Banana Link remains determined after three decades
Despite a bunch of successes, the UK-based NGO still faces some familiar challenges as it strives for supply chain sustainability
Change at the top in FPJ Big 50 Products 2026
For the first time since the publication’s inception, the UK’s best-selling fruit or vegetable has changed
NFU open letter calls for future PM to back long-term food system
Well-negotiated EU alignment, workforce security and planning reform among key priorities for farming union
Cool Carriers takes delivery of second Snow-class reefer vessel
World’s largest specialised reefer operator welcomes Snow Flake into fleet, as newbuilding programme advances
Veg Power 2026 results show power of repetition
Children who participated more than once in the flagship ‘Eat them to defeat them’ campaign ate more veg, new figures have shown
Regenerative farming ‘central to future of UK horticulture’
Regen is moving from concept to commercial reality across the UK sector, as growers and suppliers view soil health as key to resilience and long-term sustainability
Lidl launches summer ‘scavenger’ hunt for fresh produce
A new scheme in select Lidl stores near deprived areas will see kids’ trolleys feature clues to fruit and veg as part of new game to drive engagement and education
South Tyrol suppliers forecast bumper summer fruit season
Cooperatives Vip and Meg say they are using new AI technology to boost production at high altitude
M&S to open its biggest ever standalone food store
New Foodhall in Surrey is part of strategy to double size of M&S Food business by creating larger stores that better cater to weekly family shoppers
Rungis and Dunkirk port strengthen ties
A partnership agreement has been signed between Rungis market in Paris and France’s port of Dunkirk aimed at boosting French food sovereignty
Syngenta campaign amplifies women farmers’ voices for YWF 2026
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is calling on women and allies across agrifood to submit their stories for the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026
Mitrofresh expands with new UK distribution centre
Exotic mushroom supplier based in the Netherlands says new UK facility will improve delivery times and strengthen supply chains for British customers
Hort leaders renew calls for policy reform in Sector Growth Plan
Fruit Focus panel urges government to tackle labour shortages, energy costs and SPS transition as work continues on eagerly anticipated growth strategy
Optiflux raises €2.5mn to fund expansion of fruit quality management tool
KU Leuven spin-off quintupled its customer base in 2025 and accelerates international expansion
Registrations open for Fruitnet Citrus Congress
Book now to secure your early bird discount to Fruitnet’s conference and networking event
Ledgnd secures growth capital to expand greenhouse data platform
Dutch agritech firm Ledgnd has attracted new investment from Rotterdam-based Value Factory Ventures to scale its MyLedgnd platform
Dogtooth heralds age of ‘embodied AI’ in fruit farming
Robotics specialist secures fresh investment to expand its machines’ commercial deployment beyond UK
Belgian topfruit battles shipping uncertainty
Apple and pear producers in Belgium are keeping an eye on the weather forecast as much of Europe bakes in its second heatwave of the year, but the reliability of the shipping lines remains the chief concern for exporters
Peruvian asparagus suppliers facing ‘severe’ shortage
Unusual weather patterns linked to El Niño are causing shortage and quality issues set to last weeks
Jersey Cover Crop Comp offers regen case study for UK farmers to follow
Competition returns for third year to provide evidence‑based case study of how cover cropping can benefit the environment in commercial potato production
PSP ups investment in AMFresh and Bloom Fresh to grow genetics platform
AMFresh said move strengthened ability to invest in innovation, international expansion and long-term value creation
SanLucar acquires stake in Twin River Berries
Deal will serve as a springboard for SanLucar’s expansion into North America and Asia
Summer border delays could bring ‘untold disruption’ to Dover
The CEO of the port of Dover has warned fresh produce hauliers could be stuck behind queues of summer tourist traffic as new digital EES checks are set to cause severe hold-ups
Tempestuous season takes toll on South African grape trade
Geopolitical, logistical and climate disruptions all combine to prompt major shakeup in country’s grape export business
Yuksel Seeds launches ToBRFV-resistant mini plum tomato Pomeria
Yuksel Seeds says its new Pomeria mini plum tomato delivers earliness, vigorous plant development and a comprehensive disease resistance package
Spanish fresh produce imports rise 6.2 per cent in early 2026
New Fepex data reveals Spain’s fresh produce imports reached 1.75mn tonnes between January and April 2026, up 6.2 per cent year-on-year
Longer potato rotations boost yields and disease resistance
British growers are benefiting from longer potato-based rotations that help improve economic performance and reduce disease pressure, finds new report from GB Potatoes
Asda launches yellow watermelon
Retailer has won key consumer media coverage for new melon launch, described as ‘must-have’ summer snack
Murcian stonefruit production set to grow 3.3 per cent in 2026
The growth is driven primarily by increased nectarine production, according to the regional Ministry of Agriculture
European consumers prioritise sustainable packaging despite cost pressures
Sustainability continues to influence purchasing behaviour and customer loyalty, with four in five considering climate impact when making a purchase
Sainsbury’s AVA Magnum strawberries from ASF prevail in Telegraph taste test
Berries supplied by Angus Soft Fruits praised for dark colour and rich flavour in well-established quality assessment
Five MPs visit Barfoots’ farm in Sussex
Veg grower has hosted a group of MPs as part of NFU scheme to see on-farm operations and discuss key issues for the sector including planning barriers and seasonal workers
MDS partners with Agri-TechE to offer six-month placements
MDS trainees given access to Agri-TechE’s Early Career Innovators’ Forum with aim of getting more young talent into food and farming industry
France’s Interfel urges sector to think global
France must embrace the interconnectedness of the world if it wants to secure the future of fresh produce in the country, says Interfel president Daniel Sauvaitre
Defra secretary confirms commitment to Organic Action Plan
Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds tells farming festival “we are on it” regarding eagerly awaited national strategy for organic farming
Cherry harvest down in western Germany, but still above average
North Rhine-Westphalia forecast puts state on course to deliver second-largest sweet cherry harvest in past decade