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.
Waitrose outperforms market despite losses at John Lewis parent group
Premium retailer saw a six per cent increase in sales in the first half of 2025 as new MD and former Tesco exec Tom Denyard takes the reins
South Africa eyes promising stonefruit season despite challenges
South African stonefruit growers are looking ahead to a positive season following last year’s significant volume increases, though US tariffs present new challenges
California Table Grape Commission launches global marketing campaign to support autumn crop
Campaign utilises multi-channel promotions and key festive celebrations to boost consumption
Beans campaign wins £1.4m in lottery funding
The collaboration between Veg Power, The Food Foundation, Ark Agency and local authorities is aiming for more sales, promotion and education around beans as a healthy food that can help cut dietary emissions
Asia ambitions: Brands, growth and ultra-quick retail
UK produce companies joined Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong where discussions centred on brands, logistics and new market opportunities. Nina Pullman and Fred Searle report from the show
Fyffes launches new banana campaign across Ireland
The iconic fruit marketer is rolling out a playful new marketing initiative featuring its branded bananas in unusual situations against famous Irish landmarks
Apeel Sciences sues wellness influencer over ‘toxic’ coating claims
California-based company files lawsuit against wellness influencer Robyn Openshaw, alleging she conducted years-long disinformation campaign against company’s plant-based produce coatings
UK growers spot stonefruit potential
Weather conditions in the south of England were ideal for cherry and plum production this year, as growers like WB Chambers step up efforts to extend the seasons
Bloom Fresh unveils antioxidant-rich red-fleshed grape Boombites
‘Superfruit’ grape with deep red pulp and high levels of anthocynanins debuts at M&S and Ocado
Italian growers hungry for growth as apple turnover warms up
The start of the new apple season looks extremely promising for Italian consortium Vog, with sales of premium brands continuing to grow and consumer awareness of its portfolio brand Marlene reaching an all-time high
SUBSCRIBE TO FRESH PRODUCE JOURNAL
The Fresh Produce Journal is the UK's leading source of fruit and vegetable industry news and analysis.
Subscribe and get 10 issues per year. Plus newsletters and full digital access.
The Greenery and BelOrta launch FreshAlliance cooperation
Dutch and Belgian cooperatives have officially established a Transnational Union of Producer Organisations, aimed at creating added value while maintaining their independent structures
Veg box firms go head-to-head with new marketing campaigns
Riverford and Abel & Cole have unveiled new campaigns ahead of the key back-to-school period taking aim at air-freighted produce and ultra processed food
South Africa’s blueberry sector rebounds with promising growth outlook
After several challenging years of declining production, South Africa’s blueberry industry is poised for a comeback with strong volumes expected during the peak season over the next two months
Belgian delegation visits key London wholesale markets
The visit to New Covent Garden and New Spitalfields markets was designed to reinforce Belgium’s reputation among buyers for reliable, counter-seasonal availability
Scottish firms behind world-first GigaFarm in Dubai
Agritech manufacturer IGS and deployment partner Modutec have teamed up for a project designed to replace 1 per cent of food imports in the UAE
BerryWorld Asia launches with China debut and India campaign
Agroberries Group has established a new regional division, BerryWorld Asia, to distribute its licensed berry varieties across Asian markets, including first-time entries into China and India
Red Tractor launches new family mealtime TV advert
Certification is celebrating 25 years with new animated TV advert highlighting everyday moments that matter, plus social media content from behind the scenes of family mealtimes
Sweet Sunrise grapefruit launches at Morrisons
Fresh Hub Group and Myton Food Group aim to reinvigorate grapefruit category with exclusive launch of Sweet Sunrise into Morrisons, following success of the Explore brand in grapes
M&S unveils landmark investment in new NDC
New £340m facility is retailer’s largest ever investment in its supply chain and will help ‘unlock’ target to double its food business
Agrial centred on sustainability
At its salad production sites in both Suffolk and Essex, the owner of the Florette salad brand aims to deliver on its promise of freshness while boosting the biodiversity of the local area