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.
December set for record grocery sales
December grocery sales on course to beat £12-billion mark for first time, says Kantar
Sainsbury’s invests a further £50m in holding prices
Supermarket says move enables it to offer an affordable Christmas dinner
BASF fast-tracks rugose-resistant tomatoes
Devastating tomato virus sparks urgent calls for resistant varieties, with breeder anticipating strong demand for new round cultivar
Bright start for Kissabel in UK
Red-fleshed apple range receives positive feedback in consumer tastings as Worldwide Fruit spearheads marketing push
Wrap urges increased collaboration and action on climate
The climate action group is calling on more businesses in the UK to take immediate action on climate change, including efforts on food waste and plastic packaging
Tesco launches platform for inter-supplier trade
Tesco Exchange offers suppliers the chance to trade surplus stock among themselves
Puffin secures UK GI for Welsh leeks
Puffin’s Blas Y Tir branded Welsh leeks will now carry the UK GI logo giving consumers a guarantee of their quality and provenance
‘New approach needed to save nation’s food supply’
Comment: Safeguarding the UK’s fresh produce and horticultural sectors must be a government priority
Home-grown food ‘integral to national security’, says former MI5 chief
Former MI5 director general tells NFU lecture that domestic production is integral to national security
Automation and supply chain agility ‘will shape sector’ in 2023
Comment: Fresh produce firms must remain agile to meet fluctuating demand, as well as considering investment in automation and AI, as they face up to supply chain instability, inflation, labour shortages and climate change
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Central Co-op rewards member loyalty with payout
Central Co-op splits £654,000 between members in latest ‘share of the profits’ payout
Carrots fit for a King
British-grown produce plays starring role in King Charles III’s first state banquet
Season extension for Sunions
Tearless onion variety will return to Waitrose shelves six weeks earlier this winter in bid to capitalise on Christmas sales spike
Industry unites to protect seasonal worker welfare
Roundtable meeting addresses seasonal labour challenges following difficult year for recruitment and worker welfare
2023 could be ‘watershed moment’ for produce
Comment: Following a turbulent year defined by climate change, rampant inflation and political uncertainty, Britain’s fresh produce industry is at a crossroads and looks set for further upheaval
Tariff win for California prunes
California Prune Board welcomes 0% tariff announcement on UK import of prunes
Sainsbury’s launches £3m Nourish the Nation project
Initiative aims to combat growing crisis of food insecurity, now and in the future
Driscoll’s Russell Allwell discusses Berry Gardens takeover
Exclusive interview: Efficient berry production, better sales and new exports are all part of Driscoll’s plans for UK grower cooperative Berry Gardens, group’s EMEA managing director Russell Allwell tells the FPJ
Aldi launches foodbank fund
Dicounter Aldi announces emergency foodbank fund to support charities this Christmas
‘Packaging status quo is a catastrophic option’
Comment: Continued resistance to change in food and drink packaging will mean mutually ensured environmental destruction