Embracing the Green Wave: Avocado Consumption on the Rise Across UK, Europe
While last year posed challenges for the fresh food industry amidst economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis, the avocado industry continued to show positive growth across Europe. Last year saw a notable increase in avocado consumption across Europe, with the UK securing its position as the joint second-largest consumer alongside Germany, each consuming around 121,000 […]
Sainsbury’s agrees to 5-year deal with Microsoft to put AI at centre of store operations
Supermarkets, always looking to become more efficient while promoting quality especially in fresh produce, know technology is crucial to meeting demand in 2024 from consumers and shareholders. Seizing on that potential, British retailer Sainsbury’s recently entered into a five-year partnership with Microsoft Corp. that it hopes can leverage Microsoft’s AI and machine learning “capabilities” to help in […]
Why is AI in your future? Because your business rivals are already going there.
Thinking about using artificial intelligence to boost your bottom lines in the fresh produce industry? You’re not alone. According to a new report by Tata Consultancy Services, more than 85% of 1,300 senior business leaders polled in 24 countries said they are using AI to boost their revenue streams and create new opportunities. The TCS […]
Intense pressure mounts on ‘susceptible’ avocado industry to make changes due to climate
A report published by Christian Aid charity shows that avocado production is under threat due to climate change. The organization reports that avocado regions are expected to decline between 14% to 41% by 2050. Avocados are abrasive for the environment due to their high need for water, a characteristic that makes the fruit highly susceptible to climate […]
Lidl’s lofty 30th anniversary expansion plans could mean hundreds more stores in the UK
Discount retailer Lidl wants to celebrate its 30th year in Great Britain in style by opening not just a handful of new stores or a couple dozen. Lidl says it wants to open hundreds. Fueled by its recent investments in infrastructure, including its new warehouse in Luton, the fast-growing supermarket chain wants to expands further […]
Limiting food waste still a work in progress for consumers, retailers in the UK
Self-reported food waste in the UK fell by a more than a percentage point in the six months ending June 2023, but was still high compared to periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bi-annual WRAP Food Trends and KPI survey done by the Waste and Resources Action Programme shows that a little more than 20% […]
Waitrose commits to ‘Good Health’ by slashing prices again on fresh vegetables, meats
Britain supermarket price wars are continuing into spring of 2024, with Sainsbury’s cutting prices on 1,000 items and Waitrose reducing the cost of 200 items including fresh vegetables. The major announcement by Sainsbury’s, however, only hinted that it would include “favourite branded products.” The chain didn’t not reveal much more than that and whether those […]
Why the value of ERP software solutions for the fresh produce industry cannot be understated
The fresh produce industry has long been a gut-driven business. This is especially true in multigenerational companies where senior staff’s years of experience and sixth sense often correctly predict a money-making (or losing) market. But times are changing, in the U.S., the UK, Europe and across the globe. “A lot of us in the industry, […]
