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Budget 2026 Offers ‘No Breathing Space’ For Food, Farming, And Retail
Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget has been met with criticism from the food, farming, and retail industries as a crucial missed opportunity to deliver on the UK Government’s ‘food security is national security’ commitment. Image: NFU Both the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said the autumn budget offers “no breathing space” for farmers and retailers alike, while the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) warned it “offers nothing” to ease fo
British Butternut Squash Campaign Targets Greater Consumption In Third Year
Veg Power has launched the third year of its ‘Better with Butternut’ campaign, bringing together grower Barfoots, seed company Sakata, and retailer Waitrose to further raise consumer awareness and consumption of healthy, flavoursome, and versatile British-grown butternut squash. The 2026 campaign, described as its “most ambitious yet”, builds on previous activity with an expanded engagement programme spanning grower storytelling, chef-led recipes, school resources, and in-sto
Fresh Cranberries Offer Sales Opportunities Beyond Christmas
Consumer demand for fresh cranberries is growing beyond the festive season, presenting opportunities for UK retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice operators to make the most of the fruit throughout the autumn, according to Fruit World International. Image: Fruit World International Although fresh cranberries are traditionally associated with Christmas meals, the UK importer believes there is scope for retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice businesses to broaden their appeal
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Food Inflation Rises To 2.9% As Retailers Urge Budget Action
Food inflation accelerated to 2.9% in October, prompting retailers to call for action in today’s Budget to prevent mounting business costs feeding through to shoppers. The latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) figures show annual food inflation rose from 2.5% in September, exceeding the three-month average of 2.7%. The data covers prices collected between 1 and 7 October. Fresh food inflation remained unchanged at 2.6%, slightly below its three-month average of 2.7%. The inc
Aphid Outbreak Leaves 30 Million Lettuces Unharvested As Losses Exceed £10 Million
An estimated 30 million lettuce heads went unharvested in September as severe aphid infestations caused losses exceeding £10 million, according to the British Leafy Salads Association (BLSA). Some businesses were left with up to 85% of production unmarketable, the association told Farmers Guardian, following a second consecutive season of record infestations. Growers reported between 300,000 and 400,000 currant-lettuce aphids (*Nasonovia ribisnigri*) per hectare during August
FairFruit Cuts Shipment Admin With Digital Tracking Platform
FairFruit Belgium says a centralised logistics platform is helping it spend less time chasing shipment updates and give customers clearer information about their deliveries. The business began working with logistics provider Shypple in 2025, bringing shipment tracking, documentation and delivery coordination into one place. According to a report by FreshPlaza, the change has reduced the telephone calls and emails previously needed to establish where containers were and when t
Burnham’s Consumer Champion Credentials Face The Shopping Basket Test
Tomorrow’s Budget must deliver tangible help for households — and Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget must show that affordable food sits at the heart of the Government’s economic plans. If Andy Burnham wants to be seen as the consumers’ champion, tomorrow’s Budget presents a defining opportunity. The Prime Minister’s ambitions will be judged by something considerably more familiar than Treasury forecasts: what people can afford at the checkout. On Wednesday 28 October, Cha
Drought Threatens Vegetable Supplies As Growers Look Ahead To 2027
Water shortages are putting next year’s vegetable production under pressure, with some farmers considering smaller planting areas as uncertainty over irrigation supplies continues. The Environment Agency has warned that exceptionally low reservoir levels and below-normal river flows could prevent growers from replenishing water stores over winter, affecting availability for the 2027 irrigation season. Its report covering 9–15 October showed England’s reservoir storage stood a
Mango Supply Squeeze Could Create New Opportunities In UK Market
Expected falls in mango production in Ecuador and Peru could tighten UK supplies this winter, while creating opportunities for other supplying countries. According to Fresh Produce Journal, Robert Ybarra, chief executive of US wholesaler Chico Produce, forecasts Ecuadorian production could fall by approximately 50 per cent compared with last year. Early estimates suggest Peru could record a reduction of 30 per cent or more. Disruption is anticipated between November 2026 and
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