News

FreshTest Gives Peace of Mind for ConsumersConsumer expectations for assurance of the quality and safety of food continue to rise, and now more than ever, getting produce tested has never been so vital during the COVID-19 crisis. Freshmark is here to help with our FreshTest service that is the largest and most comprehensive horticultural residue-testing […]

Businesses affected by Tropical Cyclone Niran and Associated Low-Pressure System between 25 February – 3 March 2021 can now access extraordinary disaster assistance grants of up to $75,000.  These grants are available to primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations. You will find further details and application forms by visiting the Queensland Rural and Industry Development

The latest feedback and results from our social media efforts prove a real winner for Freshmark’s investments in social media to promote the central market system and independent retail for fresh produce.  To wrap up the Shop & Win promotion, Facebook engagements increased by 15%, with Instagram and Pinterest engagements increasing by 12% and 118%,

Banks are offering a support package, available to all small businesses and home loan customers significantly impacted by current lockdowns or recovery from recent lockdowns, irrespective of location or industry. Business banking repayment deferrals Up to 3 month repayment deferrals, with loan terms extended accordingly Offered to all small business customers (business lending less than

Freshmark member Harris Farm could be set for a change in ownership after The Financial Review revealed a Goldman Sachs led auction attracted a number of private equity (PE) firms looking to invest in the grocery retailer. Harris Farm may want to achieve from the auction, total control, a minority stake, or debt refinancing all potential outcomes.

Children (and adults alike) can learn more about fruits and vegetables while playing a new card game. Based on a set of standard playing cards, the game features fresh produce available within Australia, with each card showing the nutritional information for 100g of the fruit, vegetable or nuts. The game can be played by players

Stone fruit production in Australia is forecast to increase in marketing year (MY) 2021/22, following an MY 2020/21 season that was impacted by a shortage of labour supply at harvest and export freight logistics challenges borne about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cherry production is forecast to increase by 11 per cent, and peaches and nectarines

While consumers are making fewer trips to the retail store to buy fresh produce, there is an increased spend in the dollar amount each time they visit. The most recent data has been impacted by COVID-19 and the lockdowns experienced in Australia, which have led to changes in consumer trends. But there are some good

A range of vegetable and fruit viruses have been detected in seeds from overseas, demonstrating the significant biosecurity risks that illegal seed imports can pose. Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer, Dr. Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, said a variety of seeds were imported for testing and research purposes, and the majority carried viruses of concern. Seeds are the most

Bonus beneficial winter weather may have put a smile on some horticulture producers’ faces, but it’s the uncertainty around labour that continues to shove price predictions around the most, according to Rural Bank’s Australian agriculture mid-year outlook.  The report analyses the performance of six industries – cattle, cropping, dairy, horticulture, sheep, wool and the broader