The banana wilt disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporium cubense (Foc) Tropical race 4, is a major problem for growers in mainly Asian countries. The disease, which affects mainly the Cavendish variety, was first observed in Taiwan in the 60’s, before spreading to farms in Indonesia, Malaysia, North Australia,Continue Reading

The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) was invited to participate in the 70th Session of Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) in the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome, Italy on 7-9 October 2014.   The CCP aims to review the issues affecting production, trade, distribution, and consumption of internationalContinue Reading

In the current agricultural scenario, there are more opportunities for tropical fruits to compete in markets that have traditionally been for temperate fruits. However, participation from tropical fruit growers are somewhat restricted by the difficulties faced in complying with international regulations and consumer trends, besides ensuring consistent supplies, logistical constraintsContinue Reading

Representatives from Taiwan and the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) have met in order to speed up the establishment of phytosanitary protocols for trade of various exotic fruits both ways between the two countries.   Taiwan is hoping to export fresh litchis to Colombia, while the South American country would like marketContinue Reading

Chiquita Brands International‘s plan to acquire Fyffes of Ireland for $526 million hit a snag last month, when a leading proxy advisory service recommended shareholders vote against the deal.   Now the same group, Institutional Shareholder Services, has changed its tune, voicing its support for a merger of the twoContinue Reading

While Brazilian papaya exports have so far this season been relatively strong, shippers are hoping to significantly increase volumes as the fruit quality gradually improves.   A recent report from São Paulo University’s Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (CEPEA) said in September month-on-month exports significantly increased, largely becauseContinue Reading

Vietnam’s fruit exports to the U.S., South Korea, and Japan remain modest due to a lack of standardized products, plus unhealthy competition among local firms, even though many Vietnamese-grown tropical fruits have been allowed to enter these strict markets, statistics have shown.   Since 2008, the U.S., Japan, South Korea,Continue Reading