Tesco’s full network of UK growers achieve LEAF Marque standard

All of Tesco’s UK-based fruit and vegetable growers are LEAF-Marque certified, setting a high bar on sustainability that should carry through for generations. The nearly 500 growers have committed to strong climate standards that include ensuring soil health, limiting carbon emissions and preventing deforestation. In addition, they’ve fostered biodiversity across their farms. “Reaching this significant […]

A Not-So-Quiet Giant Leaves Lasting Impact on Produce Industry

Amazing youngsters impress produce, foodservice Dragons at Fresh Careers Fair

Many years ago, Jim Prevor wrote and published a beautiful “In Memoriam” piece about my father, Stephen D’Arrigo. His kind words were incredibly insightful and provided my family with a beautiful and lasting account about the beloved founder of our company. It is framed, hanging prominently in the front lobby of our company headquarters here […]

Synergy: Working to promote fruit and vegetable consumption at New York Produce Show

A record groundswell of produce industry titans and innovative change agents joined forces in New York City in late 2022 with an urgent imperative to increase produce consumption. The 13th annual New York Produce Show & Conference, with meetings beginning on November 29 and ending December 2nd, with the one-day trade show centered at the […]

Produce at heart of consumer spending shift away from premium chains to Lidl

Lidl giving back to employees in big way with increases in hourly wages

According to new data released by supermarket chain Lidl, consumers in the UK spent £11m less at Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose in January than they did last year and used it instead at the discount retailer. Much of that switch is being fueled by fresh produce. This huge shift is not surprising given […]

This one’s for you, Jimbo …

On Monday evening, Nov. 7, I prepared a post for LinkedIn. I wrote it in the spirit of my looming 65th birthday. The post started off with the first line of the amazing Tower of Song, Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece that was released in 1988. ‘All my friends are gone and my hair is gray’… As […]

BerryWorld cements deal with vertical farm to ensure year-round supply

BerryWorld Group and Beekers Holding BV to consolidate

Global berry supplier BerryWorld has announced a strategic partnership with Dutch agtech enterprise SMARTKAS. SMARTKAS is currently the largest vertical farm in the UK, and is set to provide BerryWorld with locally grown, premium quality strawberries for retail sales on a year-round basis. The firm’s facility in Harlow, Essex, has over 27,000 square meters of growing space, making it the […]