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PRICES

The local produce industry is navigating economic pressures that significantly impact both suppliers and consumers.

Food-at-home prices rose by 2.9 percent over the past year, with fresh produce prices increasing by 1.7 percent in April.

Global energy market instability is driving production costs higher, affecting everything from fertilizer to refrigeration.

According to FMI, retailers and suppliers are focusing on operational efficiency to balance these costs while maintaining affordability.

The industry remains committed to ensuring stable food availability despite ongoing market volatility.

Strategies for inventory management and supply chain resilience are expected to be prioritized in the coming months.

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ORGANIC

Six emerging policies are reshaping the organic produce market, driven by changing consumer preferences and regulatory adjustments.

New organic labeling standards are enhancing transparency, ensuring products labeled as organic meet specific criteria.

Policies on organic pesticide use are evolving to promote natural alternatives, responding to consumer demand for cleaner produce.

These regulatory changes present both challenges and opportunities for growers and shippers in the organic sector.

Understanding these developments is crucial for strategic planning in a competitive market.

The ongoing evolution of this market underscores the need for adaptability among industry stakeholders.

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SECURITY

The Fresh Produce Consortium has raised alarms about the UK's food security, warning that current government trade policies may disrupt fresh produce imports.

The consortium emphasizes that relying solely on domestic production oversimplifies the food security issue and could lead to increased costs.

Nigel Jenney, the consortium's CEO, highlights the importance of a balanced global supply network for ensuring year-round access to fresh produce.

Proposed changes to sanitary and phytosanitary checks on imports could impose additional burdens on non-EU suppliers.

Maintaining strong trading relationships is deemed essential for the UK's food security.

The consortium's warning comes amid ongoing discussions on potential policy adjustments.

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🍄 Surplus Foods Offer Upcycling Opportunities For Manufacturers: Report | Repurposed surplus ingredients and upcycled by-products are presenting manufacturers with new opportunities to enhance margins and attract consumers. This trend in the food industry is gaining traction as sustainability becomes a priority.

📈 David Dubé of Krown Produce announced as CPMA’s 2026-27 Chair | David Dubé of Krown Produce has been announced as the CPMA's Chair for 2026-27, leading an association that represents over 900 members in Canada's fresh produce sector. The CPMA plays a vital role in advocating for the industry, which contributes over $18 billion to Canada’s economy.

📄 Mission Produce completes acquisition of Calavo Growers - Blue Book | Mission Produce has successfully completed its acquisition of Calavo Growers, enhancing its supply reliability and operational flexibility. This acquisition is expected to drive innovation and growth within the global fresh produce market.

📰 UK fresh-produce body argues EU SPS plan shifts costs elsewhere | The UK's fresh produce body has voiced concerns that proposed SPS plans could shift costs onto imports from outside the EU. This could lead to increased expenses for consumers and disrupt the balance of the market.

🥒 US fresh produce prices jump 1.7 percent in April amid rising energy costs | Fresh produce prices in the U.S. experienced a 1.7 percent increase in April, driven by rising energy costs. Food-at-home prices also rose, indicating ongoing inflationary pressures impacting consumers and retailers alike.