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 European berry marketing campaign begins
Three-year project will promote the benefits of soft fruit to young adults in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands
Can strawberries help relieve menstrual pain?
Trial sponsored by Freshuelva suggests that daily consumption of fresh strawberries could reduce chronic menstrual pain
Agroponiente celebrates B-Corp accreditation
Company becomes one of only 200 in Spain to receive the sustainability certification
ICE: Italy could lose ‘billions’ as a result of US tariff
Agency director Matteo Zoppas and minister Francesco Lollobrigida tell Macfrut press conference that country faces major challenge
Newcastle Uni launches agrifood net zero tracker
Reporting data website is first of its kind in the agrifood sector, according to its creators
Strong campaign for French potatoes
French potatoes have enjoyed good volumes and demand in 2024/25, according to CNIPT, with good momentum going into the final stages of the campaign
Interfel targets young adults with ‘vertical’ Jamais Trop advert
Latest advertisement, which is directed by French duo Xoxo, will be shown primarily on smartphone-friendly social media
Big names announced for Festival of Fresh 2025
Key figures in production, retail, wholesale and sustainability confirmed in first wave of Festival of Fresh speakers
APAL to share industry-wide quality performance data
Australia’s apple and pear suppliers will see how they and other growers and packers rank according to certain parameters
Partnership brings organic Tatayoyo to Austria year-round
Grower Veganis teams with an Austrian retailer to bring the pepper to the latter’s premium organic range
Happy Berry gets a fresh look
Hyroponically-grown, sustainable strawberries are putting a focus on taste, Oppy says
AgriLook connects the dots for growers
Developed by Preston Waldon, new software tool AgriLook aims to “help farmers stay ahead of the curve” by delivering forward-looking intelligence
Coming soon: FPJ Mediterranean Special
FPJ’s Mediterranean Special explores the big challenges and opportunities facing suppliers in the region, including climate change and new varieties
Vip puts apple growers at centre of new campaign
Farmers at heart of new project, with several sharing stories on social media and even taking part in store tastings
IFPA presents policy solutions to MAHA Commission
Association sets recommendations to address diet-related chronic diseases for a healthier America
Move to circular economy ‘boosts UK’s resilience’
Keith James, member of the Circular Economy Taskforce and head of public sector partnerships and policy and insights at WRAP, on why the organisation is backing the government’s circular economy plans
Challenges force fresh produce operators to consider future
Global Coalition of Fresh Produce report on price and value chains finds 70 per cent of operators are thinking of exiting the industry within the next two to three years
Dole orders 400 Star Cool 1.1 units with Sekstant telematics
Dole is upgrading its reefer containers in order to gain more detailed data insights and improve overall operational efficiency
Research points to positive effect of Poly4 on soil health
Anglo American and Biome Makers have formed a collaboration to assess the impact of low-carbon fertiliser Poly4 on the soil microbiome
Vip’s herbicide-free apples attract market premium
Consortium’s new environmentally friendly line already has the backing of several growers in its home region of Val Venosta
Food safety officer to depart IFPA
Natalie Dyenson is leaving the association, with a search for her replacement “starting immediately”
![Trade Mission to the Netherlands[70]](https://d3fwccq2bzlel7.cloudfront.net/Pictures/415x277/0/5/8/138058_trademissiontothenetherlands70_428509.jpg)
Dutch experts explore India’s greenhouse potential
Market demand for premium crops including berries, tomatoes, peppers and salads is said to be increasing
Reybanpac one of top 10 job-generating companies in Ecuador
Company was the only banana producer and exporter to receive an award at the Talent Summit Ecuador 2025
Three Italian apple suppliers form new association
Alpoma APO brings together Vog, Vip, and Vog Products, who together will focus on R&D, sustainability and new commercial projects
Report identifies new revenue from crop waste
A new report from Growing Kent & Medway highlights the untapped potential of waste from horticultural crops
Red Tractor commits farm assurance scheme to wide-ranging improvements
The food assurance scheme promises significant improvements following publication of the Farm Assurance Review
Fruit breeder CIV names new general manager
Former commercial director Federico Stanzani takes on lead role as consortium targets future growth
Spar sells Trudi’s bananas in UK first
Retailer’s primary wholesaler James Hall & Co says premium-branded fruit has boosted sales following shift in consumer demand
Rooted in innovation: Macfrut 2025 unites science and agriculture
The International Potato Symposium and the International Symposium on Biotechnological Tools in Horticulture are among the highlights of Macfrut’s 42nd edition
New Belgian campaign targets growth in Norway and UK
Vlam has unveiled a three-year project designed to raise awareness of Belgium’s premium quality fruit and vegetables
Anecoop recognised for its academic and social commitment
Company honoured by CIRIEC-Spain for its support of teaching of cooperativism and response to Dana
FCC and Zespri complete first-ever biofuel kiwifruit charter
The shipment kicked off the 2025/26 season in Greater China
Weather, currency and logistics challenges push Kakuzi to pre-tax loss
The Kenyan exporter says its avocado business saw a major dowturn in profits last year
Genesis Fresh and TEO launch premium mandarins
Groups say the introduction of Havva and Sigal marks the next chapter of the Volcani Project and extends the Orri mandarin campaign
Vertical farm giant Plenty files for bankruptcy
Bezos-backed vertical farm company, which recently partnered with Driscoll’s, secures bridging loan as restructuring begins
Sakata gets closer to the customer
Matthieu Maxant, chief operating officer at Sakata Vegetables Europe, outlines how the seed company’s customer-centric approach is driving its innovative breeding programmes