Training for convenience retailers that sell fresh produce has become increasingly popular, as the number of businesses determined to make the most of their fresh and chilled offer continues to grow.
Musgrave Retail Partners GB, which supports Budgens and Londis, has offered an introduction to produce course to its members for two to three years, as well as a range of other training courses.
The one-day training is designed to teach the skills and knowledge to deliver and maintain a high-quality and vibrant fresh produce department.
Michael Green, a fresh food advisor at Musgrave, told FPJ that convenience retailers are increasingly looking to fresh produce as the future of their business, and that training courses are essential to help the retailer get it right.
He said: “We get involved in new store openings to advise on the range and display of fresh produce, as well as supporting existing stores.
“The biggest challenge is to ensure that retailers have the correct quality, and we struggle to get them to understand how important this is in the fruit and vegetable category. We have to tell them repeatedly that, if they have no waste, they are doing it badly.”
The courses are kept up to date with market trends identified by him! consumer research.
Green, pictured, visits Budgens and Londis stores in his role as a fresh food advisor.
He told FPJ there has been promising growth in ready-to-eat and ready-prepared fresh produce items, especially in smaller convenience packs, as the sector continues to move away from loose fruit and vegetables.
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