EU-Colombia trade agreement signed.

EU-COLOMBIA AGREEMENT SIGNED

With 503 millions inhabitants, Europe can count on almost three times more consumers than nations like Mexico or Russia.

The European GDP per capita is of 34.000 dollars, it’s 4 times higher than the Colombian one.

Overall, Europe is the biggest importer in the world. Thanks to the trade agreement that will be effective in short times between the EU and Colombia, the products of the latter Country will be able to enter the big European market at lower rates.

Once the agreemend will be in effect, customs on fresh fruit imports will go from 8.8% to zero. Last year, Europe imported 262.6 millions of dollars of fresh fruit, 39.7 of which concerned imports coming from Colombia.

This new agreement will prove to be an excellent opportunity.

Source: Freshplaza

Bananas could take the place of potatoes in some developing countries

Bananas could replace potatoes in warming world.

Bananas could take the place of potatoes in some developing countries

Climate change could lead to crops from the banana family becoming a critical food source for millions of people, a new report says.

Researchers from the CGIAR agricultural partnership say the fruit might replace potatoes in some developing countries.

Cassava and the little-known cowpea plant could be much more important food crops as temperatures rise.

People will have to adapt to new and varied menus as traditional crops struggle, say the authors.

 “Start Quote

When the farmers see the problems they are having with production, they really are willing to shift”

Bruce Campbell CCAFS

Responding to a request from the United Nations' committee on world food security, a group of experts in the field looked at the projected effects of climate change on 22 of the world's most important agricultural commodities.

Blooming bananas

They predict that the world's three biggest crops in terms of calories provided - maize, rice and wheat - will decrease in many developing countries.

They suggest that the potato, which grows best in cooler climates, could also suffer as temperatures increase and weather becomes more volatile.

The authors argue that these changes "could provide an opening for cultivating certain varieties of bananas" at higher altitudes, even in those places that currently grow potatoes.

Dr Philip Thornton is one of those behind the report. He told BBC News that while bananas and plantains also have limiting factors, they may be a good substitute for potatoes in certain locations.

"It's not necessarily a silver bullet, but there may be places where as temperatures increase, bananas might be one option that small-holders could start to look at."

The report describes wheat as the world's most important plant-derived protein and calorie source.

But according to this research, wheat will face a difficult future in the developing world, where higher prices for cotton, maize and soybeans have pushed wheat to marginal land, making it more vulnerable to stresses induced by climate change.

One substitute, especially in South Asia, could be cassava - which is known to be tolerant to a range of climate stresses.

But how easy will it be to get people to adjust to new crops and new diets?

Bruce Campbell is programme director of the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security research group (CCAFS) which co-ordinates work among leading institutions around the world. He told BBC News that the types of changes that will happen in the future have already happened in the past.

Protein under pressure

"Two decades ago there was almost no rice consumption in certain areas of Africa, now there is. People have changed because of the pricing: it's easier to get, it's easier to cook. I think those sort of shifts do occur and I think they will in future."

About bananas

• There are hundreds of types of banana plants but not all actually produce fruit
• They grow on plants that are giant herbs and are part of the Musaceae family
• Plantains are starchy like a potato, not sweet like a regular banana
• Organised banana plantations have been traced back to China in 200 AD
• Alexander the Great brought them back from India after his conquest in 327 BC
• Over the centuries they have been called banna, ghana and funana

Source: Dole

One of the big concerns among researchers is how to tackle the need for protein in the diet. Soybeans are one of the most common sources but are very susceptible to temperature changes.

The scientists say that the cowpea, which is known in sub-Saharan Africa as the "poor man's meat" is drought-tolerant and prefers warmer weather and could be a reasonable alternative to soya. The vines of the cowpea can also be used as a feed for livestock.

In some countries, including Nigeria and Niger, farmers have already moved away from cotton production to growing cowpeas.

There are also likely to be developments in animal protein sources says the report, including a shift to smaller livestock.

"This is an example of something that's happening already," said Dr Campbell. "There's been quite a shift from cattle keeping to goat keeping in southern Africa in face of droughts - when the farmers see the problems they are having with production, they really are willing to shift.

"Change is really possible. It's not just a crazy notion."

Source: Matt McGrath Science reporter, BBC World Service

Ecuador to set new price for bananas next year.

Five representatives of the Ecuadorian banana producers and an equal number for the exporters will meet in Machala, El Oro province, Ecuador, in the next few days to set next year's price for a box of the fruit.

Rafael Correa's government, through the minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Javier Ponce, should issue a statement about the meeting's final decision.

Julio Cruz and William Ramón, for Guayas; Wilfrido Macías for Los Ríos and Noemí Capa, along with Giovanny Coronel, for El Oro, will debate the proposals to be presented to the vice minister Luis Valverde, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries, to hear any alternatives.

Raúl Lara Carrión, president of El Oro's Chamber of Banana Producers, subsidiary of the National Federation of Chambers, formed by Guayas, Los Ríos and Cañar, said that a statement concerning the new price is being prepared by a special commission led by the head of the Agronomists Association, Kléber Navarro.

The official price this year is set at 5.50 dollars. Producers are aiming for an increase, but until the Machala meeting takes place no details regarding the decision will be announced.

There are high expectations for a new price, according to the Chamber of Producers, because it has remained stable for four years and small and medium growers are eager for changes to be made in this regard.

It was made clear that any proposal to be brought to Machala by the producing provinces will have to include improvements for the sector. Other associations aspiring for beneficial agreements at the meeting are keeping up to date with the news.

Source: Diariopinion.com
www.freshplaza.com

Publication date: 10/30/2012

MSC increase his rates of 1500$ for 2013.

MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GENERAL RATE INCREAS

Current levels of Reefer Rates are inadequate to offset the very high and increasing operating costs being incurred and increases to Reefer rates in all trades will be necessary in order to provide sustainable levels of income in the future.
In view of the need to safeguard further investment in this important sector and to continue to provide a high standard of service to the Reefer Trade, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. will be applying increases of USD 1500 per container (20ft & 40ft) to all current reefer rates worldwide with effect from the 1st of January 2013.

source: MSC Press Release

Is there more space for Brazilian fruits in Europe?

The European Union is the world’s largest fruit importer. In 2011, the EU spent 7.7 billion Euro on the purchase of 19 main fruits obtained from outside the economic union, according to the data from the Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat).
Market analysts from the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea/Esalq-USP) calculated that, of this amount, Brazil received only 6.07%, equivalent to 468.9 million Euros (CIF - value at destination ports). That total is far less than that earned by countries such as Costa Rica, South Africa, Ecuador and Colombia, which are the biggest trade partners of the EU for the 19 fruits considered.
Data processing and analysis done by Mayra Monteiro Viana, Letícia Julião, Aline Soares and Guilherme dos Santos, from Hortifruti Brasil team/Cepea, shows that due to the economic crisis, the EU spent less in 2011 than in 2008 with the import of the fruits analyzed. European production also declined in recent years, indicating that European consumption of these products has reduced since the beginning of the economic crisis. However, the evaluation of Hortifruti Brasil/Cepea analysts indicates that the inherent health appeal of fruits maintains a positive scenario for countries that exports fruits to the EU, such as Brazil.
Aware of these opportunities for growers and traders, analysts of Hortifruti Brasil evaluated the performance and potential of 11 major fruits in Brazilian exports (grape, melon, mango, apple, banana, tahiti lime, papaya, watermelon, orange, fig and avocado) for the European Union. Together, these 11 products accounted for no less than 99% of the total value obtained by Brazil with fruit exports last year, according to data from the Brazilian Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex).
For this analysis, the team regrouped data provided by the Export Helpdesk, concerning imports of the European Union, in three study periods: 2003-05, 2006-08 and 2009-11. The fruits were also classified as off-season, tropical and exotic (from the European point of view). The principal factor of analysis was the gain or loss of Brazilian participation in the EU imports of each fruit compared to other relevant suppliers. The complete analysis is available in the October/2012 issue of the Hortifruti Brasil magazine: http://cepea.esalq.usp.br/hfbrasil/
Below the subtitles of the analysis:
Off-season fruits
- European market continues receptive to Brazilian melons
- Despite the high production, Brazilian exports of fresh oranges are not expressive
- Increases the European import of watermelon and Brazil can gain market
- Brazil loses position in European imports of grape
- Opportunities with the export of Brazilian apples depend on the supply of the UE
Tropical Fruits
- Increases demand for avocados and Brazil has the potential to benefit from this market
- Brazil is the largest exporter of mangoes to the EU but sustain participation is a challenge
- Banana is the most imported tropical fruit by Europe, but Brazil has not gained importance
Exotic Fruits
- Brazil is the second largest fig provider for EU
-  Tahiti lime: still exotic, but in search of consolidation
- There is potential, but exports of papaya lost space
Publication date: 10/26/2012
Source: freshplaza.com

China acogerá foro ministerial de Agricultura con A.Latina y Caribe en junio

Pekín, 20 oct (EFE).- Ministros de Agricultura de China y de países de América Latina y el Caribe se reunirán el próximo junio en el país asiático para participar en un foro de cooperación que tiene como objetivo asentar proyectos en conjunto en esta área, adelantó hoy el viceministro chino de esta cartera, Niu Dun.

Niu hizo este anuncio durante el "Diálogo de Embajadores sobre la Cooperación en Agricultura China-América Latina", celebrado este sábado en los alrededores de la Granja de Demostración China-Chile, ubicada en la ciudad de Tianjin (noreste), antesala al encuentro que se celebrará a nivel ministerial en 2013.

En esta reunión de embajadores, promovida por el Ministerio de Agricultura chino y la Embajada de Chile en Pekín, Niu puso fecha a una de las iniciativas que el primer ministro chino, Wen Jiabao, propuso en su viaje a Latinoamérica en junio.

Se espera que en el citado encuentro, adelantó Wen en su viaje y hoy repitió el viceministro chino, se acuerden objetivos comunes cómo conseguir que el comercio agrícola supere los 40.000 millones de dólares en los próximos cinco años, de los actuales 18.000.

Además, China también trasladó su intención de crear un fondo de emergencia alimentaria de 500.000 toneladas de alimentos, de los que la potencia asiática aportará 250.000, anunció hoy el viceministro Niu.

"Desde China pensamos que, en el mundo, las crisis de seguridad alimentaria son un gran problema y representan un desafío para nuestro país y también para Latinoamérica", explicó a Efe posteriormente Niu, quien también apuntó como otros temas relevantes el "cambio climático" y la inversión en "biomasa".

El foro ministerial también debatirá la creación de entre 5 y 8 centros de investigación agrícola, el intercambio de hasta 500 expertos, y otros proyectos de inversión en tecnología e innovación en este área.

A modo de antesala del debate, que se producirá el año que viene entre los ministros de cada país, hoy los embajadores latinoamericanos y del Caribe mantuvieron un diálogo en el que expusieron sus propuestas, pero también sus diferencias sobre el futuro encuentro ministerial.

Tras evidenciar su contento porque China lleve "el diálogo a la práctica", el embajador de Chile, Luis Schmidt, el primero en intervenir como coimpulsor del encuentro, incidió en la importancia de la volatibilidad de los precios y de apoyar iniciativas para reducir las barreras a la importación.

"En el sector agrícola no se puede permitir que los precios de los alimentos se vayan a las nubes o se distorsionen como ocurre actualmente por proteger barreras arancelarias y países en particular", explicó Schmidt en declaraciones a Efe.

El punto de inflexión del encuentro corrió a cargo del embajador de Brasil en Pekín, Clodoaldo Hugueney, representante de un país potente productor de productos agrícolas, quien alertó de que se estaba "corriendo demasiado".

"Sería interesante que el proceso que se adopte no sea empezar a formalizar propuestas una tras otra, sino proponer a cada paso nuevas ideas y nuevas cuestiones. El foro puede ser un instrumento de gran importancia, pero ya se está buscando definir no sólo la fecha, el local, sino también el temario y los resultados finales. Creo que es un poco prematuro", indicó.

Y lanzó una pregunta a los presentes: "¿Por qué no hacer el encuentro, por ejemplo, en América Latina?". source: EFE
image: http://www.theglobalist.com

Pay attention to Latin America's Ambitions

PAY ATTENTION TO LATIN AMERICA’S AMBITIONS

Latin America is becoming the leading geographic area among the international fruit and vegetables growers; Mediterranean producers should pay attention to what’s going on in that area. To the extraordinary Central America’s little Countries that already have a leadership in the international export of bananas (the world’s most eaten fruit) and pineapples (the fruit that increased the most in consumption in Italy and Spain), we must also take in consideration the ambitions of big Countries like Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Colombia. Among the BRIC Countries, Brazil has the prerequisites for becoming the first agricultural power in the world.

It is true that after several years of strong growth, in the last quarters Brazil is going through a less favourable period. As for today, the “Brazilian Miracle” is part of the non-flattering situation of the credit blast as economic engine. Unlike China, who set its target on exports, Brazil has bet on families’ consumption. However, nowadays this model is showing all its limits and risks with a booming of non-paid refunds of loans. The national consumption no longer appears to be able to sustain the growth.
If the real Latin American giant slows down (but be careful, its agriculture has exceptional potentials), Peru’s fruit and vegetables exports are constantly increasing. According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETEUR), we can observe an annual growth of 27%; Between the year 2000 and 2011 fruit and vegetables exportations registered a rise in value from 101 millions to about 1 billion dollars, with a wide diversification of supply.
Minister José Luis Silva thinks that if exports will continue on this path, then Peru could become the leading fruit and vegetables exporter. Peru’s agricultural exports this year should grow remarkably, hitting +15%; they benefit firstly from the free trade agreements the Country has made with China, Japan and the United States but also from favourable prices for products such as asparagus, mangoes and grapes. United States are the main market where Peru delivers its products, absorbing 23% of the total exports of fruit and vegetables; other export destinations include The Netherlands (13%), Colombia (7%), Germany (6%), Spain (6%) and Ecuador (5%). Last year, this Southern American Country exported 842 millions tons of  fruit and vegetables, for a value of 1.1 billions of dollars. The most exported products were, in valuable order: grapes (299 millions of dollars), asparagus (289 millions of dollars), avocadoes (164 millions of dollars), mangoes (117 millions of dollars), bananas (69 millions of dollars) and lemons (66 millions of dollars). We mustn’t forget that Peru is the leading exporter of asparagus, the second most important exporter of avocadoes and it ranks third in organic bananas exports. The surfaces dedicated to the various crops are growing. As for grapes, the website Agraria.pe says that the Country’s cropped areas have increased by 20% in recebt years, reaching 12,000 hectares. The Red Globe variety represents 60% of the exported grapes. Juan Carlos Brignardello, Managing Director of Viticola SA, hopes to increase the exports towards Asia, particularly China, and Europe, particularly Germany.
It’s no accident that Peru will be the partner country of Fruit Logistica 2013, taking place next year on 6-8 February in Berlin. Christian Göke, Manager of Messe Berlin, says: “I’m happy that Peru will be there with its variety of high quality fruit and vegetables, enjoying more and more international fame. Fruit Logistica is the most suitable place to increase fresh producte exports, since it’s here that all the players of the fruit and vegetables international sector gather”.
We have described Peru’s situation to better explain why Mediterranean growers must pay attention to the productive and commercial evolution of Latin America. The productive system of today is so flexible, to the point that it can overcome the seasonal production barrier: in practical terms, this means that the two hemispheres’ production could more and more overlap instead of being distinct. Seasons are more and more changeable because of the most various elements: early and late varieties are used by growers to open the path to new markets, growing systems are more and more sophisticated; in many Countries, there’s the possibility to grow in different productive areas for climate, altitude etc.
Expectations for an entirely globalized market seems thus to be more and more closer and real. Today’s Latin America appears to be more efficient and commercially aggressive than China itself.

Antonio Felice
Green Med Journal managing director
article: http://www.greenmed.eu 

image: http:www.wikipedia.org

The South American grape price soars in Europe

October 18th, 2012

Importers in Europe must decide between quality and price to meet the constant demand for grapes.
Grape sales in Europe find themselves in a temporary bind, facing a supply shortage as growing seasons in Greece, Italy and Spain come to a close.
“There is constant demand and insufficient supply at the moment. Brazil has just started and Greece is fading out quickly,” said Jan Marc Schulz, procurement chief at SFI Rotterdam BV, an independent Dutch fresh fruit importer.
Despite the current lack of buying options elsewhere, the price of Brazilian grapes has made them a hard sell for some European importers this season.
“They ask for a very high price for Brazilian grapes and clients do not want to pay a high price at the moment,” said Wilko van der Zwaard, director of Dutch importer and exporter WilkoFruit.
“With these prices, it’s too high to make profits.”
Brazil, however, has the quality and variety currently difficult to find from other countries. The Thompson Seedless and Sugraone varieties from Brazil are selling best, Schulz said, and cannot easily be challenged by competing varieties.
As growing seasons start in the Southern Hemisphere, Red Globes from Peru are beginning to arrive to Europe. Mostly a seeded grape, Red Globes do not compare to the seedless varieties that are in demand, Schulz said.
“Peru has concentrated on Red Globes and that is not the variety that could compete with the Sugraones or Festivals from Brazil. Now, for seedless varieties from Peru, yes, they would be most welcome,” Schulz said.
Van der Zwaard said his first two containers of Peruvian Red Globes will arrive next week. Peru offered the pricing he could not find in Brazil and the quality that he could not find from Italy. He said that Italian grapes have experienced quality inconsistency, affected by recent rainfall.
Van der Zwaard added he has also made contact with exporters in Chile, another producer that will come onto the market in early November.
Until growing seasons in the Southern Hemisphere come into full swing, Schulz said the pull between supply and demand will remain high.
“Traditionally it will stay at a high level until about Christmas. Then you get South African and Argentinean crops hitting the market.
“From that moment on, the supply is sufficient, if not even more than sufficient and that will put pressure on the process,” Schulz said.
In terms of consumer demand, grapes are considered a staple food, explaining supply pressure even as supermarket prices may rise.
“The very expensive luxury products like pineapples and mangoes, there’s not such a good market for them anymore. [Consumers] are focused more on the traditional products like mandarins, apples, pears, bananas and grapes, of course,” van der Zwaard said.
The current challenge for grapes is not whether consumers will buy them but how to make them a consistently profitable import.
www.freshfruitportal.com

Chiquita to exit deciduous business!

October 16th, 2012

U.S. fruit company Chiquita Brands has told www.freshfruitportal.com it will be exiting its deciduous fruit business as part of a restructuring to boost profitability under new CEO Edward F Lonergan.
A company spokesperson said the structure rebalancing sought to transform Chiquita into a branded commodity operator by leveraging its economies of scale, iconic brand, core distribution, quality and customer service competencies.
“As a result and as a part of this new strategic direction, Chiquita will be exiting the deciduous business effective at the conclusion of the California growing season this fall,” the spokesperson said.
“While the deciduous business has been a part of the Company’s vision to expand its reach and impact, the transition is necessary to align efforts focusing on the core business”
A source close to www.freshfruitportal.com said it was possible the company would be closing its Hermosillo office in Mexico at the end of this month, however the company denied its Mexican business would be affected by the restructuring.
“Chiquita has ongoing business in Chile, Mexico and California which is not impacted.”
www.freshfruitportal.com

Europe cocaine seizure means more bananas for zoo!

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A major cocaine seizure in Europe has turned out to be good news for the animals at Rotterdam's zoo. The drugs were hidden among boxes of bananas, and the fruit was later donated to the monkeys and other creatures at the Blijdorp zoo. Dutch prosecutors said Friday more than eight tons of cocaine was hidden among the bananas on a ship from Ecuador. The drugs were seized Monday in the Belgian port of Antwerp, while the bananas were allowed to continue on to Rotterdam — the shipment's final destination. Dutch police arrested a Belgian truck driver and four Dutch men on Tuesday. Dutch authorities say the seizure is the biggest ever in the Netherlands or Belgium. (AP Photo/Dutch Interior and Justice Ministry, HO) Source: http://washingtonexaminer.com

Ecuador: Banana production down 25%

Due to weather conditions and the attack of black sigatoka, banana production volumes are falling by 25%, according to the Regional Corporation of Ecuadorian Banana Producers (Agroban). As a result, there is lower supply of the fruit in the domestic market and international shipments fell by around 20 million boxes until September. Manuel Romero, Agroban's executive director, said that due to having fewer bananas for export, the spot price of a box can now cost up to US$ 9, while the official price is US$ 5.50. Romero blamed the drop in production to the low temperatures, which make the fruit grow slower and consequently delay the harvest. He explained that bananas do not complete their growth cycle, which lasts for twelve weeks, so packing plants are refusing great amounts of the fruit. Romero also said that some farms are more vulnerable to bad weather conditions, because they were not properly maintained when the sector faced the black sigatoka crisis, despite the fact that the government offered to fumigate the plantations of small growers with farms of up to 10 hectares, but in his view this only materialised "when the damage had already been done." Emergency was declared on 13 July and ended on 7 September, but it was extended for two more weeks.
 Source: Eluniverso
 Publication date: 10/12/2012
 www.freshplaza.com

Poor harvest forces shops to sell 'damaged' apples

Almost 50% of fruits and vegetables in the EU is not consumed!!!

Almost 50% of fruits and vegetables in the EU is not consumed. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, the main losses are connected to the production of fresh produce. 20% of the fresh produce is lost due to among others: accidental damage during threshing or fruit picking, damage by insects, mechanical damage and/or spillage during harvest operation and crops sorted out post-harvest following quality requirements by supermarkets and other companies. The lack of tuning between supply and demand is another reason for losses.

Rotting apples. (Credit: © nickos / Fotolia)

 During postharvest handling and processing 5,5% of the fresh produce gets lost, by for example bad storage conditions, juice production, or during process interruptions and accidental spillage. In the distribution chain and supermarkets another 7,5% is being lost due to degradation and expiring 'best-before-dates'. Not all losses are irreversible because a lot of effort has increasingly been put in the valorization of these products. In fermentation installations unmerchantable fresh produce can be transformed into energy. Slightly damaged fresh produce can also be used to make derived products as jam, soup,…
Finally, 13% of what is initially produced gets lost due to consumers behavior by throwing away still edible fruits and vegetables, or by wasting due to storing the fresh produce too long or at a wrong temperature.
Scientists try to reduce losses
Within the European Project Veg-i-Trade, scientists of Ghent University and Wageningen University try to reduce the losses within the fruits and vegetables chain. This, by developing statistical models to predict the degradation and the safety of fresh produce. These models can be used to improve the planning and logistics of food processors, transporters and supermarkets. By adapting for instance the size of the produced batches of food, the amount of stock and the storage conditions for example; less food will be lost.
Tips for consumers
Also the consumer can help to reduce the losses. Some tips: by eating seasonally fresh produce will not have to be transported for a long distance, so it can be stored longer. A weekly leftover day helps to reduce the leftovers, and buying and cooking not more than necessary will obviously reduce losses.
Veg-i-Trade
This research is part of the European project 'Veg-i-Trade'. Since May 2010, 23 international partners are investigating viruses, bacteria such as E. coli., mycotoxins, and pesticide residues on fresh produce. Veg-i-Trade studies the possible impact of globalization and climate change on the food safety of fresh produce. The project is being coordinated by the Department Food Safety and Food Quality of Ghent University (Belgium) and has partners from universities, research institutes, SMEs to large industrial partners in 10 different countries.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121003082732.htm

Chiquita planea ahorrar $60 millones anuales

Escrito por Organizaciones Muñoz Ugarte

Los informes sobre valores de la empresa con sede en Carlotte, Chiquita Brands International muestran que el director ejecutivo saliente Fernando Aguirre dejará la empresa con más de 4,7 millones de dólares, además de con un acuerdo para ejercer de asesor de la compañía durante doce meses con un salario de 40.000 dólares mensuales.

Los informes del jueves también revelan los detalles sobre la compensación del director ejecutivo entrante, Ed Lonergan. Lonergan recibirá un salario base de 900.000 dólares con una retribución anual por cumplimiento de objetivos de la misma cantidad. También recibirá un otorgamiento de 231.065 acciones restringidas con un valor de 1,77 millones de dólares según el precio de cierre del jueves de 7,68 dólares, y opciones financieras para 1.440.062 acciones según el precio de cierre del próximo lunes. Ambas concesiones tendrán vigencia durante los próximos dos años.
A Lonergan, que ha entrado a formar parte de la icónica empresa de bananas y lechugas, se le reembolsarán sus gastos de desplazamiento, recibirá 10.000 dólares anuales por planificaciones financieras y se le reembolsarán hasta 50.000 dólares por honorarios legales en relación a las negociaciones de su acuerdo.

Más recientemente, Lonergan fue director ejecutivo de la empresa de productos de limpieza industrial Diversey Holdings durante seis años. Allí dirigió la reestructuración de la empresa. Anteriormente, encabezaba la división europea de Gillette y trabajó para Procter & Gamble.
El último día de Aguirre como director de Chiquita será el domingo, y Lonergan asumirá el cargo el lunes.
Aguirre también continuará recibiendo cobertura sanitaria, además de recibir el reembolso de hasta 50.000 dólares por los honorarios legales necesarios en la negociación de su acuerdo. Conservará sus 134,221 acciones de Chiquita con un valor de un millón de dólares según el precio de cierre del jueves.

Lonergan se enfrenta al reto de invertir el efecto de años de declive de ingresos y beneficios en la empresa, cuyo stock también ha descendido bruscamente tras cinco años de acciones a 25,77 dólares.

La empresa se encuentra en medio de un plan de reestructuración diseñado para ahorrar 60 millones de dólares anuales en gastos. Chiquita también está concluyendo un traslado de Cincinnati al distrito residencial Charlotte. A la empresa la han atraído, en parte, los incentivos estatales y locales de más de 22 millones de euros destinados a la creación de empleo.

Aguirre ha dicho que tienen pensado permanecer en Charlotte, donde su mujer y él se están construyendo una casa.

Fuente: freshplaza.es

FRANCE: STRONG PRODUCTIVE DECREASE FOR APPLES AND PEARS IN 2012

France’s production of apples and pears has decreased of 25% this year compared to 2011; it was revealed by the Minister of Agriculture. On September 1st, pear’s production was estimated to be 124.800 tons, 25% less compared to last year and 21% less compared to the average of the last five years.

03/10/2012 12:56

Unfavourable climate conditions in Spring are for the most part the cause for this strong decrease which was especially strong in Central regions and in the Rohne-Alps regions. The decrease in the production for this regions has been estimated at -52% and -42% each. The most hit varieties are the Williams and the Comice.

With and estimated profit of 1.391 millions of tons, apple’s production for the year 2012 is the smallest of the last ten years. This year’s production has lowered of 23% compared to the average of the last five years.

In this case too, the bad climate conditions in Spring (freeze, rainfalls, hail) have been a remarkable factor. Especially hit by this was the Limosino region, with production losses of almost 90% because of the freeze. The Provence-Alps-Azure Riviera (PACA) region is the only one in France to have registered an increase in the production compared to 2011. The productive decrease concerns the Golden varieties in particular.

Holland’s importers indicate that the French don’t want to give informations on the harvest of apples and pears. The prices are still quite high and there’s a lot of uncertainty on the market. The demand for French apples is usually good; that’s why the brand for Royal Galas are sold at about 20 euros while the less known ones are sold at about 18 euros. As for Granny Smith apples, the prices are the same. Red apples are not much on the whole. It is estimated that the prices will remain stable or they will increase.

http://www.greenmed.eu

Maersk Line to hike rates by USD 1,500/FEU for reefer cargo in Jan 2013

(SeeNews) - Oct 3, 2012 - Danish container carrier Maersk Line said yesterday it would apply a global rate increase of USD 1,500 (EUR 1,000) per forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU) for reefer cargo, on January 1, 2013, in a bid to cover costs.

Costa Rica seeks to reactivate Union of Banana Exporting Countries

Costa Rica seeks to reactivate Union of Banana Exporting Countries

Costa Rica will lead a process to evaluate if the countries that were part of the Union of Banana Exporting Countries (UPEB) are interested in reviving the organization, created in 1974.

Tania López Lee, vice minister of agriculture and livestock, said that Costa Rica obtained the approval of other Central American countries to organize talks to revive UPEB and to incorporate Ecuador as a new member.

This is one of the agreements reached at the last meeting of the Central American Agricultural Council, held in Colombia on Sept. 25.

Past UPEB member countries included Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. Ecuador, the world’s largest banana exporter, has confirmed interest in joining the organization.

Efforts among member countries will be led by a working group from Costa Rica’s Agriculture and Livestock Ministry and the National Banana Corporation.

A series of scandals involving bribe accusations, high taxes and lawsuits diminished UPEB's influence in the world export market, and its activity has been limited to charging a small tax on corporate banana exports.


Publication date: 10/4/2012

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La falta de manzanas en Europa ya afecta a los Paises de Europa Sur.

El descenso previsible de oferta de manzana en Europa ya está perjudicando a los destinos menos pudientes. España, Portugal y Grecia ya están teniendo dificultades para acceder a manzanas de importación de Francia o Italia.

España va a tener este año problemas de abastecimiento y las demandas de manzanas van a descender, ya que los primeros precios que manejan los productores franceses se alejan a las posiblidades de los mayoristas españoles. Las firmas Castang, Blue-Whale y Perlim, con fuertes intereses en el mercado español, están apreciando como sus clientes habituales no están comprando a los niveles actuales, ya que el precio inicial se encuentra hasta 30 céntimos por encima de su top de liquidación. Los comerciales que trabajan de cara al mercado español están ya observando esta situación, lo que va a complicar mucho la campaña con España. En este sentido, desde Italia, el consorcio VOG apunta que "trataremos de mantener nuestros compromisos con los mercados del Mediterráneo", señala Gerhard Dichgans, director del consorcio, pero también señala que la previsión de precio será al alza, ya que países como Holanda, Bélgica o Francia han visto descender su oferta en más de un 30 por ciento. Dichgans no ve a los exportadores polacos acercando sus variedades a los mercados mediterráneos, ya que las variedades polacas "no son conocidas en la Europa Occidental". Dichgans señala que Polonia se convertirá en un gran exportador y sin competencia en los mercados del Este y, sobre todo, en el mercado ruso. 

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China quiere comprarle a Ecuador mango, limón, piña y otros productos

China quiere comprarle a Ecuador mango, limón, piña y otros productos

Ecuador y China suscribieron siete convenios sobre cooperación, comercio y seguridad, informó hoy el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores.

Los convenios se suscribieron ayer en reuniones que mantuvo el ministro de Comercio de la República China, Chen Deming, con diversos representantes del Gobierno.

De acuerdo con la Cancillería, se suscribieron convenios con el sector privado ecuatoriano para la compra de banana por un total de 33 millones de dólares, y la delegación de la República Chica se comprometió en agilizar procesos que faciliten el ingreso de productos como el mango, limón, piña, pitaya, entre otros.

Por otro lado, las autoridades chinas manifestaron el compromiso de su país para resolver problemas que enfrenta la banana ecuatoriana en su mercado por medidas fitosanitarias y para ello la Agencia de Calidad de la República Popular China (AQSIQ) visitará Ecuador del 13 al 26 de octubre próximo.

La Cancillería informó que, además, se firmó un acuerdo de cooperación técnica y económica entre ambos países, y un canje de notas sobre la donación de dos equipos de escaneo de contenedores.

Fecha de publicación: 01/10/2012

Ecuador: Bananera Noboa, entre la espada y la pared

Ecuador: Bananera Noboa, entre la espada y la pared

En seis años, el Grupo Noboa exportó banano a través de al menos cuatro compañías que conforman su emporio empresarial. La Exportadora Bananera Noboa (EBN) dejó de hacer envíos desde el 2010. En su lugar Bananera Continental (Banaconti) realizaba las exportaciones hasta el 2011. En enero pasado, esta fue reemplazada por Gitzycorp SA solo por un mes; y en febrero entró a operar Truisfruit SA.

El grupo liderado por el empresario y político Álvaro Noboa, mantiene el segundo puesto en el ranking, según estadísticas de la Asociación de Exportadores de Banano del Ecuador (AEBE).

El carrusel de empresas inició meses después de que el Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) notificara a EBN el acta definitiva de la auditoría de la exportadora, en la que la autoridad tributaria identificaba una diferencia por concepto de Impuesto a la Renta (IR) de USD 49,1 millones, correspondientes al año 2005.

La notificación fue ejecutada en abril del 2009, pero un mes después la empresa presentó reclamos administrativos. De allí se fue generando una serie de incidentes judiciales (ampliaciones, pedidos de nulidad, casación, recusación, entre otros). En total 33 acciones, según el SRI.

Pero el viernes pasado, Carlos Marx Carrasco, director del SRI, anunció que, en calidad de jueces de coactiva, aplicaron medidas precautelares. Incluyen la retención de fondos y créditos presentes y futuros; prohibición para enajenar acciones; activos intangibles y bienes inmuebles; y el secuestro de vehículos terrestres, aéreos y marítimos. Todo eso recae en EBN, empresas vinculadas y contra Álvaro Noboa. Este último también tiene una prohibición de salir del país.

Aunque para cuando se dictó la medida, el empresario se encontraba en EE.UU. Pablo Guevara, experto en temas tributarios y socio de Fides Buró, explicó que “la administración tributaria puede usar los medios que establece la Ley para ejercer la acción de cobro”. Además, señaló que el Código Tributario permite incorporar medidas cautelares en esa boleta de auto de pago, para que el acreedor tributario precautele su crédito. Estas pueden ser ampliadas. “Más allá que sea justo e injusto el procedimiento, eso es legal”, manifestó Guevara.


Fuente: ElComercio.com
Fecha de publicación: 01/10/2012