Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
ICL launches peat-reduced blocking substrate
Growing media supplier says new blocking substrate meets rising demand for low-peat products
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
Paul Kissack appointed permanent secretary at Defra
Kissack moves from role as group CEO of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Brazilian orange juice exporters facing multimillion-dollar losses
Industry body says combined effect of tariffs and falling international prices could cost exporters US$536mn
Driscoll’s One Family, One Earth campaign wins marketing plaudits
Awards highlight Driscoll’s community investments and environmental sustainability initiatives
Conversations
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
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
Canim Fruit & Veg takes over Sunnyfield Veg
Deal comes following retirement of Sunnyfield founder Ronny Liu
TWC project aims to boost hospital sustainability and patient health
Dorset-based grower is pioneering a close relationship with the NHS
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
OFC invites applications for Inspiring Innovators 2026
Programme seeks to find big ideas that will help the farming sector thrive
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
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Vertical Future in administration after losses widen
Ag-tech company that opened eight vertical farms across the UK has appointed administrators after heavy losses and failure to secure more funding
RSA apple and pear industry calls for urgent action at Port of Cape Town
Logistical problems are estimated to have cost the sector R1bn in 2024
Sun World showcases future of table grapes at 2025 July Field Day
Event brought global partners together for an exclusive look at what’s next for premium table grapes
Blue Skies marketing director steps down
Mark Crawford has overseen strong growth at the tropical fruit supplier, and leaves the business for new role
Botanicoir responds to demand with major drying investment
Upgrade more than doubles the company’s daily drying capacity
UK drought declared to be ‘nationally significant incident’
Low water resources are leading to mixed harvesting conditions and some significant drops in yields as the National Drought Group upgrades water shortage warnings
Saga Robotics raises £8.4mn as Thorvald enters commercial breakout phase
Big moment for the robotics company as it transitions from initial market traction to large-scale commercial adoption
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
Bonnysa expands fresh-cut presence in domestic and international markets
Company’s product offering has been growing steadily
Tong bolsters sales team with two new appointments
Vegetable grading and handling machinery specialist promotes two from aftersales support