Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Big majority of UK farmers admit climate fears
Few farmers in the UK have escaped the impact of the climate crisis in recent years, with growers calling on the government to help them adapt to increasingly extreme conditions
WRAP calls for more interventions as food waste target set to be missed
Covid patterns and food price rises helped reduce amount of food thrown away
Fruitnet Tomato Congress presents: The Future of Tomatoes
This year’s Fruitnet Tomato Congress takes place in Malaga, Spain, on 11-12 November, with industry experts set to explore how the business is likely to evolve in the coming years
Fera launches new wireworm DNA barcoding test
Wireworm damage has had a heavy cost for the potato, veg and salad sectors
NNZ names Ronald Hoozemans as new CEO
Netherlands-based packaging supplier has appointed former Bunzl MD as its new boss, following the retirement of Len Boot after 35 years with the company
Conversations
Fruitbox 114 · Wyard Stomp, Driscoll’s of EMEA
Berry brand’s Europe, Middle East and Africa managing director shares his thoughts on how to grow the category
Fruitbox 113 · Franka Rodriguez, Aldi South Group
Franka talks to Chris White about the extension of Aldi South Group’s ethical sourcing model into avocados, with more categories on the horizon
Fruitbox 112 · Daniel Sauvaitre, Interfel
Chris and Daniel look at global trade policy and its impact on the fruit and vegetable business
Fresh produce at heart of M&S store revamp
Retailer is investing in new stores as well as renewing existing ones
Environment Agency plans 50 per cent increase in farm inspections
Government says move will help farmers reach high environmental standards
South Tyrol’s ‘Apple Walk’ connects tourists with orchard heritage
A new agritourism initiative in Italy’s South Tyrol is bringing visitors closer to the region’s apple production through an innovative educational trail that combines traditional farming knowledge with digital interactivity
Fairtrade adds Turkey to its list of producer countries
Fairtrade International has expanded its geographical scope to include Turkey as a producer country, responding to demand for certified hazelnuts from the region
Could new strawberry varieties replace Wimbledon’s Malling Centenary?
The iconic Malling Centenary strawberries served at Wimbledon could soon be replaced by new varieties offering significantly longer shelf-life and reduced waste, according to one industry expert
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Major milestone for South African raisin production
South African raisin production has officially surpassed 100,000 tonnes for the first time, defying earlier concerns about crop losses due to adverse weather conditions
‘Healthy choice the easy choice’ in world-first initiative to tackle obesity
Government, retailers and manufacturers are joining forces in move that should boost fruit and veg sales
Tesco expects bumper British cherry season this summer
Britain’s largest supermarket chain Tesco will sell only UK-grown cherries across most ranges from this week, as favourable spring weather conditions have led to a bumper harvest of sweeter, juicier fruit
M&S strawberries and cream sandwich goes viral ahead of Wimbledon
A limited edition strawberries and cream sandwich launched by M&S has sparked widespread social media attention, creating unexpected publicity ahead of the UK’s peak berry season
GCA survey indicates improved treatment of suppliers
Some 30 per cent of suppliers reported a Groceries Code issue, down from 33 per cent a year ago
Driscoll’s brings berry joy to London with Soho pop-up
The Berry Patch pop-up sees the full range of Driscoll’s berries on display in London’s Soho with giveaways, limited edition merch and TikTok coverage
‘Glastonbury’ of regen farming set to welcome thousands
No-till cultivation, integrating trees with veg production and food policy debates among the wide-ranging sessions relevant to fresh produce sector at Groundswell regen farming festival
Tesco ahead in the race to sell most British apples
Asda and Lidl are at the top of the leaderboard for greatest increases in YOY sales of British top fruit as trade body releases interim results
Florette launches two new bowls for summer campaign
Salad brand said it’s doubling down on cuisine-led NPD as it eyes further growth in the prepared salad sector
Arra Cherry Crush continues to gain ground and open new markets
Volumes are building in Brazil, while 2025 marked the first commercial shipments from India