Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Richard Hochfeld Group to switch to employee ownership
Fruit importer announces plans to become 90 per cent employee-owned, with no change to senior leadership and Group CEO Alan Guindi retaining a 10 per cent share
Manor Fresh signs five-year potato supply deal with M&S
The potato supplier signed the contract ahead of being named ‘Produce Supplier of the Year’ by the retailer and helping deliver innovation and category relaunch
Grower reports record-breaking rhubarb
2025/26 yield up 16 per cent as grower cites favourable conditions and ‘rhubarb resurgence’ among retailers and consumers
Bang In Some Beans marks a year of bean brilliance
One year in, almost 50 businesses have joined the Bang In Some Beans campaign as foundation recognises Bidfood, Co-op and Bold Bean Company for ‘bean’ brilliant
Evidence demands could be slowing UK agri-tech adoption
Annual Agri-TechE conference hears challenges in turning innovation into practical solutions across the sector
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
UK grocery inflation creeps up ahead of winter spending
Inflation edges up 0.1 per cent, as pumpkin prices drop amid rising demand and essential supplies get snapped up following government campaign
Worldwide Fruit bags M&S Sustainability Award
The UK supplier stressed that its focus was already on the next phase of sustainability and resilience
Barfoots marks 30 years of sustainable partnership with LEAF
Celebratory plaque laid at foot of 28-year old tree commemorates partnership rooted in shared commitment to “forever farming”
Fresh Direct flags increasingly complex supply chain challenges
‘Mounting pressures’ across domestic and international supply chain despite progress in varietal development for beans, peat-free mushroom substrates, and regenerative citrus programmes
Dole rides challenges to report positive Q3 results
Carl McCann welcomes “solid” performance, achieved despite a “challenging operating backdrop”
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WRAP puts food waste on COP31 agenda
NGO sets out COP31 plans to push food waste higher up global climate and economic agenda
South Africa’s citrus sector asks: who stabilises the stabiliser?
The CGA’s Boitshoko Ntshabele says global demand for South African produce is not in question, but the clouds have gathered
Fairtrade calls for new law to protect banana growers
Foundation research finds ‘downward spiral’ of climate and cost pressures pushing growers and farmers to breaking point
Pea and bean remains have mixed effect on soil health, study finds
Legume residues in fields can benefit soil health and subsequent crop, but effect depend on variety and quantity returned to soil
Bionema seeks global technology and distribution partners
Leading UK-based biocontrol technology developer and manufacturer seeks partners to internationally scale Incapsulex, Adhesulex and BiofilmTech platforms
M&S names Isle of Wight Grower of the Year
Premium tomato brand credits company’s “willingness to challenge convention” and “ambition to create something genuinely different” for retailer award
EU apple imports set to rise as crop falls 13.5 per cent
FAS forecasts second-smallest EU apple crop in a decade, while pear and table grape production are expected to increase
Egypt's grape export business continues to expand
Improved logistics, new varieties and market access are supporting further export growth, according to new report
South African fruit exports set to rise despite challenges
USDA forecasts higher apple, pear and grape shipments as Asian market opportunities continue to open