Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Record sales for CambridgeHOK
High-tech horticulture business has secured a number of key contracts for 2026
Food Lovers angle helps Waitrose to strong growth
Retailer has also invested in quality and availability
Whole Foods Market to double UK store portfolio in 2026
New locations represent international expansion of the retailer’s Daily Shop format
GPG says Chilean blueberry industry is in “transition, not decline”
Co-owner Jamie Petchell toured the country’s blueberry growing regions and saw a business that is adapting to meet current challenges
DP World announces record financial results for 2025
Group profits up 32.2 per cent to US$1.96bn, supported by strong European operations including milestone at UK ports
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
NFU meets Defra to discuss impacts of Middle East conflict on UK food sector
Union president Tom Bradshaw stresses need for greater price visibility and access to natural gas for horticultural production
UK government ‘must back British biofertiliser’ amid rising prices
Industry body ADBA argues the use of domestic biofertiliser can help reduce shocks to farming
S&A Produce kicks off new season British strawberries
The British strawberry season is underway with the first pick at Kent supplier S&A Produce, alongside growing advances in winter season British berry supply
Lidl aims to cut food waste by 70 per cent
Individuals will be able to help redistribute food surplus from Lidl stores as the discounter announces it is accelerating food waste reduction plan
Colombian Hass avocados put in strong performance in 2025
Exports grew 21.3 per cent last year, with Europe consolidating its position as the main destination
SUBSCRIBE TO FRESH PRODUCE JOURNAL
The Fresh Produce Journal is the UK's leading source of fruit and vegetable industry news and analysis.
Subscribe and get 10 issues per year. Plus newsletters and full digital access.
Children eat more fruit and veg after outdoor activity
New research from Aldi has highlighted a seasonal drop off in fresh produce consumption during winter as children spend more time indoors
Chilean trial seeks to grow grapes with half the amount of water
First crop picked has been sent for post-harvest testing to assess fruit quality
UK-EU SPS deal ‘expected by mid-2027’
Government has urged businesses to start preparing for the change
Food Waste Action Week shows how people can ‘make food go further’
Survey highlights economic and environmental benefits of avoiding food waste, with average UK household of four wasting £200 worth so far in 2026
Dole UK trial achieves 28 per cent yield boost using advanced covers
Trial shows thermal reduction covers and continuous bee activity monitoring deliver yield, quality and environmental improvements
Aldi targets more long-term agreements with British growers
Discounter commits to securing half of domestic produce through multi-year deals by 2027 as UK growers face mounting pressures
Angus Soft Fruits hits fundraising milestone
Berry supplier Angus Soft Fruits expressed its gratitude for the support it has received ahead of its participation at the Doddie’s Triple Crown cycling challenge
Agri-food is the top sector for seasonal worker abuse, report finds
New analysis has found the global agri-food sector saw most alleged instances of abuse against seasonal workers with UK retailers among 600 major employers linked to cases
Entries open for Carbon Farmer of the Year
The Farm Carbon Toolkit and HSBC competition is looking to identify and reward a pioneering farm business that is working to reduce emissions, use new technology or inspire others
Fyffes Partnership for Good generates female business plans in Costa Rica
Collaboration between Trudi’s banana brand and Care International UK has seen 228 rural women participate in structured training