Jooste: Pressure is on, and savvy supermarkets are pivoting to meet economic challenges

Since the fall of 2021, the food chain has seen rising costs due to several factors, starting with logistical disruptions and speculation caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, followed by a post-COVID scarcity of human resources, and recently the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Subsequent sanctions against Russia drove up energy prices and heavily affected […]

From fresh produce to environmental conservation

Sustainability comes in many shapes, sizes, colors, dimensions and impact zones. For me, the secret of starting a new sustainability project always depends on three things: inspiration, commitment and collaboration. Here is how these three factors recently came together in a life-changing sustainability project. In June 2021, after working in the global fresh produce industry […]

Borough Market embraces sustainability as it grows in 2023

The iconic Borough Market is putting a strong emphasis on sustainability as it heads further into 2023, launching a number of new plans and welcoming in forward-thinking traders that address the environment within and beyond its footprint in London. “With more than 25 million people a year visiting more than 100 specialist traders, we need […]

UK set to eliminate all single-use, disposable plastics

Britain’s Environment Secretary, Therese Coffey, is set to announce that disposable plastics such as plates, trays, cups and cutlery will be banned by the end of the year in order to protect wildlife and future generations in England. The new ban will be set in place in October 2023, starting with restaurants, cafes and takeaways […]

Freshfel launching Environmental Footprint methodology for fruits and vegetables

Sourcing sustainable bananas for foodservice and wholesale markets

Freshfel Europe is developing what it calls a “a state-of-the-art, standardized methodology” in hopes of improving sustainability across the fresh produce industry. Under its Freshfel Environmental Footprint Initiative, the group and its members plan to launch the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for fruit and vegetables. The goal is that more transparency, better communication […]

Westfalia Fruit growing avocados on Portugal reserve using ‘minimal’ water

In a one-of-a-kind ‘farming with nature’ initiative, multinational supplier Westfalia Fruit Group has successfully launched and is maintaining a highly sustainable avocado orchard on protected land in the Alcácer do Sal region of Portugal. Within a Site of Community Importance and under regulations from the Portuguese government and European Union law, it is currently growing […]