Fresh Convenience Magazine

Spanish fresh-cut sales climb

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:56:56 +0000

Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables ales enjoyed a boom through the opening eight months of 2011, according to new data released by Symphoni Iri and reported by Efeagro.

Sales of fresh-cut produce climbed 3 per cent year-on-year in volume terms to 54,600 tonnes through the January-August period. In 2010, sales for the full-year came in at 70,600 tonnes, an increase of 6 per cent on the previous 12 months.

Between January and August 2011, the value of the fresh-cut market climbed to €303.8m, 5.5 per cent up on the same period of 2010, when the market was valued at €287.8m.

Salads performed particularly well, with a total volume of 31,000 tonnes sold through the eight month period, up 2.5 per cent on 2010, with value hitting €172.8m.

??Fresh-cut fruit sales showed a huge increase during January-August, climbing from 73 tonnes to 963 tonnes, with value rising to €4.5m.

Polish retailer targets kids with Disney

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:56:03 +0000

Polish supermarket chain Piotr I Pawel has today (1 December) become the first in the country to launch a new Disney-themed healthy snack concept for children.

The concept has been developed by Dutch fresh produce company Van Rijn Group, in cooperation with the Walt Disney Company, while distribution is handled by Langfruit BV, located in Venlo.

The range features Cars 2 and Disney Princess characters, and includes products such as tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers in ‘Veggie Shakers’, soon to be followed by a fruit equivalent.

“Our goal with these products is to provide healthy snacks for kids,” the Disney report states. “There is a problem in the world with obesity and overeating by children. By providing healthy food for the children we are playing a role in the fight against obesity and weight gain.”

UK leafy salads gain EU backing

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:53:26 +0000

In the UK, the British Leafy Salads Association (BLSA) has revealed that it has secured just under €140,000 in co-funding from the EU as part of the European Commission’s support for the promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables following the E coli crisis.

According to the BLSA, the funding will contribute to a three-year promotional and marketing campaign driving home the benefits of leafy salads as part of a healthy diet to consumers, Farming UK reported.

A total of €139,728 will be provided by the EU, broken down into yearly chunks of just over €46,000, as part of an overall budget of €279,455 for the BLSA – which was the only UK bid to successfully secure funding.

“Over 90 per cent of the UK claim for compensation from the EU for salad businesses hit by the E coli crisis was from leafy salad growers,” said Jane Dyas, BLSA’s company secretary. “This match funding will now allow us to deliver an effective three-year integrated campaign to communicate positive messages around the taste, health, versatility and provenance that leafy salads offer and ultimately have a positive effect on consumer purchasing behaviour.”

Morrisons unveils ready-peeled avo

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:50:30 +0000

In the UK, retailer Morrisons is reportedly taking the hassle out of Hass avocados by introducing a ready peeled and pre-packaged product.

According to the Daily Mail, the group has developed specialist technology that peels, de-stones and packs the fruit in its own transparent vacuum-packed pouch, allowing consumers accurately judge ripeness.

The Peruvian avocados will be on sale for £5 (€5.85) as part of a special cocktail kit consisting of four ripe avocado halves and a pot of prawns.

“The technology uses non-thermal food processing to improve the shelf-life,” said Neil Nugent, Morrisons chef and head of innovation. “Shoppers can now guarantee they will only serve a perfectly ripe avocado.”

UK convenience market to grow

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:47:23 +0000

New figures released by industry analyst IGD predict that the UK’s grocery convenience sector is set to grow to £42.2bn (€49.3bn) over the next five years.

According to figures released at the group’s Convenience Retail Conference, the sector will increase in value by more than a quarter in the run up to 2016, up from its current value of £33.6bn (€39.2bn).

Similarly, convenience’s share of the overall food and grocery market is expected to increase to 22.9 per cent by 2016, compared with the figure of 21.4 per cent by the end of this year.

IGD ShopperTrack research found that 50 per cent of shoppers would use shops closer to them if fuel prices continue to rise, 46 per cent of convenience store shoppers consider proximity a key factor when choosing a store, and convenience store shoppers use the format on average three times a week.

“The convenience sector is doing well in challenging conditions and outperforming the wider grocery market,” said Nick Everitt, director of retail insight at IGD.

“The convenience market’s success is down to a number of factors, including an ability to adapt the changing demands of the UK population,” he added. “Shoppers are, for example, increasingly favouring a ‘little and often’ approach, and convenience operators are responding by offering a wider range of product choices, including more fresh and chilled foods, such as fruit and vegetables.

“Convenience stores are also reaping the benefits of people cutting down on their car usage due to high petrol prices and so preferring to shop locally.”

Stemilt bolsters Lil Snappers line

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:44:56 +0000

Just a few months after launching Lil Snappers, a premium line of 3lb bags made specifically for kid-sized apples and pears, Stemilt Growers is expanding the product line with new varieties, organic availability, and a durable display-shipper.

US-based Stemilt recently added two varieties – Braeburn and Fuji apples – to its line of conventionally grown Lil Snappers and also introduced Lil Snappers under its Artisan Organics label.

The Lil Snappers product line now includes six conventional apple varieties, one conventional pear variety, and five organic apple varieties. The new organic varieties available are: Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Piñata, and Pink Lady.

“The Lil Snappers line has been a great addition for Stemilt,” said Stemilt marketing director Roger Pepperl. “The kid-friendly sizes and flavours and convenient grab-n-go package make it appealing to today’s busy parents. We’ve had numerous calls and emails from people wondering where to find Lil Snappers in their market. It’s a perfect in-and-out item to bring excitement to the produce department this winter and spring.”

In addition to expanding the Lil Snappers line, Stemilt will soon begin shipping these bags in a new display-shipper, the group revealed, with the carton a shorter version of a standard display ready carton and is great for building displays at retail. The pre-printed box features sharp graphics that make the product stand out in the produce department.

“The new carton is also very durable, which will aid in effectively transporting the box from our facilities all the way to the produce department floor,” said Pepperl.

Fruit Pop Pouches hit the market

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:43:14 +0000

Shelf-life extension specialist Maxwell Chase Technologies has announced the launch of its new ‘Fruit Pop’ pouches, absorbent pouches which are ideal for packing slices of fresh-cut pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon and Honeydew melon and extending shelf-life by over 10 days.

Produced with food-safe absorbent technology, the pouches allow processors to pack ripe and sweet-tasting fruit, while they are consumer-friendly being easy to open, tamper evident and avoiding mess, the group said.

“Customers have been asking for a way to pack single serve fresh-cut fruit portions with extended shelf-life and this is the perfect cost-effective packaging,” said Tom Gautreaux, national sales director at Maxwell.

The new Fruit Pop pouches are ideal for target markets such as kid’s snacks, school lunches and convenience stores, the group added.

Marketing in focus at Freshconex forum

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:39:05 +0000

Freshconex 2012, Europe’s only international meeting place for the fresh produce convenience sector, takes place in Berlin from 8-10 February 2012 and offers a comprehensive overview of the products and services in this dynamic growth market.

Fully integrated into the trade fair programme, the Freshconex Business Forum is a first-class information and discussion platform focusing on current industry trends. With sessions scheduled on all three days of the event, the forum offers excellent opportunities to share in-depth information and exchange ideas with guest speakers and international industry representatives.

‘New opportunities in marketing for fresh produce convenience’ is the key theme on the first day of the trade fair (8 February). In a series of half-hour presentations, international industry representatives focus on the market opportunities resulting from special marketing strategies in the fresh convenience sector.

In many European countries, including the UK, Italy and the Netherlands, fresh convenience products have become integrated into daily eating habits. In his presentation, Tony Walsh, category manager at Florette, talks about which markets still offer potential for the development of fresh produce convenience fresh products (New markets for fresh produce convenience products).

The Nordic markets are characterised by specific demands from fresh convenience product suppliers. International experts discuss what buyers in these countries expect and what consumers want (Market solutions for fresh produce convenience in Nordic markets).

Private label products play an important role for European food retailers. Peter Hostens, Managing Director at UNIVEG, shows how sales can be increased through the development of private label brands in the convenience category (Opportunities for developing the convenience category at retail).

A growing number of fresh convenience brands are being sold through non-traditional sales channels. In his presentation, Hans Liekens, out-of-home business development director at Chiquita Brands International, talks about the size of the potential gains in these new markets, the success stories taking place at the traditional retail level as a result of these new opportunities, and how consumers perceive and respond to the new purchasing options (Beyond retail: building your brand for a total consumer experience).

Other key topics at the Freshconex 2012 Business Forum include ‘Food Safety’ on 9 February and ‘Technology and new product development’ on 10 February.

The Freshconex Business Forum is staged in Hall 7.2b, and it is fully integrated into the exhibition area and included in the Freshconex admission price.

Dole partners with Healthy Foods

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:36:07 +0000

Dole Food Company has announced that it has made an equity investment in Healthy Foods, the producer of the yonanas frozen treat maker.

Dole and Healthy Foods have joined forces to increase consumption of fruit by expanding the yonanas product line and its distribution in retail, commercial and food service outlets around the world.

The yonanas frozen treat maker employs proprietary technology to transform frozen bananas and other frozen fruit into a dessert that looks and tastes like an indulgent soft-serve ice cream – but with all the nutrition of fresh fruit, no additives, and with as little as 100 calories per serving.

The collaboration with Dole, the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fruits and vegetables, will help Healthy Foods increase retail distribution of the yonanas treat maker as well as accelerate the development of a new line of commercial yonanas products for restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels and other venues.

The companies also plan to co-brand their respective products, with the yonanas device and new packaging, which is sold at major retailers including Target, Sears, Bed Bath & Beyond, K-mart and Amazon, now co-branded Dole-yonanas.

“We’re excited to align with a Fortune 500 company that shares our vision of promoting nutrition,” said Winston Breeden, CEO of Healthy Foods. “Dole’s powerful brand and global reach will undoubtedly accelerate our market penetration around the world. This new venture will also help us launch our commercial division of yonanas products in a shorter timeframe.”

David Murdock, Dole’s Chairman, confirmed that the innovative team at Healthy Foods would provide Dole with a unique business platform for future growth. “Healthy Foods and the proprietary yonanas technology will help drive our fresh and frozen fruit businesses, while encouraging people to increase their fruit consumption and live healthier lives,” he noted.

Dole introduces Fruit Smoothie Shakers

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:31:31 +0100

Dole Food Company has announced the introduction of two new products, Fruit Smoothie Shakers and Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups, which it has said will provide consumers with new, convenient ways to enjoy the taste of fresh fruit ‘right from the freezer’.

According to the group, the products – which contain frozen fruit and no artificial ingredients – can help US consumers balance their calorie intake and follow the 2010 dietary guidelines, which encourages greater produce consumption and a lower intake of sodium, saturated and trans fats and added sugars.

“Now more than ever consumers are looking for a variety of options that fit into a healthy diet,” said Paul Panza, marketing director at Dole Packaged Foods. “By developing frozen products like our Fruit Smoothie Shakers and Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups, that are made with real fruit and all-natural ingredients, we can give consumers new and easy ways to add fruit to their diet – with the convenience and value they have come to expect from Dole.”

Dole Fruit Smoothie Shakers are a real fruit and yoghurt smoothies to be eaten at home or on-the-go, combining healthy fruit and non-fat yoghurt with the added benefit of pre- and probiotics.

Made with frozen yoghurt beads and finely cut fruit, consumers simply remove from the freezer, add their favourite juice and shake for 30-45 seconds, with the product coming in strawberry, banana and mixed berry varieties.

Frozen Fruit Single-serve Cups, meanwhile, contain a full serving of fruit with no added sugars or preservatives and no cutting or rinsing required, and are available in blueberry, strawberry and pineapple flavour.

Dole noted that the cups utilise breakthrough, patent-pending technology to minimise texture loss during the defrosting process for a just-like-fresh appearance, taste and texture.

Global interest in Freshconex

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:07:00 +0100

Freshconex, Europe’s leading business and information platform for fresh produce convenience, will present a broad overview of products and services from 8-10 February 2012 in Berlin.

For the first time, Freshconex 2012 will feature dedicated exhibition halls for fresh produce convenience (Hall 7.2c) and technology (Hall 7.2b) sectors respectively, ensuring a focused market overview of each segment and a more efficient target group approach for trade visitors, according to event organiser Messe Berlin.

Furthermore, Freshconex 2012 is integrated into the visitor circuit for Fruit Logistica 2012, which runs alongside the event at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

Exhibitors from 13 countries have already registered for the event, with the ‘Fresh Convenience Products & Ingredients’ segment including Kellermann.ch ag (Switzerland), Fructofresh (Poland), mirontell fein + frisch AG (Germany), Alphacom Italia S.r.l. (Italy), Agrolito S.L. (Spain) and Smit’s Uien BV (Netherlands).

Meanwhile, companies present in the ‘Product Packaging and Fresh Convenience Processing Technology’ segment include Visys NV Sorting Systems (Belgium), Cellpack Packaging (France), Concept Engineers BV (Netherlands), ABL S.r.l. (Italy), Zumoval S.L. (Spain) and Paper Pak Industries (USA).

The “Quality and Safety” segment includes AgriCoat (Great Britain), FOOD Freshly AFC (Germany) and Baltimore Innovations Ltd. (Great Britain).

In addition to the trade show, the Freshconex Business Forum is also taking place across the three-day event, with speakers discussing some of the industry’s key topics.

Dole acquires Fafi Fresh Cuts Oy

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:00:18 +0100

Dole Europe has announced the acquisition of Helsinki, Finland-based Fafi Fresh Cuts Oy, a group founded by private investors in 2010 that only started operating in June this year.

The purchase will, according to Dole Europe president Johan Linden, add to a decade of growth in fresh-cut out of the group’s Swedish plant, which has been based on product quality and innovation.

“With this acquisition, Dole is further investing in this growing category,” Linden noted. “The acquisition of Fafi Fresh Cuts will be the start of new growth for Dole fresh cut products in Finland.

“Dole has already been servicing the Finnish market with its high-quality fresh cuts from its Swedish plant for a number of years,” Linden added. “With the new production set up, the transfer of production and category expertise, Dole customers in Finland will benefit from shorter lead time, increased flexibility as well as a broader product assortment of short shelf-life products.”

The new operation will report to Stefan Grahn, general manager of Dole subsidiary Saba Fresh Cuts in Helsingborg, Sweden.

Florette plans major UK push

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:55:33 +0100

Bagged salad specialist Florette has revealed that it is planning its biggest-ever UK marketing investment to back a major 2012 promotional campaign, that it hopes will help engage consumers like never before.

The group will invest some £5m (€5.8m) next year as it looks to tap into what it sees as several major opportunities for its bagged salads in the country, including the launch of a new television campaign, taking advantage of several sporting and celebratory activities, and the opportunity to innovate.

“We are excited about the potential for category growth in 2012, and there are some big opportunities coming,” said Elaine Smith, marketing manager at Florette in the UK. “As a brand leader, we believe we need to communicate with consumers to help drive sales of bagged salads.”

A new television campaign will launch in April next year, Smith explained, while there will also be a focus on linking Florette’s salad products with the numerous sporting activities taking place throughout the year, as well as celebratory events such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“These represent the perfect platform to engage and capture the mood of the nation,” she continued. “They generate huge consumer interest, and can be key for bagged salads – so it will be an integrated campaign that harnesses the sporting mood.”

Florette’s opportunities lie in the fact that many major events in 2012 will be TV-based for consumers, creating opportunities for meal occasions, with food and drink playing a major role in watching sporting and celebratory moments.

The drive will be supported by celebrity endorsements, on-pack activity, media support, digital activity and in-store sampling, among other promotional methods, Florette said.

Innovation will also be a key part of the group’s drive in 2012, with Florette looking to inspire consumers with different product combinations and taste innovation.

Looking back

Meanwhile, Florette’s category manager Tony Walsh revealed that prepared salads had ‘weathered the storm’ this year despite a number of difficulties, including a slump in consumer confidence over the economy, rising VAT and the European E.coli crisis.

According to Walsh, the category has seen yearly sales value growth of 3.9 per cent and unit sales growth of 3.7 per cent compared with 2010, driven by increased purchase frequency in the UK.

“Florette is outperforming the prepared salad market as a whole,” he said. “Our growth is roughly twice as much as the overall market.”

Overall, he noted, 2011 had been a year of ups and downs, with brands growing and the weather proving important to the category, while sales growth had been ‘resilient’ despite fragile consumer confidence.

Fresh Express loses E.coli claim

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:54:16 +0100

US fresh-cut giant Fresh Express has had a US$12m claim for losses incurred during the 2006 US bagged spinach E.coli outbreak overturned by a state appeals court, reports the Monterey Herald.

In a decision released on September 8, the California 6th District Court of Appeal overturned the US$12m award granted to Fresh Express in 2009 under its recall-and-brand-protection insurance policy.

The court said Fresh Express’ losses were not covered by the policy because they did not result from an “insured event”.

Fresh Express, which is a Chiquita Brands subsidiary, said it would seek a review of the decision.

“This result is very unfortunate for our industry, as many companies pay large amounts for policies with the good faith belief that there will be coverage under those policies in the event of a recall,” said Ed Loyd, Chiquita’s communications director.

Fresh Express said it suffered US$18.8m in losses between September and December 2006 because of the E.coli outbreak, which killed three people and sickened over 200.

Chiquita Minis hit the UK

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:00:45 +0100

Chiquita has launched its new banana product at wholesale level.

Chiquita Minis have arrived at wholesale markets across the country to strong demand.

It is believed to be the first time the Cincinnati-based fresh produce giant has entered the markets with a smaller offering. They are around half the size of a normal banana.

TG Fruits on Brighton wholesale market described the fruit as of excellent quality and “selling really well”.

The minature bananas are sold in a polybag containing at least five bananas with 11 packs per box. They are selling at £5.50 for 11s on Brighton market at an RRP for independent retailers of £1.

The product is making similar money on Manchester Smithfield wholesale market, where Manchester Wholesale Fruit have sampled the Minis and are to stock them for sale on Monday.

Frugal Fruit: Innocent Drinks has launched a ‘taste not...

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:57:31 +0100

Frugal Fruit: Innocent Drinks has launched a ‘taste not waste’ campaign in a bid to reduce the amount of fruit thrown away every day.

Morrisons launches M local format

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:38:43 +0100

Morrisons is set to undercut its rivals by up to 11 per cent on fresh produce as it enters the high street with its M local format.

The UK’s number-four supermarket this week opened its first convenience store in Bradford as part of three trial outlets.

Morrisons expects to be between four and 11 per cent cheaper on fresh products than its rivals in convenience by charging its usual prices, or slightly higher, at the M local stores, leaving it ahead of other c-stores that charge a premium in local, convenient stores.

The first store is in Ilkley, Bradford, an affluent area – a deliberate target as Morrisons aims to broaden its demographic.

M local stores will have more than 100 lines of fresh foods including strong fish, meat and bread offers and a salad bar.

One supermarket supplier told FPJ Morrisons has recently “revamped its fresh convenience offer – it is much stronger on bagged salads and stir fries than it was historically”.

He added: “It has implemented dramatic changes in packaging, tiering and recipes and brought its prepared offer up to that of the rest of the mults.”

Commenting on links between Morrisons and a possible £1.5 billion offer for frozen food chain Iceland – which would more than double its store numbers – the source said: “Iceland has the high street locations which would allow Morrisons to gain the access to the convenience market it is lacking.”

Morrisons chief executive Dalton Philips said: “Convenience is one of the fastest growing sectors of the market and developing our offer in this channel is a key part of our growth strategy.”

Philips took over the 455-store supermarket last year and has already set out plans to enter new markets.

Londis to invest £4m in fresh expansion

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:37:11 +0100

Convenience retailer Londis is investing £4 million in its fresh food expansion this year.

The investment means the entire Londis supplier fleet will have fully chilled capacity for the first time.

The retailer aims to deliver a larger fresh range that includes bagged salads. barbecue products, fresh meat, poultry and fish.

Having already invested in new supply chain systems, Londis hopes the new fleet will further maximise fresh flow through speeding up the journey from manufacturer to depot to shop, and ensure that retailers capitalise on shelf life, minimise wastage and manage their fresh offering effectively.

The retailer said: “The multi-million pound, 72-piece fleet offers a sound and ecological investment for Londis and completes the replacement of the 400-strong fleet operated by Musgrave Retail Partners GB for its Londis and Budgens stores.”

Food price inflation rockets

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:21:27 +0100

Food inflation has accelerated as commodity prices surge and fuel bills continue to rise.

Overall shop price inflation increased to 2.9 per cent in June from 2.3 per cent in May, while food inflation accelerated to 5.7 per cent in June from 4.9 per cent in May, according to the British Retail Consortium-Nielson Shop Price Index for June.

Non-food inflation rose to 1.3 per cent in June from 0.8 per cent in May.

BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: “Household budgets are under pressure. Real disposable incomes have dropped the most in 34 years but increasing petrol and energy bills plus low wage rises are the main causes. Shop prices are going up much more slowly than the wider Consumer Price Index.

“Overall shop price inflation is being driven by surging world commodity prices, the effect of the weak pound on import costs and higher VAT – all beyond retailers’ control.”

Food inflation is up, but 39 per cent of grocery spending is going on promoted goods, showing there are lots of offers available and savvy shoppers are taking advantage to minimise the impact on bills, the BRC said.

Mike Watkins, senior manager for retailer services at Nielsen, said: “Retailers have responded [to inflation] by maintaining the historically high level of promotions, which is helping shoppers to cope with falling household income.”

Asda predicts prepared upsurge

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:19:33 +0100

Asda’s category director Rick Bourne singled out prepared fresh produce formats – and prepared potatoes in particular – for an upsurge in demand at the East Midlands Potato Day on Tuesday.

Bourne told delegates at the event held at QV Foods’ Manor Farm that although Asda’s customers were having to make a choice between certain products, mixing their purchases across premium to budget tiers and prioritising what they buy, prepared fresh produce was coming out on top.

“Consumers are prepared to pay for someone else to prepare their vegetables,” he said at the joint QV Foods, Potato Council and McCain sponsored event. “I tried to sell dirty carrots and I couldn’t understand why people weren’t buying them. I was told that people don’t have the time to wash them at the sink.

“I tried to sell naked cucumbers for a while but customers didn’t like it. Loose product has the perception that lots of people have touched it.”

Bourne also revealed that food waste had a huge bearing on what Asda customers buy, with prepared portions offering a feel good factor for the end consumer.

“The £1 price point is important to our customer and is a motivator,” he continued. “It helps people budget but it’s also the right portion, meaning less waste of food in the home.”

Asda sales account for 20 per cent of the prepared potato market, according to Bourne, and he is keen to grow the category.

“Together we can inspire growth for prepared potatoes,” he said. “You have to understand the market.”