Latest news stories from Fresh Produce Journal
News updates for the UK fresh produce business.
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
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
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 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
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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
APPG on Science & Technology in Agriculture chair calls for total policy reset
George Freeman believes the UK needs a new approach to ensure its food security
Walsh Mushrooms unveils £10mn plan for Evesham growing facility
New site will have sustainability and efficiency at its heart
Consumer education key as Sinclair rolls out new compostable label
Sinclair’s senior marketing manager Duncan Jones explains why effective communication with customers and consumers is key to adoption of the new Sinclair-T55 compostable sticker
Sodexo nutrition report highlights drive for healthy food
Catering giant says it is putting good nutrition at the heart of its menus
Sysco engages parliamentarians on importance of food supply chain
Event in Westminster was attended by more than 30 MPs and peers
‘Women are shaping future of farming’, says ASF breeding programme director
Lucy Wilkins of Angus Soft Fruits reflects on the challenges and opportunities for women in horticulture ahead of International Women’s Day
Rainforest Alliance unveils streamlined certification programme
The new streamlined certification will mean less complexity for farmers, says Rainforest Alliance, allowing them to focus on practices that matter most for people and planet
UK consumers want more action on plastic packaging reduction
According to research from specialist polymer manufacturer Aquapak, consumers would like to see bolder steps from UK retailers and brands on reducing plastic packaging