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Fresh Awards 2026: An Industry United, Inspired And Ready For The Future
From outstanding emerging talent to pioneering businesses and the retailers winning shoppers’ loyalty, the FPC Fresh Awards 2026 made a powerful case for being the industry’s most impactful celebration yet. Held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, on Friday 25 September, this year’s awards put the people and businesses shaping fresh produce, flowers and plants firmly in the spotlight. Their significance extended beyond the trophies: the winners offered practical examples
Pumpkin Growers Count The Cost Of Summer Drought Ahead Of Halloween
Britain’s pumpkin growers are facing a difficult Halloween season, with summer drought damaging crops and increasing costs as farms prepare to welcome visitors to their autumn picking events. Eleanor Gilbert, who runs the Berkshire Farm Girl Pumpkin Patch and Maize Trail at her family’s Rookery Farm on the Hampshire–Berkshire border, estimates that her pumpkin crop is around 50% below average. The 24-year-old told NationalWorld that drought had left many pumpkins small, while
Independent Greengrocers: The Everyday Heroes Of Britain’s Fresh Produce Retail
Knowledge, personal service and a commitment to their communities make independent greengrocers an essential part of Britain’s food landscape. Carrolls Greengrocers’ success at the FPC Fresh Awards 2026 has given that contribution a deserved national spotlight. A great greengrocer offers something special: a conversation about what is in season, advice on choosing fruit at its best, or a suggestion that turns an unfamiliar vegetable into tonight’s supper. These everyday excha
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British Provenance Matters To Shoppers But Could Be Clearer In Stores
UK shoppers place particular importance on British provenance when buying fresh food like fruits and vegetables but new research suggests that retailers and brands could do more to communicate exactly what ‘British’ means at the point of purchase to turn sentiment into sales. Image: Savvy In a survey of 1,002 UK shoppers, 83% said Britishness matters to them to at least some extent when buying food and drink, according to Savvy’s Shopper Panel, July 2026. However, only 34% sa
Fyffes Urges Banana Pricing Action Amid Unsustainable Costs
Fyffes is calling for greater collaboration across the global banana industry, warning that rising costs throughout the supply chain are making the current model increasingly unsustainable and placing long-term development at risk. One of Europe’s largest banana and pineapple importers is urging the sector to develop a long-term sustainable model that ensures growers, producers, importers, and retailers can continue investing in the future of the category. Banana growers worl
Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg Improves Children’s Nutrition And Behaviour
Almost 20 million portions of fresh fruit and vegetables have been eaten by pupils during the first two years of Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, resulting in a major boost to children’s nutrition, behaviour, and dietary diversity. Image: Tesco Developed with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), Tesco said the initiative has had a “significantly positive” impact on school children’s nutrition, alongside sharper focus and more energy in the classroom. It has
Fresh Awards Winner A.H. Worth Brings Red Kale To Tesco
A.H. Worth is continuing its focus on innovation and workforce development, with the launch of its red kale at Tesco coinciding with recognition for its employee engagement programme at last week’s FPC Fresh Awards 2026. Image: A.H. Worth The Lincolnshire vegetable grower has returned its red kale to Tesco shelves following a successful trial last year in a bid to inspire shoppers to explore the brassica category. The premium variety is now available exclusively under the T
UK Buyers Visit Zimbabwe As Trade Opportunities Grow
Four UK fresh produce trading businesses and importers are visiting Zimbabwe this week to explore new sourcing opportunities and build direct relationships with growers of a diverse range of fruits and vegetables from fine beans to blueberries. Image: ITC The six-day mission, running from 26 September to 2 October, will see buyers visit Zimbabwean farms and meet producers to assess their potential to supply the UK market. The programme is being delivered through the Making T
£10m Fund To Boost Fresh Food Access In Deprived Communities
New government funding for 45 English local authorities could create opportunities for mobile greengrocers, community food shops, and other fresh produce initiatives in areas with high levels of deprivation and childhood obesity. Almost £10 million is being invested by the government to improve access to healthy and affordable food across some of England’s most disadvantaged communities. Under the new Good Food Neighbourhoods programme, 45 local authorities will each receive
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