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.
Groceries Code compliance issues see small increase
Waitrose is again deemed to be the most compliant retailer in GCA survey
Hort left out of energy exemption list as government says it’s ‘watching closely’
Fresh produce businesses will be left to face soaring energy costs alone after further expansion to industrial protection scheme excludes sector
M&S drops prices on 19 veg lines to attract families
Premium retailer has placed 22 lines including brassicas, garlic, courgettes and leeks into either its value or ‘dropped and locked’ ranges and lowered some prices in a bid to entice more family shoppers and double its food business
Cavolo Nero sales up 17 per cent as fibre trend takes off
Sales of popular black kale are up as consumers responds to social media trend to increase fibre intake as a way to improve gut health and manage weight
Co-op Group and Southern Co-op to join forces
Move would strengthen the co-operative movement across the country
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
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
Fruit and veg among new raft of Morrisons price cuts
Move features a range of items and follows on from Easter 4p veg discounts
Fear of price rises and shortages without action
Price increases and potential shortages loom if the government and retailers don’t provide support, UK vegetable growers warn
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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
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
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