All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 103
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ArticleFollowers of fashion: edible flowers make a comeback
Once a traditional staple in Victorian cookery, edible flowers have dipped in and out of vogue throughout the centuries, but could this niche salad item be profitable for the fresh produce industry? Elizabeth O’Keefe looks at whether edible flowers are here to stay this time
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ArticleChilean quakes put shakes on turbulent grape sector
The grape industry has been dominated by information - and also by the lack of it - emanating from Chile in the wake of the country’s earthquakes this quarter. Disruptions in logistics, an unstable market and varying quality levels made for a challenging period. Alex Lawson reports
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Key business moves help Capespan navigate through new waters
When the Re:fresh judges selected Capespan as FPJ Importer of the Year for the second year in a row in 2009, it represented a real shot in the arm for the Sheerness-based firm. Laura Gould chats to managing director Ronan Lennon about the company’s achievements since scooping the gong last May and his views on the way the fresh produce landscape in the UK is shifting
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Busy spring beckons despite unwelcome winter weather
The recent fraud alert remains a concern and extreme caution is recommended when dealing with new accounts, as we have
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ArticleNZ top fruit hangs in balance
The UK is traditionally one of the strongest markets for New Zealand top fruit, but the weak sterling coupled with a smaller crop this season could mean a shift in the status quo. Doris Lee Butterworth speaks to leading producers and importers to gauge the situation
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First signs of spring in air as new lines make entrance
The popularity of easy peelers has led to clementines being given a number of makeovers, with Marks & Spencer offering a
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ArticleGlobal onion shortage makes for strong southern hemisphere offer
A worldwide shortage of onions will make for an interesting summer season for UK importers, as stored British product dwindles and suppliers look to southern hemisphere sources to fill the gap until home-grown supply comes back on stream in July. Elizabeth O’Keefe peels back the layers on the coming import season
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ArticlePotato sector makes most of delayed start to new crop
The potato category is busy shifting the maincrop before the new season starts, this time two weeks late as a result of the big freeze in January and February. However, only the best stocks are securing good prices and it has not been easy for growers and suppliers. Anna Sbuttoni reports
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Reducing transport costs with logistics optimisers
The increasing expenses involved in the transportation of goods are becoming a real headache for those in the fresh produce
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ArticleBright outlook for British tomatoes
Strong consumer interest in British-grown produce, coupled with a rise in acreage, has helped to consolidate the UK tomato industry’s position. Doris Lee Butterworth finds out more as growers gear up for the new season
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Just the beginning for gangmaster protocol
Two years of consultation have culminated this week in the signing of a landmark protocol between the Gangmasters Licensing
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Adventure abounds in the aisles as Easter approaches
My searches along the aisles sometimes turn into a bit of an adventure. Marks & Spencer is selling an attractive over-wrapped
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ArticleA convenient way of life
Fresh produce companies are targeting the convenience sector with gusto and considerable successes are being achieved. Doris Lee Butterworth reports
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ArticleThe female touch
The gender imbalance in fresh produce has long been a subject for discussion within the industry and recent comments from trade minister Lord Davies once again highlighted the lack of women at board level across UK business. Alex Lawson takes a look at how produce is tackling the issue
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ArticleSouth West industry comes into its own
A vast and rich region, the South West is known for its extended vegetable seasons, most noticeably in its many cauliflower, spring greens and potato fields. But its remote location and lack of sufficient distribution links have always proved a disadvantage - until now. Elizabeth O’Keefe takes a whistlestop tour of the area and finds that the buy-local trend has never suited a region so well
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ArticleUK salads industry faces springtime turnaround
The salads game has been hard work since the beginning of the year, when snow and freezing temperatures held back both supply and demand, affected quality and threw up all kinds of obstacles for the category. But all that seems a long time ago now that the sun is shining in the UK and the sector is looking ahead to the World Cup boost. Anna Sbuttoni reports
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Across the pond - plenty of food for thought in Florida
I have often heard it said that UK multiples have little to learn from their US counterparts when it comes to retailing fresh
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Great sense of occasion at first formal banquet
The Banquet is the first formal dinner in the new Master’s calendar and is always a test of nerves, with so many
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Here come the girls - quota or no quota
Gordon Brown’s threat to big business that he will be taking “serious action” unless more women are given
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ArticleTurkey builds reputation to become key UK supplier
Turkey is a heavyweight producer of fruit and vegetables, with a wide range of lines earmarked for the UK, from fruit staples citrus and cherries to vegetables and salads. However, the country has had to overcome a number of challenges to reposition itself and put right its international reputation to boost trade. Anna Sbuttoni reports