Sustainabillity
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?
Tesco launches agtech competition
Applications open for global agtech start-ups to advance supply chain sustainability
BetterSeeds sees benefits of gene-editing
The Israeli start-up is using gene-editing technology to design seeds that produce higher yields and faster-maturing crops that can adapt to the changing climate
Farming Fortnight returns for fifth year
LEAF Education’s annual online initiative to help schools spotlight British food and farming will run from 5-16 June
Fruitbox 95 · Sir Charles Godfray, Oxford University
Chris and Sir Charles discuss what population growth and climate change mean for the global food system
BelOrta uses Einstein to promote smart snacking
The Belgian cooperative is hoping to bring out students’ “inner Einstein” during the exam period, depicting the scientific genius on its tomato shakers this month
Vertical farming business Eider VF enters administration
Company that develops vertical farms producing leafy greens is up for sale just one year after £50m cash injection
Consumer support for Fairtrade “remains strong”
New research suggests that shoppers are staying loyal to Fairtrade products despite the the cost of living crisis
Sustainable Foods Summit discusses green transition
This year’s conference will hear from growers making the transition to sustainable food production, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of “nature-positive” production
Superplum rolls out new fresh lychee packs
Indian start-up unveils new pre-packed lychee to help reduce post-harvest waste
IBERS research centre joins LEAF Network
Welsh institute with a focus on food security becomes LEAF Innovation Centre to help the organisation develop more sustainable farming methods
Agroponiente Group moves to 100 per cent sustainable energy
Action is part of group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and the environment
Freshfel champions the true face of fresh produce
Association’s Annual Event in Brussels focused on building a fresh image for fruit and vegetables
Learning the tough lessons of Panama Disease
The banana industry must not repeat the mistakes of the past in its fight against TR4, warns Gert Kema
Stickers in the spotlight
Duncan Jones, senior marketing manager at Sinclair, looks at navigating the complexities of sustainable fruit stickers.
Italy floods: millions of fruit trees must be replanted
Last week’s terrible flooding has apparently choked the roots of fruit trees across Emilia Romagna, precipitating a major disaster for the region’s fresh produce busines
Albert Heijn uses AI to improve strawberry offer
Retailer says new technology can cope with variations in product shelf-life and make far more accurate predictions
Lidl delivers pay hat-trick
Lidl store and warehouse workers receive third pay rise in 12 months
New insect monitors listen out for bee activity in UK apple orchards
Insect tracking tech rolled out on three Kent apple orchards, providing real-time data on precious pollinator activity
Agrofresh expands offering in Brazil
Post-harvest freshness solutions specialist has SmartFresh InBox solution approved in Brazil
Riverford to become 100 per cent employee-owned
Founder Guy Singh-Watson to sell his remaining shares to the Riverford Trust but remain a co-owner
Photos: Global Tomato Congress 2023
A selection of pictures from Fruitnet’s Global Tomato Congress, which brought more than 300 people from 50 countries together at the Beurs-WTC in Rotterdam on 16 May 2023
BAPL issues SOS to retailers
British apple growers appeal to UK supermarkets for support to return to profitability and stay in business
Wooden revolution?
Enrique Soler and Salvador Cervera of Fedemco tell Fred Searle why they are confident wooden packaging will play an important role at British and European supermarkets as retailers’ push for sustainability continues
Defra announces new funding for farmers to protect landscape
Up to 25 projects will support sustainable food production while working towards the government’s environment and climate ambitions
Almaverde Bio sees benefits of organic “islands”
As it opens its 50th organic branded space in Italian supermarkets, Almaverde Bio says dedicated organic areas help reach new consumers
Floods cause serious disruption for Italian producers
Major floods across much of Emilia Romagna have reportedly caused widespread disruption to the Italian region’s fruit and veg production and distribution networks
Dimbleby welcomes renewed government support for farmers
Government is trying to rebuild confidence after “car-crash” policy announcements, says Leon co-founder, reiterating his call for a tax to fund universal free school meals
British Berry Growers sets up R&D board
The industry body establishes a research and development board to drive sustainability and efficiency
MPs deeply concerned about rural mental health
New Efra committee report calls for government action to address gaps in rural mental health provision
Fedemco presents new sustainability seal at Global Tomato Congress
Ecowoox label makes it easier for companies to comply with new EU regulations on packaging waste
Global food system faces 'major but solvable challenges'
Population biologist Sir Charles Godfray used this year’s City Food & Drink Lecture to share his optimism on feeding a global population of 10 billion and to argue for ‘sustainable intensification’ in Britain
Del Monte partners on healthy food distribution
Global fresh food leader invests in plant-based food company to scale production, logistics, and access new products aimed at the healthy snacking category
High hopes for food summit
UK Farm to Fork Summit might secure brighter future for British farming, says Soil Association
Govt backs UK fruit and veg
Prime minister announces new support package for British growers to strengthen food security ahead of today’s food summit
Major challenges ahead for tomato business
Cindy van Rijswick of Rabobank reports on the state of the industry as the Global Tomato Congress in Rotterdam gets underway
Cultivate home-grown fruit pickers, says Braverman
Home secretary says UK should train its own fruit pickers and lorry drivers to cut migration
