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.
Joya apples land at Sainsbury’s and Aldi
Brand drums up consumer interest in red-fleshed variety with multi-channel campaign including sampling activations in Manchester and London
Driscoll’s One Family, One Earth campaign wins marketing plaudits
Awards highlight Driscoll’s community investments and environmental sustainability initiatives
Potato grower diversifies into padel
A Yorkshire farmer has converted a potato warehouse into an indoor court for the world’s fastest growing sport after low returns prompt diversification
Cherry sales up 150 per cent at Ocado
Online retailer believes popularity for ‘retro’ cherry flavour has boosted fresh sales, while warm weather has led to bumper crops of berries and apricots
Blue Skies marketing director steps down
Mark Crawford has overseen strong growth at the tropical fruit supplier, and leaves the business for new role
Dole launches Consumer Compass 2026 research project
Landmark initiative is dedicated to leveraging best-in-class consumer insights to drive fresh fruit and vegetable consumption across Europe
Video: FreshLinc’s Lee Juniper on border controls and driver shortages
CEO of produce haulier FreshLinc, Lee Juniper, tells Nina Pullman how the haulage industry will adapt again despite new UK-EU reset deal leaving new border control posts empty
Aldi to open one store a week during rest of 2025
Discounter confirms £650m expansion and refurbishment plan with new stores opening across the UK
AH Worth begins red kale trial as part of continued brassica innovation
Trials of striking new variety support growing retail demand for distinctive, high-quality produce, according to producer
Lidl Community Fund helps tackle food poverty
The retailer’s community grant scheme has now given £2 million in funding since 2022 with recipients including a Kent cookery club and a national school pantry scheme
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Israeli exporters report signs of possible boycott as Gaza war continues
Fresh produce exporters in Israel suggest retailers across Europe are quietly ceasing procurement of Israeli goods, as Gaza’s humanitarian situation worsens
New climate-resilient apricots launched by Worldwide Fruit and Cot International
Four new varieties grown in the UK have been brought to market, with development focused on resilience to extreme weather and frosty winters
Experts expect no slowdown in UK avocado market
Global avocado supplies continue to increase, leading many to predict imminent issues of oversupply, but a panel of UK experts at this year’s Festival of Fresh conference see more room for growth
Metis plums debut new LinerlessLid cartonboard punnets at Tesco
Launch from Coveris reflects growing trends for paper-based and branded packaging in UK
Albert Bartlett and Andy Murray announce long-term partnership
Tennis legend will urge Brits to “bring out their best side”, starting with brand campaign showcasing ease of use and quality of Albert Bartlett potatoes
Bumper crop for British blueberries
Blueberry growers are expecting a 25 increase in sales after strong consumer awareness and a bumper crop, as investment in automation and varietal development drives industry forward
Fresh Del Monte reports sales and profit growth in Q2
The global fresh produce giant has announced increased net sales and profit for the second quarter of 2025, driven by strong performance in fresh and value-added products
OSY Group partners with Sharpak to extend soft fruit shelf-life
Food tech specialist OSY Group has announced a commercial partnership with packaging manufacturer Sharpak Aylesham to extend the shelf-life of soft fruits sold through UK supermarkets using innovative antimicrobial coating technology
New Zealand kiwifruit growers conclude successful harvest season
Industry leader Colin Bond comments on positive market outlook, although potential US tariffs remain a concern for exporters
UK food prices could rise by a third by 2050
A study from the Autonomy Institute warns “climateflation” risks pushing 1m Brits into poverty by 2050, as climate change impacts production at home and abroad