The role of globally sourced fresh produce in meeting the strategic marketing and financial objectives and operational requirements of powerful supermarket chains in North America and Europe has increased in importance. I examine recent developments by some of the leading chains, especially in the U.K., and consider their impact on, and implications for, fresh produce suppliers such as New Zealand. The changes in relationships between retailers and fresh produce suppliers may be explained by the concept of systemic power that is presented as an additional basis of power that needs further research.