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.
Foodservice supplier startup celebrates five years
New Covent Garden-based Fresh Union Group has marked five years of rapid expansion since setting up during Covid to supply hospitality and foodservice
One direction for Fresh Direct
On a visit to Fresh Direct’s Bicester hub, Nina Pullman finds a business adapting to customer needs, with a focus on added value and availability, despite challenging macro conditions
Experts urge action to avoid food crisis
The UK is “sleepwalking” into a food crisis, food experts warn the government in a co-signed letter demanding urgent action
‘More excitement’ needed to boost cabbage demand
Rijk Zwaan’s Christian Spangenberg says category needs new colours, shapes and sizes, as well as climate resilience
Organic apple demand continues to grow, says Italian supplier
Research suggests organic fruit market continues to offer strong growth opportunities across Europe
Aldi to invest £5bn in long-term British supply deals
Aldi confirms major investment to help achieve goal of buying 50 per cent of all British fresh produce through long-term agreements
Tesco launches new lines as chopped salad ‘craze’ takes off
Retailer has developed three new chopped salads based around crunch and colour as social media trend drives interest in ’big flavour’
Fresh produce on display at FarmFest
British tomatoes and Jazz apples were part of Jeremy Clarkson’s first FarmFest, which welcomed 40,000 visitors to Stoneleigh Park over the May bank holiday
Lidl becomes UK’s fifth largest retailer
Discounter has overtaken Morrisons with a new record market share, as elsewhere inflation pressures ease slightly to slowest rate since December 2024
Picota cherries to see ‘best season in years’
Producers of the protected Valley del Jerte variety are forecasting record volumes and excellent quality
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Supermarkets scoff at price cap proposal
UK’s big food retailers pour scorn on government’s suggestion of price caps on essential items to ease cost of living crisis
Tesco opens applications for ninth annual Agri-Tech Challenge
Retailer invites innovators to submit solutions that might help build more resilient, sustainable and productive food supply chains
Co-op strengthens support for UK potato growers
The UK retailer has introduced ‘best of season’ potato packs as it looks to make greater use of a broader range of homegrown varieties
Certification matters for compostable claims, says Sinclair
Sinclair’s Duncan Jones discusses sustainability claims, consumer understanding, and the value of transparency and clarity
Oranges and chickpeas will be ‘viable UK crops’ under warming climate
Water storage, adaption to sustainable farming and increased domestic production are critical if the UK is to maintain farming viability and food security, according to government climate report
Florette introduces price-marked salad packs for independent retailers
Salad supplier launches new packs with recommended retail price incorporated into bag designs for first time
Asda unveils major fresh and frozen range revamp
Retailer has announced the biggest upgrade across product, price and in-store environment in recent years, included dedicated staff in fresh produce aisles, free fruit for children and new lower prices
First Comber earlies expected by mid June
New season early Comber potatoes are expected by next month into ‘reasonably steady market’, with Cyprus new potato imports already available
Growers to receive £1.9 mn in legacy AHDB grants
Funding will be distributed via 22 sector trade bodies for three-year projects that support innovation and resilience
British strawberries ‘slow but worth the wait’
UK crop has been delayed due to a cooler spring but flavour is expected to be very strong due to slower ripening conditions