Logistics troubles mount for banana shipments through Panama Canal, so will that impact UK?

Costa Rican bananas packhouse Corbana

An article published in the Journal of Commerce by analyst Richard Bright analyzes the impact of transit cuts and delays in the Panama Canal regarding Latin American perishable exports that must pass through the Canal to reach their destination.  With delays on the Panama Canal already standing at 10 days for vessels that have not pre-booked a transit, there are […]

Five projects backed by Tesco, WWF show innovative work to protect food chain

Five companies that have been working with Tesco’s suppliers as part of the 2022 Innovation Connections Programme which is also headed by the WWF discussed progress they’ve made over the past year in their research projects. Those projects are mainly geared toward enviromental preservation, conservation and the limiting of carbon in the atmosphere. Currently, 60% […]

Is this company positioned to lead the future of quality control for fresh produce?

Quality control for fresh produce remains one of the biggest struggles for producers and exporters around the world. Poor quality control is not only an issue for consumers and retailers, but it represents a liability for the profitability of everyone involved in the supply chain.  Clarifruit, an Israel-based company was founded under the realization that […]

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 […]