Technology news from Fresh Produce Journal
Technology news stories with a direct relevance to the UK fresh produce business, including updates on production and harvesting systems, sorting and grading machinery, packaging, coldstorage and controlled atmosphere, digital management, robots and automation, vertical farming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Bristol Uni spin-out lands £500k for greenhouse shading tech
Smart shade coating optimises growing conditions and reduces overheating, allowing a 34 per cent yield boost, according to Albotherm
Tong unveils compact FieldLoad PRO
New model is aimed at growers with lower throughput requirements
British Potato Show returns in November
Trade show in Harrogate will feature record number of exhibition stands, as well as seminars and the National Potato Industry Awards ceremony
ABZ Innovation targets UK with precision ag drones
Hungarian agtech firm “poised to enter” UK market with precise spraying drones designed to reduce inputs and alleviate workforce pressures
North Wales VF project extended
Anglesey vertical farming project is extended after success helping fresh produce growers
Webfleet helps Riverford reach EV goals
The organic veg box company is using Webfleet’s management solution to maximise the efficiency of its electric vans
Brassica Alert goes live
Syngenta’s new digital data-sharing platform Brassica Alert is now live and ready to help with pest and disease decisions
Dyson Farming invests £11m in strawberry glasshouse extension
Glasshouse engineering specialist CambridgeHOK to add 4.7-hectare extension to Dyson’s existing facility in Carrington, helping to lengthen UK strawberry season
Festival of Fresh 2023 in pictures
FPJ’s open-air summer festival allowed the UK fresh produce trade to catch up, share ideas, enjoy the sun and take in a heavy-hitting speaker programme at the site of AMFRESH’s new packhouse and innovation centre
Slimers to supply slug-control solutions
£2.6m Defra-funded project launched to revolutionise slug control for farmers
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Collaboration vital to root out abuse
Acknowledging the problem of worker exploitation is half the battle for fresh produce companies, according to Shayne Tyler who specialises in helping firms combat the scourge of modern slavery
Tesco revamps Express product lineup
Move is aimed at offering more affordable alternatives in convenience locations
Costa Rican pineapple and banana exports bounce back
Strong European demand and favourable climatic conditions fuel double-digit increase in exports in first half of 2023
Oddbox and Penrhos Spirits launch 'wonky' gin
Two food-waste-fighting firms join forces to create limited edition spirit made with out-of-spec cucumbers and apples
Blueberry sector touts fruit’s brain benefits
Fruit’s cognitive benefits are down to their antioxidant and phytochemical properties, which combat inflammation and potentially improve blood flow
Tesco launches agtech competition
Applications open for global agtech start-ups to advance supply chain sustainability
Vertical Future partners with Modi Fresh in India
UK-based vertical farming technology expands into Indian market with Modi Fresh to develop consumer-facing brand
Vertical farming business Eider VF enters administration
Company that develops vertical farms producing leafy greens is up for sale just one year after £50m cash injection
New insect monitors listen out for bee activity in UK apple orchards
Insect tracking tech rolled out on three Kent apple orchards, providing real-time data on precious pollinator activity
VIDEO: Sir Charles Godfray ‘optimistic’ about global food security
Ahead of his 2023 City Food & Drink Lecture on 15 May, illustrious population biologist Sir Charles Godfray tells Fred Searle why he is optimistic about the task of feeding a growing world population, and doing it sustainably