Retail
Fruitnet’s coverage of key developments in the fresh produce retail arena.
Gulf chaos continues as Lebanon under fire
The US-Israeli war on Iran has created an unpredictable situation across the Middle East, with ports and airports temporarily closing and vessels remaining stranded
Aldi targets more long-term agreements with British growers
Discounter commits to securing half of domestic produce through multi-year deals by 2027 as UK growers face mounting pressures
Agri-food is the top sector for seasonal worker abuse, report finds
New analysis has found the global agri-food sector saw most alleged instances of abuse against seasonal workers with UK retailers among 600 major employers linked to cases
Fresh Forward celebrates exceptional growth of Bachata strawberry
Fresh Forward’s Bachata strawberry programme is expanding into new regions, with production ramping up significantly for the 2026/27 season to meet rising demand
Tesco secures 60 per cent more UK asparagus
Warmer temperatures and new production techniques have enabled one grower to bring forward start of season by six weeks
Produce driving organic sales but demand is met by imports
Carrots, salad and bananas all contributed to growing organic sales at the multiple retailers, with sales up 4.2 per cent overall in the last year
Spar expands in China with new store formats
Premium fresh food is at the forefront of Spar Shandong’s modernised openings
Speakers announced for Fresh Produce India
Top local and international players to discuss rapid market evolution at India’s premier business event in Mumbai
Purple sweet potatoes hit Co‑op shelves for first time
Nutrient density has helped boost popularity of purple-flesh sweet potatoes in UK as Purple Majesty variety lands at convenience chain
Brits shopping more for groceries online
Latest Worldpanel by Numerator data shows online orders at highest level in five years
The Fresh Ideas Show: Are fruit and veg trendy at last?
Hear about the latest fresh produce business trends in the latest episode of Fruitnet’s video podcast, sponsored by Kanzi apples
Intermarché expands long-term contracts with French suppliers
French retail chain plans to strengthen ties with domestic fruit and vegetable producers through expanded long-term contracts
Ceres Fruit Growers wins BRCGS Site of Year award
Tru-Cape member Ceres Fruit Growers received the BRCGS Certificated Site of the Year 2026 award in London
Global Victoria leads trade mission to Fresh Produce India
Australian state government agency invites horticulture producers to join inaugural trade mission to India’s premier fresh produce event
Morrisons takes a Gander at food waste platform deal
Morrisons Daily operators will now have access to additional tool
Fruit delays, AI fears and why mascots should take to the streets
In the latest episode of the FPJ Podcast, Nina Pullman and Carl Collen digest the gossip and goings on at this year’s Fruit Logistica.
Job of the Week: Sales and marketing manager at Tangmere Airfield Nurseries
Role combines sales development, supplier negotiation, and customer relationship management as West Sussex pepper producer pursues new business opportunities
Branston’s low-carbon potatoes launch in Tesco
Georgina potatoes have been grown using a combination of modern techniques
Convenience trend sustains sales growth for Greenfood
Swedish food group Greenfood reports modest sales growth for 2025, driven by increases for its Picadeli and Food Solutions units
Aldi TV series to find ‘next big supplier’
Aldi CEO unveils ‘genuine opportunity for ambitious British food and drink producers’ to take part in its Channel 4 TV series to find undiscovered suppliers
Demand for fresh food ‘has never been stronger’
Tesco CEO Ashwin Prasad has asked suppliers to help meet rising demand for fresh, and outlined the retailer’s focus on sustainability at the NFU Conference
Eosta talks Raingrown initiative and Organic Fruit Heroes brand
Organic specialist is driving transparency with its Raingrown initiative, while targeting young consumers through its Fruit Heroes brand
Efficiency is the enemy of resilience, Lang warns the NFU
Professor Tim Lang told the NFU conference that British food supply chains are unable to withstand shocks such as geopolitical turmoil or cyber warfare
Professor Susan Jebb calls for ‘fundamental reset’ of food system as obesity crisis grows
Leading nutrition scientist calls for collaboration in UK food and drink sector to create system that prioritises health and nutrition but remains affordable
Aldi extends partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing
All regional distribution centres will now be covered following successful trial
Morrisons outlines its £1.6bn support for British farmers
Initiatives include multi-year contracts and programmes to support workers
Tesco recalls prepped fruit after salmonella finding
Grape and berry medley has been recalled by retailer after salmonella was detected during testing with consumers urged not to eat
ACCC raises concerns over supermarket produce pricing practices
Consumers have raised concerns about being charged per item instead of by weight
Space food brand seeks retail listing
Dried fruit and veg brand designed for astronauts is looking to expand into retail and capitalise on appeal to sports people and space enthusiasts
Family Tree Farms promotes commercial directors amid global market investments
Carla San Martin and Chris Taylor have seen their roles widen as the blueberry and stonefruit producer strengthens its international footprint
Shoppers see vegetables as the future of food, says Tesco
Chilled plant-based food sales are back in growth after years of decline, according to new figures from Nielsen, as Tesco says shoppers see vegetables as a “fundamental part of how people expect to eat in future”
Australian macadamias source market insights in Europe, US and Asia
Data from online and offline retailers to help the industry effectively supply key export markets
Korean strawberry industry eyes smart-farm technology as demand grows in export and domestic markets
Exports reach record value while the fruit tops fruit sales across major domestic retailers
Thailand sees pick up in fresh produce sales for Lunar New Year
Sales momentum falls short of 2025 levels but Flora Capital’s Ritu Ahluwalia says signs are positive
Rewe opens ‘ultra-fast, error-free’ fresh produce facility
New distribution centre located just outside Berlin offers ‘unparalleled’ levels of efficiency and reliability in fruit and veg distribution
Last chance to register for 2026 Spain Food Nation Summit
Organic produce and opportunities to boost exports from Spain to the UK will be focus of free event in London