Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Florette launches ‘Essentials’ value tier
First two iceberg lettuce SKUs land in mid-May, with range aimed at shoppers on tighter grocery budgets
NFU urges newly elected councillors to back British farming
Planning, rural crime, rural connectivity and food procurement pinpointed as key areas where local government support would be most impactful
Innovation helping hospitality supply face current pressures
Geopolitical tensions, energy and labour costs are reshaping catering and hospitality supply, and bringing new opportunities, according to Fresh Direct’s Summer Market Review
Scotland drives surge in UK organic farmland
The amount of land dedicated to organic farming in the UK has reached its highest figure in more than a decade, but England and Wales are lagging behind Scotland
Turkish cherry volumes set to recover
This season, Turkish cherry volumes are expected to bounce back in a big way after last year’s frost-bitten campaign
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
Comment: The £74 banana is a good look for fresh produce
A new campaign designed to expose over-priced cosmetics offers plenty of hope for the fruit and veg business
Campaigners raise funds to save ‘mother of all Bramleys’
The future of the original Bramley tree is at risk as the Nottinghamshire cottage where it grows has been put up for sale
Port of Dover wins new ranking on BRCGS storage and distribution standard
The Port of Dover Cargo has been awarded a Grade A for its renewed BRCGS global standard for storage and distribution after continual improvement to its quality management and infrastructure
South African table grape industry shows resilience
Industry body Sati said the season demonstrated the country’s ability to adapt and remain competitive under pressure
Pink Lady Alliance closes after 25 years of stewardship
The non-profit organisation brought together growers, marketers and licensees from major production regions worldwide
SUBSCRIBE TO FRESH PRODUCE JOURNAL
The Fresh Produce Journal is the UK's leading source of fruit and vegetable industry news and analysis.
Subscribe and get 10 issues per year. Plus newsletters and full digital access.
Mediterranean Charentais melon plantings set to fall
Acreage forecast to decline in Morocco and France following extreme winter rains
Waitrose and Worldwide Fruit celebrate two decades of Jazz apples
Partners underline commitment to British growers with special promotional campaign to mark variety’s 20 years in UK
Pink Lady collaborates with Dash Water to reach new shoppers
New apple-flavoured sparkling water will launch at Tesco in June, reflecting “wider opportunities” for premium produce to diversify through brand collaborations
Suppliers urged to prepare for SPS changes
Produce businesses are encouraged to sign up for Defra email alerts and engage with trade bodies ahead of new guidance expected to be released this month
Blue Skies receives King’s Award for Enterprise
Prepped fruit specialist recognised for commitment to sustainable business in prestigious royal honours list
UK berry growers hit by Gulf disruption
British Berry Growers says it’s important the pressures facing producers are recognised across the supply chain, as the cost of production soars
Fresh Del Monte reports lower Q1 sales and income
The produce giant’s Q1 net sales fell 4.9 per cent to US$1.04bn, while net income dropped to US$10mn from US$31.1mn year-on-year
Aldi expects 20 per cent UK blackberry sales uplift
Sweeter varieties are driving demand among UK blackberry consumers as Aldi prepares to launch 100 per cent British range with suppliers including Driscoll’s
Juice brand spends six figures on first campaign
Juice brand Daily Dose, which buys surplus produce from UK farms, has launched its first advertising campaign across out-of-home, digital and in Waitrose stores as it looks to raise UK brand awareness
South Africa projects 209mn-carton citrus crop
The country’s total citrus export forecast is up 5mn on last year’s final figure of 203.9mn cartons