Sustainability
News and analysis for the international fresh produce business on the theme of sustainability. What is the fruit and vegetable industry doing to protect people, planet, and profit?
Koppert launches handheld blower for dispersing natural predators
The Natutec Airobreez offers precision, efficiency and labour savings, according to Dutch biological crop protection specialist
Greece targets supermarkets for greater transparency on pricing
Deceptive supermarket promotions are in the firing line across eastern Europe and Greece, as governments look to protect farmers and consumers
Rainforest Alliance unveils streamlined certification programme
The new streamlined certification will mean less complexity for farmers, says Rainforest Alliance, allowing them to focus on practices that matter most for people and planet
AgriAudit wins £10k grant to develop compliance app
Recently launched app helps ease the audit burden on UK farmers and growers
UK consumers want more action on plastic packaging reduction
According to research from specialist polymer manufacturer Aquapak, consumers would like to see bolder steps from UK retailers and brands on reducing plastic packaging
Moroccan CEO issues call to action for women in agriculture
Sara Mouhsine Carvajal said industry must do more to recognise critical role women play in the sector and the challenges they still face
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
Courtauld Commitment becomes UK Food and Drink Pact
Rebrand aims to give fresh clarity to the ambitions of the commitment
EU Commission aims to simplify rules on sustainability
The European Commission’s proposed Omnibus Simplification Package would slash the number of businesses impacted by regulations like the CSRD and EU Taxonomy
Study suggests Vidre+ “keeps peppers fresh for longer”
Mexican study finds Fresh Inset’s 1-MCP technology could help peppers stay firmer for more than 21 days
Bumblebee project wins first LEAF Caroline Drummond scholarship
Initiative aims to form the first bumblebee-focused farmer cluster groups in the UK
New research uses natural tree sap to extend shelf life of fresh produce
Queensland research group finds natural plant extracts and light can prevent spoilage in strawberries by 20 per cent
Fruitnet Tomato Congress looks ahead to 2030
Fruitnet Tomato Congress takes place in Malaga, Spain, on 11-12 November 2025, with a focus on the future of the tomato business, examining the category’s continuing response to the changing climate, labour issues and evolving consumer demands
Non-browning bananas given green light for March debut
Biotech group Tropic says it is ready to roll out gene-edited bananas that don’t go brown, as well as others with extended shelf-life
IFPA urges US congress to tackle agriculture issues
Association says that labour, regulatory and economic crises are threatening the future of US fresh produce
Anecoop highlights benefits of physical activity and healthy eating
Company will donate 1,500kg of Bouquet mandarins to participants of Sunday’s 10KFEM race in Valencia
Fruit Logistica: Tropical transformation – robust logistics networks for avocados, mangoes and more
The Port of Barcelona’s Carles Mayol looked at the development of logistics and transport networks supporting the surge in demand for tropical fruit
LEAF conference calls for climate action
LEAF calls for increased industry collaboration and financial support to accelerate the transition to climate-smart agriculture
French retailers “undermining banana workers’ incomes”
Banana Link issues call for French supermarkets to accept shared responsibility
Eosta introduces organic Medjool dates from Morocco
Morocco’s proximity makes it an ideal source for organic Medjool dates, according to the Dutch organics specialist, ensuring fast and flexible deliveries to respond to market demand
EFI awarded US$1.2mn Walmart Foundation Grant
US organisaton awarded funding to advance ethical labour practices and strengthen workforce development across the produce industry
Yamaha launches agriculture arm with the acquisition of Robotics Plus and The Yield
Acquisition follows years of strategic investment into the businesses by Yamaha
Fruit Logistica: New fruits and vegetables by design – part 2
The second of a two-part session on the Fresh Produce Forum stage looked at what must be done to match the expectations of retailers, consumers and policymakers
Eating grapes could boost muscle health, study finds
US study shows regular consumption could help improve muscle health, US study finds
Aldi adds avocados to ethical sourcing model
Avocados are the next step in the retailer’s journey towards responsible fresh produce sourcing
Fruitbox 113 · Franka Rodriguez, Aldi South Group
Franka talks to Chris about the extension of Aldi South Group’s ethical sourcing model into avocados, with more categories on the horizon
Uzbekistan sees potential for tomato growth in Europe
As European buyers look to diversify their supplies of tomatoes, Exim Agro’s Yorkin Inamov believes Uzbekistan has an opportunity to grow its share of the market in the coming years
Biosecurity NZ investigates after second Auckland fruit fly found
KVH alerts New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry to second trap find in Auckland suburbs since start of year
Del Monte named SEAL Business Sustainability winner once more
Group recognised for achieving reduction targets for Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gases seven years ahead of its 2030 goal
Fresh Del Monte employee-driven programme recovers food waste
North Portland employees have been encouraged to submit food waste solutions for the brand to pilot
Hortifrut obtains Leaf certification in Morocco and Peru
Move significantly increases availability of Leaf-certified berries for the European market
Comment: Cargo claim trends to watch out for in 2025
Insurance cover is a tricky business for fruit exporters, but there are ways to reduce your risk, says Lina Jasutiene of Recoupex
Organic farming: challenges and perspectives
What rules apply to organic fruit production in the EU, and how are organic labels used to communicate with consumers?
Fedemco takes to Berlin stage to spotlight wooden performance
Packaging federation tells Fruit Logistica audience that lightweight, wooden packaging is most sustainable material for fresh produce
Coming soon: Eurofruit Mediterranean Edition
Special edition to be distributed at Macfrut, Freskon and Medfel features region’s leading suppliers
Delassus pursues B-Corp certification
Moroccan fruit and veg grower demonstrates commitment to social and environmental responsibility with new accreditation