Members of the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) board of directors, their colleagues, and PMA staff toured UK supermarkets earlier this month. The agenda was set up by Andrew Sharp of Mack, also a member of the PMA board. The visitors took in a variety of grocery formats to see what is happening in the UK retail marketplace.

“On the first day,” said Nancy Tucker of the PMA, “we visited inner-city upmarket stores, and on the second day we were in Kent and, after a tour of Mack’s facilities at Paddock Wood, we went to see where the real people shop.”

The London ports of call were Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Selfridges, Whole Foods Market, and Marks & Spencer, while in Kent the group called at Tesco Extra, Asda and a contrasting M&S in Bluewater. “It was fascinating for the group to see the differences in the way fresh produce is merchandised in the UK, and also the differences between the stores,” Tucker said. “It was obvious that generally there is a far higher proportion of pre-packed and fresh-packed produce than in the US, and far more private labelling.

“The large amount of packaged items really captured the interest of the group and raised questions about the environmental impact and also of consumer preferences - for example, whether the consumer would be likely to buy more produce if it was merchandised in bulk [loose].”

The tour showed an excellent contrast of stores, Tucker said.

“It was interesting to see the differences between a predominantly packaged offering, stores merchandising with bulk displays that were gorgeous, but obviously very labour intensive, and those using a returnable crate system.

“The concentration of the supply chain system in the UK was another evident difference with the US. There are category captains in the US who provide significant services to their clients, but the suppliers in the UK have developed their role to an extent that is unmatched anywhere in the world, to my knowledge. With this type of support, one would think that supermarket produce departments could significantly reduce their staff.”

Tucker said the best word to describe the group after the visit was “enlightened”, which was the objective at the outset. “These are industry leaders, and for them it is crucial to be armed with all the information that takes their companies forward.

“While one can always read about markets and trends, the message never hits home as much as when you have been there and experienced it for yourself,” she explained. “It was great to be able to talk with people in the industry, and with shoppers, to have our questions answered and get a good feel for the market.

“When organising the trip, we wanted the participants to be exposed to different ideas and business models. Thus, they have the framework to pull out the good and bad points as they relate to their own markets. It is then up to each person to take the appropriate ideas and modify them to work in different markets, and to pick up on future trends that will shape the way their own businesses develop in the next few years.”

When pushed for her own opinion on the merchandising displays she saw, Tucker said, overall, she prefers the model used throughout the Americas.

“I guess I’m influenced by the shopping experience I’m used to, but I really do prefer more bulk displays, which I think provide a more attractive shopping environment - one which reaches out to me, and draws me in with the colours, smells and flavours,” she said.

Those attending the tour were Tim Riley and Hillary Brick of Giumarra Companies; Bill Schuler, Joe Klare, and Dan Pardekooper of Castellini Group of Companies; Steve Barnard, Ross Wileman, and Roberto Rodriguez of Mission Produce; and Paula Gonzalez and Nancy Tucker of the PMA.

Topics