New Defra proposal would term some produce coming from the EU as ‘medium- or high-risk’
The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has proposed regulatory changes that would reclassify half of all fresh produce imports from the European Union to Great Britain as medium- or high-risk. The proposed changes pertain to Annex 11 of the retained Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. The proposal prompted a response from the European Fresh Produce Association […]
How low can Aldi go? How about £37 cheaper than a rival supermarket on 72 similar items
Deep discounters are continuing to dominate the price wars that have been occurring in the UK since the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on the publication or source, one or the other – Lidl or Aldi – have been out front and up front about their low, low prices. And they are delivering […]
World Banana Forum kicks off in Italy with a focus on sustainability, equity
The United Nations’ World Banana Forum returns this week to Rome, headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization. The fourth edition of the event is expected to gather 400 banana industry stakeholders, representing growers, government agencies, importers and exporters, retailers, research institutions and trade unions. “Bananas are the most exported fresh fruit in the world by volume […]
Top British farming group entices seasonal berry pickers with excellent perks
Before the start of the British berry season, farmers Hall Hunter have launched an extensive recruitment programme to try to bring in seasonal workers. With a yield of more than 8,000 tonnes of British soft fruit last year, Hall Hunter supplies major UK supermarkets with British strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Fruit pickers are required […]
Health-conscious consumers are craving and buying more veg, plant-based products
The “plant-based” food craze, which seemed to point the future of eating several years ago, took a surprising tumble last year, But major UK supermarket chain Tesco says it is back with a vengeance from shopping patterns in has been seeing over the past three months on products that are meat-free: “Plant-based food has been […]
Food Foundation’s alarming data shows drastic decline in fruit, veg purchases by poor families
The majority of British families who are struggling with food insecurity are buying fewer fruits and vegetables, according to new data released by the Food Foundation. Nearly 60% of households cut back on fruit purchases alone in January, while 44% lessened the amount of vegetables they buy. “It is hugely concerning to see that families […]
What could be more impactful or fun than National Carrot Day? It’s happening in October.
The British Carrot Growers Association will host National Carrot Day on 3 October in Yorkshire and online to bring awareness and “safeguard the future” of this incredibly heathy and versatile root vegetable. “It’s time to make a bit of noise about the nation’s favourite vegetable, the carrot,” says Rodger Hobson, Chair of the BCGA and […]
Slowdowns at Cape Town port hampers South Africa fruit campaign, poses ‘threat’ to future of industry
The backlog at Cape Town Port has improved, but not in time to save the South African fruit industry from reputational damage, according to a statement by Hortgro. “While things are better, machines still break down and need repair. The export schedule is still lagging,” the industry body said Thursday. “Reputational damage to the fruit […]