Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
More fruit and veg on kids’ plates in School Food Standards shakeup
Consultation is underway on plans to scrap high-sugar food from school menus
‘Growing to Love’ tomato campaign returns to primary schools
Veg Power initiative teaches kids about growing their own tomatoes
British Asparagus Conference set for Kidderminster in July
Event will feature a conference, trade exhibition, tour and dinner
New Zealand kiwifruit industry escapes Cyclone Vaianu largely intact
Growers report fruit has held on well despite intense conditions, with no material impact expected as harvest continues
Potato risk management ‘more important than ever’
GB Potatoes webinar covers topics from insurance to busting myths around potato nutrition
Conversations
Fruitbox 117 · Hein Deprez, Greenyard
Greenyard’s founder discusses the company’s recent privatisation and explains why he sees an urgent need to redefine healthy eating
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
Riverford ‘doubles throughput’ with new packing machines
Vex box firm has seen good results from installing GIC4100 machines
Italian apple suppliers express concern over Gulf conflict’s ‘long-term damage’
Industry association Assomela says higher input costs and price inflation could have serious impact on demand for fruit
Florida citrus forecast rises across multiple categories
The USDA has raised its April forecast for Florida citrus production, with increases noted across oranges, grapefruit and lemons
Soaring costs to push up stonefruit prices in 2026, says Afrucat
Association warns that rising input costs come at a difficult time for producers
Co-op Group and Southern Co-op to join forces
Move would strengthen the co-operative movement across the country
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Florida citrus industry likely to export less in future, admits FCC chairman
Packers remain concerned about future of USDA’s market access programme, as state contends with huge challenges at home and abroad
Tesco trials AI assistant to help people write their shopping lists
UK’s largest supermarket develops AI-powered shopping assistant to offer personalised recipe ideas and automated basket creation
Capespan names new CEO as Charl du Bois steps down
Company also announces departure of chief financial officer and appointment of new chief operating officer as new executive team takes charge
Agriplace rebrands as Simvia as compliance data requirements grow
Software company says change marks evolution from compliance platform to trusted infrastructure for Europe’s consumer goods market
BerryWorld UK appoints Paul Avery as new managing director
Commercial director promoted following retirement of Paul Cole, who helped the company treble its sales in two decades
NFU Cymru meets Welsh Government to highlight impact of Iran war
Union spells out pressures on farms as costs for fuel and fertiliser rise
Pea trials aim to tackle costly UK virus losses
New project hopes to analyse threats such as Turnip Yellows Virus
Groceries Code Adjudicator to be transferred to Defra
Move is aimed at streamlining oversight of the grocery supply chain
Two new non-execs appointed to Covent Garden Market Authority board
Penny Alexander and Christopher Carter Keall will serve four-year terms
T&G Global explores break-up options amid sale process
Divisions of T&G Fresh could be sold off to different buyers as part of one option under consideration