Retail
Fruitnet’s coverage of key developments in the fresh produce retail arena.
RHS predicts ‘year of the tomato’
Table-top veg, tomatoes and blackcurrants among the RHS’ top Grow Your Own trends to watch for 2026 as consumers look to save money on weekly shop
FDP Group acquires UNFI Produce
Move will see the Canadian fresh produce distributor provide a broader selection of fruits and vegetables while strengthening its position within the organic market
China’s fruit import volumes surge but value growth slows
Wayne Prowse provides an update on Asia’s biggest market, where total import volumes are up sharply on last year, driven by bananas and cherries
Jingold expands beyond kiwifruit with Italian-grown avocados
Italian company to launch L’Avocado Italiano by Jingold, backed by ambitious production plans through new joint venture AgroAvo
South African citrus industry is on the path to true sustainability
Albert Coetzee explores how the sector is navigating the transition from compliance-focused audits to meaningful sustainability partnerships
Comment: Why compostable fruit labels are the future of fresh produce packaging
The fresh produce industry is turning to certified compostable labels as a strategic response to environmental, regulatory and consumer pressures
Emart and Soo Il develop ready-to-eat avocados in Korea
Retailer and importer build programme for pre-ripened avocados, with sales during Peruvian season more than doubling year on year
Fruit sales surge to become fastest-growing category
Strong berry and grape sales have helped fruit become the fastest growing category in UK grocery as Brits shift to healthier diets, according to new figures
Morrisons outlines new emissions-reduction targets
New targets cover entire value chain, including emissions from farming
Co-op to require all UK produce to be LEAF certified
Retailer is rolling out the compulsory certification across its British supply chain throughout 2026 after consultation with its grower group
Belgium’s Hoogstraten increasing visibility in UK
Belgian strawberry exports to the UK are on the up, according to Hoogstraten’s Jan Engelen, who also has high hopes for specialty tomatoes
Mergers, acquisitions and American ownership
In the latest episode of the Fresh Produce Journal Podcast: is the recent M&A activity in fresh produce a sign of industry consolidation?
Produce Plus Summer out now
Aldi Australia’s Matt Atley discusses the retailer’s fruit and veg philosophy in an exclusive interview with Produce Plus, and seasonal favourites take centre stage with features on mangoes, cherries, stonefruit and grapes
Retailers step up promotional push as festive season nears
Despite pressure on wallets, premium own-label lines are still doing well
Fyffes survey highlights pineapple preferences
Nielsen consumer research commissioned by Fyffes reveals pineapples now rank alongside traditional big-selling varieties
WA Farm Direct releases recyclable Baby Bravo packaging
The protective packaging is designed to reduce reliance on plastics while boosting presentation
IGD warns UK food industry faces "make-or-break" 2026
IGD’s latest Economic Viewpoint report warns that UK food and drink businesses must prepare for a volatile environment in 2026
Video: How will AI shape the future of fresh produce?
AI is transforming how fruit and vegetables are bred, grown, distributed and marketed. But where will the technology have the greatest potential impact?
Agenda announced for Fresh Produce India 2026
India’s premier fresh produce event looks at the changing consumer, spotlights South India, and discusses innovations reshaping domestic production
Dole France works with Intermarché to raise its brand awareness
In-store activation in more than 800 stores across France helps to boost company’s market penetration in Europe, Middle East and Africa
Snacking, spuds and ‘TikTok to table’
Waitrose’s annual food and drink report has revealed the biggest trends set to shape shopper behaviour in 2026
Waitrose brings back tearless onions in time for festive season
Sunions will provide an alternative for families cooking up Christmas feasts
Analysis: Health will become ‘a lifestyle aim’
Healthy lifestyles, affordability and leadership on sustainabilty among key 2026 trends forecast for UK shoppers and grocery retail, according to IGD
Sunkist evokes California Navel holiday nostalgia
Sunkist Growers is reintroducing its limited-edition holiday-themed Navel orange carton and quarter bin, capitalising on seasonal demand
New initiative set to boost Australian melon exports to the Gulf
Project takes practical approach to building market knowledge and connections for Australian industry
Grow potatoes for your market, not for one that isn’t there
NFU Potato Policy Group chair Tim Rooke stresses the importance of growing potatoes with a clear understanding of your market as climatic conditions become less predictable and production costs increase
Musgrave acquires fresh foodservice supplier Delifresh
Irish supply group Musgrave has bought Bradford-based foodservice specialist as part of strategy to ‘capture more market share’ in premium ingredient market
Comment: Why growing Australian horticulture to $21bn by 2030 is essential
Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield calls out productivity, increased consumption and expanded export programmes as key to Australia’s industry growth
Aldi UK cuts vegetable prices to 8p for Christmas
Discount retailer returns with Christmas Super Six promotion, but insists it retains full support from growers with whom it has fixed-cost agreements
Store Check: La Huerta de Aranjuez, Madrid
Nothing frightening about this beautiful independent greengrocer in the centre of Madrid
Korea to increase Shine Muscat exports amid declining domestic returns
Series of promotional activities support push into Taiwan market with some provinces exporting to the region for the first time
Co-op outlines major price-cutting programme in £1bn plan to ‘Back Britain’
Convenience retail chain follows Budget announcement by outlining extensive plan for coming year
Nanna Tate rolls out festive potato lineup
Limited-edition Christmas range has gone into Tesco stores
Minimum wage to rise by 4.1 per cent
Minimum wage will rise by 50p an hour for over 21s under Rachel Reeves’ Autumn budget, while businesses could benefit from lower electricity bills and lower rates for some hospitality and retail properties
First seafreight cherries of the Chilean season arrive in Shanghai
Arriving vessel carried only a single container of Chilean cherries, all from grower-exporter Garces Fruit
Asiafruit Thailand edition out now
Thailand’s challenging year, Fresh Focus Cherry plus category spotlights on apples and pears, citrus, grapes and more