Sustainability
News and analysis for the international fresh produce business on the theme of sustainability. What is the fruit and vegetable industry doing to protect people, planet, and profit?
Global blueberry leaders gather in Cape Town for IBO Summit
The International Berry Organization Summit opens in Cape Town this week, bringing together global blueberry players as Southern African producers seek new market opportunities and regional cooperation
‘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
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
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
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
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
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
New Zealand horticulture industry recognises excellence at annual awards
Five awards were handed out, including the Horticulture Bledisloe Cup to Andrew Fenton, current president and chair of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation
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
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
Fyffes guarantees banana supply despite industry challenges
The fresh produce company is working with long-term suppliers to ensure uninterrupted deliveries of premium quality bananas despite severe industry pressures
Beans campaign wins £1.4m in lottery funding
The collaboration between Veg Power, The Food Foundation, Ark Agency and local authorities is aiming for more sales, promotion and education around beans as a healthy food that can help cut dietary emissions
Sormac sees dynamism in UK and Ireland
Machinery manufacturer Sormac says UK and Irish companies are continuing to invest strategically, with automation and efficiency seen as vital tools to manage today’s big challenges
Anecoop strengthens commitment to equality
Second-tier cooperative receives MujerAgro certification as a Pro-equality company
IFPA backs White House nutrition report to boost produce consumption
The International Fresh Produce Association has welcomed the second report from the White House’s Make America Healthy Again Commission, emphasising that fruits and vegetables are essential to improving national health outcomes
M&S unveils ‘Plan A for Farming’
Ambitious plan aims to boost British sourcing and utilise 100 per cent regenerative farming practices
Dutch greenhouse workers trial exoskeletons to reduce strain
A pilot project in the Netherlands is evaluating how mechanical support devices could make repetitive horticultural tasks less physically demanding
Video: Sustainability fixes for French apples
How have growers in the Loire Valley managed to adapt their orchards to new challenges created by climate change?
Sodexo-EAT tieup aims to boost healthier eating
Two sides are working together to help develop and encourage more sustainable eating habits
Costa Rican banana exports fall 20 per cent amid climate challenges
Corbana reports significant decline in banana exports as excessive rainfall and disease pressure impact production across Costa Rica’s Caribbean region
Apeel Sciences sues wellness influencer over ‘toxic’ coating claims
California-based company files lawsuit against wellness influencer Robyn Openshaw, alleging she conducted years-long disinformation campaign against company’s plant-based produce coatings
UK growers spot stonefruit potential
Weather conditions in the south of England were ideal for cherry and plum production this year, as growers like WB Chambers step up efforts to extend the seasons
DP World launches Morocco-UK-Europe service to cut fruit export times
A new shipping service connecting Morocco with the UK and North Europe will reduce fruit and vegetable export times by up to two days, offering better quality produce at lower costs with a significantly reduced carbon footprint
Fyffes and Ocado open new school facilities in Belize
Fruit supplier and online retailer fund new educational facilities in south of country, providing safe classrooms for 271 pupils and a hurricane shelter for local residents
Freshfel slams “asymmetric” EU-US trade deal for fresh produce
The European fresh produce association has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as an unfair trade agreement that removes tariffs for US exporters while maintaining significant barriers for EU producers
Andy Murray, Albert Bartlett and the spud that scored an ace
Nina Pullman speaks to John Hicks, director of brand and marketing for potato supplier Albert Bartlett, for the lowdown on the company’s new deal with tennis legend Andy Murray
Chiquita’s return to Panama welcomed by business chamber
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture has welcomed banana giant Chiquita’s decision to resume operations in Bocas del Toro by February 2026, following its recent departure amid a labour dispute
Vidre+ technology extends shelf-life of cherries, study finds
A new study from the University of Life Sciences in Poland has demonstrated that Fresh Inset’s Vidre+ technology can significantly extend the shelf-life of cherries, with treated fruit maintaining quality for up to nine days longer than untreated samples
Brio defies stagnant organic market with 21 per cent sales growth
Italian organic fruit and vegetable specialist posts impressive increase to €67.3mn, bucking the trend in a market experiencing minimal growth in consumption
South African citrus growers boost sustainability efforts
SIZA reports significant improvements in environmental compliance as South Africa’s citrus season draws to a close, with a 55 per cent increase in environmental audits compared to last year