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Aldi Urges Long-Term Backing for Growers to Strengthen Britain’s Food Security
Longer-term supermarket commitments could help unlock more British food production, Aldi UK’s chief commercial officer has argued, highlighting the importance of investment certainty for growers. Writing in The Times, Julie Ashfield called for food production to receive greater recognition as a national resilience issue, with retailers and government both playing a part in supporting expansion. For fresh produce businesses, Aldi’s relationship with Kent-based AC Goatham & Son
Dutch Flower Traders Welcome UK Tariff Relief Extension to 2028
Dutch flower wholesalers have welcomed the extension of Britain’s import tariff suspension on cut flowers until 31 December 2028, while calling for the duties to be abolished permanently. The Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products, VGB, said the arrangement allows cut flowers originating outside the EU to enter the UK without import duties, including when traded through EU member states. The suspension had been due to expire at the end of 2026. VGB and int
Water Shortages Threaten 2027 Planting as Growers Press for Action
British vegetable growers are considering reducing planting next year as uncertainty over irrigation supplies raises concerns for the 2027 growing season. Depleted reservoirs and continuing drought have prompted fresh calls for government action, with producers warning that reliable access to water is essential to protect domestic food production. Some businesses are weighing up smaller areas of high-value vegetable crops because of doubts over future supplies, FarmingUK repo
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Scottish Local Food Sourcing Rises Amid Call For Urgent UK Import Review
Domestic sourcing is continuing to hold strong across Scotland’s supermarkets, as NFU Scotland calls on the UK Government to review the food and combinable crops imports policy over concerns that growing imports are putting Scottish agriculture at risk. The latest NFU Scotland ShelfWatch audit found that 26% of own-label products surveyed across major supermarkets were Scottish, up from 19% at the same point last year. When Scottish and British products are combined, that fi
UK Potato Planted Area Shrinks 20% In Ten Years But Consumption Opportunities Remain
The area of land used to grow potatoes in the UK has declined by approximately 20% over the past decade, according to preliminary figures from GB Potatoes, but new data seeks to position the UK’s favourite vegetable as a ‘nutritional powerhouse’ with endless versatility. UK potato growers continue to face mounting pressures, including drought and concerns over reliable water supplies. GB Potatoes’ 2026 planting and production survey estimates that potato-growing area currentl
Budget 2026 Offers ‘No Breathing Space’ For Food, Farming, And Retail
Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget has been met with criticism from the food, farming, and retail industries as a crucial missed opportunity to deliver on the UK Government’s ‘food security is national security’ commitment. Image: NFU Both the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said the autumn budget offers “no breathing space” for farmers and retailers alike, while the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) warned it “offers nothing” to ease fo
British Butternut Squash Campaign Targets Greater Consumption In Third Year
Veg Power has launched the third year of its ‘Better with Butternut’ campaign, bringing together grower Barfoots, seed company Sakata, and retailer Waitrose to further raise consumer awareness and consumption of healthy, flavoursome, and versatile British-grown butternut squash. The 2026 campaign, described as its “most ambitious yet”, builds on previous activity with an expanded engagement programme spanning grower storytelling, chef-led recipes, school resources, and in-sto
Fresh Cranberries Present Sales Opportunities Beyond Christmas
Consumer demand for fresh cranberries is growing beyond the festive season, offering opportunities for UK retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice operators to make the most of the fruit throughout the autumn, according to Fruit World International. Image: Fruit World International Although fresh cranberries are traditionally associated with Christmas meals, the UK importer believes there is scope for retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice businesses to broaden their appeal a
Food Inflation Rises To 2.9% As Retailers Urge Budget Action
Food inflation accelerated to 2.9% in October, prompting retailers to call for action in today’s Budget to prevent mounting business costs feeding through to shoppers. The latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) figures show annual food inflation rose from 2.5% in September, exceeding the three-month average of 2.7%. The data covers prices collected between 1 and 7 October. Fresh food inflation remained unchanged at 2.6%, slightly below its three-month average of 2.7%. The inc
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