Carrefour closes more Gulf-based operations
After exits from Oman and Jordan, the French retailer has announced the closure of its Bahrain and Kuwait stores, as Majid Al Futtaim rolls out its HyperMax brand
Sweet Sensation pear harvest begins with 6,000 tonnes expected
Premium pear variety has established itself as a European retail mainstay, with Dutch growers expecting to strong demand this season as harvesting gets underway
‘Sky is the limit’ for fresh suppliers moving into dried
There is strong opportunity for fresh fruit suppliers to diversify into dried fruit or nuts thanks to commonality among consumers and growth in key markets, according to speakers at a new Asiafruit Showcase session
Polish berries go the distance as season starts
Polskie Jagody adds new commercial raspberry production to complete its berry portfolio while continuing to expand its global reach and test new varieties
Food prices rise for fifth consecutive month
Food and drink prices have risen by an annual rate of 5.1 per cent in the fastest increase since January 2024, new ONS figures show
BioFirst launches BioWorks division in European market
BioFirst Group has officially launched BioWorks as an independent division in the European market, focusing on developing biopesticides and biostimulants to support growers with biological crop protection solutions
Fyffes surpasses sustainability targets despite severe climate challenges
Fruit brand exceeds multiple targets in latest biennial report, achieving goals in waste reduction, water management and packaging despite facing severe climate change impacts including tropical storms and increased pests
FareShare to merge with Felix Project to increase reach and impact
Deal will combine FareShare’s extensive national network with Felix’s London expertise
AgAR robotic platform advances on European orchards
Coming’s agro-bot will be on display at German exhibition Agritechnica, as the Serbian firm shows off its autonomous alternative for carrying out traditional operations in orchards and vineyards
Tesco crowned top British apple retailer for second year running
Asda takes BAPL prize for best year-on-year performance in apples, while Sainsbury’s emerges as biggest supporter of UK-grown pears
Compagnie Frutière to market Farms Digital banana production software
Company said its mission is to bring 360° tech and innovative solutions to the agricultural sector
Philippe Binard highlights European strawberry production decline despite €2.7bn market value
European strawberry production has declined 13 per cent over the past decade despite representing a €2.7bn market, with cultivation now covering 74,000ha, Freshfel Europe’s Philippe Binard told the International Strawberry Conference
Jingold achieves 96 per cent recycled packaging in sustainability push
Italian kiwifruit company says it has passed a number of milestones in first-ever sustainability report
Robots help Scottish berry growers combat mildew disease
Angus Soft Fruits deployed Thorvald robots using UV-C light treatment to control powdery mildew during Scotland’s exceptionally hot summer, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fungicides while protecting crop quality and boosting yields
Genesis Fresh eyes global expansion despite labour shortages
Polish exporter Genesis Fresh is preparing for a larger apple crop this season while navigating climate uncertainties and labour shortages
Heston Blumenthal unveils new menu for those using weight loss drugs
Move signals how foodservice and hospitality could adapt to rapid uptake of appetite suppressant jabs such as Mounjaro, as major tipping point in food consumption trends begins to take hold
Photo report: For the love of a market
A new photography exhibition opens at New Covent Garden Market this week with work by photographer Clive Boursnell that recognises his lifetime’s dedication to capturing the essence and character of the market and its characters
Montosa reports bright outlook for new season
Company anticipates good volumes and sizes for mangoes and avocados for 2025/26
Coveris partners with Tipa for UK compostable produce labels
Coveris and Tipa Compostable Packaging have formed an exclusive partnership to manufacture and market compostable labels for fresh produce in the UK, responding to increasing market demand and tightening regulatory requirements for produce sticker compostability
Spain set for shortest citrus crop in 16 years
Production 11 per cent down on last season and 14 per cent lower than the five-year average
Planasa hires Ronnie Kersten as business development director for Northern Europe
Kersten has over 20 years’ experience in the global berry business with a strong focus on blueberries and strawberries
NIAB research advances precision orchard management
OrchardQuant 3D system allows accurate 3D mapping of apple and pear orchards, helping growers maximise production and adapt to climate change
SanLucar forges ahead with Asian expansion
Premium brand now available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and central China
Plant Sciences Genetics expands global berry breeding operations
California-based Plant Sciences Genetics has quadrupled its EMEA operations over the past decade through strategic partnerships and key berry commercialisation, with plans to launch new raspberry varieties across Europe and Africa in 2026
Biobest launches Entomatic Handheld precision dispenser
New dispenser engineered for precision, speed, and user comfort
Romagna stonefruit producers plan investment in better varieties
Suppliers in the Italian region report increased demand for their PGI-certified peaches and nectarines, with strong commercial interest in domestic and German markets driving plans for further development
Belgian Truval Conference pear makes introduction in Japan
A warm welcome was given to the presentation of Truval Conference pears from Belgium at this month’s Osaka World Expo in Japan
High court overturns tomatillo polytunnel permission
Grower blocked from diversifying into exotic Mexican salad veg after neighbour takes fight to High Court to overturn tunnel installation
Hamburg’s century-old Grossmarkt remains vital produce hub
Hamburg’s Grossmarkt has supplied fresh produce across northern Europe for over a century, with 330 companies handling 1.5mn tonnes each year at the historic wholesale market
Waitrose outperforms market despite losses at John Lewis parent group
Premium retailer saw a six per cent increase in sales in the first half of 2025 as new MD and former Tesco exec Tom Denyard takes the reins
Luv Fiera: Bari hosts the event from 20-22 October 2026
The wait is over: Luv Fiera has officially announced the dates of its next edition. The appointment is set for 20-22 October 2026 at the Nuova Fiera del Levante in Bari, with a unique event in Europe designed to celebrate and showcase one of the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary treasures: table ...
Fitó boosts courgette offer with Raffaello and Salzillo
Seed company says varieties are specially adapted to the Iberian autumn and winter
Agroforestry offers new crops and climate resilience
Persimmon, olives and walnuts among potential new tree crops discussed at this year’s Agroforestry Show alongside the benefits of trees for drought resilience
Freshfel questions EU’s ‘boosted’ budget and ‘Buy European Food’ campaign rebrand
The European fresh produce association has reached out to Commission president Ursula von der Leyen seeking clarity on promotion funding and expressing concerns about the rebranding of EU campaign messaging
BerryWorld packing change unlocks surplus soft fruit for FareShare
Change to the packing process at Emery Soft Fruits has allowed significant volumes of berries to be rescued in Hampshire and could be replicated by other BerryWorld UK growers
Sofrupak to launch ‘smart’ berry packaging with NFC chip
Adam Sikorski of Polish packaging specialist Sofrupak says the group is set to introduce innovative ‘smart’ packaging with NFC chip technology for the 2026 season, enabling product tracking from field to shelf in line with upcoming EU Digital Product Passport regulations