Fruit

The recent launch of White Pearl strawberries that ‘taste like pineapple and vanilla’ in M&S Foodhalls was met with scepticism by UK breeders and controversy among the public who have expressed concerns over the origins of the fruit.

New research suggests that the availability of labour and access to staff with the right skills will continue to be an issue for agricultural and horticultural businesses over the coming years.

This year’s Fruit Logistica will showcase an innovative mobile optical sorter that is proving popular with UK growers faced with labour shortages, according to its manufacturer Haith.

Malling Fruits has issued grower guidelines for its most successful variety Malling Centenary, which has become the strawberry sector’s standard Junebearer variety.

By supporting small local businesses in their move towards net zero, the Growing Green pilot project is expected to deliver £3 million in GVA in the Kent and Medway area by 2028, according to a recent independent report.

Growers from the UK and overseas are encouraged to join NIAB’s annual Tree Fruit Day technical webinar, a free-to-attend event featuring the latest research and advice for all those involved in the tree fruit industry.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food is offering 50 emerging micro producers a one-time free entry into the world’s most trusted taste accreditation scheme.

Sally Flanagan, former executive director and long-standing committee member of The East Malling Trust, will be following in the footsteps of Sarah Calcutt as the new chief executive officer of the Marden Fruit Show Society (MFSS).

Fruit & Vine asked Tom Adams (AKA ‘Tom the Apple Man’) to discuss two heritage apple varieties this issue – although choosing just two varieties proved a challenge, as he explains

Agronomist Mike Wainwright of Hortifeeds discusses the importance of managing plant stress in an extreme, unpredictable and constantly evolving climate

Work has begun to develop strawberry and raspberry varieties resistant to spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a key problem pest in soft and stone fruit, with initial results showing promise that a new milestone in fly control may be within reach.

The government has confirmed 45,000 visas for seasonal workers will be available for businesses next year – an uplift of 15,000 compared to what was available in early 2022.