Retail news from Fresh Produce Journal
Important developments in the UK’s food retail arena, with a focus on fresh produce procurement, distribution, marketing, merchandising, and new product development.
Albert Bartlett and Andy Murray announce long-term partnership
Tennis legend will urge Brits to “bring out their best side”, starting with brand campaign showcasing ease of use and quality of Albert Bartlett potatoes
Bumper crop for British blueberries
Blueberry growers are expecting a 25 increase in sales after strong consumer awareness and a bumper crop, as investment in automation and varietal development drives industry forward
OSY Group partners with Sharpak to extend soft fruit shelf-life
Food tech specialist OSY Group has announced a commercial partnership with packaging manufacturer Sharpak Aylesham to extend the shelf-life of soft fruits sold through UK supermarkets using innovative antimicrobial coating technology
Tesco revamps 5-a-day campaign to boost fruit and veg sales
The UK’s largest food retailer unveils new initiative that rewards customers with Clubcard points for purchasing fresh produce, as it aims to address declining fruit and vegetable consumption nationwide
Blueberry supplier Family Tree Farms expands EU and UK sales teams
Both Carla San Martin Burneo and Chris Taylor bring extensive experience in soft fruit sales as producer continues to supply top European retailers with premium blueberries
Norfolk grower gets 70 per cent of profit from PYO
Berry and asparagus producer in Norfolk says majority of profit comes from PYO crops due to no labour input costs
UK food inflation to peak at 5.1 per cent in 2025, IGD warns
Retail food inflation expected to outpace general inflation, averaging four per cent in 2025, up from previous forecast of 3.4 per cent
Rising grocery price inflation worries shoppers
Worldpanel figures show grocery price inflation at its highest level in 18 months
Primary schoolchildren move into fresh produce supply
Pupils at a Hampshire school are selling fruit and veg from their allotment to local restaurants and shops
Food security report exposes climate change risks for UK importers
Study urges suppliers to take action to avoid empty shelves, with half of UK fruit and veg imports facing severe climate threats by 2050
SUBSCRIBE TO FRESH PRODUCE JOURNAL
The Fresh Produce Journal is the UK's leading source of fruit and vegetable industry news and analysis.
Subscribe and get 10 issues per year. Plus newsletters and full digital access.
Low-income households ‘hardest hit by fall in spending power’
Rising cost of food, fuel and utilities leaves lowest-earning group with cash shortfall
Tesco’s free planters help kids learn about fruit and veg
Initiative is aimed at both improving health and making better use of soft plastic recycling
New mushroom farm opens on distribution site
The seven-tonne capacity farm is set to open under new partnership between mushroom producer Urban Farm-It and logistics provider Oakland International
M&S launches seedless lemons
The launch in 200 M&S Food stores comes after a successful rollout in the retailer’s Food Halls and aims to remove consumer annoyance with lemon pips
Melon Mania takes hold at M&S once again
Retailer introduces two new varieties for the summer season
‘Spectacular’ sales growth for British berries
All of the major berry categories are seeing substantial sales increases this season
PO steering group forms new trade body
Producer Organisations unite under new UK Fruit and Vegetable Association to call for replacement scheme to fund innovation and ensure parity across UK
New Zealand launches sustainability report for UK food buyers
NZTE has launched its first cross-category sustainability report for UK food and drink buyers, highlighting how New Zealand producers can help retailers meet environmental goals while ensuring supply chain resilience.
M&S uses AI and bumblebees to grow better strawberries
Retailer reveals pioneering, innovative approach to berry production that combines artificial intelligence with bumblebee pollination, with early trials showing promising results for fruit quality and consistency
Tesco sees record fruit sales as UK heatwave continues
The UK’s largest food retailer expects to sell nearly 4mn punnets of strawberries and millions of other fruit items as temperatures soar again