Retail news from Eurofruit
Important developments in Europe’s food retail arena, with a focus on fresh produce procurement, distribution, marketing, merchandising, and new product development.
Tesco trials AI assistant to help people write their shopping lists
UK’s largest supermarket develops AI-powered shopping assistant to offer personalised recipe ideas and automated basket creation
Agriplace rebrands as Simvia as compliance data requirements grow
Software company says change marks evolution from compliance platform to trusted infrastructure for Europe’s consumer goods market
Mastronardi promotes snack-sized tomatoes and cucumbers at CPMA
Leading North American grower-supplier will debut new lines of micro-grape tomatoes and mini snack cucumbers in Toronto
Hazera promotes seedless watermelon approach
Breeding specialist emphasises how seedless varieties are reshaping the category through consistency, convenience and reliable quality
Dulcis chimes with retailers during ‘exceptional’ season
Green kiwifruit brand appears to be gaining traction with major retailers across Europe and beyond, as it targets even bigger crop next season
Hortgro launches South African plum promotion in US
April sweepstake offers participants a chance to win a gift card while showcasing the country’s plum quality and growing characteristics
Belgian potato suppliers eye UK market opportunities
Warnez and The Potato Chef think they can offer something different with their niche varieties and innovative NPD
Carrefour to sell 400,000 tonnes of Spanish produce in 2026
Figure includes 150,000 tonnes of exports to non-Spanish markets
Unilever merges food business with McCormick
Merger will create ‘scaled, global powerhouse of flavour’ with revenues of $20 billion and portfolio of household food brands with vast produce buying power
French supplier Lagache targets European neighbours with new exports division
Lagache FreshCo will focus on supplying the UK and several other European markets, led by former BelOrta sales and marketing director Jo Lambrecht
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Easter 4p veg deals criticised as growers face sharp cost increases
Retailer promotions will ‘warp’ price of food in consumer minds, say growers, who face millions in additional standing charges as of today
Keep calm and berry on: Top takeaways from Fruitnet Berry Congress
Mike Knowles and Maura Maxwell are joined by FPJ editor Fred Searle for a berry-themed edition of The Fresh Ideas Show podcast
Sainsbury’s inks five-year contracts with British berry farms
Supermarket says more than 2,500 British farms will have long-term deals by 2027
Easter buoys sales but Middle East war set to reduce spend
Retail sales have risen ahead of the key trading period over Easter, but analysts predict shoppers will cut back when faced with rising prices
SanLucar launches ‘blue wonders’ campaign for blueberry season
Fresh produce marketer rolls out spring campaign to promote its premium fruit and support sales with retail POS materials
Unifrutti Group launches premium blood orange juice with Sam’s Club China
Collaboration expands Unifrutti’s premium Mediterranean offering in China with one of the first blood orange juices available in the region
Berry business faces up to new challenges as growth continues
Investment in varieties, segmentation, marketing and technology will help build more profitable berry business, delegates heard at Fruitnet Berry Congress
Middle East conflict impacts airfreight options for fresh produce
Some flights have been able to reach Middle Eastern markets to supply fruit and vegetables, but global capacity has dropped as prices rise
Little Joya launches nationwide in Tesco with limited-edition Peppa Pig packs
Activation features collectible co-branded packs and is supported by fully integrated marketing campaign aimed at parents with children
AVA Dalicia strawberries to launch in UK by end of year
Scottish berry breeder hoping for high demand when Mediterranean variety opens for UK sales in 2026/27 following strong performance this season