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.
Extreme weather conditions causing UK red cabbage shortage
Hot weather and lack of rainfall has affected red cabbage production, with short supply set to continue for coming weeks
Retailers must lead the way on circular packaging, says Tesco
Empowering consumers to recycle and implementing reuse and re-fill systems must be retailer-led, according to Britain’s biggest grocer
South African citrus industry prepares for less flexibility in UK exports
The citrus industry in South Africa is preparing for reduced market access and more checks on exports to the UK under planned realigment with EU and new SPS agreement
Comment: Fresh produce sector must get juicier with its marketing claims
Harvey Choat, MD of comms agency Nexus, makes the case for a cross-industry campaign on the health benefits of fruit and veg, new legislation on health claims, and bolder marketing ideas to challenge the FMCG giants
Dutch fresh produce sector agrees labour deal
GroentenFruit Huis concludes collective agreement, including salary increases, with FNV, CNV, and RMU Werknemers unions
New scheme to help growers prove green credentials of coir
A new scheme from coir producer Botanicoir is designed to improve transparency in the substrate supply chain and help growers with sustainability reporting for retailer or certification schemes
Ava Monet raspberries launch across Aldi’s Scotland stores
Variety from Angus Soft Fruits breeding programme praised for standout flavour, consistent quality and large size
Morrisons expands Myton Food Group overseas with new division
New international sourcing arm Myton International will connect manufacturers with the UK retail and foodservice markets across fresh produce, frozen and ambient
UK-Switzerland FTA to benefit British veg exporters
Broad bean, pea and carrot exports among set to gain from a wide range of new tariff-free access to highly-protected Swiss market
Tesco and M&S bosses to chair Industry Expert Groups in UK Packaging Pact
UK Packaging Pact appoints five new industry leaders to head focus groups as part of pact to transform UK packaging system
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Comment: Banana industry should not restrict itself to conventional breeding
Agricultural scientist Professor James Dale considers why gene editing may be the only sensible option to develop a new banana variety with effective disease resistance
The FPJ Big 50 Products: How fresh produce must adapt to a new normal
Waves of overlapping geopolitical conflict and climate extremes are creating tough conditions for fresh produce sales, but it’s clear innovation still pays off, writes Nina Pullman
Change at the top in FPJ Big 50 Products 2026
For the first time since the publication’s inception, the UK’s best-selling fruit or vegetable has changed
NFU open letter calls for future PM to back long-term food system
Well-negotiated EU alignment, workforce security and planning reform among key priorities for farming union
Veg Power 2026 results show power of repetition
Children who participated more than once in the flagship ‘Eat them to defeat them’ campaign ate more veg, new figures have shown
Banana Link remains determined after three decades
Despite a bunch of successes, the UK-based NGO still faces some familiar challenges as it strives for supply chain sustainability
Regenerative farming ‘central to future of UK horticulture’
Regen is moving from concept to commercial reality across the UK sector, as growers and suppliers view soil health as key to resilience and long-term sustainability
Lidl launches summer ‘scavenger’ hunt for fresh produce
A new scheme in select Lidl stores near deprived areas will see kids’ trolleys feature clues to fruit and veg as part of new game to drive engagement and education
Oregon pear growers face ruin after ‘extremely difficult’ campaign
Combination of psylla infestation, drought, rising costs, labour shortages and trade tensions brings some growers to brink
Mitrofresh expands with new UK distribution centre
Exotic mushroom supplier based in the Netherlands says new UK facility will improve delivery times and strengthen supply chains for British customers