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?
Kiwifruit drives New Zealand’s fruit export growth
Fresh fruit exports generated NZ$5.68bn FOB in 2025, up 42 per cent on 2024 results
IFPA urges exemption for fresh produce from ultra-processed definition
The International Fresh Produce Association has submitted comments to US health departments emphasising that fresh fruits and vegetables should remain central to nutrition strategies as officials develop definitions for ultra-processed foods
Coop Norway and BerryWorld team up for healthy Halloween
New Halloween blueberry pack aims to make healthy eating exciting and engaging for children
Aldi Colleague Shops aim to further reduce food waste
New initiative gives staff the opportunity to buy products that can’t be sold in stores
Aphids “serious challenge” for UK lettuce growers
UK consumers are embracing the increased variety on offer in the salad category, but the warm, dry weather is creating issues for the country’s producers, according to the British Leafy Salads Association
Barfoots repurposes squash and sweet potato ‘rubble’ for FareShare
Partnership with FareShare incorporates the edible surplus into charity meals and makes “perfect component” for a stew, curry or salad
Ifco expands southern Italy operation with three new hubs
Reusable packaging specialist expands logistics footprint to strengthen regional partnerships and ensure container availability during peak seasons
Applications open for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2026
FLIA Fresh Produce and FLIA Technology participation is free of charge, so make sure you submit your application before the end of October
Tunisia finds advantage in date heritage
Dates are helping to meet rising demand for healthy sweet foods, and Tunisia’s Deglet Nour variety, sold with the branch attached, offers an extra visual appeal
Comment: Kiwifruit needs coherent competition, not unsustainable speculation
The kiwifruit industry’s recent expansion in Europe has brought it to a decisive moment, one where its future viability is at stake, says Marco De Nadai
UK wooden pallet reuse maintains strong performance in 2024
The wooden pallet industry maintained strong reuse performance in 2024, with 53.9mn pallets inspected and repaired across UK supply chains, according to the latest annual market study by Timcon and the Forestry Commission
Expert voices, fresh perspectives at Fruitnet Tomato Congress
Fruitnet’s industry-leading event for the global fresh tomato business comes to Malaga, Spain, on 11-12 November, with expert speakers set to explore how the category is likely to evolve in the coming years
HM Clause says tomato disease resistance is just the start
HM Clause’s tomato breeding coordinator Katarzyna Grabka discusses the company’s intensified efforts to develop ToBRFV-resistant varieties, climate adaptation strategies, and new launches including Freeman and Centinela ahead of the Fruitnet Tomato Congress in Malaga
Hazera ramps up retailer engagement
Resistance and flavour or affordability and convenience? Tomato breeding company Hazera Seeds is engaging earlier with retailers to increase its consumer focus
Former CBBC presenter fronts Red Tractor consumer campaign
Angellica Bell hosts intergenerational cook-off to tap into nostalgia of cooking together as a family
One in 10 UK households are food-insecure, Food Foundation study shows
Pressure group calls for government to pledge to halve UK food insecurity levels in upcoming Child Poverty Strategy
Lidl outlines £30bn investment in British farming
Discounter also announces move to 100 per cent LEAF Marque certification on British fresh produce
Palestine Gardens exports dates against odds
Mo’men Sinokrot of Palestinian date specialist Palestine Gardens says the challenges to produce and export are severe, but the people’s commitment to the land remains steadfast
Carrier Transicold sells 25,000 OptimaLine containers for fresh produce
Refrigerated transport technology company also developing wireless, real-time monitoring systems to help fresh produce exporters go further
New housing among threats to future of UK orchards
Developers, local authorities and retailers can all play a part in securing the future of commercial, cider and community orchards, new report finds
Fyffes launches innovative carbon literacy programme
Initiative aims to engage young people in sustainability and climate awareness
Yuksel targets tomato growth amid ToBRFV challenges
Ahead of the Fruitnet Tomato Congress, Yuksel’s Hicham Abba discusses the company’s ToBRFV-resistant portfolio expansion and opportunities in premium tomato segments despite industry challenges
Prominent at 30: tomato innovation for a sustainable future
Dutch cooperative Growers United is this year celebrating three decades of Prominent, its tomato brand that has embraced innovation, sustainability and changing consumer demands
IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show concludes after “transformative days”
The International Fresh Produce Association’s flagship event attracted attendees from more than 50 countries, with record buyer engagement and major announcements including a new data intelligence platform
Swede championed in new campaign involving schools, retailers and growers
School tastings, farm tours, limited edition varieties and traditional stories are all part of a major new campaign to reintroduce swede as a modern ingredient at the heart of Scottish food culture
Choppy waters ahead for global shipping’s net-zero framework
US pressure and Saudi Arabia’s successful motion to adjourn IMO talks on the controversial framework appears to have scuppered a deal that took a decade to negotiate, despite backing from over a hundred countries
Rijk Zwaan champions ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties
Dutch seed specialist Rijk Zwaan continues to develop its portfolio of tomato varieties with high resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges
Zespri promotes Kok Hwee Ng to chief marketing officer
Kiwifruit marketer makes key appointment as part of long-term strategy to elevate company’s reputation to ‘world’s healthiest’ fruit brand
Veg Power expands remit to include fruit
Partnership with British Apples & Pears supports Veg Power’s mission to get more children eating fruit and veg snacks more often
IFPA develops global sustainability framework for fresh produce industry
The International Fresh Produce Association is creating a comprehensive sustainability framework to address mounting environmental, social and economic challenges facing the global fresh produce and floral supply chain
Greece prepares for tough kiwifruit campaign
Grower expectations for higher prices are putting pressure on Greek kiwifruit exporters ahead of the new season, as Greek volumes continue to grow as the European market slows
TTA-ISO aims for faster returns in tomato harvesting
TTA-ISO, the result of this year’s merger between Dutch firms ISO Horti and TTA, is seeing growing demand for its automation solutions, including for tomato plant grafting and robotic harvesting
Aldi launches new logo to help shoppers make healthier choices
‘Live Healthy’ mark will highlight items that contribute to a healthy, balanced diet as discounter reaffirms commitment to supporting nutrition
Zespri uses satellite technology to combat Italian kiwifruit disease
Company hails ‘revolution’ in management of vine disease moria, based on new remote sensing techniques combined with historical data
UK food ‘needs wartime transformation’
New report calls for radical transformation of food system, including producing more fruit and veg, to help farmers adapt to climate, preserve food security and tackle health crises
Online sales return to Covid-era levels
Sales of online shopping at the supermarkets have risen by 12 per cent in the last four weeks, reaching highest share since March 2022