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Christmas Still Matters, But The Rules Have Changed For UK Grocery
Christmas has long been viewed as a reliable economic accelerator for the UK, lifting retail sales, advertising spend, employment and hospitality activity during the final quarter of the year. However, evidence increasingly suggests that the festive period no longer provides the same concentrated economic uplift it once did. The Financial Times has reported that shifts in consumer behaviour, combined with structural changes across retail, media and employment markets, mean
Editor's View: UK Agritech Trends Set To Reshape British Food Supply In 2026
If 2026 had a motto for UK food supply, it might be: “Do more, with less, in weirder weather… and don’t get hacked.” Between volatile seasons, tight margins, labour constraints and rising expectations around sustainability, British growers and food businesses are leaning harder into agritech that actually earns its keep. The backdrop is stark. The UK’s domestic production has sat around 60% of consumption (and 73% for indigenous-type food) on recent Defra-reported figures, w
Trudi’s Bananas Drive Category Growth Across Europe For Fyffes
Fyffes’ consumer banana brand Trudi’s® is delivering strong category growth across Europe, with particularly notable gains in the UK and Norway, reinforcing the growing appetite for purpose-led fresh produce brands. Image courtesy of Fyffes Launched to bring added value and differentiation to the banana category, Trudi’s has performed ahead of market averages in several key retail channels. In Norway, listings with Coop Norway have delivered robust results, with Trudi’s banan
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Digital Threats, Empty Shelves: Why Cyber Security Matters More Than Ever For Fresh Produce
The UK government has rounded off 2025 with a concerted drive to strengthen national cyber security, introducing landmark legislation and reinforcing resilience across critical sectors — a move underscored by recent cyber incidents that have rippled through the grocery supply chain. In November, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill was formally introduced to Parliament. The Bill expands the existing Network and Information Systems Regulations, setting tougher standards for
Hospitality Venues Face Average £32,700 Rise In Business Rates
Hospitality businesses across England are facing a significant increase in business rates, with new analysis showing the average venue is set to pay an additional £32,700 over the next three years. The figures, based on updated property valuations, indicate that despite targeted support measures such as a reduced hospitality multiplier and transitional relief, most pubs, restaurants, hotels and leisure venues will still experience sharp rises in their annual bills. Under curr
Tesco School Fruit Scheme Boosts Children’s Health, Focus And Energy
Tesco has said it has supplied more than 10.8 million portions of fruit and vegetables eaten by UK pupils during the first year of its Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, backed by the British Nutrition Foundation. Image courtesy of Tesco According to the retailer, 94% of teachers reported improved behaviour from kids who took part in the scheme, including sharper focus and more energy in the classroom, with an average increase in consumption of 7.4% (the equivalent of 15 days
Streeting Signals Deeper EU Trade Ties As Route To Growth, Prompting Fresh Produce Interest
The UK should pursue a deeper trading relationship with the European Union as the most effective way to stimulate economic growth, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said, raising fresh questions over the government’s longer-term approach to post-Brexit trade. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview , Streeting described the UK’s current level of taxation as “uncomfortable” and argued that Britain had taken a “massive economic hit” since leaving the EU, particularly as a result
Brussels Sprouts Cheaper Than 2019 As UK Shoppers Turn Away
Retail prices for Brussels sprouts in the UK have fallen below 2019 levels, highlighting a sharp drop in consumer demand for the traditional festive vegetable, according to a report published in the Financial Times . Growers say consumption has declined significantly, even during the key Christmas trading period when sprouts would normally enjoy peak sales. “We don’t grow many these days . . . they don’t sell like they used to,” explained Mark Abraham, manager of Crossways Fa
Kenya Launches Pilot Apple Mango Export To UK, Opening New Fresh Produce Opportunity
The UK fresh produce sector is set to benefit from a new supply opportunity following the launch of a pilot export of apple mangoes from Kenya to the United Kingdom. Image: Kenya Airways The inaugural consignment marks the first time the distinctive apple mango variety has been shipped to the UK on a trial basis, with the move designed to test market readiness and logistics while assessing long-term commercial potential. Apple mangoes, which are known for their sweet flavour,
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