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?
TWC project aims to boost hospital sustainability and patient health
Dorset-based grower is pioneering a close relationship with the NHS
Video: Magnetic fields, better yields
Rozalin Aliramaei speaks exclusively to Fruitnet about Elenovations’ AI-driven technology, which simulates plants’ natural growing conditions
Botanicoir responds to demand with major drying investment
Upgrade more than doubles the company’s daily drying capacity
UK drought declared to be ‘nationally significant incident’
Low water resources are leading to mixed harvesting conditions and some significant drops in yields as the National Drought Group upgrades water shortage warnings
G’s sees regen breakthrough as trials cut fertiliser and boost crop health
Salad supplier has seen groundbreaking results from its trials of regenerative farming and Johnson-Su composting technique
The Fresh Ideas Show: Summer sales, blueberries or bust, and magic magnets
Hear from fresh produce business experts including Tesco, Oddbox, Elenovations and Alegra in the latest episode of Fruitnet’s video podcast
Rijk Zwaan strengthens Asian market position with innovative products and increased presence
Ahead of Asia Fruit Logistica, Rijk Zwaan reveals expansion across Asia including a new Korean subsidiary, R&D facilities in Vietnam and Japan, and innovative product developments tailored to regional markets
USDA to purchase US$35m of fresh apples for nutrition programmes
Industry body USApple praises government intervention, which it says will benefit struggling apple producers and disadvantaged Americans
Video: Industry is ‘resilient’ despite cost increases
Worldwide Fruit CEO Steve Maxwell tells Nina Pullman why there’s more growth to come in avocado, and how the industry has shown resilience in the face of rising costs, inflation and National Insurance increases
AH Worth begins red kale trial as part of continued brassica innovation
Trials of striking new variety support growing retail demand for distinctive, high-quality produce, according to producer
Lidl Community Fund helps tackle food poverty
The retailer’s community grant scheme has now given £2 million in funding since 2022 with recipients including a Kent cookery club and a national school pantry scheme
New Zealand avocado industry unites under FernMark
First industry-wide certification secured by New Zealand’s avocado sector
Apeel Sciences issues response to new Federal Labelling Bill
Company calls for transparency and accuracy in food safety debate
New project will use AI to validate regenerative farming
The first large-scale AI project to validate regenerative practices in potato production will take place in the UK with funding from a major EU grant
James Hutton unveils lab to analyse anaerobic digestate
Leftover waste material is useful as a soil improver
Del Monte partners with CMA CGM for Asian banana and pineapple shipments
Fresh produce giant shifts from traditional breakbulk methods to temperature-controlled container shipping for improved quality and reliability
Turkish lemons “lacking” after frosty spring
Lemons are expected to be in short supply globally this year, as most major suppliers struggle for volumes and the effects of Turkey’s disastrous frost continue to be felt
Beyond the FPJ Big 50: Are people really buying more fruit and veg?
Listen to the first episode of The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast and find out why fresh produce sales in the UK are at a record high
Israeli exporters report signs of possible boycott as Gaza war continues
Fresh produce exporters in Israel suggest retailers across Europe are quietly ceasing procurement of Israeli goods, as Gaza’s humanitarian situation worsens
New climate-resilient apricots launched by Worldwide Fruit and Cot International
Four new varieties grown in the UK have been brought to market, with development focused on resilience to extreme weather and frosty winters
Climate change reshapes Chile’s fruit production map
Bioclimatology expert argues that the industry has a unique opportunity to reposition itself, provided bold and coordinated action is taken
EU approves digestive health claim for green kiwifruit
Green kiwifruit can now be marketed in the EU with claims about its positive impact on digestive health, following a landmark decision by the European Commission
Experts expect no slowdown in UK avocado market
Global avocado supplies continue to increase, leading many to predict imminent issues of oversupply, but a panel of UK experts at this year’s Festival of Fresh conference see more room for growth
WAO: Avocados top the charts in nutrient-to-water efficiency
To mark World Avocado Day, the organisation highlights avocados as a nutritional powerhouse and an environmentally conscious option
Biedronka pioneers sale of Polish-grown table grapes
The Polish retailer has begun selling domestically grown green and black table grapes in 660 stores, expanding its commitment to local sourcing
Video: Extreme weather cuts English pea harvest after strong start
Pea grower reports yields approximately 25 per cent below contracted tonnage following a challenging end to what had initially promised to be an exceptional season
Kenya’s avocado exporters scale up
As Kenya rises in the global avocado ranks, exporters like Karakuta and Keitt are investing in infrastructure, orchards and market diversification to stay ahead of the competition
Metis plums debut new LinerlessLid cartonboard punnets at Tesco
Launch from Coveris reflects growing trends for paper-based and branded packaging in UK
Fresh Del Monte CEO warns of global banana shortage
Fresh Del Monte Produce’s chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh has issued a stark warning about a global banana shortage, citing the spread of diseases and climate change as key factors affecting production
Egyptian avocado producer Pico plans significant plantation expansion
Suppliers eyes strategic growth in avocado production, taking advantage of Egypt’s advantageous supply window that largely avoids the dominant producers
Australian growers trial advanced tech to cut labour costs
Researchers in Victoria believe new technologies can reduce labour costs in Australian apple and pear industry
USHBC launches ‘Blueberries Go Big’ marketing campaign
The US Highbush Blueberry Council has unveiled a new marketing initiative that aims to forge stronger emotional connections with consumers while highlighting the fruit’s significant benefits in every bite
UN chief warns mega droughts could make fruit and veg ‘annual treat’
Australia could experience devastating effects of climate change that would decimate production, according to stark warning from UN’s top climate change official
‘Fruit & Veg on Prescription’ scheme reduces GP visits by 15 per cent in London
Alexandra Rose Charity reveals impressive results of ongoing project to give East London families on low incomes access to free fruit and veg
IFPA backs Reagan-Udall Foundation’s produce safety roadmap
The International Fresh Produce Association has voiced support for the Reagan-Udall Foundation’s new produce safety framework, while emphasising the need for risk-based approaches and adequate resources
OSY Group partners with Sharpak to extend soft fruit shelf-life
Food tech specialist OSY Group has announced a commercial partnership with packaging manufacturer Sharpak Aylesham to extend the shelf-life of soft fruits sold through UK supermarkets using innovative antimicrobial coating technology