Demand has never been higher for British berries, but growers are warning about gloomy future
Despite demand for berries rising to record levels over the past decade, British growers say they are concerned about whether they will be able to survive the economic challenges ahead. Soaring labour, production and energy costs – along with lower-than-expected returns from retailers – could put already stretched thin businesses in jeopardy. More than 8 […]
South African raisin crop set to shatter record as harvest nears
New data released by industry body Raisins South Africa have forecast that farmers’ stock for 2024/25 will reach 104,000t, representing the first time the country has broken through the 100,000t barrier. The milestone comes after the weather stabilised following a period of temperature variability during the spring. Producers are now reporting ideal conditions and plant […]
Farmers union sees Starmer’s landslide win as potential opportunity for ‘change’
“Change begins now.” Those words, spoken by new Prime Minister Keir Starmer after his overwhelming victory Thursday propelled the Labour Party into power, promise a new path for the nation. They also may provide a silver lining for British farmers, who are collectively looking for that “reset moment.” Reacting swiftly to news of the “change” […]
Where does bold, mouth-watering flavour come from? It starts with seeds and breeders
For this column, we are going to go off menu a bit because ironically, flavor does not start on the menu. Or in the kitchen. Or at the distributor. Or even in the field. Flavour starts with the development of a seed. Development, growing, testing, tasting. Re-developing, growing, testing, re-tasting. But I am getting ahead […]
Aldi reaches historic 20-year deal with British apple grower AC Goatham
AC Goatham & Son, one of the most renowned fruit farms in the UK, has reached a new £750 million deal with Aldi to supply it with fresh apples and pears. Based in Kent, AC Goatham has been working with Aldi since 2016, but was not its sole provider of British apples until last year. […]
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. […]
Tesco joins other retailers in promoting ‘Best of British’ fresh produce on its website
Tesco has unveiled a ‘Best of British’ page on its grocery site, showing its commitment to growers, producers and suppliers in the fresh produce chain. The retailer joins a number of other supermarkets in the quest to promote freshly grown British fruits and vegetables, which includes. Tesco says its site will feature “more than 500 […]
This massive Eterna blueberry from Costa Group shatters Guinness Book of World Records mark
Anyone that has ever picked blueberries knows the feeling when spotting the right one. It’s perfectly plump and bigger than the rest. Imagine finding one nearly six to eight times the size of the average blueberry. It would not only catch your attention but maybe, even, the Guinness Book of World Records. In late November […]
