Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Syngenta invests £100m in UK crop protection research hub
The new biotech and research centre will bring together 300 scientists working with cutting-edge AI technology to fast-track new crop protection products
New salad farm to set up 1.1km underground
A new project will explore the potential for underground food production in a working deep sea salt mine off the coast of north east England
Uncovering horticultural history ‘could rescue plants of the future’
University of Nottingham project looks to the past to find modern plant propagation solutions
Labour MP calls for debate on farmer co-ops
A ’co-op shaped food system’ can help keep costs down and strengthen food security, according to Labour MP calling for new debate on how to expand agricultural co-ops in the UK
Brakes takes its chefs and sister companies on the road
Fresh Direct and Country Choice will join parent company Brakes and a raft of development chefs at a series of ‘food expos’ this summer as the foodservice giant takes to the road
Conversations
Fruitbox 117 · Hein Deprez, Greenyard
Greenyard’s founder discusses the company’s recent privatisation and explains why he sees an urgent need to redefine healthy eating
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant explains how supermarkets can reconnect with customers through better design, storytelling, and a renewed focus on food
Fruitbox 115 · Daniel Sauvaitre & Philippe Binard, World Apple & Pear Association
Recorded live at Prognosfruit 2025, the latest episode of Fruitbox brings you instant reaction to this year’s European apple and pear production forecasts
Nationwide Produce acquires EuroFresh Evesham
Acquisition comes as Nationwide continues to expand
Peru anticipates weak El Niño in 2026
Central Reserve Bank of Peru report predicts weather phenomenon will have limited impact on fruit crops
Berry business faces up to new challenges as growth continues
Investment in varieties, segmentation, marketing and technology will help build more profitable berry business, delegates heard at Fruitnet Berry Congress
Cabinet secretary opens £15mn extension of Brakes’ Newhouse Depot
Development will help Brakes build on its support for Scottish produce
Middle East conflict impacts airfreight options for fresh produce
Some flights have been able to reach Middle Eastern markets to supply fruit and vegetables, but global capacity has dropped as prices rise
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Martin Emmett re-elected as NFU Hort chair
Three key re-appointments to the NFU’s Horticulture and Potatoes Board have been confirmed after voting today
Farmer-led vining pea density trials to begin
Fen Peas, PGRO and Dyson initiative aims to reassess optimum plant densities
Farmers and NGOs call for level playing field on imports
NFU, WWF and RSPCA say the government must live up to its manifesto commitments
Eternal.ag launches autonomous tomato harvesting robot Harvester
The AI-powered system addresses labour shortages that have seen European greenhouse workforce decline 30 per cent since 2010
BerryWorld launches health-focused campaign for berry category
Leading berry supplier BerryWorld is launching a major health-focused campaign to educate consumers about the nutritional benefits of berries. The initiative, previewed at Fruit Logistica and supported by new consumer research, targets key wellness trends including immunity, gut health and weight management throughout 2026
Land Use Framework published with promise to prioritise food production
Defra’s much-anticipated report outlines long-term goals for 2030 and 2050
Middle East conflict threatens apple and pear growers
War will drive up costs even further for growers who already face heavy administrative burden and labour shortage, says industry body
Scaling sustainable farming ‘would prevent £150bn hit to economy by 2050’
New McCain-backed report says more UK government support would be transformative
South Africa announces rail and logistics reform plans
The South African government has announced sweeping transport reforms – but will they make a difference?
New contest aims to get kids curious about carrots
BCGA and Elsoms have teamed up to offer prizes and an opportunity to visit a farm