The first-ever Fresh Convenience Congress saw prepared and fresh-cut produce players meet in London last week to mark a way forward for the growing category.
United Fresh Produce Association chief executive Tom Stenzel opened the event by insisting that the fresh convenience sector is set to overcome the “hiccup” that was the recession and become a “real venue for innovation” in the produce business.
Stenzel gave an overview of the market, speaking to more than 100 delegates from 22 countries before describing the sector as “a place where traditional produce companies are driving innovation and getting closer to the consumer”.
He added: “We are starting to see growth coming back and as we develop innovative products together with our suppliers, we can continue to increase growth. As we add value to products, we add margins and the capacity to get paid so that in some way, we can push back against the downward pressure on us.”
Three themed sessions focusing on fresh convenience in foodservice, retail and mass catering outlined the one-day conference segment and delegates were given the option of two breakout sessions, on either packaging innovation or seed breeding. An extended networking break allowed everyone to watch the FIFA World Cup match between England and Slovenia, before delegates returned to the afternoon session.
Speakers included Peter Backman of Horizons, Ed Garner of Kantar Worldpanel, Mia Manson-Bishop of Delaware North and Matthew Wale of Reynolds Catering Supplies.
Delegates learned that eating out is a global business worth $1.6 trillion (£1.1tn) in food and drink sales that represents a substantial opportunity for the fresh convenience sector, while the UK retail sector has renewed its focus on premium lines, which will set the scene for a thriving prepared and fresh-cut offer.
A study tour that took in New Covent Garden Market, Sainsbury’s and Costco was held the following day.
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