The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast

As the UK enters its fifth heatwave of the year and growers face drought, crop shortages and uncertain harvests, host Nina Pullman is joined by Fresh Produce Journal editor Fred Searle and staff writer Julia Bottoms to discuss if, and how, the industry can adapt to extreme weather as the new normal.  Plus, veg producer Barfoots’ chief operating officer Keston Williams outlines the company’s plans for future sustainability investments, from hydrogen fuel cells to underground water transfer pipes. Articles relevant to this episodeHow water became the watchword in fresh produceBrassica ‘emergency’ set to continueBarfoots celebrates 50 yearsDon’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a show.To find out how to sponsor the Fresh Produce Journal Podcast, email us at [email protected] Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is produced and presented by Nina Pullman for Fruitnet Media International. It is part of the Fruitnet Podcast Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which category has knocked the long-standing leader off the top of the FPJ Big 50 Products leaderboard? How have geopolitical conflict and inflation shaped the last year of fresh produce sales? And which categories have bucked the trend to see innovation and premiumisation pay dividends?Nina Pullman and Fred Searle reveal all in this companion podcast to the 2026 Big 50 Products supplement.Articles relevant to this episodeChange at the top of the FPJ Big 50 Products.Analysis: How fresh produce must adapt to a new normal.Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a show.To find out how to sponsor the Fresh Produce Journal Podcast, email [email protected] or email [email protected] to order your copy of the FPJ Big 50 Products 2026.The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is produced and presented by Nina Pullman for Fruitnet Media International. It is part of the Fruitnet Podcast Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nina Pullman is joined by chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, Nigel Jenney, to discuss how the upcoming EU-UK reset deal could spell trouble for imports from the rest of the world. While set to ease trade with Europe, the new plans could increase checks across widespread fruit and veg imports from the rest of the world, with increased costs, delays and potentially higher food prices as a result. Jenney warns importers to make sure they realise the impact of changes and raise any concerns before negotiations conclude.Elsewhere, after 22 years' at the helm and with a planned departure for mid 2027, Jenney reflects on the changing fresh produce industry, some of the biggest challenges he's faced and why young people need to be made aware of the opportunities within the sector.Recorded at Festival of Fresh, for Fruitnet's Podcast Network.Produced and presented by Nina Pullman.Articles relevant to this episode:Importers urged to consider impact of new checksGrowing more in the UK 'won't solve food security' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this complementary episode to the new People in Produce issue of FPJ, Nina, Michael and Fred share their top three most influential people in the sector today.Plus, recruitment expert Max MacGillivray joins Nina to discuss a gap in the market for senior figures used to six-figure pay packets, who now face a consolidated industry with fewer high-level roles.Max explains how roles in peripheral industries to food, such as storage or defence, could hold unexpected potential, compared to less secure avenue of self employed consultancy.Relevant articles to this episode: Senior figures must face realities of fresh produce sector today. Read here. More info about this episodeYou can find the People in Produce issue of Fresh Produce Journal on the app, or subscribe to the print edition of Fresh Produce Journal now so you never miss a copy.To find out how to sponsor the Fresh Produce Journal Podcast, email us at [email protected] Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is produced and presented by Nina Pullman for Fruitnet Media International. It is part of the Fruitnet Podcast Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nina Pullman is joined by Michael Barker to debate the pros and cons of the Easter price battle between Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl, with all three retailers cutting British veg lines to 4p. They consider the industry reaction at a time of rising production costs, how retailer strategies vary from discounting to loyalty, and the UK’s unique position on produce pricing compared to other markets, such as the US.Meanwhile, tomato growers have been all over the mainstream news making the case for more support as they face a litany of rising costs, from the Iran war and new increases to domestic electricity standing charges. Nina visits FlavourFresh, a tomato and soft fruit producer based in Lancashire, to hear more of the short-term challenges and longer-term outlook for protected horticulture.We are also celebrating the 10th episode of the Fresh Produce Journal Podcast. We hope you enjoy listening! Get in touch to ask a question, suggest a guest or share your views on a recent discussion by emailing [email protected] articles to this episode·     Aldi joins Easter price war with 4p veg lines. Read more.·     Morrisons cuts British veg in time for Easter. Read more.·     Horticulture left out of energy exemption list. Read more.·     Fears of price rises and shortages without action. Read more.More infoDon’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a show.To find out how to sponsor the Fresh Produce Journal Podcast, email us at [email protected] Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is produced and presented by Nina Pullman for Fruitnet Media International. It is part of the Fruitnet Podcast Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.