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UK’s EU Reset Plan Raises Fresh Questions For Food Trade
A renewed push by the UK government to strengthen ties with the EU is raising fresh questions for food trade and regulatory alignment, following a BBC interview with Europe editor, Katya Adler. In the BBC analysis, ministers set out a more “pragmatic” approach to rebuilding relations with Brussels, signalling a shift in tone as both sides explore ways to improve cooperation in key areas. Discussions are already under way on a series of sector-specific agreements, including fo
British Berry Season Accelerates As April Brings Strong Volume Uplift
The UK berry season is now moving up a gear, with April delivering the significant uplift in volumes that the industry has been building towards since early spring. At leading soft fruit supplier S&A Produce, the first strawberries of the season began developing early, with picking getting underway on 4 March. Since then, volumes have been rising steadily—and as expected, April is now seeing a tenfold increase compared to March , marking a key turning point in the domestic se
Freshfel Europe Sets New Course As Rosseneu Takes Helm And Sector Looks Ahead
Freshfel Europe has set out an ambitious roadmap for the future of the fresh produce sector, marking a moment of transition and renewed direction at its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sicily. Frédéric Roseneu Freshfel Europe President with Philippe Binard, General Delegate. Image: Freshfel Europe Held in Giardini Naxos on 15–16 April, the AGM also saw Frédéric Rosseneu (Greenyard) appointed as the association’s new President for the 2026–2028 term, succeeding Salvo Laud
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
‘Cliff Edge’ Warning As Ministers Reject Extra Time For SPS Changes
Ministers have rejected calls to give farmers and food businesses more time to prepare for a future UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal, raising concerns over how the sector will cope with potentially disruptive changes. The government confirmed it will not pursue a transition period ahead of new arrangements expected from mid-2027, despite warnings that many businesses are already under pressure and may struggle to adapt. MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affair
UK Families Face £470 Grocery Bill Surge As Food Inflation Bites
UK households are facing a sharp rise in the cost of their weekly shop, with new figures suggesting families could be paying an extra £470 a year for groceries as food price inflation remains persistently high. According to data highlighted in a report by the Manchester Evening News , the average annual grocery bill has climbed significantly, reaching around £5,617. The increase reflects continued pressure on household budgets despite wider inflation easing in other areas of
M&S Cuts Prices On Everyday Veg As Health And Value Drive Family Shopping Shift
Marks & Spencer has reduced prices across a range of everyday vegetables and expanded its value offering, as the retailer responds to growing demand from families seeking healthier food at affordable prices. The move sees prices cut on 19 vegetable staples, while 22 everyday lines have been added to its value ranges in a bid to attract more regular weekly shoppers. Key products affected include household staples such as mushrooms, carrots, leeks, cabbage, courgettes and Tende
UK Plans For Food Shortages If Input Disruption Deepens
The UK is preparing for a possible worst-case disruption to food supplies if the Iran war drags on, as the FAO warns of a “global agrifood catastrophe” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed blocking key inputs. UK government officials are reportedly modelling a scenario in which the Strait of Hormuz standoff continues and carbon dioxide (CO2) supplies are badly hit, affecting the farming, food production, and hospitality sectors in particular. The immediate risk is less ab
Supermarket Supplier Issues Edge Up, GCA Survey Finds
The UK grocery sector continues to show strong compliance with the Groceries Code, although a small rise in supplier complaints suggests pressure points remain in parts of the supply chain, according to annual survey results. The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) 2026 survey shows that the number of suppliers reporting at least one Code issue rose from 30% to 32% over the past 12 months. Nonetheless, more than half of respondents said they had experienced no issues when suppl
Robotics To AI Farm Tools Fast-Tracked By £50m Investment
Some £50 million has been pledged by the UK government to speed up the rollout of cutting-edge farm technologies, with up to 12 agritech tools from robotics to AI designed to help increase productivity while cutting labour, energy, and fertiliser use. Delivered through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme with Innovate UK, the funding is aimed at getting practical, proven precision and biological technologies into farmers’ hands sooner to improve animal and crop health, cut
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