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.
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.
French stonefruit suppliers face steep challenges
Apricot growers in France are struggling to make a profit, according to Serge Mouneyrac of Mouneyrac Frères, while cherry production requires substantial investments to protect the crop
Little Joya launches nationwide in Tesco with limited-edition Peppa Pig packs
Activation features collectible co-branded packs and is supported by fully integrated marketing campaign aimed at parents with children
AVA Dalicia strawberries to launch in UK by end of year
Scottish berry breeder hoping for high demand when Mediterranean variety opens for UK sales in 2026/27 following strong performance this season
NCP to appeal High Court judgment on Nadorcott
Group to fight on after court ruled Asda had not infringed plant breeders’ rights with sale of Tang Gold mandarins
High court decision on mandarins could have wider implications
UK judge’s decision to dismiss Nador Cott Protection’s case could mean retailers continue to sell Tang Gold variety
‘Resilience is about more than just multiple origins’
Wealmoor CEO Avnish Malde tells Fred Searle about the grower-importer’s rich history, his journey into fresh produce, and why supply resilience is in the firm’s DNA
Designing the future of strawberries
Dyson Farming’s Steve Barker shows Nina Pullman round the company’s cutting-edge glasshouse complete with robotic pickers and a vertical, rotating growing system
S&A Produce kicks off new season British strawberries
The British strawberry season is underway with the first pick at Kent supplier S&A Produce, alongside growing advances in winter season British berry supply
Lidl aims to cut food waste by 70 per cent
Individuals will be able to help redistribute food surplus from Lidl stores as the discounter announces it is accelerating food waste reduction plan
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Children eat more fruit and veg after outdoor activity
New research from Aldi has highlighted a seasonal drop off in fresh produce consumption during winter as children spend more time indoors
‘Customer focus key to growing avocado category’
Fred Searle speaks to Wim Destoop, global chief customer officer of Westfalia Fruit, about the avo supplier’s customer-led marketing strategy, the potential of the Gem variety, and the growing importance of supply diversification
Food Waste Action Week shows how people can ‘make food go further’
Survey highlights economic and environmental benefits of avoiding food waste, with average UK household of four wasting £200 worth so far in 2026
Fruitnet Berry Congress still the best place to track innovation in berries
Conference and networking event brings business leaders together to discuss better products, stronger supply chains, and new market trends
Aldi targets more long-term agreements with British growers
Discounter commits to securing half of domestic produce through multi-year deals by 2027 as UK growers face mounting pressures
Angus Soft Fruits hits fundraising milestone
Berry supplier Angus Soft Fruits expressed its gratitude for the support it has received ahead of its participation at the Doddie’s Triple Crown cycling challenge
Agri-food is the top sector for seasonal worker abuse, report finds
New analysis has found the global agri-food sector saw most alleged instances of abuse against seasonal workers with UK retailers among 600 major employers linked to cases
Fresh Forward celebrates exceptional growth of Bachata strawberry
Fresh Forward’s Bachata strawberry programme is expanding into new regions, with production ramping up significantly for the 2026/27 season to meet rising demand
Female berry leaders share tips for success in ‘male-dominated’ industry
Senior female figures from Haygrove, Angus Soft Fruits and Driscoll’s are joining the International Women’s Day 2026 campaign to raise up other women
Tesco secures 60 per cent more UK asparagus
Warmer temperatures and new production techniques have enabled one grower to bring forward start of season by six weeks