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.
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
Iran conflict could raise fertiliser prices as growers prepare for planting
Gas price volatility and restriction of key fertiliser inputs through Strait of Hormuz could impact UK growing season for key salad and veg crops
Produce driving organic sales but demand is met by imports
Carrots, salad and bananas all contributed to growing organic sales at the multiple retailers, with sales up 4.2 per cent overall in the last year
Purple sweet potatoes hit Co‑op shelves for first time
Nutrient density has helped boost popularity of purple-flesh sweet potatoes in UK as Purple Majesty variety lands at convenience chain
Fischer Farms partners with cress and micro leaf grower Dawndew Salad
Companies say partnership aims to ‘set new benchmark’ in year-round supply of premium British salad
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Gulf conflict threatens major disruption to fruit trade
As shipping lines suspend operations, leading importer says conflict creates ‘big problem’ for international fresh produce suppliers
Aldi TV series to find ‘next big supplier’
Aldi CEO unveils ‘genuine opportunity for ambitious British food and drink producers’ to take part in its Channel 4 TV series to find undiscovered suppliers
Jazz apples to feature alongside Jeremy Clarkson at Farm-Fest
Apple brand’s sampling tour to visit new festival showcasing farmer livelihoods and skills, with appearances from industry celebrities
Demand for fresh food ‘has never been stronger’
Tesco CEO Ashwin Prasad has asked suppliers to help meet rising demand for fresh, and outlined the retailer’s focus on sustainability at the NFU Conference
Efficiency is the enemy of resilience, Lang warns the NFU
Professor Tim Lang told the NFU conference that British food supply chains are unable to withstand shocks such as geopolitical turmoil or cyber warfare
Professor Susan Jebb calls for ‘fundamental reset’ of food system as obesity crisis grows
Leading nutrition scientist calls for collaboration in UK food and drink sector to create system that prioritises health and nutrition but remains affordable
Tesco recalls prepped fruit after salmonella finding
Grape and berry medley has been recalled by retailer after salmonella was detected during testing with consumers urged not to eat
Space food brand seeks retail listing
Dried fruit and veg brand designed for astronauts is looking to expand into retail and capitalise on appeal to sports people and space enthusiasts
Family Tree Farms promotes commercial directors amid global market investments
Carla San Martin and Chris Taylor have seen their roles widen as the blueberry and stonefruit producer strengthens its international footprint
Shoppers see vegetables as the future of food, says Tesco
Chilled plant-based food sales are back in growth after years of decline, according to new figures from Nielsen, as Tesco says shoppers see vegetables as a “fundamental part of how people expect to eat in future”