Retail
Fruitnet’s coverage of key developments in the fresh produce retail arena.
Late Easter gives a lift to supermarket sales
Retailers are also selling more grocery products on promotion
Food security starts at home
The UK’s dependence on the Mediterranean leaves it vulnerable to the impact of increasingly frequent weather extremes to hit the region, including the devastating floods in southern Spain
IGD calls for accelerated AI and robotics adoption
Analyst says greater investment is needed to transform food systems with technology, particularly in the face of the labour cost crunch
MFC adds character with new brands
Leading Australian citrus packer-exporter Mildura Fruit Company (MFC) welcomes a third addition to its new range of brands ahead of the 2025 season.
New data shows Japanese consumers don’t prioritise locally grown fruit
Freshness, nutrition and ability to use all of the product given highest value
Lidl to invest £500mn in UK expansion
Discounter plans to open more than 40 new stores in the next year
East of England Co-op trials new date brand
Datekin looks to position itself as “quick and sustainable energy boost” through trial at selected stores in East Anglia
Registrations open for Asia Fruit Logistica Thailand Meet Up
Join Asia Fruit Logistica in Bangkok on 25 June for a day of networking and knowledge-sharing focused on the dynamic ASEAN markets
French organic sales growing again after difficult period
Supermarket saw biggest sales decline after shrinking their organic ranges in response to changing consumer behaviour
Aldi backs British strawberry growers
Retailer says it is cutting the price of its homegrown strawberries to encourage shoppers to buy British
Last day for Fresh Produce Vietnam discount
Join top names in the business in Ho Chi Minh City on 13-14 May for Fruitnet’s brand-new event on the booming Vietnam market
Vip expands apple marketing drive with ham and cheese pairings
Second Applepairing campaign brings Val Venosta apples together with premium Italian deli products in retail stores
Syngenta develops positive pepper properties
Fruitnet talks traits, development and consumption with José Antonio Chicón of Syngenta Vegetable Seeds
Lotte Mart embraces smart farm produce
Korean supermarket chains commit to sourcing more fruit and vegetables from high-tech production sources
Joybee Fruits to expand Zespri’s reach in Vietnam
JWM Asia and An Minh form joint venture to become a new distribution partner for Zespri in the Vietnam market
UK trade bodies call for government action amid cost crisis
The Fresh Produce Consortium has united with the Horticultural Trades Association and British Potato Trade Association, urging the government to help secure the future of the industries in the face of huge challenges
Retailers drop price of popular Easter veg to 8p
Discounting round has echoes of supermarkets’ strategies over Christmas
Co-op first to sell 100 per cent British strawberries this year
Convenience retailer has got fruit into stores four days earlier than last year
Angus Soft Fruits boss publishes report on growing share of value chain
John Gray’s Nuffield Farming study highlights potential of gene-editing, data-driven production and new markets to help growers improve returns
‘Expect the unexpected in Trump’s tariff saga’
Edwin Reyes, a senior consultant at Promar International, assesses the potential impact of President Trump’s tariffs on the UK fresh produce sector and other international markets
Sunny weather brings glut of UK strawberries
The Summer Berry Company has produced 50t more strawberries than this time last year
Vietnamese pomelo makes Lotte Mart debut in Korea
First pink pomelos sold by Korean retailer after Vietnam gained access in 2024
Rewe reports on positive 2024
Group enjoyed revenue growth despite subdued consumer sentiment and poor economic forecast, and announces €16bn investment programme up to 2028
Tesco reports strong figures as it focuses on value and quality
Supermarket says it is in a healthy position as market competitiveness hots up
Candine closes a strong season in Asia
Ariane-Fuji cross is gaining momentum, particularly in Vietnam, on the back of marketing efforts from Blue Whale as the variety reaches 200 containers in the region
Sodexo support helps launch of new social supermarket in Kent
Store offers low-priced fruit and veg to make healthy eating accessible to all
GrubMarket acquires Delta Fresh Produce
The fresh produce distributor will now have access to GrubMarket’s proprietary, AI-powered software solutions
Mission Produce announces new mango value pack
Four-count honey mango clamshell offers convenience and value to mango shoppers
Dynamism on display at Fresh Produce India
India’s premier business event explores the rapid rise of quick commerce, shifting consumer preferences and growth in demand for premium imported offerings
Retailer reports increase in vegetable purchases
New research finds Australians are purchasing 2.8 serves of vegetables per day with potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, frozen and canned vegetables leading the increase
Aldi hits British supplier spend target a year early
Discounter says it invested £14bn with UK businesses in 2024
Kantar announces major expansion of UK grocery panel
Data expert says expansion will bring even greater visibility to shopper behaviour
Fresh Produce India Awards: winners announced
KPN Farm Fresh, World Avocado Organisation and Sahyadri Farms scoop the inaugural Fresh Produce India Awards
Big names announced for Festival of Fresh 2025
Key figures in production, retail, wholesale and sustainability confirmed in first wave of Festival of Fresh speakers
Tesco and Aldi vie for British apple sales crown as Asda improves
British Apples & Pears figures for the past six months reveal some impressive retailer performances
Partnership brings organic Tatayoyo to Austria year-round
Grower Veganis teams with an Austrian retailer to bring the pepper to the latter’s premium organic range