2025 has been challenging for the fresh produce sector—tight margins, shifting retail relationships, and constant pressure to deliver more with less. While many businesses focus on surviving Q4, the smart ones are already planning for 2026 and how to retain their best commercial talent in an increasingly competitive market.

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Here are five evidence-based strategies to keep your people and boost performance:

1. Redefine “Career Progression”

A lack of career development is a top reason employees leave. In fact, 74% of employees say that a lack of development opportunities prevents them from reaching their full potential.

• Map out clear role pathways (e.g., AM → Senior AM → Controller)

• Offer mentoring or cross-functional projects

• Celebrate promotions publicly

When people see a future with you, they stop looking elsewhere.

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2. Audit Your Salaries (Before Competitors Do)

Replacing an employee can cost 30–50% of their annual salary!

If your pay hasn’t moved since 2020, you’re probably behind. A small salary adjustment now beats losing a top performer later.

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3. Add Flexibility (Even Small Wins Count)

Flexible work arrangements can reduce turnover rates by 25%, as employees feel their unique needs are respected.

While fresh produce can never really be fully remote, trust goes a long way.

Even modest flexibility can cut turnover by 25%.

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4. Ask Before It’s Too Late

“Stay” interviews take 15 minutes and can save you thousands.

Ask your team what’s working, what’s not, and what would make them stay. Listening now can help you avoid surprise resignations later.

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5. Recognise the Effort

Commercial roles are high-pressure pricing shifts, supply challenges, and retailer demands. Simple recognition—weekly shoutouts, thank-you notes, 1:1s—keeps people engaged and loyal.

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Why Retention Matters

Retention isn’t just a feel-good HR initiative - it's a commercial advantage:

• Lower costs: Replacing one hire can cost 30-50% of their salary

• Customer loyalty: Clients stay when account managers do

• Higher productivity: Long-term teams perform better

• More insight: Experience means smarter decisions

• Better culture: Stability builds engagement

• Stronger brand: Happy teams attract top talent

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Looking Ahead

Retention doesn’t happen by accident - it’s built through small, consistent actions. Start now with:

• Clearer growth paths

• Competitive pay

• Flexibility & recognition

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Investing in your people before they start looking elsewhere rarely leads to regret.

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