top of page
People Power: Fresh Awards 2026 Celebrates The Talent Driving The Produce Industry
Behind every great fresh produce business is something even more valuable than the crop itself: people. From ambitious young professionals stepping into leadership roles, to experienced managers guiding teams through complex supply chains, the UK’s fresh produce and floral sector is powered by individuals whose commitment and passion keep the industry moving. The Fresh Awards 2026 is once again shining a spotlight on that human energy, with several categories dedicated specif
UK Growers Warn Pesticide Alignment Could Hit Soft Fruit Production
UK fruit growers have warned that proposals to align British pesticide rules with those of the European Union could significantly reduce soft fruit production if introduced without a carefully managed transition period. The concerns were raised by strawberry grower Stephen Tasker, who supplies BerryWorld and has farmed in Nottinghamshire since 2003. Speaking at an industry discussion organised by CropLife UK, Tasker said modelling around the potential withdrawal of crop prote
Smart Farm Shops Bring Fresh Produce Closer To Consumers As Rural Retail Evolves
A new wave of “smart” farm shops is transforming the way British consumers access locally grown food, blending traditional farm retail with modern technology to create flexible, low-overhead outlets for fresh produce. Accprding to The Times , more than 1,500 farm shops are now operating across the UK. These independent retailers play an increasingly important role in reconnecting consumers with local growers while strengthening rural economies. Many of these outlets are adop
FEATURED
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Air Cargo Disruption Leaves Fresh Produce Shipments Stranded As Middle East Conflict Intensifies
Fresh produce shipments are among the time-sensitive goods caught up in growing disruption to global air freight after escalating conflict in the Middle East sharply reduced cargo capacity and forced airlines to suspend or reroute flights. Industry executives warn that the closure or restriction of key regional airspace — including major logistics hubs such as Dubai and Doha — has already left shipments ranging from fresh produce to aircraft components stranded at airports o
Experts Warn UK Should Consider Food Stockpiles As Climate And Supply Risks Grow
Calls for the UK to strengthen its food resilience are growing after a leading food policy expert warned that the country is poorly prepared for major disruptions caused by climate shocks, geopolitical conflict or cyberattacks. Professor Tim Lang, Professor Emeritus of Food Policy at City St George’s, University of London, said the government should consider building strategic food reserves and strengthening domestic production to safeguard national food security. Speaking at
Aldi Backs British Growers With Long-Term Produce Supply Commitment
UK supermarket Aldi has pledged to secure at least half of its domestic fresh produce through long-term supply agreements with British growers by the end of 2027, in a move aimed at strengthening the resilience of the UK food supply chain. The retailer said it will expand the number of multi-year contracts it has in place with UK fruit and vegetable suppliers, offering greater certainty to growers and helping them plan for the future in an increasingly volatile production env
Agri-Food Tops Migrant Farmworker Abuse Cases Worldwide, Including UK
Migrant farmworkers faced more reported abuse in the agri‑food sector than in any other industry in 2025, with new data linking the UK, and its fresh produce industry, to multiple cases across global supply chains. Scale Of Abuse In Agri-Food In its latest analysis , the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre recorded 237 abuse cases in agri‑food supply chains in 2025, representing 32% of all incidents in its global migrant worker database. The United States accounted for
Early Shoots Of Success: Fyffes Advances Women’s Empowerment In Costa Rica
Fyffes and CARE International are seeing promising early results six months into a new programme in Costa Rica that is helping rural women in banana-growing communities build leadership skills, launch small businesses, and strengthen household food security. Image: Fyffes Marking both International Women’s Day and the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer, Fyffes has announced strong progress after just six months, with over 200 rural women actively participating, and mor
Greenhouse Growers Invest In Energy-Saving, Crop-Protecting Shades Ahead Of Another Hot Summer
UK greenhouse growers are racing to upgrade their screening systems ahead of another potentially record-breaking summer, as hotter, brighter conditions increasingly threaten crop quality, yields, and energy efficiency. Image: Bridge Greenhouses With the Met Office's outlook for 2026 suggesting that global average temperatures will be 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, growers this year will need to take a more proactive approach to climate resilience. For greenhouse growers
SUBSCRIBE TO US FOR FREE
AND NEVER MISS A STORY
bottom of page