Markets news from Fresh Produce Journal
Essential stories, analysis and research from UK’s fresh produce markets, with a focus on retail, wholesale, marketing, and consumers.
Riverford sales rise as higher costs squeeze profits
Devon-based veg box company chose to absorb costs rather than passing on, while sharing £1.1mn of profit equally with its 1,000 co-owners in the last financial year
Nick Marston to step down as British Berry Growers chair after nine years
Under his leadership, UK berry industry has expanded to be worth more than £600m in Gross Value Added, supporting over 16,000 jobs
Former Lidl CEO joins Co-op board
Senior retail leader Ronny Gottschlich is to join the Co-op board as independent non-exec director as group looks to future growth
Morrisons makes further price cuts to key veg lines
Cabbage, kale and potatoes among veg lines reduced to 37p as retailer cuts prices for second time this month to help shoppers cope with January squeeze
European demand for Egyptian strawberries stays strong
Adverse weather conditions in Morocco and Spain have disrupted berry supplies to Europe this winter, with buyers turning instead to Egypt
Fruit Logistica 2026: New Product Showcases celebrates its premiere
Fruit Logistica launches new innovation format: Eleven new products from the fresh produce, machinery and technology, and logistics segments
Cobrey Farms raises money for local charity with second-earliest British asparagus on record
Renowned Wye Valley grower raises £700 for children’s support services as new growing methods allow “exceptionally early” start to the season
Fresh Direct announces three regen farming projects with key suppliers
Foodservice supplier said it is committed to creating resilient supply chains as climate and extreme weather make it ‘increasingly difficult to grow food’
Bollo and ClemenGold International join forces
Companies have announced a strategic alliance designed to deliver a seamless 12-month supply of premium mandarins to European retailers
Unica Group to debut new SOLOH tomato at Fruit Logistica
The premium snacking tomato is part of the cooperative’s strategy of creating added value and adapting to new consumer demands
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Moldovan stonefruit navigates frost for premium opportunities
Last April’s frosts may have slashed yields, but Moldova’s stonefruit exporters are capitalising on premium pricing and high EU demand
NCGM tenants unveil clock in honour of Gary Marshall
Dedication of Marshall as longstanding Covent Garden Tenants Association chairman recognised in nod to the time spent representing tenants
Former FPJ publisher David Hope-Mason dies aged 85
Hope-Mason led former FPJ publisher Lockwood Press for over 30 years and co-founded Market Intelligence, which launched Eurofruit and Asiafruit
Italian supplier urges consumers to make Snappy decision
Convenience, health, sustainability and flavour are key ingredients in new line of snack grapes out of Puglia
The Greenery champions Inspire strawberry variety
Dutch cooperative brings award-winning variety to market, combining premium taste with commercial performance and grower reliability
Morrisons-Disney partnership encourages kids to snack healthily
Tie-up aims to increase children’s engagement with fruit and will run throughout 2026
Moroccan berry volumes curbed by cold
Adverse weather is creating challenges for Moroccan berry growers, limiting volumes and keeping prices up, as demand from the UK remains firm
IGD launches new weight loss jab insight series
New series will use diary tracking of GLP-1 users plus expert insight to help food businesses navigate impact of weight loss medication as users overtake numbers of those on vegan diet
Katherine Ryan joins Pink Lady campaign to Find Your Fizz
Comedian has helped launch a Pink Lady social media challenge to bring a pop of pink, pause for a moment or create a fizz of kindness
Tru-Cape cultivates new connection with Harvard Business School
Students on immersive work placement scheme offer fresh ideas on how to sell apples in export markets