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.
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
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
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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
Dole wins gold at Brandon Hall Group leadership awards
Fresh produce giant Dole has secured gold recognition at the prestigious Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards for its international Key Talent Programme, marking outstanding achievement in leadership development
Brakes opens scheme for new suppliers
25 small businesses a year to win a Brakes contract and mentoring under new Get Set Supply! scheme to help new entrants access foodservice sector
M&S launches ‘world exclusive’ Pink Blush grape
US-grown Pink Blush is described as a ‘sensory experience’ and follows the new mango grape launch earlier this month as M&S rolls out of wave of innovation in the category
Consumers swap eating out for branded treats
High inflation has prompted consumers to reduce spend in restaurants while branded grocery items have out-performed own label during the last four weeks
Joya apples land at Sainsbury’s and Aldi
Brand drums up consumer interest in red-fleshed variety with multi-channel campaign including sampling activations in Manchester and London
Driscoll’s One Family, One Earth campaign wins marketing plaudits
Awards highlight Driscoll’s community investments and environmental sustainability initiatives
Potato grower diversifies into padel
A Yorkshire farmer has converted a potato warehouse into an indoor court for the world’s fastest growing sport after low returns prompt diversification
Cherry sales up 150 per cent at Ocado
Online retailer believes popularity for ‘retro’ cherry flavour has boosted fresh sales, while warm weather has led to bumper crops of berries and apricots
Blue Skies marketing director steps down
Mark Crawford has overseen strong growth at the tropical fruit supplier, and leaves the business for new role