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?
New initiative to cultivate next generation of potato pros
Potato Industry Development Programme will help new entrants to gain comprehensive understanding of sector and build networks and collaborations
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
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”
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
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
Biome Makers releases 2024 Impact Report
Company said report shows power of data-driven soil intelligence to profitability, resilience, and sustainability
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
Florida citrus growers to benefit from US$675.9mn hurricane recovery assistance program
Citrus producers in Florida are set to receive critical financial support as part of a substantial hurricane recovery package
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
Tesco’s free planters help kids learn about fruit and veg
Initiative is aimed at both improving health and making better use of soft plastic recycling
Kuehne+Nagel opens state-of-the-art logistics centre in Ecuador
The global logistics provider has unveiled a modern facility near Quito featuring extensive refrigerated warehousing to enhance its perishable transport services in the region
Delhi Chief Minister orders modernisation of city’s produce markets
Delhi’s Chief Minister has instructed officials to modernise the city’s wholesale produce markets, promising ‘no shortage’ of funds to transform facilities that handle thousands of tonnes of fresh produce daily
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
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
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
Analysis: Is Chiquita Panama past the point of no return?
Strike action has pushed the multinational out of the Central American country, possibly forever. So what does the future hold for the people and plantations it has supported for more than a century?
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
New IFPA campaign puts F&V at heart of improving country’s health
Association tells US leaders: You can’t make America healthy again without fruits and vegetables
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
East Malling Trust to unveil new science strategy
Sir Peter Kendall will deliver keynote speech at free virtual event this Friday as hort research charity unveils new five-year plans for science and impact
IFPA submits updated health policy recommendations to MAHA Commission
The International Fresh Produce Association has submitted ten evidence-based policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again Commission, aimed at reducing diet-related diseases by prioritising fruit and vegetable consumption in national health policy
Coming soon: FPJ Sustainability Special
FPJ’s Sustainability Special tackles the big questions and opportunities in climate change mitigation, supply resilience and the push for net zero
Irritec acquires majority stake in Colombian irrigation pioneer
The acquisition of drip irrigation specialist Agrifim de Colombia will see Irritec modernise production facilities and establish a technology transfer center to support Colombian farmers
Belgian pears provide stability
Belgian Fruit Valley predicts a strong pear crop this season amid shifting climatic, logistical and market challenges, with its region’s stable production providing confidence to both growers and customers
Innovation on show at Fruit Focus
Strawberry picking robots, vertical farms and policy debates were on the agenda at annual industry fruit show along with findings from pollination and growing media trials
PO steering group forms new trade body
Producer Organisations unite under new UK Fruit and Vegetable Association to call for replacement scheme to fund innovation and ensure parity across UK
Peru’s mango production set to be down and delayed, says Promango
Alternate bearing and delays to flowering are said to have contributed to the expected decline and later harvest
Zespri reduces margin to boost kiwifruit grower returns
Zespri has announced a reduction in its fruit return margin percentage, which is expected to deliver an additional NZ$7-8 mn to New Zealand kiwifruit growers in the 2025/26 season
New Zealand launches sustainability report for UK food buyers
NZTE has launched its first cross-category sustainability report for UK food and drink buyers, highlighting how New Zealand producers can help retailers meet environmental goals while ensuring supply chain resilience.
HSBC Philippines to fund series of smallholder cooperatives
Bayan Family of Foundations and Philippine agritech leader Mayani join the project
International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium tickets selling fast
Final chance to attend fresh produce safety event with special discount for Produce Plus subscribers