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% […]
Could Africa’s ‘forgotten crops’ be key to a healthier, sustainable future?
What do wild custard apples, bush plums, Malabar spinach, spider plants and bottle gourd have in common? They are all among a group of African fruits and vegetables highlighted as forgotten food crops by a group of researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the World Vegetable Center, World Agroforestry and other institutions. They say oft-dismissed […]
Loyalty card discounts prove ‘win-win’ for shoppers, supermarket chains
What drives supermarket shoppers to buy certain products over others? In a tight economy, price often wins out over brand and even high quality. But one other factor appears to be driving sentiment and purchasing in 2023: loyalty card discounts. According to new data revealed by NielsenIQ (now NIQ), more than 50% of UK retail […]
Product rationalisation in Food and Drink: Causes and challenges for manufacturers
The need for product rationalisation has significantly increased in recent years for a number of reasons. Major events have influenced changes in consumers’ shopping behaviour, affecting retailers, and in turn suppliers. The Covid-19 pandemic caused retailers to reduce their product range following consumers’ shopping patterns, contributing to the development of a ‘simplification’ trend that has […]
After more than 2 years, UK freeports ready to roll but not without cost concern
Following approval of their final business cases, Humber and Thames freeports in the UK are set to begin operating sometime this year, Port Strategy reports. The latter is already authorized to form its board and begin operating fully. While Humber Freeport company’s conditional approval allows it to begin investment across the ports of Hull, Goole, Immingham and […]
WAPA: Southern Hemisphere Apple and Pear Crop Forecast Revised Downward Following Severe Weather
Following the intense weather events that affected several countries in the Southern Hemisphere, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) released an update of its apple and pear crop forecast that was presented during Fruit Logistica. According to the revised forecast, which consolidates the data from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa, […]
ProHass president discusses Peru’s projected record avocado exports
The Peruvian avocado industry forecasts a total of 630,000 tonnes in production for this season, a 14% year-on-year increase. The president of Peru’s Association of Hass Avocado Producers and Exporters (ProHass), Juan Carlos Paredes Rosales, spoke with FreshFruitPortal.com about the projections of a record season, the reasons that have led the industry to take a leap in […]
