Rapid Changes Ensure Continued Success for the Global Blueberry Industry
A series of significant changes across various regions will set the global blueberry industry up for continued success. Key trends shaping the future of the industry include increasingly advanced genetics and growers’ heightened focus on labour productivity and efficiencies, according to a recent study by RaboResearch. The 2023/24 blueberry season was unique, marking the first […]
More stringent border checks of produce imports coming into UK won’t happen until July 2025
The UK government on Friday pushed back potential border checks of medium-risk fresh produce items coming from the European Union to 1 July 2025. The checks, which potentially could have thrown businesses and the entire fruit and vegetable import supply chain into turmoil, originally were set for 1 January 2025. The temporary easing will give […]
Produce advocates say there’s more land for golf than farms in the UK and that must change
Nature-friendly groups and celebrities say the government must stop relying on food imports and double the land used to grow fruits and vegetables. The open letter, coordinated by the agriculture-focused charity Soil Association, asks the Prime Minister to back and scale up horticulture sector. Chefs, influencers, and local celebrities like Sinead Fenton and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall […]
Avocado exports expected to increase in South America, Mexico over next two years
A recently released Rabobank report notes that avocado production and exports are expanding, with Mexico, Peru, and Colombia expected to become the largest exporters by 2026. Peru is the main source of avocados for the UK, but could there be further opportunities for imports from other areas? “To remain profitable, industry players must innovate in […]
UK government’s border control receives thumbs up from FPC
An ambitious overhaul of the UK’s border control systems has been met with resounding approval from industry leaders, including Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC). The initiative aims to enhance national and biosecurity while optimizing the flow of goods, aligning closely with Jenney’s long-standing advocacy for an industry-focused approach to border […]
WAPA: Southern Hemisphere Apple and Pear Crop Forecast Revised Downward Following Severe Weather
Following the intense weather events that affected several countries in the Southern Hemisphere, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) released an update of its apple and pear crop forecast that was presented during Fruit Logistica. According to the revised forecast, which consolidates the data from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa, […]
South African table grape planted area to recover after three years
South Africa table grape planted area, production and exports are all forecast to increase in the marketing year 2021-22, according to a USDA report. The area planted to table grapes is forecast to grow by two percent to 20,900 hectares in the 2021-22 marketing year from 20,564 hectares last year. This comes from new orchards and […]
Deeper issues at heart of driver shortage as crisis sets to intensify
The disruption highlights longstanding recruitment difficulties plus food pricing concerns, and may worsen as consumer demand rises this summer. Real solutions are needed to resolve the current shortage of delivery drivers in the UK. That is the consensus of representatives from the fresh produce supply chain, who point out that this crisis has long been […]
