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.
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
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
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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
NCP to appeal High Court judgment on Nadorcott
Group to fight on after court ruled Asda had not infringed plant breeders’ rights with sale of Tang Gold mandarins
High court decision on mandarins could have wider implications
UK judge’s decision to dismiss Nador Cott Protection’s case could mean retailers continue to sell Tang Gold variety
Whole Foods Market to double UK store portfolio in 2026
New locations represent international expansion of the retailer’s Daily Shop format
Mercadona to expand fresh produce space in €3.7bn refit
Food retailer to roll out new Tienda 9 store model that significantly expands fresh produce and ready-to-eat offer
Dia invests €16m to secure completely Spanish strawberry supply
Retailer increases investment by 15 per cent to source 4,300 tonnes exclusively from Spanish suppliers, with focus on Huelva production
Polish retailers adhere to new law on fruit and veg origin labels
Authorities report dramatic improvement after introduction of new flag regulation and major fines against Biedronka and Kaufland
Gulf chaos continues as Lebanon under fire
The US-Israeli war on Iran has created an unpredictable situation across the Middle East, with ports and airports temporarily closing and vessels remaining stranded
Fresh Forward celebrates exceptional growth of Bachata strawberry
Fresh Forward’s Bachata strawberry programme is expanding into new regions, with production ramping up significantly for the 2026/27 season to meet rising demand