TR-4 fungus threatening bananas worldwide may have met its match: genetic altering
A company in the United States is developing a fungus-proof, genetically engineered banana that will be resistant to a deadly disease threatening to destroy most of the world’s banana crops. TR-4, also known as Fusarium Oxysporum, is a fungus that attacks the roots of banana trees and is resistant to fungicides and other chemicals. The fungus […]
Lidl’s lofty 30th anniversary expansion plans could mean hundreds more stores in the UK
Discount retailer Lidl wants to celebrate its 30th year in Great Britain in style by opening not just a handful of new stores or a couple dozen. Lidl says it wants to open hundreds. Fueled by its recent investments in infrastructure, including its new warehouse in Luton, the fast-growing supermarket chain wants to expands further […]
Sellout gathering descends on Global Cherry Summit in Chile, with China taking centre stage
Chile became the epicenter of the world cherry industry Thursday with more than 1,400 attendees and 80 sector businesses gathered at the Monticello Events Center in Santiago to celebrate the 5th edition of the Global Cherry Summit. A large delegation from China, including the Chinese ambassador in Chile, Niu Qingbao, attended the event, organized by Yentzen […]
Co-op makes bold bet on UK farmers, growers by going all in on British Strawberries
Co-op has become the first of the British supermarket chains to go to 100% British Strawberries in its own brand range from now through the summer. The convenience retailer said it wanted to get the word out on the commitment in time for St. George’s Day and as strawberries hit the shelves earlier than expected. […]
Veg Power launches eLearning platform to try to get pickiest kids to eat more produce
Veg Power’s targeted, clever campaigns have struck a chord with kids, led by Eat Them to Defeat Them. But what about parents and guardians? Yes, family leaders have a role to play in ensuring increased consumption of vegetables, and Veg Power has aimed many at them, as well. The latest is a new free eLearning […]
New research suggests social media influencers could be key to increase produce consumption
UK companies spent an astonishing £820 million last year on social media influencer marketing, according to data from wearesocial.com. It’s not surprising given the allure and power it can have in shaping consumer habits. But could influencers who promoted the norms of eating healthy sway all of us to eat more fruits and vegetables? Recent […]
First batch of strawberries make it through the rain, head for Tesco’s produce aisles
The first wave of commercial strawberries have finally found their way to retailer Tesco, after a long rainy start to the year in the UK. Rising temperatures and increasing sun have lifted the doldrums on Britain staple spring and early summer fruit. And it won’t be long before they get their due at the signature […]
Fast-working bees could help cherries get to supermarket displays earlier this year
Cherry season is forecasted to arrive early in the UK and the sight of bountiful cherry blossom trees at family-owned Kent Little Sharsted Farm provides visual confirmation. This year, the UK cherry season has seen an early blossom due to favorable weather conditions. The fruit is expected to hit supermarket shelves as early as the […]
