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.
Defra secretary announces partnership board and new £30mn fund
Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds also confirmed new opening windows to the SFI grant scheme and a sector plan for horticulture at today’s Oxford Farming Conference
Growth in online shopping drives strong Christmas grocery sales
Shoppers spend £19.6bn over four weeks to 27 December, according to NIQ data, with 29 per cent of UK households buying groceries online
PrepWorld France prepares to grab slice of European fresh-cut market
New joint venture between Omer-Decugis & Cie and PrepWorld will be situated at the Port of Dunkirk
Finalists revealed for Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards 2026
Nominees for Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards 2026 have been announced, with five nominees each in Fresh Produce and Technology categories
Co-op new meal range targets weight loss jab users
New ‘Good Fuel’ range responds to rising number of Brits using weight loss medication and looking for ‘quality over quantity’ in their meals
Store Check: Marks & Spencer Foodhall
The UK-based retailer is investing heavily in its successful store concept, in which fresh fruit and vegetables feature prominently
Topfruit growers face two per cent rise in costs
Inflationary pressures around orchard management and post-harvest operations are behind an expected rise in costs for apple and pear growers in 2026, according to new research by the British Apples & Pears association
UK junk food advertising restrictions come into force
Food Foundation hails “world-leading milestone” in efforts to protect children from obesity
Fyffes says Trudi’s brand is delivering category growth
The ethically focused brand has achieved volume growth at Coop Norway and strong value sales through Spar UK
M&S launches new range aimed at weight loss jab users
The ‘nutrient dense’ salads, snacks and meals have higher amounts of key vitamins and minerals in relation to calorie content and are aimed at those with reduced appetites
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Red cabbage ‘gatecrashes’ the British Christmas dinner
Tesco believes antioxidant-rich vegetable has become mainstay of festive roast, benefitting from rising demand for brightly coloured vegetables
AH Worth launches new kale into Tesco
The new Tesco Finest Red Kale has a striking leaf colour and sweeter flavour, and adds to AH Worth’s premium brassica range
Government confirms PO funding will not be renewed
Farming minister Angela Eagle has said the Fruit & Veg Aid Scheme will ‘permanently close’ at the end of this year but future support is being considered
Morrisons slashes Christmas veg to 5p
The festive promotion is available to More Card loyalty customers and prompted Aldi to make further reductions to match the price of 5p on core Christmas veg
New juice made from surplus apples launches at Waitrose
A bumper season and smaller fruit sizes has led to a limited edition apple juice under partnership between Waitrose and juice brand Daily Dose
RHS predicts ‘year of the tomato’
Table-top veg, tomatoes and blackcurrants among the RHS’ top Grow Your Own trends to watch for 2026 as consumers look to save money on weekly shop
Bella Fruitiva sees UK lychee potential
Despite climatic challenges facing the island of Mauritius, exporter Bella Fruitiva continues to see good opportunities for its exotics, including breadfruit and fresh lychees
South African citrus industry is on the path to true sustainability
Albert Coetzee explores how the sector is navigating the transition from compliance-focused audits to meaningful sustainability partnerships
Fruit sales surge to become fastest-growing category
Strong berry and grape sales have helped fruit become the fastest growing category in UK grocery as Brits shift to healthier diets, according to new figures
Costa Rica concludes UK phase of European campaign to promote pineapple and cassava
Campaign featured in-store tastings in Tesco and Morrisons and advertising at Waterloo tube station