Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Government raises inheritance tax threshold after sustained campaign from farmers
U-turn lifts limit from £1 million to £2.5mn following months of protests and warnings about impact on family farms
Ecuador confirms presence of Fusarium TR4
Agrocalidad declares a six-month phytosanitary emergency after the presence of the fungus on a farm in El Oro province is corroborated
Red cabbage ‘gatecrashes’ the British Christmas dinner
Tesco believes antioxidant-rich vegetable has become mainstay of festive roast, benefitting from rising demand for brightly coloured vegetables
AH Worth launches new kale into Tesco
The new Tesco Finest Red Kale has a striking leaf colour and sweeter flavour, and adds to AH Worth’s premium brassica range
Government confirms PO funding will not be renewed
Farming minister Angela Eagle has said the Fruit & Veg Aid Scheme will ‘permanently close’ at the end of this year but future support is being considered
Conversations
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant explains how supermarkets can reconnect with customers through better design, storytelling, and a renewed focus on food
Fruitbox 115 · Daniel Sauvaitre & Philippe Binard, World Apple & Pear Association
Recorded live at Prognosfruit 2025, the latest episode of Fruitbox brings you instant reaction to this year’s European apple and pear production forecasts
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
Morrisons slashes Christmas veg to 5p
The festive promotion is available to More Card loyalty customers and prompted Aldi to make further reductions to match the price of 5p on core Christmas veg
Farming and Food Partnership Board launched to address profitability
Defra outlines steps to improve farm profitability as Minette Batters’ major report is published
Two new lines added to Fresh Direct’s premium potato range
Range has been developed in collaboration with Linwood Crops
Pro-Force acquires industrial division assets from Neway International
Deal boosts Pro-Force’s presence in East Anglia and Essex
Sean Smith named CEO of PML Seafrigo following departure of Mike Parr
Outgoing CEO built one of the UK’s leading logistics companies
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Fruit Logistica 2026: Six stages, one goal – sharing knowledge, shaping the future
A Fruit Logistica 2026, the focus of the expert forums and stages will once again be on the key issues for the future of the industry
Aldi extends availability of Too Good To Go offer
Move is aimed at reducing food waste and offering shoppers more chance to pick up a bargain
Boost for hort as planning reform set to ease building approvals
Modernised proposals could boost UK self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetables
Ground broken on £13mn amenities and innovation hub at London Gateway
The Hive will offer a range of facilities to drive skills and innovation across the Thames Estuary
New juice made from surplus apples launches at Waitrose
A bumper season and smaller fruit sizes has led to a limited edition apple juice under partnership between Waitrose and juice brand Daily Dose
NFU issues warning over December drought
Farmers’ union also outlines progress in tackling major water issues
Winter berry boon for chefs as Nationwide sells Dyson strawberries
Premium British strawberries from the innovative grower are now available to a wider market
RHS predicts ‘year of the tomato’
Table-top veg, tomatoes and blackcurrants among the RHS’ top Grow Your Own trends to watch for 2026 as consumers look to save money on weekly shop
New Port Community System completes initial roll-out
Initial roll-out of upgraded port system is now fully operational as Community Network Services prepares to expand into further key terminals including DP World London Gateway
Cape Town port delays disrupt South African grape exports
South Africa’s grape export season faces challenges from severe port delays and growing competition from Peru and Chile