Advocacy group asks UK government to ban ‘forever’ pesticides from use on fruits and veg
A new report released by a charity focused on ensuring safe and sustainable growing shows “worrying” levels of pesticides in fresh fruits and vegetables in the UK. The Pesticide Action Network UK says 10 ‘forever’ pesticides can be found in everything from peaches to cabbage to apricots. The biggest offender they say is strawberries, “with […]
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 […]
UK consumers could be forced to sacrifice British Grown quality if soft fruit industry doesn’t get help
Just when the industry was looking to recover from the pandemic, we’ve been plunged into an even greater state of crisis triggered by a number of factors. Increased production costs linked to soaring energy tariffs and the rate of inflation peaking at 11.1% in October 2022 (a figure that is even higher in agriculture, anything […]
Which UK supermarket earned British Growers crown for biggest growth in berry sales?
To be named Retailer of the Year by the assocation whose members supply nearly all of the berries in UK supermarkets is no small feat. Given the displays seen at some top retailers, the choice in 2023 by British Berry Growers might be surprising. But it is certainly warranted given the tremendous strides they’ve made […]
Scotland supplier set to serve up 70 million strawberries to Asda supermarkets
More than 70 million strawberries will be hitting Asda supermarkets this summer, thanks to Arbroath based D. Geddes Farms in Scotland. The grower, led by Frank Geddes and family, has been supplying the retail chain with strawberries from the North Sea coast for more than a decade, including its Just Essentials and Grower Selection brands. […]
Strawberry creation from Angus Soft Fruits takes Crown as ‘World’s Largest’
Call it the Crown Jewel of Fresh Produce. Angus Soft Fruits of Scotland and commissioned food artist Prudence Staite recently unveiled a beautiful masterpiece of 400 AVA Magnum strawberries in the shape of a crown to celebrate the King’s Coronation, the Scottish season and Wimbledon. The stunning creation – 30 inches long and 30 inches […]
British Berry Growers to dish out 30,000 strawberries at Mudder events
With 20,000 attendees expected at two outrageous and challenging events, British Berry Growers are seeing opportunities … in the mud. The body that represents the majority of berries in the UK will be one of the big promoters at Tough Mudder competitions, providing a well-positioned link between healthy eating and exercise. British Berry Growers will […]
Can a coating of CBD really help extend the life of strawberries?
Researchers at Thammasat University and Chulabhorn Research Institute in Thailand have developed an invisible, edible coating made with cannabidiol (CBD) that extends the freshness of strawberries and can help improve post-harvest life. CBD has been shown to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Previous studies have found that CBD limits the growth of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi, […]
