The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) is the leading trade association for the UK’s fresh produce and floral industry. Headquartered in Peterborough, United Kingdom, FPC represents the entire fresh supply chain—from growers, importers, and distributors to logistics providers, retailers, and associated service suppliers. FPC plays a crucial role in supporting and shaping the UK’s fresh produce landscape through policy advocacy, compliance support, professional development, and industry engagement.
Brief History
Established over 25 years ago, FPC has grown to represent more than 700 member companies involved in the import, export, and wholesale of fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers. As the voice of the fresh produce industry in the UK, FPC actively liaises with government agencies, regulatory authorities, and international trade bodies to ensure a sustainable and profitable business environment for its members.
Core Business
FPC operates as a non-profit membership-based organization providing industry-wide support through:
- Policy advocacy and regulatory representation
- Industry compliance and food safety guidance
- Educational outreach and career development
- Event organization and industry recognition
- Market intelligence and sustainability advisory
Its diverse member base includes some of the largest names in UK fresh produce as well as innovative startups and SMEs.
Product and Service Offerings
Industry Representation
- Advocacy with UK Government, DEFRA, FSA, and EU regulators
- Consultation input on post-Brexit trade frameworks and border controls
- Representation on cross-industry sustainability and food safety platforms
Regulatory Guidance
- Updates and advisory on food safety, phytosanitary regulations, and customs procedures
- Brexit Transition Guidance and Import Control Briefings
- BRCGS, HACCP, and GLOBALG.A.P. alignment support
Events & Networking
- FPC Fresh Awards – Celebrating excellence across the supply chain
- FPC Future – Technology and sustainability innovation showcase
- FPC Careers – Connecting talent with industry employers
- FPC Fresh Produce Forum – Leadership panel discussions and workshops
Publications & Resources
- Weekly policy bulletins and regulatory updates
- Technical guidance documents for import/export and compliance
- Member-exclusive access to market trend data and export guides
Career Development
- Events and internships connecting graduates with recruiters
- Mentorship programmes and CPD-accredited training sessions
Specialisation and Core USP
FPC is uniquely positioned as:
- The only UK association covering the full horticultural and produce supply chain
- A direct liaison between businesses and government departments
- A leading convener of fresh produce sector events, with thousands of attendees annually
- Provider of real-time compliance advisory and training
- Platform for sector-wide visibility through awards, forums, and digital promotion
Financials
As a non-profit organization, FPC reinvests revenues into member services. Indicators include:
- 700+ active member organizations across 20+ produce categories
- Event participation exceeding 5,000 attendees annually (physical and virtual)
- FPC Fresh Awards sponsorship and attendance growth of 20% YoY since 2019
- Membership retention rate exceeding 92%
Shipment and Export Facilitation
While not directly involved in shipments, FPC supports the flow of goods through:
- Guidance on post-Brexit phytosanitary procedures
- Training and support on EU import protocols
- Involvement in Green Lanes and digital border transformation discussions
- Collaborations with APHA, DEFRA, and HMRC to streamline cross-border logistics
Target Market
FPC serves a broad array of stakeholders:
- Importers, exporters, and wholesalers
- Growers and producer organizations
- Retail and foodservice supply chains
- Freight, logistics, and cold chain providers
- Technology providers, certification bodies, and consultants
Capabilities
- Rapid policy dissemination and interpretation
- Sector-specific webinars and response forums
- Custom market access support for exporters
- Recognition platforms for innovation and operational excellence
- Dedicated team of regulatory experts and legal advisors
Certifications and Compliance
FPC ensures industry alignment with:
- UK Plant Health Regulation and EU phytosanitary controls
- BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard
- FSA allergen and labelling guidance
- DEFRA-approved sustainability benchmarks and net-zero targets
Customer Testimonials
“FPC has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of Brexit and DEFRA's evolving border requirements.”
— Managing Director, UK Fruit Importer
“The FPC Fresh Awards is a must-attend event for anyone serious about visibility and recognition in produce.”
— Head of Communications, National Grower Group
Major Achievements
- Host of the UK’s largest fresh produce awards and innovation expo
- Key stakeholder in DEFRA’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
- Spearheaded FPC Future & Careers events to address skills shortage in agri-food
- Delivered weekly compliance updates during COVID-19, supporting continuous trade
- Partnered with AHDB and LEAF to promote sustainability and sector-wide benchmarking
With a legacy of strategic impact and operational support, the Fresh Produce Consortium continues to drive transformation, compliance, and growth across the UK’s fresh produce industry through collaboration, advocacy, and thought leadership.
