The Warehouse is expanding its fresh fruit and vegetables trial to a further five stores due to a “strong” consumer response to an initial pilot.

The Warehouse stores in Manukau, Te Rapa in Hamilton, Fraser Cove (Tauranga), Eastgate (Christchurch) and Dunedin South will stock a range of fresh produce in addition to the six stores which have been piloting fresh items since February.

Nick Grayston, CEO of The Warehouse Group, said the expansion doubles the retailer’s fresh offer across the business.

“Grocery is an area we are working hard in, but the lack of access to wholesale supply at equitable cost prices remains our biggest barrier to doing more.

“We know every dollar counts so expanding our fresh fruit and vegetable offering into more stores is another important step for us.”

Based on seasonal availability, the range is reviewed weekly. Currently, the retailer sells golden kiwifruit, mandarins, avocadoes, carrots, onions, potatoes, apples, bananas, lemons, and garlic.

• Further reading: The Warehouse Group has a plan to keep prices low as recession looms