UK: focus of food is on local and sustainable

In recent months various initiatives have been in the new, such as the 'Fruit and Veg Pledge' support by Lidl and Aldi, Tesco handing out free fruit to children and the 'wonky veg' available in various supermarket chains. The focus on healthier food and the question around food security in the UK brings with it potential opportunities for Dutch companies with innovative ideas.

New initiatives
Supermarket chain Lidl indicated in June that it was committed to the 'Fruit and Veg Pledge' supported by the National Farmers Union. With this Lidl has joined competitor Aldi in the promise to buy more British products for a fair price for suppliers and to reduce waste.

Meanwhile, Tesco is concentrating on a younger audience by handing out free fruit to children while their parents are shopping. In this way Tesco hopes to contribute to creating healthier eating habits among children. Like other supermarket chains (including Asda, Sainsbury's, Aldi and Co-op) Tesco now has an assortment of 'wonky veg' (imperfect vegetables) on its shelves. This is in response to (media) campaigns by well known tv-chefs Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver.

Opportunities
However, the UK only produces around a quarter of all fruit and vegetables consumed in the country. To meet a growing demand for healthy and local fresh products, new ideas are needed. This means there may be opportunities on the British market for companies who can offer innovative solutions in the area of technology and automation. The Netherlands is an international leader in agro innovation, so there may be opportunities to export the available knowledge and expertise in the Dutch industry to the UK. Think automation in greenhouse cultivation or new technologies such as 'vertical farming' or 'urban farming'.

There are also potential opportunities in the retail sector. If supermarket chains, 'convenience stores' or even schools and sport canteen want to offer a healthier snack option, this could provide opportunities for the Dutch industry through producing innovative packaging and a wider supply of snack vegetables.

Source: Agroberichten Buitenland