Retail news from Fresh Produce Journal
Important developments in the UK’s food retail arena, with a focus on fresh produce procurement, distribution, marketing, merchandising, and new product development.
Supermarket tills ring out in countdown to Christmas
December retail sales are forecast to exceed £13 billion for the first time ever as shoppers count down to Christmas
Fruitnet Tomato Congress heads to Malaga, Spain, in 2025
The tomato category’s leading event, Fruitnet Tomato Congress, is back on 11-12 November 2025 at a new location in Malaga, close to one of Spain’s primary tomato production areas
Morrisons offers farmers 25 per cent discount in cafés
Supermarket is also working with Len’s Light to encourage farmers to socialise
North Carolina eyes sweet potato export growth in Europe
The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is ramping up production for the UK and other European markets for 2025
Rise of Egypt’s juicing industry likely to impact European citrus market
With issues in the Red Sea disrupting Egyptian exports to Asia, analysts had been predicting a glut of oranges on the European market, but the opening of new juicing facilities in Egypt could significantly ease the pressure
Veg taking centre stage in meat-alternative meals, says Tesco
Supermarket reports a 600,000 increase in veg-led dishes sold in the past year
Aldi donates thousands of Christmas lunches to low-income areas
Discounter is donating meals through its partnership with surplus food redistributor Company Shop Group
Angus Soft Fruits marks 30 years at annual conference
Scotland’s leading berry supplier hosted its yearly conference this month, celebrating 30 years of business and assessing the best path forward for its growers and partners
Aldi dishes up festive cheer with free meals
The discounter is donating thousands of Christmas lunches to low-income communities via Company Shop Group
Allan Leighton returns to Asda as executive chair
Retail grandee is a former chief executive of the supermarket
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Barfoots expands UK butternut production
British grower scales up UK butternut squash production thanks to successful Sakata seed variety
Aldi widens loose produce offer with new trial
Discounter makes move to reduce packaging and food waste
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
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
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
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