Supply news from Eurofruit
Coverage of Europe’s local and international fruit and vegetable suppliers, including news and analysis of key areas such as production, trade, exports, logistics, and research and development.
Strong start for South African table grapes
South Africa’s table grape industry expects to reach close to 80mn export cartons this season, but faces challenges from US tariffs and tough European market conditions caused by increased Brazilian supply diversions
DP World launches Atlas service from Morocco to Europe
New dedicated sea route will transport up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually from Morocco to terminals in UK and Europe
Zespri’s Northern Hemisphere sales season underway
SunGold production is expected to increase by 30 per cent from last season
Minimum wage to rise by 4.1 per cent
Minimum wage will rise by 50p an hour for over 21s under Rachel Reeves’ Autumn budget, while businesses could benefit from lower electricity bills and lower rates for some hospitality and retail properties
Start-ups invited to apply for regen farm ‘match-making’ scheme
Pitch Up! scheme positions farms as business incubators with new food or rural business start-ups invited to apply for innovative circular economy tenancies
Autumn budget is ‘last chance’ to support growers, MPs warn
A cross-party group of MPs have written to Defra warning that closing the UK Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme and PO funding without a replacement on 31 Dec will cause some growers to ‘shut up shop’
Tiernaneill Mushrooms hails ‘major step forward’ for sustainable cultivation
Irish grower sees peat-free substrate as solution as industry transitions away from peat casing, set to be phased out by 2030
Fresh Direct ingredient arm unveils new collection
New range from Fresh Direct-owned Wild Harvest includes black truffle and other premium ingredients aimed at chefs seeking top quality
Spain’s exports down in volume but up in value for the year to September
Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable exports decreased by 2.8 per cent in volume during January-September compared to the same period last year, though value increased by 6.3 per cent to €13.876bn according to Fepex data
Calls grow for beefed-up supermarket regulation to protect farmers
Riverford has stepped up its campaign and gained support from farmers, MPs and industry bodies
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Enza Zaden launches ‘future-proof’ tomato
Vegetable breeder unveils variety developed for large cluster segment, offering high yields and strong disease resistance
Cameroon banana exports rise despite major producer halt
Other major operators managed to increase exports in September-October compared with same period last year, with subsidiary Compagnie des Bananes de Mondoni now the country’s third-largest banana exporter
McCain outlines positive impact of Community Shop tieup
Partnership has helped many people gain access to high-quality surplus food at reduced prices
Waitrose Foundation celebrates 20th anniversary milestone
Group looks back on a project that pioneered ethical trade and sustainable supply chains
Coronation Food Project celebrates 11 million meals in two years
Project inspired by King Charles has raised £20mn and delivered almost 5,000 tonnes of surplus food to communities in need since its inception
Defra ‘broadly accepts’ Efra Committee findings as negotiations begin for UK-EU SPS Agreement
Government agrees to many of committee’s recommendations as UK moves away from Border Trade Operating Model
GB Potatoes launches national survey to assess scale and health of industry
Research will build picture of business confidence and production levels, helping shape investment decisions, market development and productivity improvements
Chilean stonefruit exports to rise in 2025/26
Shipments to increase by 11 per cent, with plums leading the charge
Open letter urges rethink on inheritance tax changes
Letter to PM comes ahead of Autumn Budget on 26 November and calls for “valid alternatives” to be considered
Industry leaders call for clarity and collaboration in UK food strategy
Baroness Minette Batters’ Farm Profitability Review expected to play a major role in shaping government policy