Markets news from Eurofruit
Essential stories, analysis and research from Europe’s fresh produce markets, with a focus on imports, retail, wholesale, marketing, and consumers.
Unilever merges food business with McCormick
Merger will create ‘scaled, global powerhouse of flavour’ with revenues of $20 billion and portfolio of household food brands with vast produce buying power
French supplier Lagache targets European neighbours with new exports division
Lagache FreshCo will focus on supplying the UK and several other European markets, led by former BelOrta sales and marketing director Jo Lambrecht
Easter 4p veg deals criticised as growers face sharp cost increases
Retailer promotions will ‘warp’ price of food in consumer minds, say growers, who face millions in additional standing charges as of today
Keep calm and berry on: Top takeaways from Fruitnet Berry Congress
Mike Knowles and Maura Maxwell are joined by FPJ editor Fred Searle for a berry-themed edition of The Fresh Ideas Show podcast
Easter buoys sales but Middle East war set to reduce spend
Retail sales have risen ahead of the key trading period over Easter, but analysts predict shoppers will cut back when faced with rising prices
Scales posts strong results as Mr Apple maintains premium growth
New Zealand group says it expects good pricing and favourable exchange rates to support apple exports in 2026
Afhorfresh issues warning on rising production costs
The fresh-cut sector is particularly susceptible to price fluctuations in energy and other inputs, association says
Fairtrade launches Global Strategy 2026-2028
The non-profit organisation’s three-year plan addresses fair prices, market access and climate adaptation
SanLucar launches ‘blue wonders’ campaign for blueberry season
Fresh produce marketer rolls out spring campaign to promote its premium fruit and support sales with retail POS materials
Orsero Group affirms resilience amid inflation and volatility
Italian fresh produce multinational reassures shareholders of ability to withstand significant challenges as Middle East conflict continues
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Del Monte deal offers Italian company chance to expand
For the boss of Spreafico, one of Italy’s leading importer-exporters, its new brand partnership means plenty of fresh opportunity
New campaign to promote European avocados and mangoes
Spanish group Intertropic rolls out €9mn marketing project with EU support, starting in Spain and extending to France, Italy, and the UK
Licensed apples are ‘priority’ as Vip enjoys club classics
As Cosmic Crisp becomes Europe’s first year-round apple, South Tyrolean association says club varieties are at centre of its commercial plan
Driscoll’s launches The Berry Patch Book Club
The berry company has introduced four original digital books for early readers, building on its brand focus on shared family moments
BerryWorld signs up padel’s world number one
Supplier announces Delfi Brea as company’s brand ambassador for 2026, part of a strategy to connect with health-conscious consumers
Yuksel Seeds joins International Fresh Produce Association
The seed research and production company says joining IFPA represents a significant step in its international growth strategy
Is the UK grape market heading from feast to famine?
Analysis from UK fruit importer Richard Hochfeld predicts a switch from a demand-driven to a supply-driven market in the UK around week 16
Unifrutti Group launches premium blood orange juice with Sam’s Club China
Collaboration expands Unifrutti’s premium Mediterranean offering in China with one of the first blood orange juices available in the region
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
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