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.
Discounters lead the way with British apples after first two months of season
Between them Lidl and Aldi bought over 40 per cent of the apples sold by Brititish Apples & Pears growers in September and October
Lidl crowned Retailer of the Year by British Berry Growers
Discounter wins trade body’s top prize for supporting domestic soft fruit after 46 per cent increase in sales of British berries
Grocery price rises slow as retailers roll out festive deals
Inflation eases in October as grocers’ year-on-year sales increase and spending on deals rises considerably
Future of tomatoes in the spotlight in Malaga
Tomato experts gathered in the Spanish city of Malaga this week for Fruitnet Tomato Congress, a two-day event highlighting the big future challenges facing the category, as well as the opportunities and solutions for businesses
South African stonefruit sector optimistic for strong season
South African producers are optimistic for a strong stonefruit season on the back of increased production, favourable weather and improvements to address long-running logistical issues
Former M&S technical director Paul Willgoss replaces Christine Tacon as MDS chair
Tacon’s tenure saw fresh produce management training provider treble trainee numbers and double company membership
New Covent Garden welcomes new general manager
Robert McAuliffe joins CGMA, bringing 20 years of experience in property operations, sustainability and strategic transformation
Zespri sees UK sales boost from retail sampling campaign
Kiwifruit marketer reports notable increase in UK sales following in-store sampling campaigns with major retailers and big awareness drive in train stations
Fyffes wins ESG leadership award at Business Post ceremony
Fyffes has been recognised for its environmental, social and governance leadership at the Business Post Leadership Awards in Dublin, with chief corporate affairs officer Caoimhe Buckley also winning ESG Leader of the Year.
Fruitnet Tomato Congress looks to the future of tomatoes
On 11-12 November in Malaga, Spain, essential event focuses on how the fresh tomato business can cope with future challenges like climate change, labour challenges, and evolving consumer demand
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IGD launches Food Supply Chain Sustainability Framework
On the anniversary of its Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK, IGD has announced the launch of a new framework to better integrate sustainability into businesses
Fruitful results prove value of Tesco’s schools programme
Teachers report improved performance when pupils are nutritionally fed
Jo Breare steps down as general manager of Covent Garden Market Authority
Tenants Association chairman Gary Marshall pays tribute to Breare’s ‘incredible support’ for traders after 17 years at the market
South African export logistics sector shows major improvement
Government agencies and private sector collaboration has delivered significant operational efficiencies across South Africa’s export logistics network, with the citrus industry shipping record volumes and port facilities showing marked improvements
IGD identifies seven key retail trends for 2026
Market analyst IGD has unveiled seven pivotal trends set to shape the global food and grocery retail landscape in 2026, from cybersecurity priorities to AI-driven innovation and sustainability initiatives
Household budgets still under pressure as inflation remains high
Asda research finds households in seven out of 12 UK regions are worse off than a year ago
Albert Bartlett launches first ad campaign with Andy Murray
Multi-channel campaign gets underway, inviting the nation to ‘Bring out their Best Side’ and ‘Feel Like a Champion in the Kitchen’
Talented fresh produce salesman Richard Emanuel dies aged 43
Allfresch trader excelled in both procurement and sales and had a loyal global customer base
IFPA urges exemption for fresh produce from ultra-processed definition
The International Fresh Produce Association has submitted comments to US health departments emphasising that fresh fruits and vegetables should remain central to nutrition strategies as officials develop definitions for ultra-processed foods
Aphids “serious challenge” for UK lettuce growers
UK consumers are embracing the increased variety on offer in the salad category, but the warm, dry weather is creating issues for the country’s producers, according to the British Leafy Salads Association