As we are just three weeks away from our Re:fresh conference named ‘Beyond the Big Four’, it could not be more timely for grocery analyst IGD to have released figures revealing the opportunities for growth that exist in the convenience retail market.

The shape of the fresh produce sector in the UK is undeniably changing and the convenience retail industry appears to offer a number of advantages for both consumers and suppliers. As local shopping grows in popularity along with demand for on-the-go food and drink options - not to mention the ubiquitous trend for top-up shopping - it seems that convenience retailers are better placed than their multiple counterparts to cash in on this growing market segment.

However, the multiples have also gained a very significant foothold in the convenience grocery market and that cannot be good news for independent stores, which come up against the supermarket sector enough as it is when it comes to regulations and buying power.

Independent shops, however, can instil shopper loyalty in a way that a Tesco Express or Sainsbury’s Local cannot. One surefire way of encouraging repeat purchases, according to the experts, is with a well-stocked, well-displayed and fresh-looking choice of fruit and vegetables, and many suppliers are taking advantage of this. Convenience retailing is certainly not an opportunity the produce industry should miss.