Industry analysis from Fresh Produce Journal
Analysis and insight for the UK fresh produce business.
Taking control: analysing the FPJ Big 50 Companies 2026
The biggest companies in UK fresh produce supply are doing all they can to make their businesses resilient and ready for growth
Pride and optimism for 2026 after tough year for farming
As 2026 begins, NFU president Tom Bradshaw reflects on the past 12 months and the farming sector’s future in the coming year
Farm Profitability Review shows place for pulses
Roger Vickers, CEO of the Processors & Growers Research Organisation (PGRO), explains why pulses have a bright future following Minette Batters’ milestone report
Comment: Why compostable fruit labels are the future of fresh produce packaging
The fresh produce industry is turning to certified compostable labels as a strategic response to environmental, regulatory and consumer pressures
IGD warns UK food industry faces "make-or-break" 2026
IGD’s latest Economic Viewpoint report warns that UK food and drink businesses must prepare for a volatile environment in 2026
Conversations
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
Fruitbox 114 · Wyard Stomp, Driscoll’s of EMEA
Berry brand’s Europe, Middle East and Africa managing director shares his thoughts on how to grow the category
Analysis: Health will become ‘a lifestyle aim’
Healthy lifestyles, affordability and leadership on sustainabilty among key 2026 trends forecast for UK shoppers and grocery retail, according to IGD
Grow potatoes for your market, not for one that isn’t there
NFU Potato Policy Group chair Tim Rooke stresses the importance of growing potatoes with a clear understanding of your market as climatic conditions become less predictable and production costs increase
Why the Chancellor must rethink inheritance tax
Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food, makes an impassioned plea for change ahead of the Budget
Is the divide in the tomato market destined to widen?
Faced with new challenges, some foresee the increasing commoditisation of fresh tomatoes, despite continued success for premium varieties
Comment: We need fairness and accuracy in race to net zero
Fairmiles programme lead Simon Derrick explains why retailers, NGOs and academics are joining forces
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Comment: British farming must transition to regen without delay
James Young of McCain Foods GB calls for cross-sector collaboration and government support to facilitate swift transition to regenerative farming
Bringing back biodiversity through pesticide-free production
Tom Amery, MD of The Watercress Company, describes the grower’s journey to pesticide free and the benefits and challenges it brings
Amazon Fresh store closures call checkout-free tech into question
Comment: Amazon Fresh project demonstrates how rushing into checkout-free technologies without robust testing can be costly and operationally challenging
Why potatoes deserve a bigger place on Brits’ plates
Alex Godfrey, chair of GB Potatoes, explains why consumers should take another look at the many benefits of potatoes
High-quality photography ‘a key part’ of growers’ sales and marketing strategy
Strong imagery can help strengthen a grower’s relationship with retail buyers by demonstrating product quality and sustainable practices
‘Heathrow performance is adding to UK’s logistical woes’
Planned third runway at UK’s largest airport ‘defies all logic’ at time of unprecedented challenges for UK logistics
Why weight loss jabs could boost fresh produce sales
A huge uptake in weight loss drugs is reducing demand for calorie-rich snack foods while patients report choosing to eat more fruit and veg
Horror accident shows dangers of working alone
Graham Bannister of GB Potatoes recounts how he suffered what could have been a fatal fall and outlines the steps to take in isolated, poorly connected areas
Comment: Tropical fruit market outlook remains positive despite global challenges
Despite widespread geopolitical turmoil and economic challenges, the outlook for tropical fresh fruit remains extremely positive according to RaboResearch’s Cindy van Rijswick at the Fruitnet Tropicals Congress.
MagicTrap tackles flea beetle in high-value veg
Kent-based Zantra agronomist Alice Whitehead explains how she is putting MagicTrap to novel use as a flea beetle monitoring tool in high-value vegetable crops