Michael Barker
Michael Barker is Fruitnet's North America editor, covering the US and Canadian markets for Asiafruit, Eurofruit, Produce Plus and the Fresh Produce Journal.
As a former editor of FPJ from 2010 to 2019, Michael continues to write and comment on the UK market for the FPJ magazine and podcasts, as well as moderating at various Fruitnet events.
He previously worked as fresh foods editor on leading UK retail publication The Grocer, before which he worked as editor of Commercial Grower and news editor of The Grower.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 20 7501 0316
- Fax:
- +44 20 7501 0306
- Email:
- michaelb@fruitnet.com
NewsNew Washington apple business Linda Fruit launched
Sister company of Crunch Pak will focus on premium quality and creating new opportunities for crops
NewsLipman acquires Phoenix fresh-cut firm Farm Fresh
Acquisition is Lipman’s second western-US purchase in recent months
NewsNew US-Canada tariffs add uncertainty for traders
While fresh produce has not yet been directly caught up in tariffs, the situation is stressful for suppliers on both sides of the border
NewsAsia Fruit Logistica 2026 exhibitor preview: Americas
Across North and South America, producers are eyeing up opportunities to sell their fresh produce and services into the Asian markets, with new varieties and technologies set to be in the spotlight in Hong Kong
FeaturesBoosting Californian grapes
Nomi Karniel-Padan, commercial director at Grapa, explains how the company’s new varietal development is offering enticing options for California’s grape growers
FeaturesEarly and balanced supply bodes well for NW cherries
Key North American cherry-producing regions report optimistic outlook for the 2026 export season
NewsSupplier partnerships ‘at heart of Sainsbury’s strategy’
Category director Hannah O’Reilly tells Festival of Fresh how retailer values long-term working
NewsBrand refresh for CMI’s Nature’s Candy cherries
New look features bolder colours and contemporary design to highlight premium quality
NewsBrits hunt for deals amid Middle East uncertainty
Proportion of spend on promotions stands at 31 per cent as it continues its longstanding rise
NewsPrecision crop tech ‘could bring many benefits’ to Wales
Potato farmer and NFU Cymru hort chair Tom Rees explains why Welsh politicians must back the technology
NewsM&S plays its part in innovative surplus food project
Alliance Food Sourcing collaboration hopes to provide 30mn meals a year by 2028
NewsCompany Shop passes 1bn redistribution milestone
Retail business helps reduce waste and offer affordable groceries to the public
NewsBritish asparagus season officially begins
Growers report high-quality crop despite the rain at the start of the year
FeaturesCherry Blossom Festival builds excitement as Picota season approaches
Michael Barker reports on the latest efforts to market Picota cherries and celebrate the beauty of Spain’s Jerte Valley
NewsLogistics industry seeks government support over Iran inflation
Logistics UK wants to see a range of measures from the Chancellor
NewsGroceries Code compliance issues see small increase
Waitrose is again deemed to be the most compliant retailer in GCA survey
NewsPeat-Free Pathway launched to help growers phase out peat
Initiative will be backed by a series of Fresh Produce Roadmaps
NewsSHP Group marks National Banana Day with school donations
Banana supplier also helped educate kids on how bananas are grown and shipped
NewsNFU Cymru seeks ‘fair funding’ commitment ahead of Senedd election
Union wants an annual agricultural support budget in excess of £500mn
News£50mn in funding to deliver innovative agri-tech tools
Farming minister Angela Eagle announces new public-private investment scheme