December set for record grocery sales
December grocery sales on course to beat £12-billion mark for first time, says Kantar
Remembering watercress pioneer Charles Barter
Obituary: Charles Barter, a leading figure within the British watercress industry, has died suddenly after a short illness
EU tightens controls on Turkish lemons and grapefruit
Three in every 10 trucks entering the EU will now be subjected to pesticide analysis after increase in detections
BASF fast-tracks rugose-resistant tomatoes
Devastating tomato virus sparks urgent calls for resistant varieties, with breeder anticipating strong demand for new round cultivar
Bright start for Kissabel in UK
Red-fleshed apple range receives positive feedback in consumer tastings as Worldwide Fruit spearheads marketing push
Asiafruit Congress: global suppliers weather challenges
Panel of global suppliers underlines commitment to Asian markets amid impacts of shipping turmoil, inflation and lockdowns
Ambrosia apples hit European shelves
Harvest volumes in Piedmont and Val Venosta are at the same level as last year, with apple quality said to be good
Wrap urges increased collaboration and action on climate
The climate action group is calling on more businesses in the UK to take immediate action on climate change, including efforts on food waste and plastic packaging
Maersk and IBM throw blockchain system overboard
Full collaboration across the entire global shipping business could not be achieved, admits carrier
WCO forecast shows significant drop in citrus production
Spain, Morocco, Italy, Turkey and Tunisia all set for shorter crops as hot, dry summer impacts production
Healthy outlook for citrus despite logistical headaches
There is plenty of room for growth in the citrus category with the right messaging on health and nutrition
Puffin secures UK GI for Welsh leeks
Puffin’s Blas Y Tir branded Welsh leeks will now carry the UK GI logo giving consumers a guarantee of their quality and provenance
‘New approach needed to save nation’s food supply’
Comment: Safeguarding the UK’s fresh produce and horticultural sectors must be a government priority
Home-grown food ‘integral to national security’, says former MI5 chief
Former MI5 director general tells NFU lecture that domestic production is integral to national security
Fruitbox 93 · Carlos Bonet & José Vottero, Fresh Fruit-X
Carlos and José speak with Chris about tapping into the potential of the Asian market as the engine of the planet shifts to the east
El Teriak Farm on solid growth path
The Egyptian grower-exporter is confident of the continued potential of Egyptian produce on the world stage, expanding production and investing in packing and juicing facilities
Automation and supply chain agility ‘will shape sector’ in 2023
Comment: Fresh produce firms must remain agile to meet fluctuating demand, as well as considering investment in automation and AI, as they face up to supply chain instability, inflation, labour shortages and climate change
Central Co-op rewards member loyalty with payout
Central Co-op splits £654,000 between members in latest ‘share of the profits’ payout
Koppert takes sustainability steps
Group partners with Global Sustainable Enterprise Systems on CSR targets, circularity, CO2 reduction and biodiversity
Primland extends European operations with “We are growers”
French kiwifruit specialist Primland is continuing its “We are growers” positioning for Northern Hemisphere exports, establishing partnerships for Oscar kiwifruit with growers in Greece, Italy and Portugal
SanLucar school support project wins sustainability award
The programme aims to ensure equal and quality education for the children of Puebloviejo, Ecuador
Ahold Delhaize updates its CO2 targets
Retailer sets CO2 emission reduction targets for its entire value chain in line with UN goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C
Christian Tougaard joins Tomra Processed Food
As regional sales director EMEA he will lead the company’s processed food sales in the region
DP World links UK logistics hubs
DP World launches new train service connecting London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs
Carrots fit for a King
British-grown produce plays starring role in King Charles III’s first state banquet
Maersk enters new green fuel partnership
Logistics giant and and Carbon Sink sign strategic partnership to accelerate green marine fuels production
Industry unites to protect seasonal worker welfare
Roundtable meeting addresses seasonal labour challenges following difficult year for recruitment and worker welfare
2023 could be ‘watershed moment’ for produce
Comment: Following a turbulent year defined by climate change, rampant inflation and political uncertainty, Britain’s fresh produce industry is at a crossroads and looks set for further upheaval
Reforestation “would protect Mediterranean agriculture”, conference hears
Climate expert tells CGC event that planting more trees in coastal areas would improve soil quality and help regulate rainfall patterns
‘Seed potato ban at crisis point for NI growers’
Potato production in Northern Ireland at risk due to ban on seed potato trade between UK, EU and Northern Ireland, says grower
Tariff win for California prunes
California Prune Board welcomes 0% tariff announcement on UK import of prunes
School Scheme under scrutiny
Freshfel Europe has stressed the value of the continued implementation of school fruit and vegetable schemes to the EC
UNCTAD report highlights occupation’s impact on Palestinian producers
UN Conference on Trade and Development calls on international community to demand Israel lift restrictions on Palestinian economic activity, stressing the limitations for producers
Improved third quarter for Dole
Big boost in net income while revenue also climbs as group is “significantly ahead of own expectations”
Warm European welcome for South African stonefruit
The first stonefruit of the season is already on the European market, with the first South African grapes of 2022/23 due next week
‘SFS must be achievable,’ says NFU Cymru
The Welsh Government’s new sustainable farming scheme (SFS) proposals must be open to all, says Welsh farmers’ union
