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Higher Costs ‘Will Have To Be Passed On’, Say Growers
British fresh produce growers are warning that the industry will have little choice but to pass some of their input cost increases through the supply chain as the ceasefire in Iran comes too late for this season. The conflict has already driven up fuel and fertiliser costs at a critical time for planting fresh fruits and vegetables in the UK. Ali Capper, who heads up grower association British Apples and Pears (BAPL), said the impact will be felt this season even if the ceas
Lidl Unveils Ambitious £600m Store Expansion Plan
Lidl GB has announced plans to open more than 50 stores over the next 12 months, signalling more shelf space, more local reach, and more supply opportunities for British fresh produce growers. Image: Lidl GB The discounter said in a press release that its new £600 million investment in its British store network will create more opportunities for national suppliers, giving British businesses more certainty to invest. Already, Lidl said two-thirds of its products already come
BerryWorld UK Promotes Paul Avery To Managing Director
Commercial Director Paul Avery has stepped into the role of Managing Director at BerryWorld UK, following the retirement of Paul Cole after 21 years with the business. Image: BerryWorld UK | Paul Avery Incoming MD Avery benefits from over twenty years of experience at BerryWorld, the company said, and brings “extensive cross-functional experience” and a “deep understanding” of the business to lead BerryWorld into its next phase. Avery joined BerryWorld in 2006 as an Infrast
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
US-Iran Ceasefire May Not Ease UK Prices Quickly
The two-week ceasefire in the Middle East is unlikely to bring immediate relief for UK consumers and fresh produce suppliers, with analysts warning that food, fuel, and energy prices may stay under pressure for some time. The main concern is that lasting economic damage has been done, meaning any fall in oil or wholesale costs may take time to reach fuel forecourts and supermarket shelves. Although markets may react quickly, UK households are reportedly unlikely to see an i
Morocco Sets Record For Pepper Exports To UK
Morocco is strengthening its position in the UK fresh produce market as its sweet pepper exports continue to climb sharply, reaching a record volume in 2025, according to new trade data. Global Trade Tracker data analysed by EastFruit shows that UK imports of Moroccan sweet peppers doubled last year to 8,100 tonnes – more than twice the volume recorded in 2024. Shipments to the UK have expanded rapidly in recent years, making the UK one of the fastest-growing destinations.
New Pea Trials Tackle £65m Virus Losses
UK pea growers are facing a growing threat from crop viruses, with losses estimated at up to £65 million a year, prompting a new field-based trial designed to improve virus control decisions and reduce wasteful spraying. Backed by Defra’s ADOPT fund and led by the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) with growers from the Green Pea Company network, the project will assess the full spectrum of viruses in commercial vining pea crops, and when intervention is genu
FPC Fresh Produce Hub Delivers Standout Success At IFE 2026
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has hailed the FPC Fresh Produce Hub as a resounding success at International Food & Drink Event 2026, with strong exhibitor engagement, high visitor footfall and immediate rebookings already confirmed for 2027. Held at ExCeL London from 30 March to 1 April, the Hub once again proved to be a focal point for the fresh produce industry, bringing together leading growers, suppliers and service providers in a vibrant, collaborative space designe
UK Food Industry Unites To Tackle Hunger Through Nationwide Campaign And Supply Chain Innovation
Five of the UK’s leading supermarkets have joined forces in an unprecedented collaboration to tackle food poverty, launching a nationwide fundraising campaign alongside a broader industry initiative to redistribute surplus food to those in need. The campaign, titled Let’s Make a Meal of It , is running throughout April across Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, enabling millions of customers to donate in-store and online. Every £1 raised will fund the
Government Moves Grocery Watchdog To Defra
Responsibility for the UK’s grocery watchdog is set to transfer to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in a move aimed at strengthening fairness across the food supply chain. The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA), which regulates relationships between the UK’s largest supermarket retailers and their direct suppliers, will shift from the Department for Business and Trade to Defra from 1 July 2026. The change is designed to create a more “joined-up” a
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