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.
Fruitnet Tomato Congress looks to the future of tomatoes
Taking place in Malaga, Spain, on 11-12 November 2025, Fruitnet Tomato Congress focuses on how the tomato business can cope with future challenges, including climate change, labour issues and evolving consumer demands
Irrigation costs ’making UK potato growers question the future’
Fred Searle speaks to Greens of Soham MD William Shakeshaft to hear about the main challenges and opportunities for the Cambridgeshire-based potato producer, from water security to sustainable technologies
Thorvald strawberry robot closes biggest season to date
Robotic platform is now used across a fifth of UK tabletop strawberry production, for UV-C treatment and precision data collection
IGD identifies seven key retail trends for 2026
Market analyst IGD has unveiled seven pivotal trends set to shape the global food and grocery retail landscape in 2026, from cybersecurity priorities to AI-driven innovation and sustainability initiatives
‘Game-changing’ fruit sticker promises major shelf-life extension
US company Ryp Labs has big ambitions for its StixFresh technology
IFPA launches AI-powered Global Intelligence Engine for produce industry
The International Fresh Produce Association has launched an AI-empowered Global Intelligence Engine, a members-only data platform that transforms how the fresh produce and floral industry accesses and acts on market information
Applications open for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2026
FLIA Fresh Produce and FLIA Technology participation is free of charge, so make sure you submit your application before the end of October
Produce Investments boosts portfolio with Biofresh Safestore buy
The purchase boosts PI’s expertise in natural sprout supression technology
Fieldwork Robotics partners with Portuguese berry producers for harvesting trials
Fieldwork Robotics has partnered with Portugal’s Research Centre for Sustainability for a 24-month programme to trial robotic raspberry harvesting on farms near São Teotónio, focusing on Driscoll’s varieties and addressing regional labour shortages
Rijk Zwaan champions ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties
Dutch seed specialist Rijk Zwaan continues to develop its portfolio of tomato varieties with high resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges
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Fischer Farms appoints sales director to new tech division
Vertical farming company’s new tech arm will manufacture scalable and efficient ‘grow containers’ for deployment worldwide
IBO Summit 2025 brings together global blueberry participants
The International Blueberry Organization Summit 2025 brought together 575 participants from 32 countries in South Africa, highlighting the region’s growing role as a key producer and exporter in the global blueberry market.
Polytunnel refusals are troubling: We need them to climate-proof UK production
Tunnel installation is a small price to pay for climate resilient food production and planning rules should reflect that, writes Nina Pullman
Peter Durber wins Lifetime Achievement Award at FPC Fresh Awards
London awards ceremony recognised excellence across fresh produce supply chain from groundbreaking agritech solutions to sustainability milestones
Angela Eagle chooses berry producer for first official farm visit
New minister visited Hugh Lowe Farms with NFU president Tom Bradshaw to tour berry trials and discuss seasonal workers and crop protection
British Berry Growers showcases sustainability gains
British Berry Growers has published its Sustainability Report 2025, highlighting how the industry is leading sustainable farming practices while supplying healthy, homegrown berries across key environmental themes
Fyffes on a mission to ‘bring more value’ to bananas
Chief commercial officer Frank Burkhardt outlines the banana giant’s efforts to decommoditise the sector and make it more sustainable, despite climate change and geopolitical instability
Amazon to shut all ‘Fresh’ stores in UK
Retailer will close its 19 till-free stores in London, with plans to focus on online grocery deliveries instead
CarbonXtras scheme empowers Ghanaian farmers with climate-smart technology
A £100,000 initiative is supporting Ghanaian smallholder farmers to adopt climate-smart, regenerative farming methods using advanced soil sensor technology to combat soil degradation and climate change pressures.
Robots help Scottish berry growers combat mildew disease
Angus Soft Fruits deployed Thorvald robots using UV-C light treatment to control powdery mildew during Scotland’s exceptionally hot summer, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fungicides while protecting crop quality and boosting yields