2012 Year in Review - Second Half
Today marks the last day of 2012 but harvest seasons are in full swing for many farmers around the globe. And for their counterseasonal counterparts, crops are managed as growers hope good conditions will bring rewards. What 2013 will bring is anybody's guess, but what we can tell you about are the defining stories these last 365 days brought here at www.freshfruitportal.com.
On Friday we took a look at the first six months and today we give a snapshot of the top stories of the more recent past, starting with the South African citrus deal and the beginnings of this year's Mexican tomato trade spat, and finishing with a high profile corporate takeover and cause for relief with U.S. port strikes averted.
We'd like to thank all our readers for your support this year and look forward to your feedback in 2013. As one of the world's leading produce industry publications, we invite you to be our eyes and ears too. We are interested in your stories and perspectives, so if you haven't done so already please add news@freshfruitportal.com to your press release and update mailing list.
July
South African citrus growers experience rollercoaster season. Click here
U.S. research discovers a greener fumigant than methyl bromide. Click here
Washington State hailstorm fruit damage still unclear. Click here
Challenging full season debut for Peruvian avocados. Click here
Aussie citrus industry divided over U.S. export deregulation. Click here
Florida’s tomato trade threats ‘dangerous’ for U.S., Mexican economies. Click here
Banana emergency measures now underway in Ecuador. Click here
August
Dole Philippine banana worker decision ‘heartbreaking’, says attorney. Click here
Mexican mango sector attacks ‘unfounded rumors’. Click here
U.S.: melons and apple products recalled due to listeria worries. Click here
Monsanto wins US$1B intellectual property case against DuPont. Click here
Mexico's berry boom gathers steam. Click here
Tight residue rules leading to more fruit decay, says consultant. Click here
Honduras forging a disease resistant banana future. Click here
September
U.S. Department of Commerce declares war on Mexican tomatoes. Click here
WSU, Harvard scientists slam Stanford organic health claims. Click here
Sun World claims Autumn Crisp grapes have global potential. Click here
U.S.: high season port strikes would mean big losses for importers. Click here
U.S. presidential candidates tout produce credentials. Click here
The task of making blueberry consumers ‘come back in droves’. Click here
Chilean Hass Avocado Committee forecasts export downgrade. Click here
October
Chiquita to exit deciduous business. Click here
SA: citrus growers angry over Maersk container hikes. Click here
Interesting demographics driving berry boom, says Driscoll's CEO. Click here
Verfrut launches Peruvian grape project to widen export window. Click here
Canada launches new apple variety. Click here
Hortifrut and Vitalberry announce merger agreement. Click here
South African nursery on cusp of sweet grapefruit success. Click here
November
Q&A: trends in Chinese produce supply and consumption. Click here
South African vineyards torched during protests. Click here
Documentary paints ugly picture of Cameroon banana industry. Click here
Mexico's AMHPAC looks to 'smoking gun' traceability. Click here
Fair trade transition picks up speed in the U.S. Click here
Africa pushes for genetically modified food ban. Click here
NZ could quadruple Sungold kiwifruit exports in 2013. Click here
December
Irish company to buy majority stake in Oppy. Click here
U.S. East and Gulf Coast port strike averted. Click here
Australian ethylene powder could outcompete ripening rooms. Click here
Bottleneck jams Chilean air freight fruit. Click here
Bayer Cropscience joins biologics boom. Click here
Rains deal heavy blow to Chilean cherries. Click here
Opinion: understanding South Africa's farm strikes. Click here