Industry analysis from Fresh Produce Journal
Analysis and insight for the UK fresh produce business.
Crop association collaboration ‘more important than ever’
British Growers CEO John Walgate makes the case for the country’s horticulture crop associations to continue working together more closely as cost pressures build
The question for UK growers today is: ’What can I grow that will not make a loss?’
Nationwide Produce chairman Tim O’Malley reflects on major challenges for growers and government as potato producers are forced to dump large volumes of crop amid overproduction in Europe
European peach and nectarine forecast up 8 per cent
Europe’s peach and nectarine production looks set to recover this season, thanks to favourable growing conditions
Comment: Why climate action in food and farming can’t wait
Soil health, water availability and biodiversity are not abstract environmental concepts; they are the foundations of food security, writes McCain CSO Charlie Angelakos
Growing more in the UK won’t solve food security, warns FPC
Trade body raises concerns that the new EU-UK reset deal, and calls to produce more domestically, threaten UK imports from further afield
Conversations
Fruitbox 117 · Hein Deprez, Greenyard
Greenyard’s founder discusses the company’s recent privatisation and explains why he sees an urgent need to redefine healthy eating
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant explains how supermarkets can reconnect with customers through better design, storytelling, and a renewed focus on food
Fruitbox 115 · Daniel Sauvaitre & Philippe Binard, World Apple & Pear Association
Recorded live at Prognosfruit 2025, the latest episode of Fruitbox brings you instant reaction to this year’s European apple and pear production forecasts
Focus on progress over perfection
When it comes to encouraging consumers to eat more fruit and vegetables, demanding too much too quickly has an unfortunate tendency to backfire, says Barbara Bray of Alo Solutions
Comment: 4p veg promotions hurt the whole supply chain
Jim Padfield of Essex potato grower H Padfield & Sons highlights the overlooked impact of the major multiples’ 4p veg promotions on the wholesale and foodservice sectors
Comment: The £74 banana is a good look for fresh produce
A new campaign designed to expose over-priced cosmetics offers plenty of hope for the fruit and veg business
‘Senior talent must adapt to new realities of fresh produce job market’
A number of jobless directors are searching for their next challenge following some high-profile mergers and restructures in the sector, but the job market they’re entering isn’t the same one they left
UK citrus market feels impact of Gulf crisis
The UK market has seen a rise in citrus sales over the past year, but all eyes are now on how logistical disruptions in the Middle East are affecting trade flows
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Bananas under pressure, but the solutions exist
The global banana sector faces a plethora of challenges, but industry experts insist the fruit’s future can be made secure by appropriate measures
Is the UK grape market heading from feast to famine?
Analysis from UK fruit importer Richard Hochfeld predicts a switch from a demand-driven to a supply-driven market in the UK around week 16
Berry supply chain collaboration ‘essential’ amid significant cost pressures
Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, shares his thoughts on the impact of the Middle East conflict as the peak UK berry season approaches
Food industry ‘must move beyond simply reporting carbon emissions’
Richard Bonn, co-founder of Aethr Associates, argues new approach is needed to unlock true value of decarbonisation
GPG says Chilean blueberry industry is in “transition, not decline”
Co-owner Jamie Petchell toured the country’s blueberry growing regions and saw a business that is adapting to meet current challenges
Growing systems ‘must work with water variability rather than against it’
Ahead of World Water Day on 22 March, AH Worth’s farms director Katie Ford explains how the veg producer is reducing its exposure to water risks by building diversity and resilience into its production methods
Aubergines offer consumption hope
Efforts to arrest declining vegetable consumption have largely been futile, but the versatile aubergine offers a way to attract a younger audience
Comment: Defra funding has supercharged food redistribution
The £9.2mn in Defra funding has helped us redistribute over a third more surplus produce and allowed growers to cover costs – now it’s time to go up another level, writes FareShare’s head of fresh produce Emma Brown
Comment: Greenhouse tech is often ‘too costly to scale’
Technological complexity and high costs will continue to restrict growth of covered production, especially in the US, says Kubo CEO
Analysis: A new era for appetite
Weight loss medication is transforming the food industry, but how can the fresh produce sector make the most of it?