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.
Bury shows way for healthier school meals
National food standards in the UK are facing an overhaul, and the Soil Association sees Bury as the best example of how councils can deliver healthier, fresher and more sustainable meals
M&S breaks ground on new NDC
The £340 million facility will significantly increase capacity and efficiency as retailer moves towards target to double food business
British Tomato Fortnight puts focus on snacking
Wide-ranging industry campaign is putting the emphasis on healthy snacking for lunchboxes and World Cup get-togethers, with samples going out to digital influencers, chefs and key media figures
BerryWorld’s Charlotte Knowles wins at inaugural Women in Food and Drink Awards
Berry supplier’s marketing and communications director said it was a ‘surprise to be nominated and a shock to win’
Del Monte partners with rising British tennis star
New ‘Fresh for the Win’ campaign in partnership with 18-year-old Mimi Xu connects healthy snacking with active lifestyles
Dole pleased with ’solid start’ to 2026
Group reports year-on-year revenue growth for the opening quarter, although net income is down on 2025
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
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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
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
Pink Lady Alliance closes after 25 years of stewardship
The non-profit organisation brought together growers, marketers and licensees from major production regions worldwide
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
Greosn: the fresh produce investment firm driving sustainability at speed
Fred Searle speaks to CEO Matt Jarrett about the fast-rising company’s 10‑year plan to “future‑proof British farming and build long‑term resilience”
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
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