Belgian food retailer Delhaize is looking to expand on its virtual cube store pilot by establishing permanent Delhaize Direct Cubes at stations, commercial centres and shopping malls, according to the Fresh Fruit Portal.

An assessment is currently being made of the pilot, which saw seven cubes bearing photos and bar codes of the retailer's 300 most popular items installed in key public places, including Brussels train station.

Of the goods that can be purchased via the cubes, fresh produce forms an important part, according to Delhaize's communications manager, Roel Dekelver.

Dekelver said the idea behind the initiative, which lasts until the end of May, was to bring stores 'closer to the public'.

He revealed that he was 'convinced' that Delhaize would do something with the idea in the future.