MPs chide Secretary of State for failure to ‘heed warnings’ over food shortages in supermarkets
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Several supermarket chains in the UK have been limiting the purchase of some fruits and vegetables because of supply chain shortages, and that led to a recent showdown between members of Parliament and Secretary of State Dr Therese Coffey over what could be more dire patterns in the future. Several media outlets, including The Guardian, […]
Tesco’s full network of UK growers achieve LEAF Marque standard
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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 […]
Giles: 7 crucial topics facing fresh produce that were ever-present at Fruit Logistica
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Now back from Berlin for a few days, it is time to start sifting through the numerous business cards collected over the three days and think about what needs to be followed up on, with who and when. From the Wednesday through to Friday, we held almost 30 meetings and met clients, friends and colleagues […]
A Not-So-Quiet Giant Leaves Lasting Impact on Produce Industry
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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
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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
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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 …
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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
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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 […]