Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
WRAP Water Roadmap receives funding boost
Nature Recovery Project partners with WRAP to tackle water scarcity in food-producing regions for UK
NFU Education sets new ‘live lessons’ record
NFU Education Live Lessons inspire almost half a million schoolchildren to learn about farming during British Science Week 2025
Aldi marks Food Action Waste Week with two-pronged campaign
Aldi gives shoppers chance to win a year’s supply of Too Good to Go Surprise Bags and teams up with Lagomchef in its bid to cut food waste
Potatoes top the bill at Welsh farming event
Pembrokeshire potato event teaches kids link between farming and food
Berry business bursting with potential
Fruitnet Berry Congress hears how there’s plenty of room for growth in the category – but better marketing is key
Conversations
Fruitbox 113 · Franka Rodriguez, Aldi South Group
Franka talks to Chris about the extension of Aldi South Group’s ethical sourcing model into avocados, with more categories on the horizon
Fruitbox 112 · Daniel Sauvaitre, Interfel
Chris and Daniel look at global trade policy and its impact on the fruit and vegetable business
Fruitbox 111 · Duncan Jones, Sinclair
Duncan talks about Sinclair’s new home-compostable fruit label, described as a “huge step forward” in making fruit and vegetable labelling a 100 per cent sustainable practice
South African raisin sector grows despite weather hit
Unusually high rainfall and humidity hit the Lower Orange River, but supplies are holding up
Farmer confidence ‘at an all-time low’, NFU survey indicates
Union says government policies are depressing farmers and stunting investment
New pitted date brand in talks over UK listings
Naturally caramel-flavoured Datekin set to offer point of difference in the category
Defra SFI decision ‘risks organic sector’
Organic farming body says government move to halt SFI applications threatens domestic supply of sustainable food
London Gateway secures new 10-year LDO to expand Logistics Park
DP World says the Local Development Order will allow it to develop the rest of the park’s space
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NFU furious after Defra pulls SFI scheme
Defra delivers ”another shattering blow” to farmers with sudden closure of SFI applications, says NFU
Avocados “unfairly scapegoated” says WAO
World Avocado Organisation responds to UK gardener Alan Titchmarsh’s interview in The Times, where he expressed concerns over the fruit’s environmental impact
Rockit launches new marketing platform ahead of strong 2025 season
New Zealand snack-sized apple marketer prepares to export over 230mn apples this season
South African avocados due in Europe this week
Excellent season with the potential for a record export crop is on the cards for South Africa this year
Defra discussion on plant health fee hike bears little fruit
Comment: Mike Parr, CEO UK & Ireland of perishable logistics giant PML Seafrigo, wonders whether Defra will heed industry concerns on plant health fee hike and give AOS green light
Waitrose unveils £500k fund to help farmers towards net zero
Cash will help the retailer’s British suppliers invest in low-carbon projects
Trade responds to Titchmarsh avocado claims
Celebrity gardener’s calls to boycott the fruit are misguided according to industry association
Industry concern grows over proposed plant health fee hikes
FPC urges Defra to reconsider its approach and find alternative solutions
Eat Them to Defeat Them returns to UK primary schools
This year’s campaign has been designed for greater flexibility
Global agrifoodtech sector ‘showing signs of stabilising’
The UK has retained its position as the fourth-largest agrifoodtech investment market globally