largest single asparagus planting base in China, said a local official surnamed Yu.

Although the industry is now thriving, the substantial initial investment and prolonged production cycle deterred local farmers six years ago, said Yu. To address this issue, the local government adopted a contract model, whereby it provided essential production elements such as greenhouses, seeds, and fertilizers, while farmers took charge of daily management.

Yu said farmers can sell their harvested asparagus to local enterprises at a price of 0.6 ($0.08) to 0.8 yuan per jin (0.5 kilograms).

David Lopez, Permanent Representative and Consultant in Human Rights of International Association for Human Rights and Social Development, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the government assumes primary responsibility for the initial investments and natural market risks, liberating farmers from the high-risk, capital-intensive predicament and enabling them to work and earn within a relatively secure environment.

In addition to sales revenue, the local government also provides farmers with a monthly minimum income of 2,700 yuan, Yu said.

David said the guaranteed income provided by the government functions as a safety net by ensuring stable and predictable cash flow for locals. “This effectively safeguards the basic living expenses of farming households and prevents the risk of seasonal poverty,” he added.

Tiny stalks of asparagus have now become a source of income for the local villagers. The county’s asparagus sales reached 6-million-yuan last year, with products mainly distributed across the country, as well as exported to Europe and Southeast Asian countries, according to local government.

“The work is flexible, close to home, and the pay is decent,” Chen Chahua, a 64-year-old local villager, told the Global Times on Wednesday. “During the peak asparagus season this year, I earned 6,000 yuan in a single month,” she said with a smile.

“The better farmers manage the asparagus, the higher the yield, and the more income they earn,” Yu said.

Linking farmers’ income directly to their output stimulates their labor enthusiasm and creativity, and positions them as direct beneficiaries of their own work outcomes, David said.

During the visit, officials also tasted the last batch of this year’s asparagus. As he ate, David expressed his hope that the asparagus yield would continue to grow steadily next year, bringing further benefits to the local farmers. Yu responded, “This is certain. We have already figured out the methods, we are very confident about it.”

So far, the local asparagus industry has created employment for over 300 farmers, with an average annual income of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 yuan per person, effectively boosting rural household earnings.

David said instead of standing by, the local government innovated mechanisms to address the core challenges faced by farmers who were willing to engage in cultivation but hesitated due to financial constraints or lack of resource. Such effort demonstrates local authority’s efforts to safeguard human rights by resolving the most pressing and practical difficulties in people’s lives, he added.

He also noted that the model goes beyond mere subsidy-based poverty alleviation, enabling famers to achieve stable poverty eradication and long-term development through their own work. It also stands as an example of the internationally advocated principle of “promoting human rights through development,” he added.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)

Nick Tirado, All Seasons Foods Solutions by FreshPlaza

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秘鲁蓝莓季即将结束，葡萄季的开局充满挑战

秘鲁蓝莓季即将结束，正值蓝莓旺季，产量和价格都十分强劲。与此同时，葡萄季也拉开帷幕，但不同地区的葡萄长势不均。Danper Group 下的 All Seasons Foods Solutions (ASF) 首席商务官 Nick Tirado 就此情况进行了详细阐述。ASF 是一家在美国和加拿大进口和分销优质果蔬的公司。

据 Tirado 介绍，秘鲁蓝莓的产量在 10 月份达到高峰，大部分出货将于 11 月和 12 月初结束，但部分小批量出货会持续到 1 月和 2 月。今年，该公司从秘鲁进口到北美的蓝莓数量翻了一番，从约 60 个集装箱增加到约 120 个集装箱。这位高管将强劲的市场表现归功于美国和加拿大消费量的增长、欧洲和墨西哥草莓、覆盆子和黑莓的供应问题，以及南北半球夏季持续时间较长，导致蓝莓周转率持续数周居高不下。

“在 9 月和 10 月期间，品脱的交易价格在 42 美元左右，六盎司装的价格在 25 美元到 28 美元之间。现在，随着市场上水果的增多，价格已调整到较为正常的水平，品脱价格为 24 至 26 美元，六盎司价格约为 14 至 16 美元。由于特大号水果的供应量较少，特大号果的价格更加稳定，” 他说。

在品种方面，ASF 主要种植 Biloxi 和 Madera 品种。今年，该公司增加了 Mágica 品种的产量，这个品种在秘鲁生产中的地位不断提高。

“葡萄的生长受到天气不稳定的影响，尤其是在秘鲁北部，降雨导致采摘延迟，并影响了果实品质。尽管面临这些挑战，但总体而言，预计产量将比去年增长 6% 至 8%。南部地区，例如伊卡，采摘较早，而北部地区则不得不推迟部分地区的采摘，”他强调说。

“目前，绿葡萄需求旺盛，价格在每盎司 30 至 34 美元之间，这主要是由于加州库存量下降以及秘鲁发货延迟。AS F预测，12 月份绿葡萄的售价可能上涨至每盎司 40 美元。与此同时，由于加州供应稳定，以及超市在 12 月底之前不愿更换产地，红葡萄的价格较为稳定，约为每盎司24 至 26 美元。至于价格上涨，预计红葡萄的价格将达到每盎司 34 至 36 美元，”他补充道。

就品种而言，该公司目前主要销售红色品种 Allison 和绿色品种 Arra 15，并计划明年推出 Autumn Crisp 和 Ruby Rush 等新品种。

“在销售渠道方面，我们在北美市场通过多种渠道开展业务。我们估计，约 20% 的总销售额来自加拿大。加拿大市场竞争激烈，容易饱和，因此需要谨慎控制销量。”他说道。

ASF 将参加 NY Show 2025，届时参观者可以了解该公司的产品系列和最新进展。

欲了解更多信息，请联系：
Nick Tirado
All Seasons Foods Solutions (ASF)
电话：+1 941 900 5245
ntirado@aseasonsfs.com

Jorge Arangurí
Danper
秘鲁
电话：+51 44 257484
jaranguri@danper.com
www.danper.com

Nick Tirado, All Seasons Foods Solutions:

秘鲁蓝莓季即将结束，葡萄季的开局充满挑战

秘鲁蓝莓季即将结束，正值蓝莓旺季，产量和价格都十分强劲。与此同时，葡萄季也拉开帷幕，但不同地区的葡萄长势不均。Danper Group 下的 All Seasons Foods Solutions (ASF) 首席商务官 Nick Tirado 就此情况进行了详细阐述。ASF 是一家在美国和加拿大进口和分销优质果蔬的公司。

据 Tirado 介绍，秘鲁蓝莓的产量在 10 月份达到高峰，大部分出货将于 11 月和 12 月初结束，但部分小批量出货会持续到 1 月和 2 月。今年，该公司从秘鲁进口到北美的蓝莓数量翻了一番，从约 60 个集装箱增加到约 120 个集装箱。这位高管将强劲的市场表现归功于美国和加拿大消费量的增长、欧洲和墨西哥草莓、覆盆子和黑莓的供应问题，以及南北半球夏季持续时间较长，导致蓝莓周转率持续数周居高不下。

“在 9 月和 10 月期间，品脱的交易价格在 42 美元左右，六盎司装的价格在 25 美元到 28 美元之间。现在，随着市场上水果的增多，价格已调整到较为正常的水平，品脱价格为 24 至 26 美元，六盎司价格约为 14 至 16 美元。由于特大号水果的供应量较少，特大号果的价格更加稳定，” 他说。

在品种方面，ASF 主要种植 Biloxi 和 Madera 品种。今年，该公司增加了 Mágica 品种的产量，这个品种在秘鲁生产中的地位不断提高。

“葡萄的生长受到天气不稳定的影响，尤其是在秘鲁北部，降雨导致采摘延迟，并影响了果实品质。尽管面临这些挑战，但总体而言，预计产量将比去年增长 6% 至 8%。南部地区，例如伊卡，采摘较早，而北部地区则不得不推迟部分地区的采摘，”他强调说。

“目前，绿葡萄需求旺盛，价格在每盎司 30 至 34 美元之间，这主要是由于加州库存量下降以及秘鲁发货延迟。AS F预测，12 月份绿葡萄的售价可能上涨至每盎司 40 美元。与此同时，由于加州供应稳定，以及超市在 12 月底之前不愿更换产地，红葡萄的价格较为稳定，约为每盎司24 至 26 美元。至于价格上涨，预计红葡萄的价格将达到每盎司 34 至 36 美元，”他补充道。

就品种而言，该公司目前主要销售红色品种 Allison 和绿色品种 Arra 15，并计划明年推出 Autumn Crisp 和 Ruby Rush 等新品种。

“在销售渠道方面，我们在北美市场通过多种渠道开展业务。我们估计，约 20% 的总销售额来自加拿大。加拿大市场竞争激烈，容易饱和，因此需要谨慎控制销量。”他说道。

ASF 将参加 NY Show 2025，届时参观者可以了解该公司的产品系列和最新进展。

欲了解更多信息，请联系：
Nick Tirado
All Seasons Foods Solutions (ASF)
电话：+1 941 900 5245
ntirado@aseasonsfs.com

Jorge Arangurí
Danper
秘鲁
电话：+51 44 257484
jaranguri@danper.com
www.danper.com

The genetic basis of strawberry aroma by Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics and FreshPlaza

Posted on by Christian

The genetic basis of strawberry aroma

Researchers at CRAG have identified the FvHI gene as a key factor in regulating the compounds that shape the fresh aroma of strawberries. Their work shows that this gene modulates the balance of volatile molecules responsible for the fruit’s fragrance. By studying wild strawberry, the team demonstrated that FvHI expression controls the ratio between two important aromatic molecules, which clarifies how the fruit’s signature scent develops. This breakthrough supports the creation of strawberry varieties with better aroma and improved resilience to damage, wounds, and certain pathogens by using natural compounds tied to both flavour and plant defence.

Aroma is one of the most valued traits of strawberries, yet also one of the most complex. It depends on sugars, acidity, texture, and above all, volatile compounds that define the characteristic fragrance. Among these, green leaf volatiles stand out. They provide the fresh, slightly herbaceous notes typical of the most aromatic strawberries.

Cultivated strawberry

Two molecules are central to these qualities: (Z)-3-hexenal, which gives greener notes, and (E)-2-hexenal, which produces fresher and sweeter tones. Until now, the gene responsible for converting one molecule into the other was unknown. The study, carried out by CRAG researchers Rong Zhang, Dylan Nunnally, and Elli Koskella and led by IRTA researcher Amparo Monfort, reveals how this conversion is controlled. Their findings, published in Horticulture Research, explain the mechanism that balances these two compounds and how this knowledge can guide the development of improved strawberry varieties.

Researchers confirmed that differences in strawberry aroma are driven by how the FvHI gene is regulated rather than by changes in the protein it encodes. When FvHI expression is low, (Z)-3-hexenal rises, strengthening green notes. When expression is high, (E)-2-hexenal increases, creating a sweeter aroma. This shows that FvHI acts as a molecular switch that shapes the final smell and taste of the fruit.

Wild strawberry

To uncover this mechanism, the team worked with nearly isogenic lines, which are genetically similar except for a specific genomic region. These lines came from a cross between diploid strawberry species. This approach made it possible to isolate the gene responsible for aroma and validate its function. According to Monfort, this strategy is especially useful because cultivated strawberry is an octoploid crop with eight sets of chromosomes, which complicates genetic studies. Its wild relative, Fragaria vesca, has a simpler diploid genome but still shares much of its architecture with commercial strawberry, making it an ideal research model.

The compounds involved in this aroma pathway also play a role in the plant’s response to damage and wounds. Understanding how these molecules are regulated not only improves fruit quality but also opens the door to enhancing natural plant defences.

The results provide new tools to guide breeding efforts toward varieties with flavours that consumers appreciate most. Aroma is a core part of taste, along with the balance of sugars and acids, and this research lays the groundwork for strawberries with fresher and more balanced profiles. Beyond flavour, the green leaf volatiles studied here are essential to a plant’s natural defence system. This discovery supports the development of fruit with improved aroma and the creation of crops that are more resilient and less reliant on chemical treatments, helping move agriculture toward more sustainable practices.

View the full study here.

For more information:
Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics