Markets news from Fresh Produce Journal
Essential stories, analysis and research from UK’s fresh produce markets, with a focus on retail, wholesale, marketing, and consumers.
Survey: AI and automation in fresh produce supply chains
Fruitnet reaches out to fruit and veg business professionals to investigate current and future impact of groundbreaking new technologies
Tesco revamps 5-a-day campaign to boost fruit and veg sales
The UK’s largest food retailer unveils new initiative that rewards customers with Clubcard points for purchasing fresh produce, as it aims to address declining fruit and vegetable consumption nationwide
Blueberry supplier Family Tree Farms expands EU and UK sales teams
Both Carla San Martin Burneo and Chris Taylor bring extensive experience in soft fruit sales as producer continues to supply top European retailers with premium blueberries
Small label, big shift, urges Sinclair
Sinclair says a “small yet powerful” innovation like the compostable label is a good example of how “even a fruit sticker can help build a circular economy”
Norfolk grower gets 70 per cent of profit from PYO
Berry and asparagus producer in Norfolk says majority of profit comes from PYO crops due to no labour input costs
UK food inflation to peak at 5.1 per cent in 2025, IGD warns
Retail food inflation expected to outpace general inflation, averaging four per cent in 2025, up from previous forecast of 3.4 per cent
Florette sticks to its fresh promise
The UK salad specialist’s “Guarantee of Freshness” speaks to the importance of freshness for salad consumers, while its new product launches look to add some spice to the category
Primary schoolchildren move into fresh produce supply
Pupils at a Hampshire school are selling fruit and veg from their allotment to local restaurants and shops
Food security report exposes climate change risks for UK importers
Study urges suppliers to take action to avoid empty shelves, with half of UK fruit and veg imports facing severe climate threats by 2050
New mushroom farm opens on distribution site
The seven-tonne capacity farm is set to open under new partnership between mushroom producer Urban Farm-It and logistics provider Oakland International
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M&S launches seedless lemons
The launch in 200 M&S Food stores comes after a successful rollout in the retailer’s Food Halls and aims to remove consumer annoyance with lemon pips
US tariffs force South African fruit exporters to rethink strategy
South African fruit exporters are preparing for significant market disruption as impending US tariffs force a strategic pivot toward alternative destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia
Sweet potato industry pays tribute to Johnny Barnes
US agriculture sector mourns loss of Johnny Barnes, founder of the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute and pioneering figure in North Carolina agriculture, who has died aged 61
BOOM awards recognise best in organic
Riverford’s Valor potatoes and Isle of Wight tomatoes were recognised in the annual awards, alongside a software company helping new veg box start-ups
US tariff plan leaves Brazilian mango and grape producers reeling
With the country’s mango and grape harvests just days away, producers are scrambling for solutions after the US announced a 50 per cent import tariff starting August 1, potentially diverting fruit to other markets
French apple growers embrace change
Despite considerable challenges, Daniel Sauvaitre, president of the French apple and pear association (ANPP), believes the country’s apple business is well placed to respond to consumer demands for sustainability and top quality
PO steering group forms new trade body
Producer Organisations unite under new UK Fruit and Vegetable Association to call for replacement scheme to fund innovation and ensure parity across UK
Zespri reduces margin to boost kiwifruit grower returns
Zespri has announced a reduction in its fruit return margin percentage, which is expected to deliver an additional NZ$7-8 mn to New Zealand kiwifruit growers in the 2025/26 season
New Zealand launches sustainability report for UK food buyers
NZTE has launched its first cross-category sustainability report for UK food and drink buyers, highlighting how New Zealand producers can help retailers meet environmental goals while ensuring supply chain resilience.
M&S uses AI and bumblebees to grow better strawberries
Retailer reveals pioneering, innovative approach to berry production that combines artificial intelligence with bumblebee pollination, with early trials showing promising results for fruit quality and consistency