Freshfel: Policymakers are missing massive opportunity to elevate fruits and vegetables

Freshfel Europe’s latest edition of the Consumption Monitor indicates that the average fruit and vegetable consumption in the EU decreased to 350 g/day/capita in 2022. The positive trend that started during the COVID-19 pandemic has been curbed by the economic crisis, impacting the purchasing power of consumers. Freshfel Europe underlines the essential features of fresh […]

Angus Soft Fruits leader talks innovation and challenges in berry sector

In this interview done with Fresh Fruit Portal during Fruit Logistica, Sarah Ilyas spoke with Jill Witheyman, Head of Marketing at Angus Soft Fruits. What is Angus Soft Fruits all about?  We are a Scottish company based on the northeast coast of Scotland, celebrating our 30th anniversary this year. Angus Soft Fruits is a family […]

Questions abound on fresh produce consumption, but shows like New York help spread word

Fresh notes: Rashford, Oliver call for 'urgent review' of free school meal plan

“How do we increase produce consumption?” This mantra has been chanted at industry events and in produce publications for as long as I can remember. It should be a no-brainer. Produce is healthy. Everyone wants to be healthy. Between fresh and non-fresh presentations, produce is available, affordable and there is a fruit or veggie that […]

Fruit Logistica: New ripening innovations from Interko help save on energy

Netherlands-based Interko, which designs, manufactures and installs state-of-the-art fresh fruit ripening rooms, announced that it has cut the energy consumption of its flagship Ultimo rooms by a further 20 per cent, after launching the second generation of its revolutionary Reverso reversible fans. Ultimo’s design and technology also has been adapted to enable the room to be used […]

Veg Power’s 5-year report confirms: 53% of parents say kids in ‘Eat Them’ campaign are eating more veg

Eat Them To Defeat Them veg campaign aimed at kids will return in February

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 […]

The C-Suite Focus on Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Freshfel Europe calls for new policy approach to fresh fruits and vegetables

I recently moderated a panel discussion in the U.S. at the Produce for Better Health (PBH) Consumer Connection Conference in mid-April. The panelists represented a diverse group of foodservice companies, where senior leadership views produce as an important part of their business. Our 45-minute discussion focused on leaders’ insights on what matters, what’s doable and what […]