Is latest wave of layoffs at Maersk a bad omen for logistics across the globe?

New initiatives keep Maersk Line at forefront of global transport service

A global economic slowdown, with a sharp drop in demand, could be behind AP Møller-Maersk’s decision to lay off an additional 3,500 people. The Danish company, which owns the world’s second largest fleet, tells Port Strategy that layoffs have sadly been underway, as the firm looks to “intensifying” cost-saving measures. “Our industry is facing a new normal […]

Avocado leader Mission Produce will dramatically double space in Dartford to take on mangoes

Mission Produce, Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced expansion plans for its forward distribution center in Dartford, England. This doubling ripening capacity enables the establishment of mango operations.  The expansion, to be completed in Spring 2024, involves the addition of 50% more Mission Control ripening rooms, a mango-specific […]

Could food inflation in UK finally be waning? Food manufacturer price cuts offer hope

UK grocery sales see significant spike, grow by fastest rate in more than 10 years

Consumer food costs could drop sharply through the end of 2023 after food and drink manufacturers slashed their prices in September to pre-pandemic levels, according to the UK Sector Tracker Report from Lloyd’s Bank. The 48.8 tracker reading, which measures output charges, was down for the second consecutive month and was the lowest since February […]

Charting the impact of El Niño on Peruvian blueberries

Costa Group to boost ownership of African Blue JV to 90%

Peru’s ascendancy in the blueberry industry can be attributed to two pivotal factors: climate conditions and the genetic suitability for blueberry cultivation. An optimal temperate climate with a desert-arid-subtropical character prevails across nearly the entire coastal expanse.  This climate fundamentally ensures high-quality blueberries. Moreover, this is of paramount significance in expediting the early-stage blueberry production […]

It’s pumpkin season! This year’s crop from UK growers looks big and bountiful

This year’s crop of pumpkins has arrived in supermarkets such as Tesco, and they are looking bigger and plumper than in typical run-ups to Halloween. A rainier summer, especially in July and August, led to a lovely season for growers in the UK. Demand is expected to be strong again, according to the retailer. “The […]

Fresh Direct, Aldi and AC Goatham among big winners at this year’s FPC Awards

Foodservice provider Fresh Direct was named the Wholesale Fruit and Veg Supplier of the Year at the recent Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) Awards. More than 700 suppliers were competing for top honour at the prestigious awards. “It is fantastic to be recognised by our peers for the job we’re doing,” Andy Pembroke, Managing Director of […]

Table grape exports from South Africa could soar by double digits in coming year

South Africa forecasts lower table grape crop for 2017-18

South Africa’s table grape export volumes are expected to rise 12% for the coming industry 2023-24 season. The South African Table Grape Industry released this information in its first crop estimate for the new season. The industry expects a 12% increase in volumes inspected for export compared to the actual inspected volumes of the 2022-23 […]

Choosing the Right Path: How your produce business can seize strengths, limit weaknesses

The European fresh produce industry is witnessing a significant shift in companies adopting specific roles to sustain their success. With increasing competition and growing supply chain transparency, companies are faced with a crucial decision: should they become specialists, focusing on a few products that can be consistently supplied year-round to large-scale retailers, or should they […]