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.
Fruit lost from Seatrade vessel begins to wash up on shore
Bananas, avocados and plantains reportedly in containers that fell off Baltic Klipper at weekend, as coastguard monitors clear-up
Fertiliser and soil conditioners under consultation in organic standards review
The Soil Association has opened a consultation on whether to raise organic standards in Northern Ireland in line with changes to the EO Organic Regulation
New food school will train market traders and fruiterers
A new location at London’s Royal Docks for meat and fish wholesale markets Smithfield and Billingsgate has been announced along with plans for the on-site school
South African lemon exports surge to 41.5mn cartons
The industry overcame challenging weather conditions to deliver volumes 26 per cent higher than initial estimates
Apple exports drive strong performance at Scales
NZ group benefits from excellent growing conditions in 2024/25 and strategic investments in premium apple varieties for Asian and Middle Eastern markets
First DP World Atlas service arrives in UK from Morocco
DP World’s first Atlas service connecting Morocco to London Gateway has arrived in the UK, promising to transform fresh produce logistics with faster delivery, lower costs and up to 70 per cent reduction in carbon emissions
Fledgling South African cherry business dreams big
Industry targets large export deal this season as it continues to pursue China market access
Maersk appoints Christopher Cook as UK and Ireland managing director
Shipping giant Maersk has announced Christopher Cook will become managing director of its UK and Ireland area from January 2026, while Thomas Theeuwes takes over the India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka region
Uber Eats to deliver meals by robot in two UK cities
Partnership with Starship will see AI robot deliveries in Sheffield and Leeds begin this winter, with a European and US rollout set to follow
Cape Town winds force fruit exporters to divert containers
Fruit exporters scramble to use alternative ports as Cape Doctor hampers early grape and stonefruit shipments
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Strong start for South African table grapes
Table grape industry targets close to 80mn export cartons this season despite US tariff challenge and increased competition in Europe
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