After more than 2 years, UK freeports ready to roll but not without cost concern

Following approval of their final business cases, Humber and Thames freeports in the UK are set to begin operating sometime this year, Port Strategy reports. The latter is already authorized to form its board and begin operating fully.  While Humber Freeport company’s conditional approval allows it to begin investment across the ports of Hull, Goole, Immingham and […]

Fresh Produce coalition worried about supply of fruits and vegetables

Retailer recognition is lifting potatoes from the doldrums

The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce has released a report analyzing the current global trading environment for fresh fruits and vegetables. The report alerts about a number of challenges that are currently threatening the long-term economic viability of the fresh produce sector worldwide, and thereby economic stability, food security, and health Current challenges include substantial […]

Future-proofing Last Mile Delivery for the European economy

Pandemic-driven e-commerce sales have surged across Europe, and this momentum has sustained sales despite ongoing economic challenges. New services with new models entered the market and expanded quickly, changing the expectations that even longtime online shoppers have about what is now possible. Consumers in Western Europe who spent 561 euros online per capita in 2019, […]

Tesco continues ‘Tetris-style’ logistics to make Christmas across UK greener

By combining deliveries with 15 top suppliers and implementing a roadmap that is truly transformational, Tesco will spare the UK of some 450 tonnes of harmful emissions in its deliveries during the festive period. Tesco’s ‘road traffic control’ leaders say their deliveries of broccoli, carrots, parsnips and trifle will continue to be combined in many […]

European ports finally making a comeback after COVID declines

Port of Rotterdam launches ‘Food Hub’ amid growing agrofood market

After almost three years, freight levels at ports across the EU are slowly returning to their pre-pandemic state. Port Strategy reports that total weight of goods handled has recovered by 4% to 3.5 billion tonnes in 2021. During 2020, EU ports saw a decline of 7% in cargo compared to the previous year. While volumes still haven’t […]

‘Uncertain times’ ahead for UK and fresh produce industry

Commentary: Post-Brexit, where does the UK turn next in trade talks?

As we begin to look back on 2022, we are currently facing a combination of global, regional and local challenges which impact, directly and indirectly UK and international farming and food: the strength of the US$; conflict in Ukraine; climate change; energy issues; the ongoing impact of Brexit, COVID and then our own UK economic/food […]