EHR has released the 2026 EHR 101 New Varieties Report, an annual guide showcasing the most promising new and improved plant varieties that will soon be available on the market. These varieties are chosen based on their appeal to retail customers, efficiency in production, overall performance, and availability. Now in its 22nd year, the EHR 101 report highlights the top selections from hundreds of candidates. read more

EHR has released the 2026 EHR 101 New Varieties Report, an annual guide showcasing new and improved plant introductions that are set to enter the market. These varieties are chosen based on factors such as retail appeal, production efficiency, overall performance, and availability. This year marks the 22nd edition of EHR 101, which features a selection of standout plant varieties that have undergone rigorous evaluation and testing. read more

Lidl and Tesco are the top performers in Ireland, with summer categories and online sales driving grocery sales. The latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator indicates that take-home grocery sales in Ireland increased by 2.8% over the four weeks leading to 17th May compared to the same period last year, with like-for-like grocery prices also rising. read more

Local fruit and vegetable growers in Latvia claim that supermarkets are prioritizing imported produce, which is making it difficult to sell domestic crops. This information comes from the Latvian Association of Fruit and Vegetable Traders. However, retail chains refute this claim and argue that the limited presence of Latvian produce on their shelves is due to other factors. read more

By collaborating as breeders, growers, and retailers, Sakata, Grup Roig, Sempreflora, and Aliat Grup have initiated a technical and commercial campaign targeted at Aliat Grup garden centers to promote the newest SunPatiens varieties. The goal is to assist professionals in boosting SunPatiens sales. read more

This season will be the final one for Handelsmaatschappij Van Langevelde in Kruiningen. The trading company already sold its retail packing activities to Wiskerke Onions a few years ago and is now also ceasing its trading operations. Jaap van Langevelde with his father. Photo: Trade magazine read more

The Maltby nursery and farm, Flower World, has been involved in legal disputes with Snohomish County for the past five years regarding acquiring permits – and there seems to be no resolution in sight. The main issue in the conflict is whether Flower World is classified as an agricultural or retail operation. read more

Nowa Zelandia: Foodstuffs North Island mówi, że konkurencja spożywcza nadal ewoluuje po opublikowaniu Rocznego Raportu Spożywczego. FSNI poinformowało: "Foodstuffs North Island (FSNI), lokalna spółdzielnia stojąca za sklepami New World, PAK'nSAVE i Four Square, twierdzi, że najnowszy Rocznego Raport Spożywczy odzwierciedla" read more

Natures Way Foods, a leading fresh prepared food manufacturer in the UK, has improved its processing capabilities by incorporating Sormac's OptiCor technology for coring and cutting lettuce. The company provides ready-to-eat produce to key retail and food service clients and was in search of a solution. read more

Americold, a company specializing in temperature-controlled logistics, real estate, and cold storage, has recently revealed a new long-term partnership with Jerónimo Martins, a retail group in Portugal. This agreement marks an expansion of Americold's retail operations in Europe and highlights their commitment to supporting key customer relationships. read more

The banana industry in Japan is currently experiencing supply challenges due to a decrease in the availability of ethylene gas. This gas is essential for ripening imported bananas before they are distributed to retailers. The shortage is a result of reduced naphtha supplies caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. read more

Retailers, importers, growers, exporters, and category leaders from the fresh produce industry will gather in Barcelona on June 30 and July 1 for the Fruitnet Tropicals Congress. This event is a top-level conference that will discuss the future of the rapidly expanding tropical fruit category. read more

The Australian avocado industry has introduced a virtual reality (VR) supply chain training program in collaboration with Woolworths for retail training, with the aim of ensuring consistent handling from the orchard to the retail shelf. read more

The Netherlands-based ornamental plant propagator Kwekerij Wouters is reporting a successful trading season, with steady demand for spring products through its retail and export channels. Hanging baskets and patio pots have shown particularly strong performance. "The market is active and we read more

Netherlands-based Deconell, founded by Frank Grunder, is positioning itself in what its owner describes as a rapidly evolving segment of the floral and decorative market. The relatively young company supplies seasonal decorations to florists, garden centers, retail chains, and exporters. read more

Japan: Lawson opens small supermarket in Tokyo
Lawson Inc. has opened a small supermarket in Kodaira, Tokyo, offering fresh produce and other goods at reasonable prices. This marks the first venture of the major Japanese convenience store chain into the supermarket sector. The supermarket, named "L Minimart," aims to attract... read more

Organic fruits and vegetables in the U.S. are priced on average at 59.0 percent higher than conventional produce, based on an analysis by LendingTree of USDA retail pricing data. This represents an increase from the previous year when the price difference was 52.6 percent. Out of the 52 fruit and vegetable items studied, organic Roma tomatoes were among them. read more

The Masser Family of Companies is adding a patriotic touch to the produce section this summer by introducing a special limited-edition red, white, and blue petite potato pack in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Perfectly timed for the peak summer season, this assortment of USA-grown potatoes will be available in supermarkets. read more

The Air Tray Technologies system from Blackmore Company combines propagation trays, rack systems, and paper-based retail containers. The company claims that the system is designed to reduce substrate usage, transportation volume, and chemical inputs, while also increasing production density and ease of handling. read more

From 1 June 2026, Joost Claessens will assume the role of Managing Director at Barendsen, a company within the Dutch Flower Group (DFG). Joost will be taking over from Richard Koenen, who has moved on to a new position at CNB in Lisse outside of DFG. Joost Claessens comes with a wealth of experience in both the retail and read more