Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Survey: AI and automation in fresh produce supply chains
Fruitnet reaches out to fruit and veg business professionals to investigate current and future impact of groundbreaking new technologies
Spotlight on nitrogen pollution grows
New report by House of Lords finds nitrogen pollution impact to be ‘dangerous and deadly’ as inefficient use brings high costs to farmers and the environment
New initiative to cultivate next generation of potato pros
Potato Industry Development Programme will help new entrants to gain comprehensive understanding of sector and build networks and collaborations
Tesco revamps 5-a-day campaign to boost fruit and veg sales
The UK’s largest food retailer unveils new initiative that rewards customers with Clubcard points for purchasing fresh produce, as it aims to address declining fruit and vegetable consumption nationwide
Blueberry supplier Family Tree Farms expands EU and UK sales teams
Both Carla San Martin Burneo and Chris Taylor bring extensive experience in soft fruit sales as producer continues to supply top European retailers with premium blueberries
Conversations
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
Fruitbox 112 · Daniel Sauvaitre, Interfel
Chris and Daniel look at global trade policy and its impact on the fruit and vegetable business
South African citrus exports 18 per cent up at season midpoint
South African citrus exports apparently already surpassed last year’s volume, with the season only halfway through, according to Transnet Port Terminals
New approval brings relief in fight against PCN
Bayer’s Emerger gains minor-use approval to support DeCyst trap crops
Breeder unveils UK’s first home-grown blueberry variety
After ten years of research, the James Hutton Institute has successfully developed Highland Charm, the UK’s first-ever domestically bred blueberry variety, which could transform the country’s soft fruit sector
Small label, big shift, urges Sinclair
Sinclair says a “small yet powerful” innovation like the compostable label is a good example of how “even a fruit sticker can help build a circular economy”
Norfolk grower gets 70 per cent of profit from PYO
Berry and asparagus producer in Norfolk says majority of profit comes from PYO crops due to no labour input costs
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.
Blackcurrant harvest begins two weeks early
Harvest begins on west side of the country for first time as climate resilient new varieties and allow crops to thrive despite scorching temperatures
UK food inflation to peak at 5.1 per cent in 2025, IGD warns
Retail food inflation expected to outpace general inflation, averaging four per cent in 2025, up from previous forecast of 3.4 per cent
Rising grocery price inflation worries shoppers
Worldpanel figures show grocery price inflation at its highest level in 18 months
Primary schoolchildren move into fresh produce supply
Pupils at a Hampshire school are selling fruit and veg from their allotment to local restaurants and shops
Welsh government unveils new farm payment scheme
The Sustainable Farming Scheme is replacing Basic Payments in Wales with applications for funding to convert to organic among the first to open
Grower groups write to health secretary to call for hort backing
10 trade bodies unite to send message to goverment about supporting domestic production
Food security report exposes climate change risks for UK importers
Study urges suppliers to take action to avoid empty shelves, with half of UK fruit and veg imports facing severe climate threats by 2050
Low-income households ‘hardest hit by fall in spending power’
Rising cost of food, fuel and utilities leaves lowest-earning group with cash shortfall
Tesco’s free planters help kids learn about fruit and veg
Initiative is aimed at both improving health and making better use of soft plastic recycling
NFU helps East Anglian farmers and growers resume water access
Union calls for long-term solutions to ensure producers have guaranteed access to water during dry periods for sake of national food security