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 […]
John Lewis looks toward digital future in £100m deal with Google Cloud
The John Lewis Partnership, which oversees retailer Waitrose and is the largest employee-owned company in the UK, announced it has entered into a £100m agreement with Google Cloud. The company says it hopes to give consumers “more tailored and personalised experiences” by expanding its digital offerings. John Lewis says it will leverage data analytics from […]
Tesco gives 300,000 store colleagues ‘flexible working rights’ a year early
More than 300,000 employees at Tesco will be allowed flexible working rights a year ahead of schedule under new rules being implemented by the supermarket chain. Tesco officials cite giving colleagues better work-life balance now as the reason for moving up the scheme. “We think giving people the right to start a conversation about flexible […]
Select UK potato, carrot growers get 100% backing on costs from Morrisons
By the end of the year, some of the potatoes and carrots that appear in Morrisons supermarkets will be from farms being supported financially by … Morrisons. The generous initiative, in which the retailer is underwriting 100% of costs for growing those vegetables, is part of a trial that will stretch into 2024. Growers have […]
A wholesaler’s communication, coordination are key to building trust with retailers
Produce wholesalers are a vital link in the supply chain for independent supermarkets, natural food stores and co-ops. We provide access to a wide variety of conventional and organic commodity and value-added products, while giving retailers an opportunity to tap into our inventory for freshness, turns and consistent supply. A good wholesaler serves as the […]
Why supermarkets are rationing food … and 3 potential solutions to prevent shortages
Calls for the government to provide better support to UK food producers have intensified recently, as supermarkets have been forced to ration sales of some fresh produce. Weather-related disruption has caused supply shortages of vegetables from places that include Spain and North Africa. Food price hikes and produce shortages have been an ongoing problem for […]
