Choosing the Right Path: How your produce business can seize strengths, limit weaknesses
The European fresh produce industry is witnessing a significant shift in companies adopting specific roles to sustain their success. With increasing competition and growing supply chain transparency, companies are faced with a crucial decision: should they become specialists, focusing on a few products that can be consistently supplied year-round to large-scale retailers, or should they […]
Potential threat of layoffs has Port of Liverpool workers on edge
A 12% year-on-year decrease in container volumes is worrying Port of Liverpool staff, which currently employs around 850 people. Port owner Peel Ports and British syndicate Unite the Union are beginning a 45-day redundancy consultation that could lead to 15% of employees being terminated, Port Strategy reports. “This is a decision we have been wrestling with for […]
State of Blueberry report shows shifts in UK imports, dire straits for domestic growers
The International Blueberry Organization unveiled its highly anticipated 2023 State of the Global Blueberry Industry report on Aug. 15, via a live presentation. The analysis thoroughly examines the sector’s challenges and strengths, confirming a shift in production towards the counter season. “Sometime either in 2023 or 2024, the industry will see more fresh volumes shipped […]
UK grape grower AMFresh partners with private equity firm to acquire two companies
AMFresh of the UK and private equity fund manager EQT of Sweden have acquired Special New Fruit Licensing Holding Company (SNFL) of Spain and International Fruit Genetics LLP (IFG) of the U.S. The deal was approved by the European Commission under the EU Merger Regulation. AMFRESH is active in growing table grapes, other fruits, and vegetables. SNFL and IFG both breed and develop new […]
Lessons learned: Can US consumer trends offer insight into how to grow sales of fresh produce worldwide?
Inflation hit consumers hard in 2022, with year-over-year prices across total food and beverages growing a sky-high 12.5% by end of year. But, when it comes to produce, consumers have not responded based on price-impact alone. Shoppers are undoubtedly being more price-conscious in their food purchase habits, but convenience and quality remain key factors driving […]
UK supermarkets enjoy great month, helped by Coronation and holiday
Sparked by the Coronation and bank holiday weekend, British supermarkets saw a 12.3% boost in total till sales during the four weeks leading up to 20 May. That figure bettered sales from the previous reporting month by 2.6%, according to data from NIQ, formerly Nielsen. Own-label sales were the biggest driver, rising more than 14% […]
Consumer spending power increases, but Asda tracker shows cost concerns still high
Although spending power has increased and inflation decreased, new insight from Asda shows that shoppers are still struggling with affordability. The rising cost of food and other items actually means that the amount customers can spend per week fell by £3 from March to August. That data point offsets somewhat upbeat news and is among […]
Led by M&S Food and a lean to value, Marks and Spencer shows signs of a comeback
Despite falling profits in 2022/23, stock outlook has soared in the past week for Marks and Spencer, which notably has been bolstered by the rejuvenation of M&S Food. Sales from its Food division jumped 8.7%, including a 5% rise in its “core categories” that eclipsed pre-pandemic levels. Its market share, in fact, increased by 3.6% […]
