Why it’s vital to keep an eye on the ‘little guys’

One thing every operator should watch closely is the nature and makeup of the competition within the marketplace. Most of the attention goes to the larger competitors, such as national chains and large regional players, and many retailers make the mistake of not considering the small, independent retailers within the trading area. Successful produce retailers […]
Morrisons slashes prices on almost 500 items, but are they enough?

Trying to remain competitive against deep discount retail chains Aldi and Lidi, Morrisons recently reduced prices on nearly 500 more items including some fruits and vegetables. Although Morrisons now has lowered the cost on 1,000 products, it only has committed to those reductions over the course of eight weeks. “We’re now going again with a […]
Today’s wholesaler offers much more than fresh produce

Wholesaler: a person or company that sells goods in large quantities at low prices, typically to retailers. I think it’s time to update the dictionary, I’m not sure the definition of wholesaler has aged all that well. Great wholesalers have become diverse operators offering unique service(s) wrapped around an extensive and evolving product offering. A desirable […]
Report: UK facing salad crisis because of rising costs, vegetable shortages

An untimely combination of adverse weather and price surges is leading to a shortage of fresh produce and a “salad crisis” in the UK, The Guardian reports. The publication states that February’s consumer prices index (CPI) rose to 10.4%, driven by rising costs in items such as drinks, eating out and fresh food. Poor weather conditions have […]
Jim Prevor: Captain of conscience

Jim Prevor was my friend. He is not a mere casual acquaintance, industry colleague, business associate, media contact, or fellow board member, but a true friend. One who is honest, straightforward and direct in all his support. Above all, he always told you the truth, no matter how brutal or discouraging it might be. Upper […]
Researchers say shortages in UK can be solved with more homegrown produce

While Aldi and other retailers have for the moment provided fixes to the shortages of fruits and vegetables on their shelves, researchers say more needs to be done to stave off potential gaps in the future. A new Green Paper released by the University of Warwick purports that UK should be less reliant on other […]
Food Menu Trends report has a new No. 1: Making vegetables the centerpiece

Foodservice leader Unilever Food Solutions has released its annual Future Menu Trends report, and No. 1 on its list should delight those who dabble in fresh produce: Irresistible Vegetables. The top choice of more than 1,600 chefs from 21 countries this year is veg, and in particular, how to make carrots, broccoli and Brussels sprouts […]
University-led Diet and Innovation Hub hopes to boost nutrition in UK

The University of Southampton and its researchers have been selected to spearhead one of six Diet and Innovation Hubs across the UK, hoping to find ways to improve the nutritional quality of food and beverages. The UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) along with the Medical Research Council (MRC), Innovate UK and DEFRA […]