Trade News

Each day TFO Canada publishes a sample of trade news on the Canadian import market.

The average wholesale price for bananas from Latin America rose to €157 per 100 kgs in Germany In week 39, the average wholesale price of bananas from Latin America rose to €157/100 kgs in Germany, with prices in the Netherlands at €104/100 kgs. To read the full article, please visit The average wholesale price for bananas from Latin America rose to €157 per 100 kgs in Germany (freshplaza.com). Published on October 23, 2024.

Kenya imposes seasonal ban on macadamia harvesting to protect export quality The Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya has announced a seasonal ban on macadamia harvesting from November 2, 2024, to March 1, 2025. This move is aimed at preventing the export of immature nuts, as detailed by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja. The ban follows consultations with industry stakeholders, reflecting the government’s efforts to safeguard the quality of exports. The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) is tasked with enforcing this directive, with increased inspections and the potential revocation of licenses for non-compliance. Kenya’s macadamia industry is predominantly export-oriented, with approximately...

Vietnamese fresh coconuts gain international market foothold Emerging as a standout in Vietnam’s fruit exports, fresh coconuts have carved a niche in various international markets, including the US, China, and the UK. This development is buoyed by the fruit’s quality and its status as a natural, clean product, positioning it for further export breakthroughs shortly. Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development highlight the cultivation of coconut trees across 15 provinces, covering 200,000 hectares, and producing an estimated 2 million tons annually. This production capacity has enabled Vietnam to export fresh coconuts to 15 global markets, totaling 30,000...

Dell Technologies powers AI drone for SA agriculture sector In May this year, Dell Technologies announced that it was working with NVIDIA to add more capabilities to its AI Factory in the hopes that customers would leverage the platform to develop AI-powered solutions. Now a local company has done just that, with consultancy firm Moyo an AI drone solution designed to detect diseases in crops before they become an issue, an in particular potato leaf disease. The AI drone is intended for use in the South African agriculture sector, and could present a number of long-term benefits for local farmers and businesses. “This new solution...

Is European food retail strategy gaining momentum in Canada? From small-format supermarkets to in-store cafes, experts say Canadian retailers may be taking a page from Europe’s grocery playbook. With the number of retailers offering European fare expanding in Canada—and the recent hiring of European executives to lead giants like Loblaw Cos. Ltd.—it would seem the country’s grocers are taking inspiration from their continental counterparts, industry analysts say. Smaller format stores, for one, are a sure sign of European influence, says Bruce Winder, a retail analyst based in Ontario with more than 30 years of experience in the retail sector. “Just like in...

Wellness, Emotions Fuel Snacking Trends In just a few years, consumer snacking has completely transformed. Current trends in the space explore nutrient density and one’s emotional and social connection to food at a level heretofore unprecedented. “Ten to twenty years ago the concept of wellness and health focused on the physical side. You probably remember having the servings of fruits and vegetables, and grains,” said Food Institute CEO Brian Choi in a webinar about how consumers are snacking today, “That’s really evolved to today. The webinar, titled “Snacking Smarter: Consumer Trends and Product Solutions,” explored the fundamental drivers of snacking behavior and...