Rick Briston, Director, shares his perspective on the year ahead.

As we head into 2026, many of the pressures we faced in 2025 are set to continue: rising labour costs, evolving packaging legislation, unpredictable weather, squeezed profit margins, and the ever-present need to optimise efficiency and processes – factors that are critical to the bottom line. 

While that may seem like a daunting list, the reality is that incremental improvements, driven by technology, machinery, and operational expertise, can lighten the load of each challenge. 

Take legislation, for example – specifically the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). With just four years to the 2030 compliance deadline, it’s important to consider both progress made and next steps. Could the next step be reducing packaging weight and the transport of air? Could it involve sourcing alternative films to ensure recycled content meets required standards? 

Reducing packaging doesn’t always mean changing formats entirely. Simply making packaging tighter can significantly reduce material usage while also decreasing the volume of air being shipped – benefiting both costs and sustainability goals.

Beyond packaging, incremental gains across operations can make a meaningful difference: improving machine uptime, fine-tuning processes, training operators, or adopting new technologies can collectively boost output and strengthen resilience in the face of uncertainty.

The question for every grower and packer as we move into 2026 is: what small, targeted improvements can you make today that optimise operations and maximise output tomorrow?

To find out more read our latest Fruit Logistica Special edition of The Redpack News or get in touch with our expert team.