Prime Minister Andy Burnham is preparing to pursue closer European ties at the UK-EU summit in Brussels on 20 November, promising lower costs and less paperwork for farmers and food businesses. But Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) chief executive, Nigel Jenney, has repeatedly highlighted a danger that those ambitions must address: additional barriers for essential fresh produce arriving from outside the EU. Farmers Guardian reports that food exports will be at the forefront of

Around 83 per cent of the fruit and vegetables consumed in the Republic of Ireland are imported, putting the future of domestic growing and the resilience of fresh produce supplies firmly in the spotlight. The estimate, highlighted by the Climate Change Advisory Council and reported by The Irish Times, comes as Ireland’s commercial vegetable grower numbers have fallen from more than 600 in the 1990s to fewer than 70. However, the import figure requires context. Bord Bia’s sen

Europe’s food systems remain among the world’s most resilient, but slowing agricultural productivity growth, rising input costs and climate pressures are threatening their long-term strength, according to new research. Economist Enterprise’s Resilient Food Systems Index, supported by Cargill, assesses 60 countries across affordability, availability, quality and safety, and responsiveness to climate risks. Its European report examines 14 countries, including the UK, Spain, Fra

Farming representatives will join a new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce as Defra seeks to improve preparations for extreme weather. The group is due to meet for the first time on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy will bring together representatives from more than 50 organisations, including the Environment Agency, Met Office, mayoral authorities, emergency services and the farming, water and insurance sectors. Its opening meeting will a

Maersk will raise its emergency fuel surcharge for inland transport in the UK and Ireland to 20% from 12 October 2026, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Danish shipping and logistics group announced the change on 8 October, according to Reuters, and said the rate would be reviewed regularly. The increase concerns inland transportation rather than ocean freight rates. For fresh produce businesses using the affected services, the change could increase the cost

The FPC chief executive has highlighted the risks to Britain’s global fresh produce supplies as industry leaders debate the consequences of a proposed UK-EU food agreement. Fresh Produce Consortium chief executive Nigel Jenney has put the protection of Britain’s global fresh produce supply chains at the centre of the Brexit reset debate, warning that closer ties with Europe must not penalise trade with the rest of the world. Speaking to iNews, which reported on Conservative p

Experts have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to treat food shortages as a national security issue, with increased UK fruit and vegetable production among their priorities. An open letter delivered on 5 October warns that Britain is inadequately prepared for serious disruption to food supplies. Foodrise, which coordinated the initiative, reports more than 180 signatories, including academics, farmers and community food leaders. The signatories identify climate change, geopol

Norfolk fruit grower Place UK has warned of uncertainty over seasonal labour beyond 2030, highlighting the continuing dependence of British soft fruit production on overseas workers. Image: Place UK The Tunstead-based business employs around 700 people during the summer. Its fruit pickers are either Seasonal Worker visa holders or EU citizens with settled status, while approximately 85 per cent of workers staying on-site this year had previously worked at the farm. Co-managin

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

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

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

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

Aldi is set to invest a record £900 million in Britain next year as it accelerates its UK expansion, strengthens supplier relationships and continues to grow its fresh food offer. The announcement comes just days after the supermarket was crowned Multiple Fruit & Veg Retailer of the Year at the FPC Fresh Awards 2026, held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on Friday 25 September. The prestigious award was decided by a public vote, with Aldi emerging as the clear consume

As the world marks the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on 29 September, the World Packaging Organisation is urging businesses to consider how better packaging can protect food from farm to consumer. The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) says packaging design should be treated as part of the effort to prevent food loss and waste, with particular attention to protection, shelf life and the information consumers receive about freshness and storage. For the

Asda has agreed a ten-year deal worth approximately £250 million with Len Wright Salads, extending a supplier relationship that has lasted more than 35 years. The agreement, valued at around £25 million a year through to 2036, is intended to secure long-term supply for the retailer while giving the Lancashire business greater confidence to invest in British growing, staff, facilities and technology. The £250 million is the stated value of the supply agreement over its lifetim

Hall Hunter Partnership has been named Fresh Produce Business of the Year and Graham Young has received the Lifetime Achievement Award, as the FPC Fresh Awards 2026 celebrated outstanding achievement across the fresh produce, cut flower and plant industries. The winners were announced at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, on Friday 25 September. From emerging talent and industry-leading teams to growers, suppliers, innovators and retailers, this year’s winners show the skil

Booths is rolling out a loose fruit and vegetable merchandising strategy across its 25-store estate after a pilot programme demonstrated strong customer interest in market-style produce displays. Image: Booths The UK’s oldest family grocer said the expansion will give shoppers greater control over the quantity of fresh produce they buy, while supporting efforts to reduce household food waste and unnecessary packaging, reports Lancs Live. The pilot was carried out at Booths st

Growing interest in provenance, seasonality and resilient supply chains across NHS catering could create new opportunities for British fresh produce suppliers. The NHS is one of the UK’s largest foodservice providers, serving millions of meals every year. Its purchasing decisions therefore have the potential to influence demand for domestically produced food across the supply chain. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has contributed to the third edition of The

UK consumers are protecting their purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables amid widespread pressure on household finances, according to a new report, as freshness, quality, and health remain top priority. Although UK households are cutting back on their overall grocery purchases, fresh produce appears to be one of the categories most protected from the squeeze, finds new research from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Its 2026 survey of 751 UK consumers foun

UK grocery price inflation edged higher in early September, adding further pressure to household budgets as shoppers continued to seek out promotions and prioritise essential purchases. Like-for-like grocery inflation reached 2.3% in the four weeks to 6 September, up from 2.1% in the previous month, according to Worldpanel by Numerator. Although the rate increased, Worldpanel described inflation as relatively subdued and significantly below the levels recorded earlier in the