Retail
Fruitnet’s coverage of key developments in the fresh produce retail arena.
Carrefour closes more Gulf-based operations
After exits from Oman and Jordan, the French retailer has announced the closure of its Bahrain and Kuwait stores, as Majid Al Futtaim rolls out its HyperMax brand
Sweet Sensation pear harvest begins with 6,000 tonnes expected
Premium pear variety has established itself as a European retail mainstay, with Dutch growers expecting to strong demand this season as harvesting gets underway
‘Sky is the limit’ for fresh suppliers moving into dried
There is strong opportunity for fresh fruit suppliers to diversify into dried fruit or nuts thanks to commonality among consumers and growth in key markets, according to speakers at a new Asiafruit Showcase session
Food prices rise for fifth consecutive month
Food and drink prices have risen by an annual rate of 5.1 per cent in the fastest increase since January 2024, new ONS figures show
Aldi Australia takes out fifth consecutive fresh produce retailer award
Discount retailer recognised as the best supermarket for fresh and affordable fruit and vegetables by Canstar Blue
Tesco crowned top British apple retailer for second year running
Asda takes BAPL prize for best year-on-year performance in apples, while Sainsbury’s emerges as biggest supporter of UK-grown pears
SanLucar forges ahead with Asian expansion
Premium brand now available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and central China
Consumers seek value as Tesco strengthens share
Worldpanel by Numerator analysis also shows growth in own-label sales
Asiafruit Knowledge Centre: Asia’s 30-year growth
Rising import volumes, China’s dominance and Asia’s shifting retail landscape among the key themes of Asiafruit Congress’ opening panel discussion
Hamburg’s century-old Grossmarkt remains vital produce hub
Hamburg’s Grossmarkt has supplied fresh produce across northern Europe for over a century, with 330 companies handling 1.5mn tonnes each year at the historic wholesale market
Waitrose outperforms market despite losses at John Lewis parent group
Premium retailer saw a six per cent increase in sales in the first half of 2025 as new MD and former Tesco exec Tom Denyard takes the reins
Aldi outlines £1.6bn UK expansion plan
Programme of stores openings will further boost the discounter’s rising share
South Africa eyes promising stonefruit season despite challenges
South African stonefruit growers are looking ahead to a positive season following last year’s significant volume increases, though US tariffs present new challenges
California Table Grape Commission launches global marketing campaign to support autumn crop
Campaign utilises multi-channel promotions and key festive celebrations to boost consumption
Aldi outlines £300mn spend on price cuts this year
Discounter says fruit and veg have been key categories in its promotional strategy
Beans campaign wins £1.4m in lottery funding
The collaboration between Veg Power, The Food Foundation, Ark Agency and local authorities is aiming for more sales, promotion and education around beans as a healthy food that can help cut dietary emissions
Tomatoes and onions among Morrisons’ latest price cuts
Supermarket is discounting a range of key lines for up to eight weeks
Asia ambitions: Brands, growth and ultra-quick retail
UK produce companies joined Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong where discussions centred on brands, logistics and new market opportunities. Nina Pullman and Fred Searle report from the show
Asia Fruit Logistica China Meet Up concludes in Guangzhou with strong global engagement
Second edition of China Meet Up attracts record number of international participants with over 1,400 attendees from 25 countries and regions
M&S unveils ‘Plan A for Farming’
Ambitious plan aims to boost British sourcing and utilise 100 per cent regenerative farming practices
Kent grower Myatt stars in M&S Farm to Foodhall ad
Rochester-based business supplies British plums to the retailer
Marcus De Luca appointed as Kölla Nova managing director
The experienced produce professional brings 25 years of industry expertise to strengthen the company’s specialist discount retail supply division.
VentureFruit partners with Joy Wing Mau on Tutti expansion
New agreement will see Joy Wing Mau plant 300ha of the hot climate apple
Fruitbox 116 · Mark Landini, Landini Associates
Sydney-based retail consultant returns to Fruitnet’s podcast series to explain how supermarkets can reconnect with customers through better design, storytelling, and a renewed focus on food
Bloom Fresh unveils antioxidant-rich red-fleshed grape Boombites
‘Superfruit’ grape with deep red pulp and high levels of anthocynanins debuts at M&S and Ocado
Asia Fruit Awards: winners announced
Dole China, City Fresh Fruit, Central Retail Vietnam and Rijk Zwaan are the winners of the Asia Fruit Awards 2025
Innocent launches its ‘highest-ever veg content’ smoothie
Green Goodness and Red Goodness aim to make it easier to get a portion of fruit and veg
ACCC takes court action against fresh produce suppliers for alleged price fixing cartel
ACCC alleges cartel conduct while supplying Aldi by Perfection Fresh Australia, Hydro Produce, Velisha National Farms and Fragapane Farms
Andy Murray, Albert Bartlett and the spud that scored an ace
Nina Pullman speaks to John Hicks, director of brand and marketing for potato supplier Albert Bartlett, for the lowdown on the company’s new deal with tennis legend Andy Murray
Poppin Poms launch hopes to capitalise on fast-growing segment
PrepWorld’s new prepared pomegranate line has gone into Costco stores nationwide
OZblu launches Chinese brand name at Asia Fruit Logistica
United Exports’ premium blueberry brand deepens engagement with Chinese customers through the introduction of trademarked local brand name
Brio defies stagnant organic market with 21 per cent sales growth
Italian organic fruit and vegetable specialist posts impressive increase to €67.3mn, bucking the trend in a market experiencing minimal growth in consumption
Riverford makes clarion call to retailers to back British
Veg box supplier launches campaign on back of new consumer research
Veg box firms go head-to-head with new marketing campaigns
Riverford and Abel & Cole have unveiled new campaigns ahead of the key back-to-school period taking aim at air-freighted produce and ultra processed food
Rockit launches premium gold selection range in China
Launch comes ahead of the peak Mid-Autumn Festival gifting season
Asda launches sustainable finance scheme for UK suppliers
Suppliers who demonstrate perfomance against various KPIs can access preferential rates