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.
December set for record grocery sales
December grocery sales on course to beat £12-billion mark for first time, says Kantar
BASF fast-tracks rugose-resistant tomatoes
Devastating tomato virus sparks urgent calls for resistant varieties, with breeder anticipating strong demand for new round cultivar
Bright start for Kissabel in UK
Red-fleshed apple range receives positive feedback in consumer tastings as Worldwide Fruit spearheads marketing push
Paul Clüver handed conservation award
Former Capespan and Unifruco chairman rewarded for his conservation work on his family fruit farm in Elgin, South Africa
Wrap urges increased collaboration and action on climate
The climate action group is calling on more businesses in the UK to take immediate action on climate change, including efforts on food waste and plastic packaging
Borough Market makes Jane Swift permanent CEO
Swift has experience in corporate and charity sectors having worked with Trussell Trust, Workers Education Association and Landscape Institute before joining the market
Puffin secures UK GI for Welsh leeks
Puffin’s Blas Y Tir branded Welsh leeks will now carry the UK GI logo giving consumers a guarantee of their quality and provenance
‘New approach needed to save nation’s food supply’
Comment: Safeguarding the UK’s fresh produce and horticultural sectors must be a government priority
Home-grown food ‘integral to national security’, says former MI5 chief
Former MI5 director general tells NFU lecture that domestic production is integral to national security
Automation and supply chain agility ‘will shape sector’ in 2023
Comment: Fresh produce firms must remain agile to meet fluctuating demand, as well as considering investment in automation and AI, as they face up to supply chain instability, inflation, labour shortages and climate change
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Central Co-op rewards member loyalty with payout
Central Co-op splits £654,000 between members in latest ‘share of the profits’ payout
Carrots fit for a King
British-grown produce plays starring role in King Charles III’s first state banquet
Season extension for Sunions
Tearless onion variety will return to Waitrose shelves six weeks earlier this winter in bid to capitalise on Christmas sales spike
Industry unites to protect seasonal worker welfare
Roundtable meeting addresses seasonal labour challenges following difficult year for recruitment and worker welfare
2023 could be ‘watershed moment’ for produce
Comment: Following a turbulent year defined by climate change, rampant inflation and political uncertainty, Britain’s fresh produce industry is at a crossroads and looks set for further upheaval
‘Seed potato ban at crisis point for NI growers’
Potato production in Northern Ireland at risk due to ban on seed potato trade between UK, EU and Northern Ireland, says grower
Tariff win for California prunes
California Prune Board welcomes 0% tariff announcement on UK import of prunes
School Scheme under scrutiny
Freshfel Europe has stressed the value of the continued implementation of school fruit and vegetable schemes to the EC
Live-cooked dinner showcases best from Belgium
Networking dinner organised by Fresh From Belgium in collaboration with FPJ brings together Belgian exporters and British buyers to sample country’s high-quality seasonal produce
Wrap names Sebastian Munden as new chair
Previously executive VP and general manager of Unilever UK & Ireland, Munden sees the climate action group as key to the fight against climate change