24 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