Retail
Fruitnet’s coverage of key developments in the fresh produce retail arena.
Aldi tops new season British apple sales
British Apples & Pears Limited unveils retailer rankings for British apple sales during first four months of apple season
Blue Whale revamps apple aisle with innovative marketing
The French apple exporter is focused on gaining in-depth knowledge of consumers to deploy a category-based approach that it says is proving highly successful in French supermarkets
Move to mainstream retail helps organic sales recover in Germany
New USDA report suggests decreased inflation has also contributed to an improvement in sales of organic produce
IG International welcomes first container of premium Subsole cherries to India
Strong response to the shipment of Chilean cherries represents India’s growing confidence in more premium fruit
Rabobank: health and technology among top trends impacting agriculture to 2030
Global strategists predict changing trade dynamics, health concerns and innovation to influence agriculture in the next five years
Tesco, Lidl and Aldi back NFU call for inheritance tax pause
Tesco, Lidl and Aldi join other major supermarkets in backing farmers and calling on government to ‘pause’ its ‘Family Farm Tax’
Aldi stays UK’s ‘best paying supermarket’
The discounter has announced a new raft of pay rises for store assistants
Comment: Data tools drive Driscoll’s improvement
Fresh4cast and berry marketer Driscoll’s were nominated for a Technology Champion Award at the recent FPC Fresh Industry Awards. We asked Fresh4cast’s Michele Dall’Olio to tell us more
Video: Aldi adds avocados to ethical model
Watch our exclusive interview with Franka Rodriguez, Aldi South’s director of global sourcing, as the retailer expands its responsible sourcing programme
The Greenery targets €1.5bn sales through BelOrta partnership
CEO David Markowski tells Eurofruit why strategic alliance with Belgian group is so important in today’s market
Papaya is fastest-growing fruit, reports Tesco
Supermarket is seeing soaring demand for a range of exotic fruits
China eyes growth for Lunar New Year
Unwavering demand for high-quality, high-value products is set to drive growth despite economic caution as the Lunar New Year approaches
Fresh Produce Vietnam: agenda announced
Fruitnet’s brand-new event in Ho Chi Minh City explores every aspect of the booming Vietnam market
Raw pressed fruit juices among Sainsbury’s new range of healthy lines
Supermarket is introducing new products to make it easier for shoppers to make healthy selections
IGD delivers top tips for supermarkets
Institute of Grocery Distribution highlights six routes to success for European grocery retail trade
Sainsbury’s switches to plastic-free avocado packs
Trial is expected to lead to a full rollout that will save 20.2m pieces of plastic a year
Nador Cott Protection takes aim at second UK supermarket
Following last year’s legal action against Sainsbury’s, Nador Cott Protection has reportedly taken action against another major retailer in the UK over the sale of Tango/Tang Gold mandarins
British berry industry future “under threat”
Growers warn of difficult year to come despite the British berry sector hitting record milestones
Lidl: “We must make the healthier choice easier”
Discount retailer’s Dutch division meets with Netherlands’ health minister to plan further positive action involving fruit and vegetables
Branston and Tesco to launch low-carbon concept farm
Potato grower announced as one of two suppliers blazing a trail towards net zero
Branston launches “nostalgic” all-rounder potato brand
Nanna Tate range includes varieties selected for suitability to various cooking methods and dishes
Avos and mangoes “primed for success”
With US sales and household penetration up last year, the outlook is bright for 2025, says Mission Produce
Coming soon: FPJ Marketing & Branding Special
FPJ’s first-ever Marketing & Branding Special celebrates innovation and offers inspiration as opportunities for fresh produce brands grow in the UK
Christmas grocery spend hits new high
UK supermarket December sales surpass £13 billion for first time, Kantar data reveals
EFRA seeks comments on supply chain fairness
The cross-party committee of MPs launches new inquiry to examine UK food sector issues
Korea removes tariffs on imported fruits
Government to continue tariff exemption for bananas, pineapples and other key products in first six months of 2025
Leaderbrand watermelons to hit stores earlier than ever
New flavour-filled varieties were harvested two weeks early this season thanks to good weather
Round-up: Stories you might have missed over Christmas
Fruitnet brings you a digest of key industry developments that emerged during the Christmas and New Year break
Westfalia acquires Belgian avocado specialist Syros
The move strengthens Westfalia’s value-added business in Europe and aligns with its growth strategy
Ahold Delhaize completes Profi Rom Food acquisition
Retailer strengthens its presence in the Romanian market with “truly significant” move
New CMI Orchards campaign links well-known apple varieties with premium counterparts
Campaign markets Juici, Ambrosia Gold and EverCrisp brands amid fall in Honeycrisp production
Can Veganuary get its veg back?
Harvey Choat, MD of food and drink comms agency Nexus, argues that the 2025 Veganuary campaign risks alienating consumers and should instead focus on a message of ‘plant-more’ rather than ‘meat-less’
Festive faceoff brings giveaway prices on supermarket veg
Retailers drop the price of Christmas dinner vegetables as low as 8p
M&S sells new-season British asparagus before Christmas
Limited selection of early pickings from Wye Valley Produce went on sale in Hereford
Lunar New Year edition of Asiafruit out now
Lunar New Year coverage, a special feature on Australia and a keynote interview with Guangzhou Jiangnan market chairman, Ye Canjiang in celebration of the wholesaler’s 30th anniversary headline this issue
Tasmanian cherry season underway
First boxes of Tasmanian cherries are now available across the state as exporters prepare for international sales