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.
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
Aldi joins Easter price war with 4p veg lines
Aldi cuts Easter veg to 4p for key roasting lines and reduces price of roast dinner to under £2 per person
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
First new-season Jersey Royals reach M&S stores
Products arrive in 80 stores despite one of the wettest planting seasons on record
Lidl is first recipient of Best British Apple Launch Award
New BAPL award looks to honour retailers who support British apples at the start of the season
BerryWorld strawberries kick off UK season in Ocado
Online retailer is stocking ultra early-season fruit a month earlier than usual
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Christmas and online sales growth boosts Morrisons
Supermarket also notes highly competitive market and impact of international events
Food redistribution rates drop slightly
Food redistribution is increasing as demand continues to grow, with storage facilities and untapped surplus from farms identified as areas of potential growth, according to new Wrap figures
Monaghan uses dull weather to push Vit-D mushrooms
Monaghan is promoting its UV-enhanced mushrooms to sun-starved Scots after weeks of dull weather as it celebrates 25 years of supply into Asda
Produce prices ‘will rise’ due to Middle East conflict
Wholesalers are reporting shortages of Israeli produce and warn ‘extreme costs’ will be passed on, as inflation is expected to hit homegrown salad veg and retail food prices within six weeks
Labour MP calls for debate on farmer co-ops
A ’co-op shaped food system’ can help keep costs down and strengthen food security, according to Labour MP calling for new debate on how to expand agricultural co-ops in the UK
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
Aldi to sell a range of Easter veg for 15p
Easter Super Six deal includes savings of up to 89 per cent
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