Industry body GB Potatoes has launched a Potato Industry Confidence Survey to help ensure the sector remains competitive and sustainable by identifying where future collaboration and targeted investment can deliver the greatest impact. The survey will capture a comprehensive picture of grower sentiment, production trends, and the factors shaping the sector’s future across Great Britain in an effort to maximise its considerable potential. Funded through residual potato levy fu

If there’s one phrase that captures where the fresh-produce sector is heading, it’s this: 2026 will be the year of discovery. For UK importers, buyers, wholesalers and international exporters alike, new logistics routes, smarter cold-chain technology and evolving trade frameworks are reshaping what’s possible — and crucially, what’s profitable. And the most striking sign so far? The launch of DP World’s new Atlas service , a Morocco–UK–Europe route that feels nothing short of

British farmers fear that their ability to use gene-edited crops could be severely curtailed under Keir Starmer’s proposed reset of relations with the European Union, according to industry concerns. Under the current plans for closer agricultural and food-trade alignment with Brussels, UK cultivation of precision-bred crops developed using gene-editing techniques may face constraints similar to those in the EU — effectively amounting to a ban for many British growers. What’

Fyffes, the global banana and fruit producers and distributors, has released recent European-wide consumer research which confirms the popularity of bananas as the consumer’s No. 1 favourite fruit. Image courtesy of Fyffes The research, undertaken by NielsenIQ with over 7000 consumers across Europe, shows that bananas continue to be the public’s favourite fruit with a massive 89% of consumers confirming that they have eaten bananas ‘within the previous four weeks’. Second fav

In a major boost to fresh-produce logistics, DP World has launched its new DP World Atlas service, creating a dedicated shipping link between Morocco, the UK and Europe. The move marks a significant shift in how fruit and vegetables will move across the region, promising faster, cleaner and more reliable transport for exporters and buyers alike. Image courtesy of DP World The inaugural vessel, the M/V BF Carp, arrived in the Port of Agadir yesterday (17 November), delivering

Major changes to the UK’s electricity transmission charging system are set to come into effect in April 2026, and greenhouse growers are warning that the shift could add significant pressure to an already-strained sector. Image: Now Then Energy National Grid’s roadmap for an upgraded transmission network will introduce higher fixed monthly charges for many commercial users, including controlled-environment horticulture. These charges will be based on voltage level and agreed

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has issued a robust call to members of the House of Lords to “stand firm” as the Employment Rights Bill heads into its next stage of parliamentary scrutiny. The industry body emphasises that the Bill — poised to be implemented at the end of the year — encompasses far-reaching provisions, including changes to paternity leave, unpaid parental leave, statutory sick pay and enhancements to employee protections covering whistle-blowing and sexua

Discounters Lidl and Aldi are out-pacing their full-price grocery rivals in sourcing British fruit for the current season, according to figures published by trade title The Grocer. The report reveals that both chains have significantly bolstered their volumes of UK-grown fruit, enabling them to “lead the way” in the category. Data from British Apples & Pears Limited indicates that during the first half of the 2024/25 apple and pear season, both retailers’ shares of British pr

In a significant development for the British soft fruit sector, The Summer Berry Company has ramped up production to supply fresh British strawberries year-round, meaning consumers could be picking up home-grown berries this Christmas. Image courtesy of The Summer Berry Company Traditionally, the UK strawberry season would taper off in late autumn, with retailer shelves restocked by imports from countries such as Egypt or Jordan between November and March. However, The Summer

Tanzania has announced the launch of a new fresh fruit, vegetable, and flower trade show that will take place annually in Arusha. The event, named Horti Logistica Africa, is organised by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) in partnership with the government. Horti Logistica Africa is planned as a continental professional trade fair focused on the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain. It is scheduled to debut in June 2026 and will be held every November thereafter.

UK crop science is heralding a historic milestone for scientists, plant breeders, and growers to use precision breeding techniques such as gene editing to improve productivity, climate resilience, and sustainability under new regulatory framework now in force. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 for plants in England came into effect on 13 November. It replaces previous rules inherited from the EU and distinguishes precision-bred organisms (PBOs) from traditi

South Africa is looking forward to a positive stonefruit campaign in 2025/26 with exports set to rise by 6% following breakthroughs in addressing issues which have curbed the sector’s progress in recent years. Image: Hortgro Optimistic growers expect increased production across most regions after favourable weather with “desirable” fruit set and fruit quality, according to industry body Hortgro. Supply is forecast to be “healthy and balanced” across all stone fruit categories

Frozen fruits and vegetables are driving a resurgence in frozen food purchasing, with shoppers increasingly won over by the category’s growing value, quality, and variety, coupled with its convenience, nutrition, and sustainability, according to a new report. Ocado Retail has reported an 18% year-on-year rise in sales of frozen product, with almost half of UK adults (47%) buying more frozen items than a year ago, particularly younger consumers.  Key growth areas include froze

The UK Autumn Budget has the potential to shape logistics investment plans and supply chain initiatives into next year as businesses await decisions on fuel duty, employment costs, and business rates. Road transport, warehousing, ports, and freight forwarding firms will have all eyes on the Chancellor when she delivers her next Budget statement on 26 November, and how it may squeeze their already tight profit margins. While the Budget potentially offers incentives for investm

British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has entered into a partnership with Oxbury Bank to deliver specialised financial solutions for British topfruit growers in a bid to support long-term investment in the sector and increase domestic supply.  The collaboration is designed to support UK orchard planting and investment in equipment, in line with BAPL’s target for 60% of apples sold in the UK to be domestically produced by 2035. The tailored financial products are intended to r

Pub company Marston’s has pioneered a hospitality training academy inside a women’s prison in Cheshire to provide offenders with the skills and confidence to secure meaningful employment opportunities after their release. Image: Marston's Named the ‘Hope & Anchor’, the UK’s first commercially-led hospitality academy will support and train up to 32 women each year for Line Chef roles at HMP Styal. The recruits will gain hands-on experience within a purpose-built kitchen and re

UK retailers and suppliers are facing mounting operational pressures as the cost of doing business continues to rise. From packaging and raw materials to labour and wage increases, the knock-on effects are filtering down the supply chain — and ultimately to the checkout. Prices are climbing, and in today’s uncertain economic climate, “value” has become the watchword for both businesses and consumers. Despite the squeeze, shoppers are not abandoning quality. Retailers report t

The Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) has announced the appointment of Robert McAuliffe (known as Rob) as its new General Manager. He officially stepped into the role on 11 November 2025, following the departure of Jo Breare, who concluded her 17-year tenure with CGMA at the end of October. Image courtesy of CGMA Prior to his appointment, Rob held the position of Head of Interface Management at The Arch Company, a private-equity joint venture portfolio valued at around £1

An audit conducted in August 2025 by British Berry Growers (BBG), representing around 95% of UK berry producers, reveals a sharply divided industry — with some growers showing renewed optimism, while others contend with mounting pressure. Key findings show that 34% of growers are considering reducing or exiting berry production entirely. Meanwhile, just 48% report making a profit and only 39% expect to remain profitable in 2026. A substantial 43% describe their financial hea

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered the clearest indication yet that the Labour government may abandon its election manifesto commitment not to raise taxes on working people — a major shift ahead of the budget scheduled for 26 November. Reeves told the BBC that adhering strictly to the manifesto pledge — which covers income tax, national insurance and VAT — would force “deep cuts” to capital spending . Given the state of public finances and a downgraded productivity outloo