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.
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
Government plans to treble food redistribution
The Prime Minister has announced new plans to treble the amount of surplus food available for redistributions, as Wrap calls on all partners to step up efforts
Oddbox and Mindful Chef unite at Oakland International site
Fresh produce delivery service opens door to expansion as it joins meal kit company at Redditch distribution centre
Vignola cherries return with optimistic forecast
Producers in northern Italian region say they expect to maintain market presence into early July as new campaign begins
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
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
‘Lots of demand, not enough of the right supply’ in mangoes
Lewey Hook, the technical director at SHP Tropical, gives FPJ a brief round-up of some of the key developments affecting mango supply to the UK
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
Minor, Weir & Willis launches ‘linerless’ avocado packaging
Supplier collaborates with partners to develop sustainable solution for best-selling ready-to-eat twin-packs
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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
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