Futureco Bioscience expands accreditation for agri-input analysis
ISO 17025 accreditation now includes certified methods for organic carbon quantification in fertilizers and viable spore counting in fungal-based biopesticides
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
Ciopora announces details of IP Conference in Madrid
Theme of event will be ‘Shaping the future of IP for plant breeders: from challenges towards opportunities
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
Chilean cherry grower bids to stretch British season to 100 days
FGA Farming is using Chilean production systems and new varieties to extend supply as it scales up to become UK’s single biggest cherry grower
Raquel Gil named new president of Mercabarna
Outgoing president Jordi Valls will remain at the company as vice president
Coming soon: Eurofruit Fruit Attraction edition 2025
Eurofruit’s bumper Fruit Attraction special edition is your ideal accompaniment to the fair
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
Bright outlook for Catalan apples and pears
Latest crop forecast from Afrucat points to a positive campaign, with good quality and receptive markets
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
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
Florette sticks to its fresh promise
The UK salad specialist’s “Guarantee of Freshness” speaks to the importance of freshness for salad consumers, while its new product launches look to add some spice to the category
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
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
Fall Creek and Sekoya celebrate Field + Forum in Meterik
Theme of this year’s event was how to bridge the gap between genetics and consumer demand
Fruitful Ventures highlights achievements in first sustainability report
Fruitful Ventures showcases significant progress in responsible sourcing and food waste reduction, while setting ambitious targets for water management certification and carbon footprint reduction by 2030
Trops inaugurates €9mn Tavira facility
Centre will serve as a strategic location for company’s avocado operation, sorting and packing fruit for the international market
Afrucat, Eurecat Lleida join forces to fast-track innovation
Collaboration will promote technologies such as robotics, AI, biotechnology and much more
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
New mushroom farm opens on distribution site
The seven-tonne capacity farm is set to open under new partnership between mushroom producer Urban Farm-It and logistics provider Oakland International
M&S launches seedless lemons
The launch in 200 M&S Food stores comes after a successful rollout in the retailer’s Food Halls and aims to remove consumer annoyance with lemon pips
Hein Deprez nears full ownership of Greenyard with majority buyout
Investment vehicle Garden secures over 53 per cent of outstanding shares, bringing total ownership to just below 95 per cent required to take fresh produce multinational private
Montosa ready for next chapter of growth
Company seizing on rising demand for avocados and guacamole to push into new markets
Biobest acquires key technology from partner Ecoation
The biocontrol specialist has purchased monitoring and scouting tools along with expert staff from its technology partner to bolster its integrated pest management capabilities
Co-op debuts Mojito-flavoured grapes
New variety Mojito Fresh will be available in select stores from early next week
The storm behind a berry harvesting solution
When a devastating storm hit Serbia in 2000, thousands of fruits fell prematurely from their branches. But what seemed like an agricultural disaster became the spark for one of the most innovative breakthroughs in berry harvesting technology
IFOAM criticises CAP proposal
The EU Commission’s proposal under the new Common Agricultural Policy to leave it to Member States to finance agri-environmental measures has come under fire from IFOAM Organics Europe
Video: Alegra’s summer snack campaign shines light on new strategy
Italy’s largest fresh produce company is focusing its summer marketing efforts on distinctive licensed varieties to differentiate itself in key categories
Spain’s fruit and vegetable imports from Morocco surge 28 per cent
Morocco has strengthened its position as Spain’s leading fresh produce supplier, with fruit and vegetable imports growing 28 percent to €672mn in the first four months of 2024
French apple campaign shows promise
Apple consumption can be given a boost with a focus on taste, according to Marc Peyres, commercial director of French exporter Blue Whale, who sees potential for “flavourful varieties for the future”, including Candine
BOOM awards recognise best in organic
Riverford’s Valor potatoes and Isle of Wight tomatoes were recognised in the annual awards, alongside a software company helping new veg box start-ups
Masters in sustainability and quality: lessons from Portugal
Beanstalk Global’s visits to a range of major Portuguese fresh produce companies highlighted the importance of exceptional taste, robust environmental practices, and collaboration across the supply chain
French apple growers embrace change
Despite considerable challenges, Daniel Sauvaitre, president of the French apple and pear association (ANPP), believes the country’s apple business is well placed to respond to consumer demands for sustainability and top quality