Market review from the foodservice fresh produce specialist says weather and macroeconomic events continue to affect production and logistics
Weather-related challenges continue to have the greatest impact on the fresh produce market, according to a new market review from UK foodservice specialist Fresh Direct.
As the foodservice market continues to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fresh Direct Winter Market Review reported that fresh produce continued to grow in importance on operator menus as they looked for more natural, plant-based alternatives.
However, macroeconomic events, including the ongoing impact of global conflicts affecting production and shipping, coupled with unpredictable weather, continued to cause ”significant challenges” to the global produce category, the report outlined.
With these issues affecting supply, the recent trend towards an increase in British produce by foodservice operators had grown.
Fresh Direct explained that it had driven promotion of British in the sector, increasing the number of UK producers and lines available.
“Fresh Direct is achieving market-leading levels of product availability against a backdrop of challenging weather conditions impacting crops, and world events affecting global supply chains,” noted Paul Nieduszynski, CEO of Sysco GB.
”We’ve been working hard with suppliers to minimise any impact on customers, which we’ve achieved by creating more direct relationships with growers, mitigating risk, and taking greater control of our supply chain.
“As a result, we’ve been able to keep more produce on the plate for longer,” he added.
