Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
Oddbox releases third ‘wonky’ gin with Penrhos Spirits
Veg box scheme’s third tie-up with farm-made craft gin brand uses out of spec apples and imperfect fennel and lemon to capitalise on summer spritz trend
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
Ecuador banana business on red alert as El Niño looms
As export growth slows, country’s growers and exporters face up to container shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and climate change
Mission and Westfalia declare force majeure due to Mexican avocado shortage
Companies blame surging field prices and strong US demand for highly volatile market
Conversations
Fruitbox 117 · Hein Deprez, Greenyard
Greenyard’s founder discusses the company’s recent privatisation and explains why he sees an urgent need to redefine healthy eating
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant explains how supermarkets can reconnect with customers through better design, storytelling, and a renewed focus on food
Fruitbox 115 · Daniel Sauvaitre & Philippe Binard, World Apple & Pear Association
Recorded live at Prognosfruit 2025, the latest episode of Fruitbox brings you instant reaction to this year’s European apple and pear production forecasts
FPC raises concerns over new SPS deal with EU
The Fresh Produce Consortium has warned of new costs, greater complexity and more border friction as a result of proposed UK-EU SPS arrangements
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
Scales reports positive apple sales despite lower packout rate
New Zealand company, which owns Mr Apple and most of Fern Ridge Fresh, reconfirms profit forecast for 2026
‘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
Hapag-Lloyd improves transit times for South African citrus exporters
Shipping giant relaunches dedicated service into European and North American markets for third season
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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
Mission Produce clears Mexican regulatory hurdle for Calavo merger
Supplier secures antitrust approval to satisfy key closing condition for planned acquisition, expected to go ahead this week
Dyson Farming to host pea and bean trial days
Two June open days organised by trade body PGRO will showcase the latest trials and evaluation for vining and combinable pulses
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
Westfalia’s chief customer officer announces departure
Wim Destoop plans to take on board and consultancy roles in Belgium after three years with avocado and fruit supplier