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UK–EU Food And Drink Deal Reportedly Agreed Ahead Of November Summit
A draft UK–EU food and drink agreement has reportedly been agreed ahead of the leaders’ summit on 20 November, prompting fresh warnings from Fresh Produce Consortium chief executive Nigel Jenney about costs for global fresh produce imports. According to The Grocer, a 200-page draft sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement has been circulated to EU member states for discussion, with an official announcement expected at the summit. The proposed agreement would remove border c
Higher Banana Shipments Lift Belize’s Export Earnings From UK
Higher banana shipments helped lift Belize’s export earnings from the UK in September 2026, while reduced banana exports to the European Union contributed to a fall in revenues from that market. Figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize, reported by FreshPlaza, show that domestic merchandise export earnings from the UK rose to approximately £2.07 million, compared with £1.22 million in September 2025. The increase of around £852,000 was attributed to greater banana exp
British Leek Growers Launch Campaign To Inspire Seasonal Shopping
The British Leek Growers Association has launched a promotional campaign to encourage shoppers to make more of British leeks during the 2026/27 season, which runs through to May 2027. Bringing together leading UK growers and seed companies, the initiative centres on five themes: consumer value, health, convenience, enjoyment and discovery. Practical cooking ideas and ways to reduce food waste will feature alongside nutritional messaging, including information about leeks’ fib
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Fresh Produce Businesses Face Borrowing Squeeze As Bank Rate Rise Looms
Fresh produce businesses could face higher borrowing costs as financial markets anticipate the Bank of England’s first interest rate increase since August 2023. Markets expect the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to raise Bank Rate from 3.75% to 4% on Thursday 5 November, according to reporting by PA Media published in The Standard. The decision has yet to be taken. The prospect comes as inflation gathers pace. Office for National Statistics figures show that Consumer Prices I
UK Supermarkets Face Refrigeration Cyber Risk As Attacks Disrupt European Stores
British supermarkets face a refrigeration security risk highlighted by fresh attacks across Europe, with research identifying more than 800 internet-exposed refrigeration and building-management controllers in the UK. The warning comes after suspected cyberattacks disrupted supermarket cooling systems in countries including Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg and Ireland on Monday 2 November, forcing retailers to remove chilled and frozen food from sale. The National Cyber Security C
Kevin The Carrot Returns As Aldi Launches Christmas Missing-Pet Mystery
Aldi has unveiled a first glimpse of its Christmas advertising campaign, with Kevin the Carrot and his daughter Chantenay searching for their missing family pet, Cauli Dog. The supermarket’s 10-second teaser, shared across its social media channels, opens with Chantenay wishing for the cauliflower companion’s safe return. Father and daughter then put up ‘LOST’ posters, before the clip ends without revealing his whereabouts. The storyline follows Cauli Dog’s role in last year’
Dutch Flower Traders Welcome UK Tariff Relief Extension to 2028
Dutch flower wholesalers have welcomed the extension of Britain’s import tariff suspension on cut flowers until 31 December 2028, while calling for the duties to be abolished permanently. The Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products, VGB, said the arrangement allows cut flowers originating outside the EU to enter the UK without import duties, including when traded through EU member states. The suspension had been due to expire at the end of 2026. VGB and int
Aldi Urges Long-Term Backing for Growers to Strengthen Britain’s Food Security
Longer-term supermarket commitments could help unlock more British food production, Aldi UK’s chief commercial officer has argued, highlighting the importance of investment certainty for growers. Writing in The Times, Julie Ashfield called for food production to receive greater recognition as a national resilience issue, with retailers and government both playing a part in supporting expansion. For fresh produce businesses, Aldi’s relationship with Kent-based AC Goatham & Son
Water Shortages Threaten 2027 Planting as Growers Press for Action
British vegetable growers are considering reducing planting next year as uncertainty over irrigation supplies raises concerns for the 2027 growing season. Depleted reservoirs and continuing drought have prompted fresh calls for government action, with producers warning that reliable access to water is essential to protect domestic food production. Some businesses are weighing up smaller areas of high-value vegetable crops because of doubts over future supplies, FarmingUK repo
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