Aldi lifts packaging on 4 fruits and vegetables, lets them go loose in supermarkets
Aldi is removing plastic packaging on four fruits and vegetables in an effort to reduce waste. Limes, garlic, lemons and oranges will be presented loosely in supermarkets – the first two only in stores in the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire, South East, and London – while all of them will be featured openly in East […]
World Avocado Organization expands support for retailers across UK
The World Avocado Organization (WAO), a non-profit group focused on sustainable growth and global avocado consumption, has finalised its 30th retailer collaboration, establishing partnerships with supermarkets in 12 countries, and over 35,000 stores, tripling its retail support across the UK and Europe since 2021. Avocados are adding consumers across the globe, and WAO says it […]
Artificial intelligence at retail will still require human element
It seems that AI (artificial intelligence) has been dominating the news, touching every aspect of our daily life. The controversial topic has been shown to possess many positive attributes for business, but has also been linked to various concerns about its ability to replace human activity. There have also been concerns as to the use […]
What is it about Waitrose, one of the more expensive shops in the UK, that continues to attract customers?
Over the past decade, Aldi and Lidl have created quite a stir in the UK – and risen in market share – courtesy of low, low prices and their expansion of stores. But some customers aren’t buying them, or at least not buying in them. Tesco, for instance, has remained a constant atop that share […]
Jooste: The changing face of the fresh produce workforce
I recently turned 65. After an old-school, shoulder-to-the-wheel, hard-working career of 30 years in fresh produce, I decided to use my skills to assist companies in strategic plans for marketing, communication and sustainability. The idea was to work one or two days a week. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it worked fine. Fast forward to 2023, […]
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 […]
Price cuts on 4 fresh produce items keep Aldi ahead of competitors again
Matching Aldi on price continues to be a challenge for opposing retailers, especially when Aldi keeps setting the bar lower. The discount supermarket chain recently announced more reductions to staple items, putting rivals on their heels again. They weren’t significant but enough to put a surprise devoted customers and put uneasiness in leaders at other […]
Business sustainability requires new retail pricing model
In my previous column, I discussed the subject of natural sustainability in the industry. This time, I will be moving to another area of sustainability, and that is the overall sustainability of current produce retail pricing. The current retail pricing model is inherently unsustainable. The practice of raising retails arbitrarily to generate profits and inflate […]
