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.
M&S unveils four vertically-farmed salad mixes
The new launches, including baby garlic kale and sorrel leaves, are packed within 60 seconds and offer five days extended shelf life
Nanna Tate launches baby potatoes into Tesco
Branston-owned potato brand is responding to sustained demand for convenience and scratch cooking with new easy prep range
Nationwide Produce appoints Dole UK's Marcel van Wyk as group MD of imports
At Dole Van Wyk held senior leadership roles across procurement, commercial, and operations, most recently as MD of UK imports
Minor, Weir & Willis launches ‘linerless’ avocado packaging
Supplier collaborates with partners to develop sustainable solution for best-selling ready-to-eat twin-packs
Zespri runs debut TV advert in UK as Morrisons sells first branded packs
Kiwifruit brand’s British market promotions now part of wider European campaign, with further retail partnerships expected to drive demand
Cobrey Farms launches first British Tenderstem of season into Tesco
Herefordshire grower builds seasonal excitement with earliest boxes in just its second year of Tenderstem production
Angela Eagle, Sainsbury’s and M&S among the big-name speakers at Festival of Fresh
From Defra minister Dame Angela Eagle to Sainsbury’s category director Hannah O’Reilly and M&S senior salads buyer Matt Buckingham, event on 10 June features a host of leading voices
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
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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
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