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.
The new Buyers’ Walk is a milestone, now it’s our time to shine
Chairman of the Covent Garden Tenants’ Association and owner of Bevington Salads, Gary Marshall, reflects on the end of an era, what moving to the new Buyers’ Walk really means and the future of face-to-face wholesale trading
Vertical farm GrowUp made losses of £3.7mn before administration sale agreed
Kent-based supplier of vertically-grown leafy salads was sold before Christmas to a new private equity subsidiary, with new documents revealing company’s financial performance
NCGM wholesalers complete move to new Buyers’ Walk
A significant milestone in the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market has been reached this week after 15 wholesalers joined those already in Block B, with the new walk now fully operational
Fresh Del Monte Produce addresses banana supply crisis
Jorge Pelaez of Fresh Del Monte Produce discusses declining banana source volumes, varietal development, and greater support for growers
Rijk Zwaan showcases innovative varieties at Fruit Logistica
The Dutch breeding company will showcase its Nasonovia Defense lettuce, Blue Leaf cucumbers and health-focused varieties in Berlin
Defra secretary announces partnership board and new £30mn fund
Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds also confirmed new opening windows to the SFI grant scheme and a sector plan for horticulture at today’s Oxford Farming Conference
Growth in online shopping drives strong Christmas grocery sales
Shoppers spend £19.6bn over four weeks to 27 December, according to NIQ data, with 29 per cent of UK households buying groceries online
PrepWorld France prepares to grab slice of European fresh-cut market
New joint venture between Omer-Decugis & Cie and PrepWorld will be situated at the Port of Dunkirk
Finalists revealed for Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards 2026
Nominees for Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards 2026 have been announced, with five nominees each in Fresh Produce and Technology categories
Co-op new meal range targets weight loss jab users
New ‘Good Fuel’ range responds to rising number of Brits using weight loss medication and looking for ‘quality over quantity’ in their meals
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Store Check: Marks & Spencer Foodhall
The UK-based retailer is investing heavily in its successful store concept, in which fresh fruit and vegetables feature prominently
Topfruit growers face two per cent rise in costs
Inflationary pressures around orchard management and post-harvest operations are behind an expected rise in costs for apple and pear growers in 2026, according to new research by the British Apples & Pears association
UK junk food advertising restrictions come into force
Food Foundation hails “world-leading milestone” in efforts to protect children from obesity
Fyffes says Trudi’s brand is delivering category growth
The ethically focused brand has achieved volume growth at Coop Norway and strong value sales through Spar UK
M&S launches new range aimed at weight loss jab users
The ‘nutrient dense’ salads, snacks and meals have higher amounts of key vitamins and minerals in relation to calorie content and are aimed at those with reduced appetites
Red cabbage ‘gatecrashes’ the British Christmas dinner
Tesco believes antioxidant-rich vegetable has become mainstay of festive roast, benefitting from rising demand for brightly coloured vegetables
AH Worth launches new kale into Tesco
The new Tesco Finest Red Kale has a striking leaf colour and sweeter flavour, and adds to AH Worth’s premium brassica range
Government confirms PO funding will not be renewed
Farming minister Angela Eagle has said the Fruit & Veg Aid Scheme will ‘permanently close’ at the end of this year but future support is being considered
Morrisons slashes Christmas veg to 5p
The festive promotion is available to More Card loyalty customers and prompted Aldi to make further reductions to match the price of 5p on core Christmas veg
New juice made from surplus apples launches at Waitrose
A bumper season and smaller fruit sizes has led to a limited edition apple juice under partnership between Waitrose and juice brand Daily Dose