A new market study published by German consumer research organisation GfK has uncovered some surprising price-based statistics, that suggest discount retailers in the country are altering their approach to food.
The study showed that food prices at discount supermarkets increased 4 per cent in August, much higher than standard supermarkets where prices grew by 1.6 per cent.
According to GfK, this highlights a move by the discounters away from simply being price-based players to offering a superior range of products, including regional, organic and branded options – particularly in the fresh produce segment.
'Price is no longer the sole factor,' explained Stefan Genth, chief executive of the HDE German trade. 'There is a clear trend reversal towards more quality and service.'
At next year's Fruit Logsitica in Berlin, fresh produce retail buyers from both conventional and discount supermarkets have the opportunity to meet suppliers from across the globe and order the products best suited to their customers.
'The number of stand registrations is at the same high levels as last year,' said Gérald Lamusse, Fruit Logistica's global brand manager. 'Our event is the leading platform for innovations in the fresh produce trade. Many exhibitors showcase their new products and developments exclusively at Fruit Logistica. We are very pleased, because this shows just how highly our exhibitors value our event.'
The fresh produce sector’s event of the year is expected to attract some 58,000 trade visitors in 2014.
