02 Mar 2021
Knowledge Officer Update – Blueberries
Blueberries have quietly increased in relevance within the range of produce grown in New Zealand. Fresh consumption is increasing in New Zealand, as well as offshore
02 Mar 2021
United Fresh Becomes Trust Alliance Observer
United Fresh is pleased to advise acceptance of Trust Alliance New Zealand’s offer to act as an observer at Trust Alliance meetings.
View Story10 Feb 2021
Supply Chain and Opportunities for Blueberries in NZ
Blueberries have quietly increased in relevance within the range of produce grown in New Zealand. Fresh consumption is increasing in New Zealand, as well as offshore.
04 Feb 2021
Latest FSSRC Report Assesses Any Evidence of Foodborne Transmissions of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)- Feb 2021
The New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre (FSSRC) has produced a further literature review update on the potential relationship between foodborne transmissions and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
View Story28 Jan 2021
Food Safety & Traceability Update - January 2021
This edition provides an update on the work conducted towards sustainability of the fresh produce sector, as well as highlighting the importance of food safety, Traceability and how to improve them.
View Story05 Jan 2021
Trend Report 2021: Adapting to the new normal
There is no question that the world has changed immensely in the space of just 12 months. The unprecedented scale of the COVID-19 pandemic has touched the lives of every New Zealander and the implications of the national lockdown will be felt for years to come.
View Story16 Dec 2020
Global Fresh Produce Opportunities and Events 2021
2021 will be a very active and eventful year for the global fresh produce industry and the United Nations are at the forefront of events that impact upon our industry.
View Story08 Dec 2020
NZ’s Horticultural Voice Heard at UN Food Systems Summit
New Zealand produce industry leader and United Fresh Knowledge Officer, Dr Hans Maurer, will help represent global horticulture sector interests in the lead up to United Nation’s Food Systems Summit next year.
View Story07 Dec 2020
Free Fruit & Vegetables In Schools More Crucial Than Ever Before
A record 26 million servings of fresh fruit and vegetables will be given to low decile school children next year, with calls to expand the initiative in light of last week’s alarming Poverty Monitor 2020 report.
View Story27 Nov 2020
Government increases support for New Zealanders to work in seasonal jobs
The Government is offering further financial support for unemployed New Zealanders to take on seasonal work. These new incentives include...
View Story23 Nov 2020
The global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - November 2020
Fruit & Veg 4 Health Prograne 2018 - 2020, Nutrition and Health: From Science to Practice
05 Nov 2020
Food Safety & Traceability Update - Core Food Safety Issues -November 2020
Within the wider Food Safety landscape, we would like to draw your attention to an emerging risk, related to the behaviour of pathogens, and especially the learning that is occurring on how some pathogens are adapting to different environmental conditions in the open world.
View Story05 Nov 2020
Food Safety & Traceability Update - COVID-19 -November 2020
This is a topic that is not going to go away in a hurry, like it or not. In its own right, COVID-19 clearly represents a risk to human health, as well as a risk to our economy.
View Story21 Oct 2020
The global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - October 2020
Recent news on the special supplemental nutrition programme for women, infants and children (WIC)
15 Oct 2020
Food Safety Risk Framework Project
The objective of the Food Safety Risk Framework project is to provide to industry a science based New Zealand centric framework that identifies the highest food safety risks to the industry and allows effective targeting of research funds and activities.
View Story16 Sep 2020
31 Aug 2020
Research Highlights Lack of Female Leadership in the NZ Horticulture Industry
Research commissioned by industry collective Women in Horticulture (WiH) shows significant gender disparity amongst senior roles in New Zealand’s horticulture industry.
View Story27 Aug 2020
The Product Traceability Initiative (PTI)
Worldwide, produce industry bodies have been increasingly working with GS1 to implement national Traceability guidelines in a coordinated manner that are interoperable and enable rapid reactivity.
View Story27 Aug 2020
United Fresh Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures (SFFF) Draft Traceability Guidelines
Reliable and robust Traceability systems are no longer an optional extra in the produce industry, but a baseline requirement of increasing importance.
View Story24 Aug 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE - GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES AUCKLAND TO REMAIN AT ALERT LEVEL 3 UNTIL SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST AT 11:59PM
The Prime Minister has announced that Auckland will remain at Alert Level 3 until Sunday 30th August at 11:59pm, as decided at the Cabinet Meeting today
View Story20 Aug 2020
NZ’s Fruit & Vegetables in Schools Initiative for Vulnerable Children Acknowledged Globally
New Zealand’s most successful and effective school-based nutrition initiative Fruit & Vegetables in Schools (FIS) has been selected for inclusion in a report for the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
View Story17 Aug 2020
COVID 19 UPDATE - All Businesses need NZ COVID Tracer QR Code Poster & Auckland Border Crossing Info
The Prime Minister announced on Wednesday 12 August that all businesses must display a NZ COVID Tracer QR code from 11:59am on Wednesday 19 August.
View Story14 Aug 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE - NZ Food Safety Scientific Opinion on Covid-19 transmission through food packaging
To follow is the most up-to-date information from the Ministry for Primary industries on the unlikely transmission of COVID-19 by food or food packaging.
View Story06 Aug 2020
New Zealand’s $6 billion Produce Industry Aligning and Improving its Traceability Systems
A consultation document seeking the input of New Zealand’s fresh produce industry has been released this month as part of a significant project to assess and improve traceability within the industry.
View Story05 Aug 2020
Food Waste in Aotearoa – Opportunities & Solutions
With every crisis there is opportunity, during the COVID-19 crisis, surplus food waste was created due to the forced shutdown of plants and normal food supply channels.
View Story27 Jul 2020
07 Jul 2020
Government Launches Primary Sector Plan to Boost Economic Recovery
The Government has launched a bold plan to boost primary sector export earnings by $44 billion over the next decade, while protecting the environment and growing jobs.
View Story26 Jun 2020
Have your say - SFF Traceability Project - Industry Consultation on Draft Traceability Guidelines
We have recently developed the Draft Traceability Guidelines that have evolved from the Sustainable Farming Fund Project “Effective Produce Traceability Systems”, managed by United Fresh.
View Story26 Jun 2020
United Fresh Food Safety Update June 2020 - Research, COVID-19 & Fresh Produce Food Safety Framework
This edition discusses activities and initiatives underway in the food safety and traceability arena over the last year. We examine the increasing collaboration across industry in food safety and a proposed New Zealand Fresh Produce Food Safety Framework Research Project.
View Story09 Jun 2020
COVID-19 Update – United Fresh Business Guide at ALERT LEVEL 1
Now we have moved into Alert Level 1 everyone can return without restriction to work, school, sports and domestic travel, and you can get together with as many people as you want.
View Story09 Jun 2020
The global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - June 2020
Fruit & Vegetable Consumption and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention
View Story29 May 2020
New Consumer Trends Research Available for United Fresh Members - May 2020
United Fresh commissioned research late last year with Nielsen Research looking into Consumer Trends Impacting Fresh Produce.
View Story22 May 2020
Potential for Foodborne Transmission of COVID-19: Literature Review Update - May 2020
The New Zealand Food Safety Science Research Centre (NZFSSRC) have released an update of the potential for foodborne transmission of Covid-19 literature review.
View Story19 May 2020
Foodstuffs Donates Hundreds of Food Boxes as Crisis Deepens
Up to 1 million Kiwis Predicted to be Affected in 2020. ‘Kiwis helping kiwis’ is the driving force behind an initiative of more than 700 boxes of fresh produce being donated to families hit by the Covid-19 crisis by one of our country’s largest locally owned and operated companies.
View Story04 May 2020
NZ Food Safety Releases Results for the Food Residues Survey Programme
New Zealand Food Safety, a business unit of the Ministry for Primary Industries, has published the results of its recent Food Residues Survey Programme (FRSP).
View Story01 May 2020
The global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - April/May 2020
Food Environment and the Impact on Food Consumption
View Story28 Apr 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE – ALERT LEVEL 3 - Updated Guide & Business Guidelines
Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well During ALERT LEVEL 3 and Essential Businesses to stay on restricted access during ALERT LEVEL 3
View Story16 Apr 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE - Government announces what Alert Level 3 will look like
The government shared earlier today the work that has been done on updating the COVID-19 Alert Levels. You will find the updated levels here.
15 Apr 2020
5000 5+ A Day Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Boxes Diverted to Families During Covid-19
Fresh produce deemed for the Fruit and Vegetables in Schools (FIS) initiative is now being diverted to families in need during Covid-19 lockdown.
View Story08 Apr 2020
NZFSSRC Potential For Foodborne Transmission Of Covid-19 Literature Review Update - April 2020
United Fresh is cooperating with wide range of food industries and organisations to support the New Zealand Food Safety & Science Research Centre literature review update Potential For Foodborne Transmission Of Covid-19.
View Story08 Apr 2020
COVID19.govt.nz Website Produce Washing Advice Updated
The government website for COVID-19 has been updated with the correct information for consumers around the washing of fresh fruit and vegetables once they get them home. We had asked them to remove their advice of using soapy water last week so it is great to see this has happened.
View Story30 Mar 2020
United Fresh Urges Kiwis to Eat More Fresh Produce and to Wash It First
New Zealanders can safely purchase fresh fruit and vegetables during COVID-19 and our country’s only pan-produce organisation that represents the entire value-chain, United Fresh, is reminding Kiwis to wash all produce as you normally would by rinsing it under the tap before consuming it.
View Story27 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Update - MPI Starts Site Visits & Physical Distancing Poster
MPI starting site visits today, Friday 27th March and United Fresh Physical Distancing poster shared.
View Story26 Mar 2020
MPI answers key COVID-19 questions for fresh fruit and vegetable industry
MPI answers questions about 2m distancing rule, access to protection equipment, workers over 70, independant F&V shops and movement to & from work.
View Story25 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Update - MPI's Register for Safe Practice and Fruit & Vegetable Shops Closing
As New Zealand moves into National Alert Level 4 in response to COVID-19, the primary industries have been included on the list of essential services and fruit and vegetable stores to close.
View Story25 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Alert Level 4 and UF Guide to Business Continuity
COVID Alert Level 4 Description & United Fresh Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well – Continuity Planning for Businesses
View Story23 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Alert Level 3
The government has now put New Zealand into Alert Level 3 (and indicated that this will go to Alert Level 4 in 48 hours).
View Story23 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Alert Level 2 Update – Government Asks Commerce Commission For Flexibility
As we all work together as a nation and industry to contain the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to help protect our people, United Fresh will continue to provide updates for our industry to assist with business continuity.
View Story19 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Update including New Government Information Platforms
The government has created a website that has everything you need to know about COVID-19 in one place.
View Story17 Mar 2020
Literature Review - Foodborne Transmission of COVID-19
Our colleagues at the New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre (NZFSSRC) have shared their Literature Review on Foodborne Transmission of COVID-19 for the food industry.
View Story16 Mar 2020
Food Safety Workshop Hits the Mark
United Fresh and the New Zealand Food Safety Science Research Centre (NZFSSRC) jointly ran a Food Safety workshop in Auckland on 12th March 2020.
View Story15 Mar 2020
05 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Update for United Fresh Members
We are all very concerned about the potential impact COVID-19 could have on our businesses. The purpose of this update is to distil the key messages of what we need to consider.
View Story25 Feb 2020
Child Poverty Stats Reaffirm Importance Of Free Fruit & Vegetables In Schools
https://5adayeducation.org.nz/learningNew Zealand’s most successful and effective school-based nutrition initiative is applauding progress to reduce child poverty and says providing fresh fruit and vegetables is crucial to ensure ongoing success.
View Story24 Feb 2020
Food Safety Update February 2020 - Food safety Aspects Related to High-Risk Horticulture Crops
This edition discusses food safety aspects related to fresh berryfruit, melons and leafy vegetables.
View Story12 Feb 2020
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2020
Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Mental Health
View Story31 Jan 2020
MPI Announcement - Successful end to fruit fly operation in Auckland
Biosecurity New Zealand has ended its Northcote fruit fly operations and lifted restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables on Auckland's North Shore.
View Story29 Jan 2020
Trend Report 2020: Eat your Way to a Healthy Planet
Between the Australian bushfires, Greta Thunberg and the rise of the conscious millennial consumer, 2020 is set to be a year in which the health of the planet becomes as important as the health of ourselves and our families.
View Story16 Jan 2020
Workshop - Food Safety & Risk Factors in the New Zealand Fresh Produce Market - 12th March 2020
United Fresh is pleased to present this valuable workshop for members in partnership with the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre.
View Story16 Dec 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - December 2019
Challenges and interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption
View Story13 Dec 2019
Food Safety Update December 2019 - Emerging Food Risks due to Climate Change
Climate Change increasingly affects food production. The changes to temperatures and rainfall patterns from climate change are being predicted to lead to a 2-6% decline crop yields every decade, as droughts, fires, floods, shifting seasons, and increased insect populations impact on our ability to grow crops.
View Story12 Dec 2019
Science and the Plastics Problem Documentary
The New Zealand Science and Research Centre have recently launched the ‘Science and the Plastics Problem’ documentary.
View Story12 Dec 2019
Industrial Gases
Currently, United Fresh is working on two aspects of industrial gases and proposed new regulations that will impact the fresh produce industry: refrigerant gases and the fumigant Methyl Bromide.
View Story12 Dec 2019
Biosecurity Update - December 2019
There are no event related updates at this point in time. At the time of writing, the Northcote Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone remains in place.
View Story11 Nov 2019
31 Oct 2019
United Fresh Signs Biosecurity Business Pledge
United Fresh was one of 50 New Zealand companies to sign up today at the launch event of the first-of-its-kind Biosecurity Business Pledge to protect New Zealand from pests and diseases.
View Story24 Oct 2019
United Fresh Food Safety Newsletter - October 2019
In this issue we are looking at three articles on climate change and its potential impact on foodborne illness, production and business management.
View Story15 Oct 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - October 2019
Recent news on the special supplemental nutrition programme for women, infants and children (WIC)
View Story11 Oct 2019
United Fresh Members' Meeting Presentations
Our Members' Meeting last month was the largest yet and the presentations are now available in the members’ only section of our website.
View Story11 Oct 2019
Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) Traceability Project - Milestone 5 Update
Our SFF Traceability project is looking to assist members and the entire value-chain by providing some understanding on how internal Traceability systems can be improved and external Traceability systems can become more robust and streamlined.
View Story19 Sep 2019
Fresh Produce Safety Centre Seeking Director Nominations
FPSC Ltd is seeking nominations to fill two Board vacancies, one from New Zealand (effective from 27 November 2019).
View Story19 Sep 2019
Women & Leadership New Zealand (WLNZ) - Scholarship Support
Scholarship Support for Senior, Mid and Early Career Managers in the Farming and Agriculture Sector.
View Story16 Sep 2019
Latest Consumer Habits Revealed For Fruit & Vegetables
New research shows breakfast could provide the greatest opportunity for our fresh produce industry to convince more Kiwis to consume fruit and vegetables.
View Story12 Sep 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - September 2019
General Practitioners and Health Promotion
View Story09 Sep 2019
United Fresh Food Safety Update, September 2019
Welcome to the first edition of our Technical Advisory Group's Food Safety Updates. This update covers the release of MPI's Draft Food Safety Strategy.
View Story12 Aug 2019
Biosecurity NZ: Fruit fly response in Auckland about to step up again
As we are nearing the end of winter, Biosecurity New Zealand’s fruit fly response in the Northcote area is about to step up again, with the focus on maintaining controls and resuming baiting and more intensive trapping.
View Story09 Aug 2019
Save The Planet - Eat Your 5+ A Day
With the spotlight on climate change growing hotter by the day, we’re all starting to think about the small things we can do as individuals to save the planet we inhabit.
View Story07 Aug 2019
Free Fruit & Vegetables In Schools Receives Top Marks From NZ Parents
Kiwi parents and school principals overwhelmingly back the Fruit & Vegetables in Schools (FIS) initiative and new research shows there’s a strong desire for the Government-funded scheme to be expanded.
View Story30 Jul 2019
Update from MPI on Import Health Standards for fresh fruit and vegetables
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has completed an administrative review of Import Health Standards (IHSs) for fresh fruit and vegetables for human consumption.
View Story22 Jul 2019
Fruit Fly Update from MPI – No let-up in Biosecurity Response
"It is that continued vigilance that led to the discovery of another single male fruit fly on 15 July in a trap in the current controlled area, 350 metres from where the last was found on 31 May," says Biosecurity New Zealand spokesperson Dr Catherine Duthie.
View Story17 Jul 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - July/August 2019
When French Young General Practitioners Commit to Healthy Eating
View Story24 Jun 2019
FPSC A-NZ 2019 Conference
United Fresh Technical Advisory Group Representative Anne-Marie Arts will be presenting an update on the Sustainable Farming Fund Traceability Project.
View Story14 Jun 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - June 2019
The Key Role of General Practitioners in Health Promotion
View Story14 Jun 2019
Government extends Fruit & Vegetables in Schools Initiative
The Ministry of Health has confirmed the extension of the United Fresh-managed Fruit & Vegetables in Schools initiative now providing over 120,000 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables each school day nationwide.
View Story07 Jun 2019
Fruit Fly update from MPI, Another Male Fruit Fly Found
Despite the large on the ground efforts, another male fruit fly was found last week in one of the network of fruit fly traps.
View Story20 May 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - May 2019
Tackling Childhood Obesity, How to Make Childhood Lifestyle Healthier?
View Story02 May 2019
Fruit Fly Update - 28 April 2019
Biosecurity New Zealand has reintroduced controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Northcote following the detection of a further Queensland fruit fly.https://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/news-and-resources/media-releases/fruit-fly-in-auckland-situation-update-26-april-2019/?utm_source=notification-emailhttps://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/news-and-resources/media-releases/fruit-fly-in-auckland-situation-update-26-april-2019/?utm_source=notification-email
View Story15 Apr 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - April 2019
Need for food system change to modify consumption
View Story15 Apr 2019
Diversity in Horticulture
United Fresh is providing funding for the new Women in Horticulture group...
View Story27 Mar 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - March 2019
Cruciferous Vegetables Intake & Health Benefits
View Story22 Mar 2019
Ministry for Primary Industries Notification Fruit Fly update from MPI Friday 22nd March 2019
Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Devonport and Ōtara have been lifted. The restrictions in place on the movement of fruit and vegetables and the current baiting programme in Controlled Zones in the North Shore suburb of Northcote remain in place.
View Story18 Mar 2019
15 Mar 2019
TREND REPORT 2019: The Year of the Rise of Fresh Produce - Part 2
Welcome to Part Two of our United Fresh Trend Report including cannabis and beauty benefits! Global indications show fresh fruit and vegetables at the top of every trend list.
View Story15 Mar 2019
Biosecurity New Zealand Notification: Two further male Queensland fruit fly have been found in Northcote, bringing the total to 6
One of the new finds is inside the current Zone A and the other is in Zone B.
View Story06 Mar 2019
MPI Notification: A fourth male Queensland fruit fly has been found in Northcote and another Facialis fruit fly has been found in Ōtara
A fourth male Queensland fruit fly has been found in Northcote and another Facialis fruit fly has been found in Ōtara.
View Story01 Mar 2019
Biosecurity New Zealand Notification: Third Queensland fruit fly found in Northcote, Auckland
Further biosecurity restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Northcote are being put in place, following the find of a third Queensland fruit fly in the area.
View Story25 Feb 2019
Biosecurity New Zealand Notification Fruit Fly – Situation Update 25 February 2019
A second Queensland fruit fly has been found in a surveillance trap in the Auckland suburb of Northcote. The detection was in what is known as Zone A in Northcote and was 113 metres from the original detection there.
View Story22 Feb 2019
Biosecurity NZ Notification: Otara Update, Second Fruit Fly Found - 22/2/19
A second Facialis fruit fly has been found in a surveillance trap in the Auckland suburb of Ōtara, just 70 metres from the first detection earlier in the week.
View Story21 Feb 2019
Fruit Fly Industry Meeting 26/2/19 - MPI to Provide Clarity
Ministry for Primary Industries will be presenting on the three recent fruit fly findings and will be providing clarity to industry on the protocols required when transporting fresh fruit and vegetables in and through the Controlled Areas.
View Story21 Feb 2019
Biosecurity New Zealand Notification: Queensland fruit fly detected in new area on Auckland's North Shore 21/2/19
Surveillance activity in Auckland will be stepped up following the discovery of a second Queensland fruit fly on the North Shore.
View Story19 Feb 2019
Biosecurity New Zealand Notification: New species of fruit fly found in Otara, Auckland Under Investigation 19/2/2019
A second type of fruit fly, (Bactrocera facialis - the "facialis fruit fly") has been found in a surveillance trap in the Auckland suburb of Otara.
View Story18 Feb 2019
TREND REPORT 2019: The Year of the Rise of Fresh Produce - Part 1
Whether you’re growing it, selling it or just eating it, fresh produce in New Zealand is a core staple in every household. With great growing conditions and an innovative, versatile industry, we’re lucky to have access to some of the tastiest fruit and vegetables on the planet.
View Story15 Feb 2019
MPI Notification: Auckland fruit fly find under investigation 15/2/19
Biosecurity New Zealand is investigating a find of a single male Queensland fruit fly in a surveillance trap in the Auckland suburb of Devonport.
View Story31 Jan 2019
New 5+ A Day Television Advertising Schedule February and March 2019
We are excited to let our members and supporters know that our advertising begins for the New Year this Sunday on Television One and Two encouraging all Kiwis to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
View Story30 Jan 2019
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - January 2019
Food Nutrition Quality and Environmental Impact
View Story19 Dec 2018
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - December 2018
The 8th EGEA Conference - Nutrition and Health: from Science to Practice
View Story04 Dec 2018
Listeria Information Update - November 2018
Following our attendance at the PMA-ANZ Fresh Produce Safety Conference we have produced a document to share the new findings on Listeria.
View Story04 Dec 2018
Sustainable Farming Fund - Literature Review - PowerPoint
We have created a PowerPoint presentation to simplify the findings of the Literature Review and to enable organisations to share this with their team.
View Story21 Nov 2018
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - November 2018
Cardio Vascular Health, Fruit and Segetable Consumption & The Power of EU Policy to Promote Both
View Story13 Nov 2018
Biosecurity 2025 Implementation Plan Launched Today 13/11/18
United Fresh was pleased to be part of the Biosecurity New Zealand Forum in Auckland today where the Biosecurity 2025 Implementation Plan was launched by the Biosecurity 2025 Steering Group.
View Story29 Oct 2018
United Fresh seeks Growers’ help for Traceability Survey
As you are aware, United Fresh was awarded a Sustainable Farming Fund project in June 2018, which is entitled “Effective Fresh Produce Traceability Systems” (Project 405482).
View Story22 Oct 2018
22 Oct 2018
News from Horticulture New Zealand: Country of Origin Labelling a step closer to law
Horticulture New Zealand is thrilled that mandatory Country of Origin labelling for fruit and vegetables got a step closer today, with the second reading of the Consumers’ Right to Know (Country of Origin of Food) Bill passing in Parliament.
View Story24 Sep 2018
Major Fresh Produce Traceability Project Underway in New Zealand
In light of the recent shocking Australian strawberry tampering event, the New Zealand produce industry is taking every action possible to reassure customers their safety systems are robust.
View Story07 Sep 2018
27 Aug 2018
Sweet Success: Fruit & Vegetables in Schools Providing Positive Impact
New research into the impact of Fruit & Vegetables in Schools (FIS) has found it is the widest-reaching health initiative for low decile schools in New Zealand, vastly improving health and education outcomes for students.
View Story15 Aug 2018
New Zealand’s Food Story: The Pukekohe Hub - 15 August 2018
Our United Fresh President Jerry Prendergast and General Manager Paula Dudley attended the Horticulture New Zealand launch of a Deloitte report New Zealand’s Food Story – The Pukekohe Hub.
View Story06 Aug 2018
Crate & Carton Weights - A Common Sense Based Opinion
In order for fruit and vegetables to reach New Zealand shoppers in an acceptable quality and food safety related condition, a number of things need to occur.
View Story01 Aug 2018
Update Complying with weights and measures August 2018
Our guidelines for complying with weights and measures for the fresh produce value chain has been updated.
View Story25 Jul 2018
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - July/August 2018
Importance of involving children in the different steps of meal preparation
03 Jul 2018
United Fresh secures Sustainable Farming Fund for Traceability Project
We are pleased to announce work has begun on a three-year project to investigate traceability within the industry.
View Story04 Jun 2018
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - June 2018
Healthy food and their anti-inflammatory properties
15 May 2018
07 May 2018
Professional Development - Fresh Produce Recall Workshop - Friday 1st June - Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre Auckland
25 Apr 2018
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - April 2018
Fruit and vegetables to prevent allergy and asthma
View Story19 Apr 2018
Weights and Measures - Tag Update April 2018
Like consumer goods, fresh produce is subject to Government regulations in the area of weights and measures.
View Story19 Apr 2018
Biosecurity - TAG Update April 2018
TAG has been working on three activities within the Biosecurity field; The fruit Fly Council, the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) process and the National Biosecurity Competency Network (NBCN).
View Story19 Apr 2018
Applying for PLU Codes - TAG Update April 2018
Applications for PLU Codes are now managed by United Fresh here in New Zealand, if you require a PLU Code please make contact with TAG Chair, Dr Hans Maurer hmaurer@agrichain-centre.com
View Story19 Mar 2018
MPI Update: Myrtle rust found in new region - Manawatu
Myrtle rust has been detected in Manawatu for the first time, the Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed today. The fungus was found on a young ramarama (Lophomyrtus) in a planted area off Victoria Esplanade in Palmerston North.
View Story19 Mar 2018
Investment Opportunities in the New Zealand Cherry Industry March 2018
The Hon David Parker (Minister of Economic Development) has released the Cherry Industry report, as part of three reports released as part of the Food & Beverage Information Project.
View Story16 Mar 2018
28 Feb 2018
NSW Food Authority: Listeriosis outbreak linked to rockmelon
The NSW Food Authority is advising consumers who are most vulnerable to Listeria infection such as older persons, and people who have weakened immune systems due to illness or pregnancy, to avoid eating rockmelon after a recent spike in listeriosis cases in elderly people has been linked to the fruit.
View Story27 Feb 2018
NSW, Australia Listeria Outbreak Update
An outbreak of listeriosis has taken place in New South Wales with an unexpected increase in cases in January and February.
View Story07 Feb 2018
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - February 2018
Influence of fruit and vegetable school intervention on children's consumption
View Story25 Jan 2018
DataBar's move into the Produce Industry
Consumers, retailers, wholesalers, packhouses and growers alike are all familiar with fruit label- the tiny stickers commonly found on oranges, apples, kiwifruit, avocadoes and a myriad of other produce.
View Story17 Jan 2018
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - January 2018
Consume fruit and vegetables for your mental health
View Story21 Dec 2017
28 Nov 2017
03 Nov 2017
5+ A Day & Potatoes NZ Partnership
Look out for our television advertising which started on November 1st on TVNZ with our 5+ A Day messages and vision to have all New Zealanders eating more fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
View Story24 Oct 2017
16 Oct 2017
T&G Global Scoop Ultimate Accolade at Food Awards
The New Zealand Food Awards, in association with Massey University, were held last week and fresh produce shined through.
View Story16 Oct 2017
Join us on LinkedIn!
United Fresh has launched on LinkedIn, join with members and industry leaders for updates and professional connections
View Story16 Oct 2017
Welcome to our new members - October 2017
We are pleased to announce three new members: Karaka Park Produce Ltd, Viscount FCC & R C Hari & Sons Ltd
View Story16 Oct 2017
5+ A Day on TVNZ
The 5+ A Day's television commercial had great pick up in the winter months and will be back on TVNZ during November
View Story13 Oct 2017
Meet the Executive - Robin Oakley, Grower Representative, Oakley's Premium Fresh Vegetables Ltd.
To see Robin's answers to our Q&A, click below.
View Story12 Sep 2017
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - September 2017
Physicians facing the challenge of nutrition
31 Aug 2017
5+ A Day Concerned for Public Wellbeing After Confusing Media Reporting
Recent media reports suggesting consumers require less than five portions of fruit and vegetables each day are misleading, creating confusion with consumers and are not in the interest of public wellbeing says the organisation 5+ A Day.
View Story25 Aug 2017
United Fresh Puts Bigger Serving Portions on the Table with Latest Nutrition Panel Release
United Fresh has just completed an update of its nutrition information panels (NIPs) for the entire fresh fruit and vegetable sector
View Story15 Aug 2017
5+ A Day, New Research Proves Kiwis Amongst the Highest Consumers of Fruit and Vegetables Globally
Research released today by the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust puts Kiwis on the global map when it comes to awareness of the health benefits and consumption of fruit and vegetables.
10 Aug 2017
Technical Advisory Group Update - August 2017
United Fresh Technical Advisory Group members have attended several conferences as reported in this update.
View Story13 Jul 2017
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - July/August 2017
Social approaches to promote fruit and vegetable consumption
View Story11 Jul 2017
United Fresh & the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust Presentations at the Hort NZ Conference
If you are attending the Horticulture New Zealand Conference in Tauranga this week be sure to catch Dr Hans Maurer our United Fresh Knowledge Officer
View Story10 Jul 2017
MPI Update: Myrtle Rust (MR) Stakeholder Update – 10 July 2017 5:00pm
For the latest update on Myrtle Rust visit here:
View Story27 Jun 2017
MPI Update: Myrtle Rust (MR) Stakeholder Update – 26 June 2017 5:00pm
For the latest update on Myrtle Rust visit here:
View Story26 Jun 2017
PREVIEW - New 5+ A Day Television Commercials – Airing from 25th June
They feature our 5+ A Day Ambassadors and everyday Kiwis embracing inclusivity and the fact that eating more fresh fruit and vegetables is a simple action everyone can take to improve their own health.
View Story21 Jun 2017
20 Jun 2017
Technical Advisory Group - Update June 2017
As you can see from the banner, our name has changed. We are no longer the Food Safety and Traceability Committee, but the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
View Story07 Jun 2017
Meet Your Executive - Anthony Blundell, Vice President
View Story07 Jun 2017
Register Now – United Fresh AGM & Members' Meeting
Thursday 22nd June 2017 at 3.30pm
Followed by Refreshments & Networking 4:30pm to 7pm
06 Jun 2017
Synthetic Refrigerant HFC Phase Down is coming – plan now or pay the costs.
If you are making decisions around refrigeration assets you need to know significant change is happening
View Story12 May 2017
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - May 2017
The updated healthy nutirion programme for Women, Infants and Children (US) - WIC
View Story20 Apr 2017
Register Now – United Fresh AGM & Members' Meeting Thursday 22nd June at 3.30pm Auckland
Join the United Fresh Executive and Members for our AGM and Members’ Meeting followed by refreshments, at Mantells on the Water in Auckland.
View Story18 Apr 2017
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - April 2017
Barriers to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
View Story24 Mar 2017
10 Mar 2017
URGENT LeaderBrand salad product recall announcement
On Thursday the 9th of March at 11am, LeaderBrand Produce Ltd. was advised that one of its salad product lines tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria or ‘Listeria’ as it is more commonly known.
View Story10 Mar 2017
Save the Date – United Fresh Member’s Meeting – Thursday 22nd June 2017 at 3.30pm
Our member’s meeting will include updates from our President, Food Safety & Traceability Committee, the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust and other relevant industry projects that are currently underway.
View Story10 Mar 2017
New Nutrition Information Panels for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
United Fresh in partnership with The New Zealand Institute of Plant & Food Research are currently updating all fresh fruit and vegetable Nutrition Information Panels (NIPs)
View Story10 Mar 2017
Reminder: New Food Safety Law and Templates for Businesses to Manage Food Safety
The Food Act is a new law for Food Safety, which came into effect on 1st March 2016.
View Story13 Feb 2017
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - February 2017
Perfect timing for a national fruit and vegetable nutrition policy
View Story13 Feb 2017
Fruit in Schools reaches record numbers for 2017
More than 104,000 students are benefitting from the successful Fruit in Schools initiative as a new term kicks off in 2017.
View Story09 Feb 2017
IFPS Launches Mobile App for PLU Codes
Auckland, New Zealand – With over 1,400 price look-up codes (PLUs) now in use around the globe, the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) has launched a user-friendly app
View Story01 Feb 2017
New Workplace Research – Workers & Employers Benefit from 5+ A Day!
Media Release – Fresh fruit and vegetables add to workplace wellness
View Story25 Jan 2017
21 Dec 2016
07 Dec 2016
Minister of Health Media Release: Fruit in Schools reaches record number of kids
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says this year's expansion of the successful Fruit in Schools initiative to a record 547 schools has had a positive impact.
View Story25 Nov 2016
United Fresh Biosecurity Activity Update – November 2016
The Biosecurity space is getting busy!
View Story07 Nov 2016
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - October 2016
Obesogenic environment: origin and consequences
02 Nov 2016
Reminder: There's Still Time to Register!
United Fresh Fruit Fly Emergency Response Workshop
View Story18 Oct 2016
Heart Foundation Announces Tick Retirement
United Fresh management met with the Heart Foundations’ Tick management team last week and were advised that the Tick will be retired to make way for the Governments 5-Star rating.
View Story12 Oct 2016
10 Oct 2016
United Fresh Fruit Fly Emergency Response Workshop
During the last 12 months United Fresh has worked with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on developing a document template suitable for all wholesale markets, retail produce distribution centres and produce merchants receiving fruit and vegetables into their premises for redistribution to retail outlets, branches, members or directly to the consumer.
View Story03 Oct 2016
New President Marks Quarter-Century Milestone for United Fresh New Zealand
Leadership and collaboration are vital to keep New Zealand’s horticulture industry blooming, says the new president of the country’s only pan-produce organisation.
View Story22 Sep 2016
United Fresh Food Safety & Traceability Update - September 2016
Food Safety Law Reform Bill - what it means for your fresh produce business
06 Sep 2016
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - September 2016
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme in USA & Healthy Eating
View Story19 Aug 2016
A Note from Hastings District Council for Local Businesses
CHLORINATION OF HASTINGS WATER SUPPLY
16 Aug 2016
Important Notice for Horticulture businesses (growers, packhouses, distributors) from the Ministry for Primary Industries
Health officials in Havelock North have issued a boil water notice for Council water supply.
View Story09 Aug 2016
What do babies, boobs and broccoli have in common?
5+ A Day is proud to announce its support of a series of seminars on the importance of good nutrition for mums, kids and families.
28 Jul 2016
United Fresh Food Safety & Traceability Update - July 2016
In May 2016 the United Fresh Food Safety & Traceability Committee submitted a “Strategic Assessment in the New Zealand Domestic Fresh Produce Industry”
View Story25 Jul 2016
Health Minister, Jonathan Coleman says "More kids benefiting from Fruit in Schools"
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says this year’s expansion of the Fruit in Schools programme is seeing a record volume of fresh produce delivered to 547 schools across the country, benefitting more than 100,000 students.
01 Jul 2016
10 Jun 2016
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - June 2016
Fruit & vegetable consumption and differences across countries
31 May 2016
MPI invites United Fresh members to Food Act Event at Fieldays Wednesday 15th June
FOOD ACT FOR PRODUCERS AND PROCESSORS EVENT
19 May 2016
United Fresh AGM Tops Off Record Year & Celebrates 25 Years of Service
Our United Fresh AGM & Members meeting held in Auckland on Thursday 12th May 2016 was well received by around 80 of our members who attended the event.
View Story18 May 2016
5+ A Day announces Julia & Libby as new brand ambassadors
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust is pleased to announce a new brand ambassador partnership with health and wellbeing bloggers, Julia & Libby.
View Story18 May 2016
New Research: 5+ A Day most used resource across New Zealand
New research by the University of Auckland has found that the 5+ A Day resource is the most used accross New Zealand’s early childhood education centres.
View Story18 May 2016
5+ A Day helps fuel Football Ferns on the road to the world stage
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust is providing the Rio-bound Football Ferns with boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables every week before they head off in August.
13 May 2016
United Fresh AGM & Members Meeting 2016
Our United Fresh AGM & Members meeting held in Auckland on Thursday 12th May 2016 was well received by around 80 of our members
View Story09 May 2016
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - May 2016
Health Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
View Story05 May 2016
Where fresh fruit and vegetables stand with the Health Star Rating System
Following our engagement with the Health Star Rating (HSR) development team when the system launched, we have had further communications
View Story05 May 2016
Branding Approval Centre – LIVE
Approval of using the 5+ A Day and Tick logos has been streamlined with our new Branding Approval Centre.
View Story05 May 2016
Final Call for Registrations - AGM and Members Meeting
If you haven’t registered for the United Fresh AGM and Members Meeting please do so here.
View Story12 Apr 2016
17 Mar 2016
United Fresh Members Meeting and AGM - Diary Note - Thursday 12th May at 3:30pm
Please join us for our United Fresh Members Meeting and AGM.
View Story17 Mar 2016
Get off the farm and on your bike
Try your hand at cycling, running or walking this month.
View Story08 Mar 2016
Check out how United Fresh is working for you
This report is a snapshot of some highlights for our organisation and our members as we work through 2016
View Story07 Mar 2016
09 Feb 2016
The fruit & Veg Newsletter - WIC, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (US)
Nutritious foods, nutrition and breastfeeding education, and improved healthcare access for low and moderate income women and young children with, or at risk of developing,
09 Feb 2016
MPI Media Release - No further Tau flies found and restrictions now lifted
MPI Surveillance Manager Brendan Gould says two weeks of trapping, fruit sampling and testing have passed and no further Tau flies have been found.
View Story03 Feb 2016
New Food Act Takes Effect Next Month – Are you ready?
New Food Act and Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety
View Story01 Feb 2016
MPI Update - Tau Fly Detection 2016 - Monday 1 February 2016
No further Tau Flies have been detected. The total remains as 1 male Tau Fly detected.
View Story25 Jan 2016
MPI Update - Tau Fly Detection 2016 - Monday 25 January 2016
No further Tau Flies have been detected. The total remains as 1 male Tau Fly detected.
View Story22 Jan 2016
MPI Notification of a Tau Fly Detection - Manurewa, South Auckland
MPI will be establishing a Controlled Area this afternoon in Manurewa, South Auckland as a result of a single Tau fly detection.
View Story11 Jan 2016
School food options to increase vegetable consumption
School food options to increase vegetable consumption.
View Story21 Dec 2015
$1.2m extra to expand Fruit & Vegetables in Schools
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Fruit in Schools programme will be expanded to include an extra 77 schools, benefiting an additional 13,000 students.
View Story14 Dec 2015
MPI Update - Strain in fifth Hepatitis A case confirmed - 14 December 2015
Results from testing have now confirmed that the fifth person, who recently contracted Hepatitis A, as reported last week, has the same strain of the virus as the other four people who fell sick with Hepatitis in late October and early November this year.
View Story11 Dec 2015
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - Bioactive components in F&V
In this series, there is a focus on polyphenols, which are particularly abundant in fruits and vegetables.
09 Dec 2015
New development in MPI’s berry investigation - 9 December 2015
A newly notified case of Hepatitis A is likely to be linked to the consumption of the Fruzio Mixed Berries product, which is currently the subject of an MPI-directed product recall.
04 Dec 2015
MPI Announces Auckland Fruit Fly 2015 Response Closure
With your support, the Queensland fruit fly is no longer residing in Auckland.
View Story01 Dec 2015
Queensland Fruit Fly December Update
General Situation remains unchanged since the November update.
View Story30 Nov 2015
Ministry for Primary Industries Increase Surveillance of Imported Frozen Berry Products
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has released a media statement today regarding imported frozen berries and four reported cases of Hepatitis A.
View Story25 Nov 2015
United Fresh Food Safety & Traceability Update
October and November have been busy for the United Fresh Food Safety & Traceability Committee.
View Story20 Nov 2015
Are you ready to #GETITIN with 5+ A Day?
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust is about to raise consumption and the roof with its all new adult 5+ A Day Challenge this coming February.
View Story18 Nov 2015
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - Healthy Eating
Childhood obesity has become a major public health concern.
13 Nov 2015
Taste of Auckland
It was great to see our members showcasing their fresh produce at last weekend’s Taste of Auckland event at Western Springs.
View Story13 Nov 2015
Last chance to register Biosecurity, Food Safety & Traceability Workshop – Tues 17th November
If you haven’t already registered for next Tuesday members’ workshop (being held in partnership with MPI) you will need to do so today
View Story13 Nov 2015
Strategic Review Meeting
The United Fresh Executive, along with invited guests recently took part in a Strategic Review meeting.
View Story03 Nov 2015
Queensland Fruit Fly November Update
General Situation remains unchanged since the October update. No additional fruit flies have been detected since the last report.
View Story30 Oct 2015
Register for our United Fresh Biosecurity, Food Safety & Traceability Workshop – 17/11/2015
We are pleased to present our Biosecurity, Food Safety & Traceability and Food Law Workshop in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
View Story07 Oct 2015
The Global Fruit & Veg Newsletter - Food regulation and F&V promotion in Brazil - October 2015
This Global F&V Newsletter features Brazil’s new dietary guideline role on promoting fruits and vegetables highlighting some key principles and perspectives adopted by the guideline to promote fruits and vegetables among other real foods.
06 Oct 2015
Biosecurity, Food Safety & Traceability Workshop
SAVE THE DATE - TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2015.
United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries invite members to attend a workshop on Biosecurity, Food Safety & Traceability and Food Law.
06 Oct 2015
Yersinia Pseudotuberculosis - Reviewing the Impact
The United Fresh Food Safety Committee is undertaking a review of the issues surrounding the Yersenia Pseudotuberculosis Outbreak last year. The objective is to understand, from a domestic fresh produce industry perspective, the areas where we need to undertake planning in order to be better prepared for any future outbreaks.
21 Sep 2015
MPI Launches Online Tool for Food Businesses
Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew launched an online tool today that will help food businesses discover how they will be affected by the new Food Act 2014, which comes into force in March next year.
View Story17 Sep 2015
Plant & Food Research joins United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated
One of New Zealand’s largest scientific research organisations, Plant & Food Research, has joined United Fresh. UF General Manager, Paula Dudley, says the organisation is looking forward to continuing its work with the highly regarded scientific institute.
View Story16 Sep 2015
Lesser Known Fruit and Vegetable Benefits
Benefits from regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) in the prevention of many chronic diseases are now well documented. This new Global Fruit and Veg newsletter focuses on some lesser known health F&V benefits.
04 Sep 2015
Strawberry Traceability Pilot 2016
This project focuses on the external traceability challenges arising in the domestic fresh market strawberry supply chain, as the fruit passes from grower to retailer. United Fresh is working with GS1 New Zealand in this pilot project.
View Story04 Sep 2015
Teenage Chefs Highlight 5+ A Day in Culinary Challenge 2015
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust were proud sponsors of the National Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge (NSSCC) this year and congratulate Burnside High School for taking out the grand prize and scholarship.
View Story01 Sep 2015
Food Law Update
MPI will be launching an online tool to help people understand the Food Act 2014, which comes into affect on 1st March 2016.
01 Sep 2015
Food Safety, Food Security & Your Business Planning
United Fresh partnered with Horticulture New Zealand to present a 90 minute breakout session on Food Safety, Food Security and Your Business Planning at the HortNZ 2015 Conference this year.
View Story30 Aug 2015
The EGEA 2015 Statement
As Scientific Coordinator of this newsletter, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the first issue of the Global Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter.
28 Aug 2015
Fresh Produce Safety Conference, Sydney August 2015
United Fresh attended this conference run by PMA Australia & New Zealand’s Fresh Produce Safety Centre, hosted at the University of Sydney.
25 Aug 2015
International Organisations Form New Global Network
The International Fruit and Vegetable Alliance (IFAVA) and the International Alliance of Associations and Movements 5 a day (AIAM5), have announced they are joining forces to form the new Global Network for the Promotion of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption.
View Story14 Jul 2015
Re-assignment of Price Look-up Codes
As the adoption of price look-up codes (PLU) has gained traction, the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) has committed to transitioning the previously unused ‘8’ prefix to accommodate an increase in varieties of fresh produce items as they enter the market.
07 Jul 2015
United Fresh Members Move Swiftly to Withdraw Mexican Grapes from Sale
The precautionary measure of withdrawing Mexican grapes from sale has been taken by many retail outlets due to the discovery of Black Widow spiders among the shipment.
View Story23 Jun 2015
How to Keep New Zealand’s Horticulture Industry Blooming
Horticultural production in this country is flourishing with the latest figures showing the sector has topped the $7 billion mark for the first time. The figures were published in the April edition of Fresh Facts and showed in the year ended June 2014, the sector reached $7.16 billion in production, up from $6.7 billion the year before.
View Story19 Feb 2015
New Research Shows Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Help Kids to Grow and Thrive
New research shows the Fruit In Schools programme, managed by United Fresh, is having a positive impact on children and nutrition. Although named Fruit in Schools, the programme includes fresh New Zealand vegetables as well.
An independent evaluation has found Fruit In Schools is highly valued by principals and is well aligned with international evidence on how to improve nutrition and reduce obesity in children.
View Story18 Feb 2015
United Fresh Takes the Lead in Food Safety and Traceability
For over two decades United Fresh has worked on behalf of the New Zealand produce industry on Food Safety, Traceability and Industry Standards. To further strengthen this framework and safeguard food safety, we recently established the Food Safety and Traceability Committee.
View Story