I was contacted by a journalist recently asking me to comment on a recent report that shows consumption of fresh veg in the UK is down year on year. No great surprise there, I suppose, during a cost-of-living crisis and a period of rampant inflation. read more

In an era where sustainability is a big priority for the fresh produce industry, Greenyard has emerged as a shining example of unwavering commitment to a healthier future, dedicated to improving lives through pure-plant food experiences, promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering more
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As QS reports with reference to the BVL, only one plant protection product containing the active ingredient clofentezine, Apollo 50 SC, is currently authorised in Germany. Apollo 50 SC is currently used for the control of fruit tree spider mites (Panonychus ulmi) on pears and apples, among other things.
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Researchers in Chile’s University of Concepción have come up with a new technology to extend the shelf-life of fruit. Bioshield Pack is a bioactive paper made from cellulose pulp, Monterey pine and algae, which its developers claims can reduce fruit losses by up to 65 per cent during storage
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In September 2023, the year-on-year rate of change was -14.7%, which was the sharpest year-on-year decline since the survey began in 1949. According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), this development is still due in particular to
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Consumers looking for the best in fruit quality and taste are searching for recognisable brands which will be on the shelf for a considerable length of time. read more

It is an atypical 2023/24 season, which is affected by climate change and has led to earlier development and maturity of the crops. Price fluctuations are to be expected in view of the Christmas break in December, as exports will be concentrated in certain weeks. read more

Six years ago, millions of viewers saw a mother albatross feeding her newborn chick scraps of plastic in David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II. What followed was a wave of support for more sustainable packaging and less waste ending up in nature. read more

The NFU has written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of the Autumn Statement calling for support to rebuild confidence and stability in the UK’s food and farming sector. read more

While the climate-damaging insecticide and biocide sulfuryl fluoride is mainly used in Germany for pest control of export timber in shipping containers, the active ingredient flufenacet is used as a pesticide. DUH criticises the actions of the
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One of the consequences of the UK leaving the European Union in 2020 is that it is now able to set its own tariff and phytosanitary conditions for the entry of perishable products. read more

Denmark, it seems, can teach us a thing or two about the organic fresh produce business. That’s certainly a view shared by those behind Made in Nature, an EU-backed campaign to promote consumption and awareness of organic products in selected European markets. read more

One of the consequences of the UK leaving the European Union in 2020 is that it is now able to set its own tariff and phytosanitary conditions for the entry of perishable products. read more

Two South African fruit exporting companies, Vitanova International and Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, have joined their local Kenyan partners to establish a new state-of-the-art cold storage facility. read more

Newly qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers are being offered sought-after industry experience thanks to a partnership between national potato supplier Branston, Inspire Education Group, Lincoln College and the Road Haulage Association (RHA).   read more

This is despite the fact that there was initially talk of a positive decision on 13 November. At its meeting on 16 November, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag was evidently unable to agree on a uniform course in favour of the catering industry, thus delaying the
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The FPJ Potato Special is now available to subscribers on the FPJ app, covering the efforts of potato producers and their representatives to overcome challenges ranging from Potao Cyst Nematode to the loss of chemicals and the EU’s ongoing ban on imports of British seed potatoes. read more

Reusable packaging container (RPC) specialist Ifco has released its environmental, social and governance (ESG) report for 2023. read more

UK berry industry body British Berry Growers has named the Co-op ‘2023 retailer of the year’ for achieving the highest growth in UK berry sales this season. read more

Citrus production in the Northern Hemisphere is projected to reach 28.976m tonnes in 2023/24, an increase of 12.2 per cent on last season and 1.48 per cent higher than the average for the previous four seasons. read more