The fresh produce market continues to be affected by weather-related challenges but is also growing in importance on operator menus as consumers look for more natural, plant-based alternatives, a new market review from Fresh Direct says.
The Fresh Direct Winter Market Review reports that macroeconomic events including the ongoing impact of global conflicts are affecting production and shipping, couple with unpredictable weather continue to cause significant challenges to the global produce category.
Read more: Fresh Direct partners with GrowUp Farms
With these issues affecting supply, the recent trend towards an increase in British produce by foodservice operators has grown. Fresh Direct has driven promotion of British in the sector, increasing the number of British producers and lines available.
Paul Nieduszynski, chief executive of Sysco GB, said: “Fresh Direct is achieving market-leading levels of product availability against a backdrop of challenging weather conditions impacting crops, and world events affecting global supply chains. We’ve been working hard with suppliers to minimise any impact on customers, which we’ve achieved by creating more direct relationships with growers, mitigating risk, and taking greater control of our supply chain. As a result, we’ve been able to keep more produce on the plate for longer.”
