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.
Florida citrus industry likely to export less in future, admits FCC chairman
Packers remain concerned about future of USDA’s market access programme, as state contends with huge challenges at home and abroad
Tesco trials AI assistant to help people write their shopping lists
UK’s largest supermarket develops AI-powered shopping assistant to offer personalised recipe ideas and automated basket creation
Agriplace rebrands as Simvia as compliance data requirements grow
Software company says change marks evolution from compliance platform to trusted infrastructure for Europe’s consumer goods market
T&G Global explores break-up options amid sale process
Divisions of T&G Fresh could be sold off to different buyers as part of one option under consideration
Dulcis chimes with retailers during ‘exceptional’ season
Green kiwifruit brand appears to be gaining traction with major retailers across Europe and beyond, as it targets even bigger crop next season
Wood pallet sector faces ‘most challenging conditions’ ahead
New EU regulations, supply constraints, and economic uncertainty were discussed at the recent Timcon general meeting
Fear of price rises and shortages without action
Price increases and potential shortages loom if the government and retailers don’t provide support, UK vegetable growers warn
Belgian potato suppliers eye UK market opportunities
Warnez and The Potato Chef think they can offer something different with their niche varieties and innovative NPD
Keep ‘em peeled: a round-up of April Fools’ day produce pranks
Dole, Eosta, Florette, Del Monte and a whole bunch of Dutch companies put some serious effort into this year’s silliness
Unilever merges food business with McCormick
Merger will create ‘scaled, global powerhouse of flavour’ with revenues of $20 billion and portfolio of household food brands with vast produce buying power
SUBSCRIBE TO FRESH PRODUCE JOURNAL
The Fresh Produce Journal is the UK's leading source of fruit and vegetable industry news and analysis.
Subscribe and get 10 issues per year. Plus newsletters and full digital access.
French supplier Lagache targets European neighbours with new exports division
Lagache FreshCo will focus on supplying the UK and several other European markets, led by former BelOrta sales and marketing director Jo Lambrecht
Easter 4p veg deals criticised as growers face sharp cost increases
Retailer promotions will ‘warp’ price of food in consumer minds, say growers, who face millions in additional standing charges as of today
Keep calm and berry on: Top takeaways from Fruitnet Berry Congress
Mike Knowles and Maura Maxwell are joined by FPJ editor Fred Searle for a berry-themed edition of The Fresh Ideas Show podcast
Defra awards councils £155k to improve public procurement
Five English councils have been awarded government grant funding to increase the health, sustainability and local sourcing of food buying, with an emphasis on fruit, veg and pulses
Aldi joins Easter price war with 4p veg lines
Aldi cuts Easter veg to 4p for key roasting lines and reduces price of roast dinner to under £2 per person
Easter buoys sales but Middle East war set to reduce spend
Retail sales have risen ahead of the key trading period over Easter, but analysts predict shoppers will cut back when faced with rising prices
Ali Capper appointed chair of British Berry Growers
Capper will step down from British Apples and Pears to take over leadership of berry trade body, following retirement of Nick Marston
Fairtrade launches Global Strategy 2026-2028
The non-profit organisation’s three-year plan addresses fair prices, market access and climate adaptation
New campaign to promote European avocados and mangoes
Spanish group Intertropic rolls out €9mn marketing project with EU support, starting in Spain and extending to France, Italy, and the UK
Licensed apples are ‘priority’ as Vip enjoys club classics
As Cosmic Crisp becomes Europe’s first year-round apple, South Tyrolean association says club varieties are at centre of its commercial plan