Technology news from Fresh Produce Journal
Technology news stories with a direct relevance to the UK fresh produce business, including updates on production and harvesting systems, sorting and grading machinery, packaging, coldstorage and controlled atmosphere, digital management, robots and automation, vertical farming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Transnet deploys senior team to address Cape Town port issues
Transnet Port Terminals has deployed senior management and additional equipment operators to Cape Town to strengthen terminal performance
New Amazon Now service offers ultra-fast delivery of fresh produce
Retail giant has ramped up its focus on speed with a new service delivering fruit, veg and household essentials in under 30 minutes
Waitrose bananas to join Waitrose Foundation
By this summer, all Waitrose bananas will carry the Fairtrade and Waitrose Foundation labels, as the retailer steps up its commitment to banana farming communities
DP World London Gateway terminal surpasses 3m TEU milestone
The company’s UK container total came to more than 5mn TEUs in 2025, with London Gateway’s growth alone up 52 per cent
StepacPPC develops packaging to extend pitaya freshness
New bulk packaging film protects fruit during extended storage and shipment
Greenstone introduces IP risk management platform Argus
Web-based tool is designed to give breeders, growers, and suppliers single point of reference on legal, commercial and operational risks
Fresh Del Monte Produce addresses banana supply crisis
Jorge Pelaez of Fresh Del Monte Produce discusses declining banana source volumes, varietal development, and greater support for growers
Rijk Zwaan showcases innovative varieties at Fruit Logistica
The Dutch breeding company will showcase its Nasonovia Defense lettuce, Blue Leaf cucumbers and health-focused varieties in Berlin
Bayer launches Baya Solara strawberry
The launch of Baya Solara “sets new standard”, according to Bayer, and reinforces its commitment to providing growers with innovative solutions
Finalists revealed for Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards 2026
Nominees for Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards 2026 have been announced, with five nominees each in Fresh Produce and Technology categories
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New Port Community System completes initial roll-out
Initial roll-out of upgraded port system is now fully operational as Community Network Services prepares to expand into further key terminals including DP World London Gateway
Trinity AgTech buys Agrimetrics’ satellite analytics tech
Deal is set to bolster Trinity’s software platform Sandy
OSY Group expands antimicrobial tech to South Africa
Five-year deal with Mpact Operations will see shelf-life extension packaging used for grapes, stonefruit and berries
Seth Crawford named new chair at Fieldwork Robotics
New hire expected to drive global growth at robotic harvesting business
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
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
Milestone gene-editing legislation comes into force in England
England becomes first country in Europe to legalise the development of gene-edited and other precision-bred plants, with potential benefits in terms of disease resistance and yield
Future of tomatoes in the spotlight in Malaga
Tomato experts gathered in the Spanish city of Malaga this week for Fruitnet Tomato Congress, a two-day event highlighting the big future challenges facing the category, as well as the opportunities and solutions for businesses
Home Harvest’s ‘home farm’ overcomes six-month sea test
New salad technology for domestic use is set to launch commercially in 2026
Fruitnet Tomato Congress looks to the future of tomatoes
On 11-12 November in Malaga, Spain, essential event focuses on how the fresh tomato business can cope with future challenges like climate change, labour challenges, and evolving consumer demand