Fresh Direct Completes LEAF Marque Commitment, Reinforces Sustainable British Sourcing

Fresh produce wholesaler Fresh Direct has reached a major sustainability milestone by fulfilling its pledge to source all contracted British fruit and vegetables exclusively from growers accredited with the Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) Marque.

The LEAF Marque is a respected whole-farm environmental standard that independently verifies agricultural practices across key areas such as soil health, biodiversity enhancement, responsible water use and energy management. Achieving this certification means that Fresh Direct’s British growers are recognised for meeting rigorous sustainability criteria that support long-term environmental resilience.

Fresh Direct, which operates as part of Sysco GB, is now building on this achievement with a series of regenerative farming pilot projects. In partnership with regenerative agriculture specialists Regen Future Co, the company has launched collaborative initiatives with three of its British growers — FreshGro, Len Wright Salads and Barfoots — representing a cross-section of farm types and regions across the UK.

These pilot interventions are designed to explore practical approaches to embedding regenerative principles on the ground. Among the activities underway are habitat creation schemes, such as hedgerow planting and wildflower meadow establishment, alongside efforts to develop new freshwater ecosystems — all aimed at boosting biodiversity and improving soil condition while maintaining commercial productivity.

Pete Statham, Head of European Sustainability at Sysco GB, said climate variability and extreme weather are increasingly challenging food production. He emphasised Fresh Direct’s commitment to working closely with growers to strengthen supply-chain resilience and “secure the future of food.”

The fulfilment of the LEAF Marque sourcing pledge underscores both Fresh Direct’s support for British growers and its leadership on environmental stewardship within the foodservice supply chain.