Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Sweet Sensation pear harvest begins with 6,000 tonnes expected
Premium pear variety has established itself as a European retail mainstay, with Dutch growers expecting to strong demand this season as harvesting gets underway
‘Sky is the limit’ for fresh suppliers moving into dried
There is strong opportunity for fresh fruit suppliers to diversify into dried fruit or nuts thanks to commonality among consumers and growth in key markets, according to speakers at a new Asiafruit Showcase session
Food prices rise for fifth consecutive month
Food and drink prices have risen by an annual rate of 5.1 per cent in the fastest increase since January 2024, new ONS figures show
Fyffes surpasses sustainability targets despite severe climate challenges
Fruit brand exceeds multiple targets in latest biennial report, achieving goals in waste reduction, water management and packaging despite facing severe climate change impacts including tropical storms and increased pests
FareShare to merge with Felix Project to increase reach and impact
Deal will combine FareShare’s extensive national network with Felix’s London expertise
Conversations
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant returns to Fruitnet’s podcast series to explain 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
Tesco crowned top British apple retailer for second year running
Asda takes BAPL prize for best year-on-year performance in apples, while Sainsbury’s emerges as biggest supporter of UK-grown pears
Philippe Binard highlights European strawberry production decline despite €2.7bn market value
European strawberry production has declined 13 per cent over the past decade despite representing a €2.7bn market, with cultivation now covering 74,000ha, Freshfel Europe’s Philippe Binard told the International Strawberry Conference
Jingold achieves 96 per cent recycled packaging in sustainability push
Italian kiwifruit company says it has passed a number of milestones in first-ever sustainability report
Robots help Scottish berry growers combat mildew disease
Angus Soft Fruits deployed Thorvald robots using UV-C light treatment to control powdery mildew during Scotland’s exceptionally hot summer, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fungicides while protecting crop quality and boosting yields
Heston Blumenthal unveils new menu for those using weight loss drugs
Move signals how foodservice and hospitality could adapt to rapid uptake of appetite suppressant jabs such as Mounjaro, as major tipping point in food consumption trends begins to take hold
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Photo report: For the love of a market
A new photography exhibition opens at New Covent Garden Market this week with work by photographer Clive Boursnell that recognises his lifetime’s dedication to capturing the essence and character of the market and its characters
Coveris partners with Tipa for UK compostable produce labels
Coveris and Tipa Compostable Packaging have formed an exclusive partnership to manufacture and market compostable labels for fresh produce in the UK, responding to increasing market demand and tightening regulatory requirements for produce sticker compostability
NIAB research advances precision orchard management
OrchardQuant 3D system allows accurate 3D mapping of apple and pear orchards, helping growers maximise production and adapt to climate change
Tortilla toasts National Guacamole Day with guac giveaway
Mexican avocados take centre stage as key ingredient in restaurant’s signature topping
OFC launches 2026 Scholar Programme
There have been changes to the application process for this year
Consumers seek value as Tesco strengthens share
Worldpanel by Numerator analysis also shows growth in own-label sales
UK biosecurity ’at risk’ over flawed border approach, Efra warns
Committee outlines a litany of concerns that are damaging for UK horticulture and agriculture
High court overturns tomatillo polytunnel permission
Grower blocked from diversifying into exotic Mexican salad veg after neighbour takes fight to High Court to overturn tunnel installation
Waitrose outperforms market despite losses at John Lewis parent group
Premium retailer saw a six per cent increase in sales in the first half of 2025 as new MD and former Tesco exec Tom Denyard takes the reins
Aldi outlines £1.6bn UK expansion plan
Programme of stores openings will further boost the discounter’s rising share