The Fresh Produce Journal Podcast

The most influential people in fresh produce

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 [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/senior-talent-must-adapt-to-new-realities-of-fresh-produce-job-market/271374.article]. More info about this episode You 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 podcasts@fruitnet.com [podcasts@fruitnet.com] 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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Price wars and production costs

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 podcasts@fruitnet.com [podcasts@fruitnet.com]. Relevant articles to this episode ·     Aldi joins Easter price war with 4p veg lines. Read more [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/aldi-joins-easter-price-war-with-4p-veg-lines/271065.article]. ·     Morrisons cuts British veg in time for Easter. Read more. [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/morrisons-cuts-british-easter-veg-prices-to-just-4p/271042.article] ·     Horticulture left out of energy exemption list. Read more [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/hort-left-out-of-energy-exemption-list-as-government-says-its-watching-closely/271231.article]. ·     Fears of price rises and shortages without action. Read more [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/fear-of-price-rises-and-shortages-without-action/271090.article]. More info Don’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 podcasts@fruitnet.com [podcasts@fruitnet.com]. 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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Middle East, resilience and the future of UK fresh produce

In this episode, Nina is joined by the chair of the NFU’s Horticulture and Potatoes Board, Martin Emmett, to discuss the government’s Horticulture Sector Plan, fears around standing charges and the new SPS deal with the EU. FPJ’s Tom Joyce also swings by the studio to analyse the potential impact of the Middle East conflict on the fresh produce industry and longer-term significance for resilience in the sector in the face of turbulent geopolitics. About our sponsor: This episode of the Fresh Produce Journal Podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Association of Moroccan Nadorcott Producers (APNM). Proud of the exceptional quality of the Nadorcott mandarin grown in Morocco, the grower-members of the Association of Moroccan Nadorcott Producers (APNM) are committed to offering their customers a mandarin with an exceptional taste, and to guaranteeing the consistency of its visual and taste characteristics throughout the season. APNM’s mission is to promote the variety internationally. This development involves the implementation of actions and a strategy common to all producers, aimed at establishing and enhancing the reputation of the Nadorcott of Morocco worldwide. Articles relevant to this episode: * Iran conflict could raise fertiliser prices [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/iran-conflict-could-raise-fertiliser-prices-as-growers-prepare-for-planting/270786.article] * Middle East conflict threatens European exports [https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/comment-middle-east-conflict-threatens-european-exports/270768.article] Don’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 podcasts@fruitnet.com [podcasts@fruitnet.com] 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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Fruit delays, AI fears and why mascots should take to the streets

Nina Pullman is joined by Eurofruit deputy editor Carl Collen to digest the gossip and goings on at this year's Fruit Logistica in Berlin. After fruit was held up due to winter storms and port operations, which exporters are now considering court action? Why are some tech companies telling us AI is going too fast? And has the fresh produce industry finally clocked that sampling and theatrical marketing might be the best way to engage consumers, at trade events, but also on the streets? Fruit Logistica is an intense few days, filled with meetings and post-show networking. But the conversations on the show floor offer a glimpse into major talking points for the industry for this year and beyond. Following interviews with sector leaders throughout the week, Nina and Carl take stock of the major talking points and share their insights to make sense of it all. Don’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 podcasts@fruitnet.com [podcasts@fruitnet.com] 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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How can fresh produce make the most of a new era in health?

As weight loss jabs take off and the government and retailers begin to respond, what is the fresh produce industry doing to make the most of the step change in health? Dan Parker, CEO of the Veg Power campaign, joins Nina Pullman to explore how can fruit and veg benefit from a once-in-a-lifetime disruption to junk food sales, thanks to the rise of GLP-1 medication. Plus: how can the industry focus on growth at a time when margins and costs threaten business viability, and why are the stars aligning for fresh produce and health marketing in 2026? FPJ editor Fred Searle and Nina Pullman introduce this week’s episode by discussing health marketing efforts past and present, and ask how can the industry connect with the cultural and policy shift in the conversational around health? Articles discussed in this episode: * Junk food advertising restrictions come into force [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/uk-junk-food-advertising-restrictions-come-into-force/270098.article] * Focus on fibre [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/focus-on-fibre-brings-fruit-and-veg-into-spotlight/270268.article] brings fruit and veg into spotlight * Analysis: A new era for appetite [https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/analysis-a-new-era-for-appetite/270390.article#] (subscribers only) Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. To find out how to sponsor the Fresh Produce Journal Podcast, email us at podcasts@fruitnet.com [podcasts@fruitnet.com]. 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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.