Retail
Fruitnet’s coverage of key developments in the fresh produce retail arena.
Lidl GB revenue rises as shopper numbers grow
Discounter reports highest increase in shopper visits across the sector and strong growth in fresh produce
New retail venture for S Thorogood
Wholesale business aims to provide full service to retail and foodservice outlets
Asian markets can consume more cherries
China and other markets in Asia have the capacity to absorb surge in Chilean cherry volumes, says JWM Asia’s GM of trade, Danny Guo. But he cites quality control, channel diversification and targeted marketing as key to success
Asiafruit Thailand edition out now
New issue includes Fresh Focus Cherry with in-depth coverage of key developments in the global cherry trade, plus features on Thailand, berries and more
GrowUp steals the show at product and packaging awards
Vertical farming business prevails in Deli category at The Grocer’s New Product & Packaging Awards, as well as picking up top prize for Champion of Champions
Sharpak launches padless berry punnets with Chambers
New trays for delicate berries remove need for absorbent pads, reducing weight and making packs fully recyclable at kerbside
Aldi launches donation drive as food banks face ‘tough Christmas’
Discounter says around 80 per cent of food banks are reporting an increase in demand as Christmas approaches
Fruitnet launches Fresh Produce Vietnam
Brand-new conference and expo event for Vietnam’s booming fresh produce business takes place in Ho Chi Minh City on 13-14 May
Avocados Australia signs A$300 mn purchase deal with Shanghai Huizhan Markets
Agreement one of several signed at CIIE in a bid to progress technical market access for Australian avocados into China
Lidl’s five-year investment in British farming hits £21bn
Discounter says it has exceeded its original target by £6bn
Aldi to open 11 new stores before Christmas
Expansion will see the discounter open new stores in West Sussex, Hampshire and Greater London, among other locations
Perfection Fresh introduces Mexican-grown Calypso mangoes to US market
Mangoes supplied to Whole Foods Market in Los Angeles in collaboration with Sonora-based grower Campos Borquez
Success of apricot packs brings category “back to life”
Pride of Prima launches second season in stores, doubling volumes year-on-year
Del Monte launches range of dried fruit snacks
New apple crisps and sticks will be rolled out at self-checkouts in Tesco and Morrisons stores
London Zoo animals join 50th anniversary celebrations of New Covent Garden Market
Zoo animals enjoyed a celebratory breakfast of fresh veg to mark the market’s 50th anniversary
Sainsbury’s launches salad range from vertical farm GrowUp
Unbeleafable leaves are grown and packed in a controlled environment at GrowUp’s vertical farm in Kent
Grocery sales in October ‘biggest since March 2020’
Over three million households bought at least one pumpkin, Kantar figures show
Albert Heijn launches new fruit and veg certification scheme
Company targets more ethical and sustainable fresh produce supply chains with introduction of new standards programme
Fresh Facts 2024 reveals New Zealand’s fresh produce exports reach NZ$4.3bn
United Fresh partners with Plant & Food Research on annual New Zealand horticulture statistical handbook
New Disney tie-in aims to boost kids’ consumption of fruit
Disney-branded mini apples and easy peelers are launching in Ocado this month
Zespri’s pillbox packs return to retail shelves
Singapore retailers restock presentation packs, as marketer tackles decline in traditional post-dinner consumption
New Zealand minister of trade makes inaugural visit to Joy Wing Mau Group
Chinese company continues to collaborate with top NZ companies like Zespri and Rockit, deepening cooperation between the countries
AMFresh says it will spend a further €2bn on acquisitions by 2030
The company, which is now Spain’s largest fresh produce supplier, reveals it has targeted sales of €3.5bn by the end of this decade
Comment: A pivotal moment for the banana industry
Business urgently needs fair prices, mutual transparency, and a shift away from over-certification, says Banana Link’s international coordinator
Asiafruit Knowledge Centre: Could Asia’s berry boom move beyond China?
A panel of experts discussed the rapidly growing category at Asiafruit Congress 2024 as the China-based berry industry prepares to penetrate surrounding markets
Video: A closer look at Sekoya’s new blueberry dispenser
The company’s retail expert Hans Liekens explains how the company’s new device can boost sales of the fruit
Asiafruit Knowledge Centre: Vietnam’s import market matures
Shifts in retail and consumer preferences open up new opportunities for fresh produce suppliers
Branston boosts Nemo potato production
Finding Nemo just got easier as potato producer Branston ups production of this hybrid variety
Morrisons supports British farmers with series of commitments
Morrisons commits £1.4 billion to British farming in 2025 and gives 2,500 British farmers shopping discount
Fruit and veg lead sales at Rewe’s ‘fully plant-based’ store
Bananas and cucumbers in top ten most-purchased items at Voll Pflanzlich, which stocks exclusively vegan-friendly products
SE Asia markets confirm safety of Shine Muscat imports
Authorities in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia confirm no harmful residues found on imports of Shine Muscat grapes after further tests, but trade reports drop in sales
Hypermax to replace Carrefour in Jordan
Majid Al Futtaim has announced that it is suspending Carrefour Jordan and rolling out new brand Hypermax at its 34 stores across the country
It’s time to act to save British food production
Ali Capper, executive chair of BAPL, shares her response to the October 2024 Budget announcements
Ocado Group appoints technology leader Adam Warby as new Chair
Ocado CEO Tim Steiner describes Warby’s appointment as an “important moment” in the company’s development
Farming industry dismay at new Labour Budget
NFU slams the Budget for threatening family farms and making food production more expensive
Asiafruit Knowledge Centre: Data is key for Asiafruit Showcase presenters
Audiences at this year’s Asiafruit Showcase stage received insights from AgroFresh, Rijk Zwaan, Sekoya Fruit, Guangzhou Jiangnan Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market, Shanghai Huizhan, Copeland and Shanghai Jiaogeini Industrial Development