Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Open letter urges rethink on inheritance tax changes
Letter to PM comes ahead of Autumn Budget on 26 November and calls for “valid alternatives” to be considered
Bananas “confirmed as Europe’s favourite fruit” in Fyffes survey
New European-wide consumer research by Fyffes confirms bananas maintain their position as the continent’s most popular fruit, with 89 per cent of consumers having eaten them in the past four weeks
Nanna Tate rolls out Christmas potato packaging
Potato brand gives range a new look to inspire shoppers in lead-up to festive period
Industry leaders call for clarity and collaboration in UK food strategy
Baroness Minette Batters’ Farm Profitability Review expected to play a major role in shaping government policy
Fresh Union launches cold-pressed juice brand
New Covent Garden foodservice supplier says juice launch comes amid growing demand for fresh, locally made options
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
The Summer Berry Company set to double winter strawberry production
Berry producer is gearing up for a 400-tonne UK strawberry crop this winter after expanding growing area to 3.6ha of glass
Yuksel Seeds showcases ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes at Fruitnet Tomato Congress
International seed company Yuksel Seeds participated for the third consecutive year in the Fruitnet Tomato Congress, showcasing its extensive portfolio of ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties at the Málaga event
Fresh All Green forecasts strong Egyptian strawberry season
The grower-exporter anticipates good volumes and excellent quality, with high fruit colour and firmness
Discounters lead the way with British apples after first two months of season
Between them Lidl and Aldi bought over 40 per cent of the apples sold by Brititish Apples & Pears growers in September and October
Lidl crowned Retailer of the Year by British Berry Growers
Discounter wins trade body’s top prize for supporting domestic soft fruit after 26 per cent increase in sales of British berries
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Milestone gene-editing legislation comes into force in England
England becomes first country in Europe to legalise the development of gene-edited and other precision-bred plants, with potential benefits in terms of disease resistance and yield
Grocery price rises slow as retailers roll out festive deals
Inflation eases in October as grocers’ year-on-year sales increase and spending on deals rises considerably
Future of tomatoes in the spotlight in Malaga
Tomato experts gathered in the Spanish city of Malaga this week for Fruitnet Tomato Congress, a two-day event highlighting the big future challenges facing the category, as well as the opportunities and solutions for businesses
South African stonefruit sector optimistic for strong season
South African producers are optimistic for a strong stonefruit season on the back of increased production, favourable weather and improvements to address long-running logistical issues
Global blueberry demand rises as supply becomes more diverse
Global demand for blueberries continues to rise, with North America and Europe leading the way, according to the latest RaboResearch Blueberry Update 2025. The report highlights growing consumption alongside an increasingly diverse global supply landscape
Branston hires 25 new faces in latest recruitment drive
Potato supplier is going through a period of growth and emphasising employment opportunities
Former M&S technical director Paul Willgoss replaces Christine Tacon as MDS chair
Tacon’s tenure saw fresh produce management training provider treble trainee numbers and double company membership
New Covent Garden welcomes new general manager
Robert McAuliffe joins CGMA, bringing 20 years of experience in property operations, sustainability and strategic transformation
New banking tieup brings financial solutions for British topfruit
Oxbury Bank is offering competitively priced finance following partnership with BAPL
Home Harvest’s ‘home farm’ overcomes six-month sea test
New salad technology for domestic use is set to launch commercially in 2026