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.
Former M&S technical director Paul Willgoss replaces Christine Tacon as MDS chair
Tacon’s tenure saw fresh produce management training provider treble trainee numbers and double company membership
New Covent Garden welcomes new general manager
Robert McAuliffe joins CGMA, bringing 20 years of experience in property operations, sustainability and strategic transformation
Zespri sees UK sales boost from retail sampling campaign
Kiwifruit marketer reports notable increase in UK sales following in-store sampling campaigns with major retailers and big awareness drive in train stations
Fyffes wins ESG leadership award at Business Post ceremony
Fyffes has been recognised for its environmental, social and governance leadership at the Business Post Leadership Awards in Dublin, with chief corporate affairs officer Caoimhe Buckley also winning ESG Leader of the Year.
Fruitnet Tomato Congress looks to the future of tomatoes
On 11-12 November in Malaga, Spain, essential event focuses on how the fresh tomato business can cope with future challenges like climate change, labour challenges, and evolving consumer demand
IGD launches Food Supply Chain Sustainability Framework
On the anniversary of its Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK, IGD has announced the launch of a new framework to better integrate sustainability into businesses
Fruitful results prove value of Tesco’s schools programme
Teachers report improved performance when pupils are nutritionally fed
Jo Breare steps down as general manager of Covent Garden Market Authority
Tenants Association chairman Gary Marshall pays tribute to Breare’s ‘incredible support’ for traders after 17 years at the market
South African export logistics sector shows major improvement
Government agencies and private sector collaboration has delivered significant operational efficiencies across South Africa’s export logistics network, with the citrus industry shipping record volumes and port facilities showing marked improvements
IGD identifies seven key retail trends for 2026
Market analyst IGD has unveiled seven pivotal trends set to shape the global food and grocery retail landscape in 2026, from cybersecurity priorities to AI-driven innovation and sustainability initiatives
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Household budgets still under pressure as inflation remains high
Asda research finds households in seven out of 12 UK regions are worse off than a year ago
Albert Bartlett launches first ad campaign with Andy Murray
Multi-channel campaign gets underway, inviting the nation to ‘Bring out their Best Side’ and ‘Feel Like a Champion in the Kitchen’
Talented fresh produce salesman Richard Emanuel dies aged 43
Allfresch trader excelled in both procurement and sales and had a loyal global customer base
IFPA urges exemption for fresh produce from ultra-processed definition
The International Fresh Produce Association has submitted comments to US health departments emphasising that fresh fruits and vegetables should remain central to nutrition strategies as officials develop definitions for ultra-processed foods
Aphids “serious challenge” for UK lettuce growers
UK consumers are embracing the increased variety on offer in the salad category, but the warm, dry weather is creating issues for the country’s producers, according to the British Leafy Salads Association
Tiffani brings Hollywood stardust to bagged salads
American TV star Tiffani Thiessen talks healthy eating, life on the road and her new collaboration with Fresh Express
Applications open for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2026
FLIA Fresh Produce and FLIA Technology participation is free of charge, so make sure you submit your application before the end of October
Consumer trust in British agriculture reaches record high
Shoppers more positive about UK farming in 2025 than at any point in the last seven years, according to AHDB research
Agrintesa sees growth ahead for Italy’s ‘autumn gold’
Demand for Italian persimmons is rising among younger Italian consumers and in European export markets, according to producer group Agrintesa and marketing cooperative Alegra
Former CBBC presenter fronts Red Tractor consumer campaign
Angellica Bell hosts intergenerational cook-off to tap into nostalgia of cooking together as a family