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.
Berry business bursting with potential
Fruitnet Berry Congress hears how there’s plenty of room for growth in the category – but better marketing is key
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
Coming soon: FPJ Tech & Packaging Special
FPJ’s Tech & Packaging Special gives you the inside track on the innovations making the sector more efficient and sustainable than ever before
£500k Innovate UK grant to create Agri-Robotics Regulatory Network
Development of robotic solutions is seen as key for the future of UK horticulture
Hoogstraten to stage fifth International Strawberry Congress
The Belgian city of Antwerp will once again host the International Strawberry Congress this September, with organisers Hoogstraten promising a “blend of commerce and science”
Cauliflower trials bring brassica category together in Cornwall
Brassica growers, agronomists, packers and breeders head down to southwest UK for annual cauliflower trials that have been run by the Duchy College for 32 years
Fruit Logistica presents the European Statistics Handbook 2025
An in-depth look at market developments, economic challenges and climate impacts in the fruit trade – now available for free on the website
Farmers need support to reap the benefits of AI
Sarah Addezio, senior innovation partner at Digital Catapult, says that several key barriers currently stand in the way of AI adoption among farmers
South African stonefruit sector ramps up focus on innovation
Growers are adopting a range of new techniques and research projects
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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
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
Postsaver makes Belgium play with distribution tieup
UK timber-protection firm plans to bring its technology to orchards in Belgium and surrounding countries
AgriRobot secures funding to boost field-robot project
The Danish agritech company raises total of €2.5 million to accelerate development of operator-free field-robots
Fruitnet Tomato Congress heads to Malaga, Spain, in 2025
The tomato category’s leading event, Fruitnet Tomato Congress, is back on 11-12 November 2025 at a new location in Malaga, close to one of Spain’s primary tomato production areas
Positive feedback for Sinclair’s compostable label
Labelling company Sinclair says its new T55 certified compostable label has generated global interest, and calls on stakeholders to get behind an education and awareness campaign
New PGRO app boosts growers’ diagnostic arsenal
Pea and bean growers will benefit from a range of dedicated features