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.
A scary swap: Tesco to sell ‘monster’ swede for Halloween carving
Extra large ‘Monster Mash’ swede is being promoted ahead of Halloween in partnership with Scottish grower ESG Drysdale
Rijk Zwaan champions ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties
Dutch seed specialist Rijk Zwaan continues to develop its portfolio of tomato varieties with high resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges
British Butternut gets campaign push
Seasonal squash is being promoted thanks to a new partnership between Veg Power, Barfoots, Waitrose and Sakata
Branston boosts volume in Nemo roasting variety
Producer will supply Tesco with 87 per cent more of the fast-cooking roasting variety this season amid strong demand
Aldi launches new logo to help shoppers make healthier choices
‘Live Healthy’ mark will highlight items that contribute to a healthy, balanced diet as discounter reaffirms commitment to supporting nutrition
Online sales return to Covid-era levels
Sales of online shopping at the supermarkets have risen by 12 per cent in the last four weeks, reaching highest share since March 2022
Fruitnet Berry Congress returns to London
Leading global event for the berry business brings a broad array of supply chain partners – including retailers and suppliers – together for two days of talks, networking and study tours
Coveris wins packaging company of the year
Packaging specialist picked up four wins at the UK Packaging Awards 2025, including best new concept and a nod for COO Jo Ormrod as Woman of the Year
Produce shippers await net zero vote amid US threat
As geopolitical storm grows, fresh produce shippers watch for outcome of crucial meeting on sustainability framework that could reshape industry strategy for years to come
Poupart toasts 130 years in fresh produce
Long-standing UK importer says loyal partners, insistence on quality, and reliable service have been key to its success
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Fruitist unveils Go Berry blueberry campaign
Premium supplier keen to open up new sales channels across Europe for its convenient snack pots
Zespri targets world’s healthiest fruit brand status by 2035
New Zealand kiwifruit marketer outlines ambitious strategy, as it looks to capitalise on growing consumer demand for naturally nutritious products
Naturitalia stands up for premium values
The Italian company unveiled a new corporate identity in Madrid as it aims to build on the recent success of various high-value product lines
Comment: Planning reform is crucial to berry sector’s future
It is not unreasonable to think we are exactly the kind of industry any government of the modern age should be falling over itself to grow. And a national planning framework would do exactly that, writes British Berry Growers chairman Nick Marston
New event aims to supercharge Scotland’s organic sector
A new event aims to bring Scottish organic farmers and growers together to capitalise on continued market growth and favourable policy support by the Scottish government
Westfalia unveils avocado ’orchard of the future’
The ‘genetic library’ hosts over 140 avocado varieties from around the world as researchers breed the varieties of the future, including novel shapes, jumbo sizes and different flavours
South African citrus exports surge past 200mn cartons
South African citrus growers are celebrating a record export season, with shipments now expected to exceed 200mn cartons despite early closures to key EU and US markets due to regulatory and tariff challenges
Freshfel backs EAT-Lancet call for fruit and vegetable policy shift
Freshfel Europe has welcomed the latest EAT-Lancet report on sustainable food systems, saying it aligns with the association’s calls for a drastic shift in EU policies to position fruit and vegetables as key partners in addressing rising societal challenges
Fyffes wins sustainability excellence award
Global banana and fruit producer Fyffes has been recognised for its environmental sustainability efforts at the FPC Fresh Awards in London, winning the Ethical Sustainability Excellence 2025 award
Exceptional quality cheers Belgian topfruit growers
After last season’s wet conditions, Belgium’s organic apple and pear producers welcomed this summer’s unusually sunny weather, which is partly responsible for the “incredible quality” of the new harvest