Retail
Fruitnet’s coverage of key developments in the fresh produce retail arena.
Tesco revamps 5-a-day campaign to boost fruit and veg sales
The UK’s largest food retailer unveils new initiative that rewards customers with Clubcard points for purchasing fresh produce, as it aims to address declining fruit and vegetable consumption nationwide
Blueberry supplier Family Tree Farms expands EU and UK sales teams
Both Carla San Martin Burneo and Chris Taylor bring extensive experience in soft fruit sales as producer continues to supply top European retailers with premium blueberries
Norfolk grower gets 70 per cent of profit from PYO
Berry and asparagus producer in Norfolk says majority of profit comes from PYO crops due to no labour input costs
UK food inflation to peak at 5.1 per cent in 2025, IGD warns
Retail food inflation expected to outpace general inflation, averaging four per cent in 2025, up from previous forecast of 3.4 per cent
Rising grocery price inflation worries shoppers
Worldpanel figures show grocery price inflation at its highest level in 18 months
Primary schoolchildren move into fresh produce supply
Pupils at a Hampshire school are selling fruit and veg from their allotment to local restaurants and shops
Food security report exposes climate change risks for UK importers
Study urges suppliers to take action to avoid empty shelves, with half of UK fruit and veg imports facing severe climate threats by 2050
Low-income households ‘hardest hit by fall in spending power’
Rising cost of food, fuel and utilities leaves lowest-earning group with cash shortfall
Tesco’s free planters help kids learn about fruit and veg
Initiative is aimed at both improving health and making better use of soft plastic recycling
New mushroom farm opens on distribution site
The seven-tonne capacity farm is set to open under new partnership between mushroom producer Urban Farm-It and logistics provider Oakland International
M&S launches seedless lemons
The launch in 200 M&S Food stores comes after a successful rollout in the retailer’s Food Halls and aims to remove consumer annoyance with lemon pips
South African citrus exports to US face tariff deadline
South African citrus exporters are racing against time as their conventional reefer programme to the US enters its final phase before new tariffs take effect on 1 August
Melon Mania takes hold at M&S once again
Retailer introduces two new varieties for the summer season
‘Spectacular’ sales growth for British berries
All of the major berry categories are seeing substantial sales increases this season
Co-op debuts Mojito-flavoured grapes
New variety Mojito Fresh will be available in select stores from early next week
Meet the experts at Asiafruit Knowledge Centre
High-profile speakers offer unrivalled mix of strategic insights and practical advice at Asia Fruit Logistica’s content hub
Coming soon: FPJ Sustainability Special
FPJ’s Sustainability Special tackles the big questions and opportunities in climate change mitigation, supply resilience and the push for net zero
PO steering group forms new trade body
Producer Organisations unite under new UK Fruit and Vegetable Association to call for replacement scheme to fund innovation and ensure parity across UK
New Zealand launches sustainability report for UK food buyers
NZTE has launched its first cross-category sustainability report for UK food and drink buyers, highlighting how New Zealand producers can help retailers meet environmental goals while ensuring supply chain resilience.
International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium tickets selling fast
Final chance to attend fresh produce safety event with special discount for Produce Plus subscribers
Job of the Week: UK sales and procurement manager
An established supplier of exotic fruit and vegetables is seeking a UK-based sales and procurement manager to join its expanding team
M&S uses AI and bumblebees to grow better strawberries
Retailer reveals pioneering, innovative approach to berry production that combines artificial intelligence with bumblebee pollination, with early trials showing promising results for fruit quality and consistency
Only three weeks left to register as an exhibitor for Fruit Logistica 2026
Returning to Berlin on 4-6 February 2026, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business offers new formats, high-level networking, and unmissable global reach
Tesco sees record fruit sales as UK heatwave continues
The UK’s largest food retailer expects to sell nearly 4mn punnets of strawberries and millions of other fruit items as temperatures soar again
Australian avocados look to increase international market share
Ongoing B2B and B2C campaigns highlight region’s year-round supply, high-quality fruit and varied use cases
Tesco invests millions in new London Gateway distribution centre
UK retailer partners with Witron to develop modern, energy-efficient facility at London Gateway, with operations expected to begin in 2029
Sassy apples promise category shakeup with Tesco launch
Brand has a striking identity and hopes to fill a gap in the UK off-season
Mitrofresh expands with new office in China
Netherlands-based mushroom and exotic produce specialist has opened a new office in Guangzhou as part of its strategy to expand business beyond the European Union
Australian Bravo growers increase crop by 25 per cent
Increased volumes meet growing demand across Australia’s eastern states
Waitrose to launch first RDC in the south west
Supermarket is investing at Mountpark’s Bristol 360 site
Relive Festival of Fresh 2025
The highlights video has landed from Festival of Fresh 2025, which featured big-name speakers, fascinating tours, and this year’s industry awards
Equifruit socks it to low banana prices
At the Organic Produce Summit in the US, Equifruit aims to show how affordable it is to switch to Fairtrade-certified bananas, comparing the cost of the annual premium to that of a single sock
Limited-edition golden raspberries go on sale in Asda
Scotty Brand fruit will be on shelves while stocks last
Video: Ica attempts to make fruit and veg cool again
Swedish grocery giant Ica has unveiled a major new initiative aimed at reversing the declining trend of fruit and vegetable consumption among children, with nine out of ten Swedish kids currently falling short of WHO recommendations
Food Taipei Mega Shows brings global food industry together
Five concurrent exhibitions showcase global trends across entire supply chain
Asia Fruit Logistica China Meet Up welcomes growing international participation
Visitors from across the world sign up for China-focused extension of Asia Fruit Logistica, with places on the Study Tour and Premium Buyer Programme filling up fast