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Where Are The Savings? FPC Chief Challenges Government’s EU Reset Narrative
The Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) Nigel Jenney, has issued a stark warning to government over its proposed UK–EU trade “reset”, accusing ministers of prioritising political alignment over the practical realities of how the fresh produce supply chain operates. In a strongly worded open letter to The Grocer last week, Jenney dismantled claims that the deal would reduce friction and cut costs, arguing instead that it risks introducing a far more burdenso
Middle East Conflict Threatens Fresh Surge In UK Food Prices
UK households could face a sharp new wave of food inflation within months as the ongoing conflict in Iran begins to ripple through global supply chains, industry experts have warned. Fresh analysis from the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) suggests food price inflation could more than double, rising from around 3.6% today to over 8% by June 2026 under a severe – albeit short-lived – energy shock scenario. The projected spike would mark a significant escalation in cost
Doors Open: The FPC Fresh Produce Hub Welcomes You To IFE 2026
The wait is over. From today, the doors are officially open at IFE 2026, and the FPC Fresh Produce Hub is ready—buzzing with energy, colour and opportunity—at ExCeL London. Across the next three days, from 30 March to Wednesday 1 April, the UK’s fresh produce, floral and plant supply chain takes centre stage, and quite frankly, there’s no better place to be than Stand N2460. This year’s Fresh Produce Hub is more than just a showcase—it’s a statement. A vibrant, high-impact sp
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
England Drought-Free But Extreme Weather Swings Will Intensify
England’s water levels have largely recovered from the 2025 drought after four months of above‑average rainfall but rapid swings between drought and flooding will become more common under climate change, warns the Environment Agency. The drought risk for 2026 is currently low but the EA said a “flash drought” is still possible if there is a sudden spell of very low rainfall and hot temperatures similar to 2022. Furthermore, as the UK’s climate changes, the EA expects more fr
Food-To-Go Market On Track To Outpace Eating Out In UK
The UK food-to-go market is forecast to reach just under £25bn in 2026, growing faster than the wider eating-out sector, and driven by higher spend per visit rather than more customers, finds a new report. Market value for the grab-and-go business is expected to increase by 3.4% to £24.9bn in 2026, according to the latest Lumina Intelligence UK Food to Go Market Report 2026. The projected expansion is supported by rising office attendance, travel flows, and solid consumer de
M&S Powers New Digital Era, Handing AI Tools To 11,000 Staff
M&S is embarking on a major digital transformation by rolling out AI tools to 11,000 store leaders and office-based workers in a bid to reshape how teams run stores, analyse data, and serve customers day to day. Image: M&S The retailer has purchased 11,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licences for every store manager and all Store Support Centre colleagues. The aim is to free up staff from time-consuming tasks in order to focus on serving customers, improving availability, and suppo
Soaring Food Prices Could Add £150 To Shopping Bills
Prolonged conflict in the Middle East could cause UK food inflation to more than double to 8% by June, piling further costs onto households already stretched by rising living expenses, warns IGD. The new forecast of surging food prices by summer is a worst-case scenario if disruption to global energy markets continues, the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) said. According to IGD’s latest projections, food inflation, now at 3.6%, could “briefly reach over 8% by June 202
National Food Supply Risks ‘Catastrophic Failure’ By 2030
UK food production could face severe strain within a few years as critical systems head for collapse, according to a government report that calls for “transformational change” to rebuild resilience. In a stark warning for UK food security, the report, produced by Defra in 2024 but only recently brought to light, concludes there is “a realistic possibility” that by 2030 the UK’s food system, as well as water supplies and natural ecosystems, could be at “strategic risk of catas
John Innes Centre, Sainsbury Laboratory To Build World-Class Crop Science Glasshouse
A next-generation glasshouse, insectary, and horticultural research facility capable of growing a million plants a year has been announced by the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory following a £5 million donation from the Garfield Weston Foundation. Image: The Sainsbury Laboratory Dubbed ‘Technology Platform 1’ (TP1), the new 4,500 m² state-of-the-art research facility will enable scientists to study crop performance under realistic, reproducible conditions. The
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