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Agriculture

This initiative eliminates the need for individual plastic PLU stickers. (Image source: Westfalia Fruit)

Leading multinational avocados and fresh vegetables and fruit supplier, Westfalia Fruit has announced the launch of laser etching on mangoes

The laser project was a collaboration between Westfalia’s capabilities in The Netherlands and in Germany to ensure the fruit’s quality and shelf life were preserved. Driven by its Netherlands-based operations, this initiative eliminates the need for individual plastic PLU stickers. Customer feedback has been very positive, and the plan is to expand the range further across Europe in the near future.

“Since joining Westfalia, my focus has been on improving collaboration and efficiency," said head of operations Central Europe, Mathijs Benard. "The introduction of laser etching, which is almost like a tattoo on the mango, has been an exciting project. Not only does it make the fruit stand out in-store, but it also has the potential to save up to 10 million plastic stickers a year. What we can laser on the fruit is only limited by our imagination and customer needs. Currently, we are etching the fruit origin, customer branding, and product reference.”

Westfalia's Poeldijk production facilities showcase diverse capabilities. While the company is renowned for its expertise in avocados, these facilities also offer year-round packing solutions for sprouts, capsicum, and other vegetables.

 

Group photo following the Launch of the GSRD on 4 December 2024. (Image source: ICRISAT)

In an attempt to transform farming in arid regions and ensure sustainable food systems for future generations, the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has recently launched its visionary 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD)

Developed collaboratively under the leadership of the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the GSRD provides a comprehensive, science-driven roadmap to improve the lives of some 2.7 billion people who call the drylands home with a particular focus on Asia and Africa. 

Based on 50 years of research and innovations from CGIAR's 15 global research centres and partners, the GSRD provides solutions aimed at enhancing food security, conserve biodiversity, and build resilient livelihoods by delivering state-of-the-art agri-research solutions including solar-powered agrivoltaics, innovative agriforestry and livestock feed practices, among others. 

Speaking at COP16 in Riyadh, CGIAR executive managing director, Dr Ismahane Elouafi said the new strategy builds on CGIAR's rich legacy of impact, uniting all fifteen centres in a stronger, more integrated effort to tackle the challenges of drylands.  

“By combining our expertise, we will deliver more innovative, context-specific, and lasting solutions to secure the livelihoods of communities that rely on these vital but fragile ecosystems,” said Dr Elouafi.

Lars-Gunnar Edh, executive vice president of the Lantmännen Energy Sector and CEO of Lantmännen Biorefineries and Mike O’Riordan, Ingredion’s senior vice president of Texture and Healthful Solutions in EMEA. (Image source: Ingredion)

Leading global provider of ingredient solutions for food, beverage and industrial applications, Ingredion Inc recently announced its long term collaboration with agricultural cooperative, Lantmännen

The partnership will aid in the development of a differentiated portfolio of plant-based protein isolates based on yellow peas. A state-of–the-art production plant will also be built in Sweden, with its completion scheduled in 2027. 

According to Ingredion’s senior vice president of texture and healthful solutions in EMEA, Mike O’Riordan, expanding their footprint in the European market marked a new milestone in their strategy to solidify their position as a global leader in the plant-based protein industry.  

“This partnership allows us to leverage our combined strengths to deliver superior, sustainably sourced pea protein isolates that meet the evolving needs of the global market,” O’Riordan added.

Modern solutions, such as the JOSKIN spreading booms and injectors, ensure greater precision, better distribution and reduced losses. (Image source: JOSKIN)

Once considered a waste product, liquid manure is now recognised as a valuable fertilising resource, with some factories producing liquid wastes such as vinasse, molasses or sludge, which also contain valuable fertilising elements for agriculture

To optimise the properties of these effluents and minimise losses, particularly of ammonia, a specific spreading equipment is required. This reduction in losses limits odour nuisance and economic losses. Traditional spreading methods, such as scatterers, were imprecise and lacked homogeneity, resulting in significant nitrogen losses. In response, modern solutions, such as the JOSKIN spreading booms and injectors, ensure greater precision, better distribution and reduced losses.

JOSKIN spreading booms and implements, such as those with line hoses or skids, have transformed effluent spreading practices. Line spreading booms deposit the liquid directly at the foot of the plants, limiting contact with the air and reducing volatile losses by over 35%. JOSKIN Pendislide line spreading booms with skids, on the other hand, apply nutrients to the soil without contaminating plants, reducing volatile losses by up to 50%. The slurry tanker can also be fitted with a JOSKIN arable injector, which mixes soil and effluent. In this way, waste is used optimally and losses are practically nil.

Technological advances, combined with increasingly stringent regulations, are fostering a more sustainable agriculture. The latest generation of JOSKIN spreading implements preserves the fertilising properties of liquid effluent and reduces the cost of mineral fertilisers, making this investment more profitable. Thanks to the efficient use of livestock effluents, these innovations enable a profitable, sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture.

In an attempt to drive the consumption of South African stone fruit, Hortgro will once again be using a wide-ranging marketing campaign to support the season in the UK. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Following disruption from weather and logistical issues during the 2023/24 period, South African stone fruit growers are predicting a better 2024/25 export season 

The export crops for nectarines, plums and apricots are all expected to rise against last year on the back of investment in the planted area and new varieties, while there is cautious optimism that strategic changes at the Port of Cape Town will result in a more reliable service.

Industry body Hortgro has forecast the season total for nectarines to rise by 4% to 9.12 million cartons. The early crop is however likely to be adversely affected by the weather, with early varieties set to be down 8% compared to the previous season. Plum volumes are also projected to increase by 12% to an average-sized crop. Exports are expected to reach 13.7 million cartons, thanks to more favourable weather conditions and new plantings coming on stream. 

In an attempt to drive the consumption of South African stone fruit, Hortgro will once again be using a wide-ranging marketing campaign to support the season in the UK. This will include everything from recipe creation, retailer activity, trade and consumer press releases, to feature articles, trade advertising, social media, influencer collaboration and much more!

The objective of the campaign is to maximise visibility at point of sale and highlight not only the exceptional taste of the druit, but also the country's most sustainable source of south hemisphere stone fruit. 

While the impact of logistical issues have mostly been focused around the Port of Cape Town, Hortgro believes that a turning point in the crisis has been reached. Another challenging season is however expected to lie ahead, due to which the industry seeks to utilise alternative modes of shipping. Although this will likely add cost, it will however ensure on-time deliveries of quality fruit and a timely fulfillment of clients' programmes. 

For long term benefits, the strategic replacement and refurbishment of equipment and machinery is being implemented by logistics operator Transnet at the Port of Cape Town, while also contracting maintenance and related services and appointing additional staff. All this is expected to boost productivity.

Nevertheless, Hortgro is nevertheless preparing for challenges such as downtime on equipment and wind delays, and is contingency planning for alternative modes and nodes of shipping such as the use of specialised reefer vessels and other ports in the Eastern Cape and Durban.

“South African stone fruit will continue to meet the market’s expectations for high-quality and great-tasting produce," said Jacques du Preez, general manager of trade and markets at Hortgro. "South African growers are positive about the 2024/25 harvest and export season. Continuous delivery of top-quality, great-tasting fruit remains the aim, and will lead to repeat sales. But it’s important suppliers receive fair returns from the market after several years of having to contend with severe price pressure and adverse weather.” 

 

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