All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 104
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ArticleDutch salad industry looks towards convenience as economy revives
Although times have been tough for growers in the Netherlands, the Dutch salad industry is bucking up as the UK marketplace becomes more viable than it has been in a long time. As supplies make their way over to these shores once more, Elizabeth O’Keefe finds out that the Dutch have got a lot to shout about as consumers start to, once again, reach for convenience
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ArticleSales decline flattens on organics as interest rises
Despite a prolonged period of sales decline, the organics category is confident that interest in its products is picking up as the economy slowly starts to find its feet. Laura Gould reports
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Concerted industry action vital if produce sector is to avoid crop protection crunch
Spiralling development costs and restrictive new EU legislation on pesticide approvals together pose a serious threat to the
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Exotics and Fairtrade lines make their presence known
I have often wondered how much extra money Fairtrade producers get, but Fairtrade grape growers in South Africa have received
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When Delia met Heston, starring Waitrose
The news that Heston Blumenthal, the bad boy of British cooking, has teamed up with national treasure Delia Smith to advertise
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ArticleBristol Fruit Sales follows silver lining
Winner of the Re:fresh 2009 Capespan Wholesaler of the Year Award, Bristol Fruit Sales has had a promising year, despite the inevitable issues that the economic climate has thrown at the industry. Elizabeth O’Keefe visits the Bristol facilities to talk to the main players in the business
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ArticleSouth Africa pushes fruit basket
South Africa has its very own fruit basket in the shape of the Western Cape, where apples and pears, plums, peaches and nectarines and table grapes make up the main lines grown for the UK market. At the same time, the region’s striking natural beauty is still relatively undiscovered by UK tourists. This connection has, for the second time this year, been the basis of the Beautiful Country, Beautiful Fruit campaign. So now that supplies are in full swing, how are growers and exporters making sure they remain at the top of their game? Anna Sbuttoni reports from South Africa
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ArticleTough banana market adds to climatic intervention
The last three months represented a typically intriguing time in the banana market, with weather issues - including the earthquake in Haiti - adding to a number of other global market factors that caused difficulties for the ever-challenging market. Alex Lawson reports
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First signs of spring in air as new crops make entrance
Despite the cold, wet and still, in some places, snowy weather, I am encouraged that the early signs of spring may be on the
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Olympics suppliers deserve a level playing field
Spring is in the air, Six Nations rugby is underway, the GP Formula 1 season is just around the corner and, to cap it all, the
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Spitalfields stalwart Jim Heppel reflects on wholesale career
Jim Heppel is retiring after 27 years as chief executive of Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association at the end of this month, signalling the end of an era for East London’s fresh produce hub. Laura Gould caught up with him to look back over his long career in the wholesale industry
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British attitudes on BBC show leave bitter taste
I am not sure I have ever been more ashamed to be British than when watching BBC documentary The Day the Immigrants Left last
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ArticleFairtrade Fortnight challenges shoppers to Big Swap ahead of fruit campaign
Fairtrade Fortnight kicked off this week and is themed The Big Swap, in a push to get UK consumers to switch one of their everyday items for one carrying the Fairtrade mark. The promotional activities will encompass a range of Fairtrade products, including bananas and fresh fruit. Here, Anna Sbuttoni looks at expectations for the promotional fortnight and for the ethical movement as a whole
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ArticleHerbs hold their own in UK kitchens
The popularity of fresh herbs among UK consumers has escalated over the last couple of years and due to the industry’s commitment to quality and flavour, the product has become a year-round fixture in multiples and markets alike. Elizabeth O’Keefe takes a look at the growing herb industry
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ArticleSpanish campaign Re:freshed by double win
Foods from Spain was crowned a double champion at the Re:fresh Awards last year, scooping both the 5 A DAY Supporter of the Year and the Pr3 Marketing Campaign of the Year gongs. Alex Lawson caught up with director María José Sevilla to reflect on the organisation’s success and examine Spain’s relations with the UK
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ArticleBumpy start for soft fruit as demand dips and prices shoot up
The soft-fruit category has seen sales slide since Christmas, with the big freeze and repeated bouts of snow across the UK putting the brakes on consumer spending on berries at a time when the four major sub-categories have seen prices increase. Anna Sbuttoni reports
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When it comes to produce, it’s all in the presentation
Seemingly shackled with a love/hate consumer relationship, there are few vegetables that evoke more emotion than Brussels
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Scottish not afraid to nail colours to mast
As we headed up to Perth this week for our inaugural FPJ Conference, it was pertinent that news of Scotland’s health
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Fairtrade visionaries tick consumer boxes
Sainsbury’s boss Justin King has issued a pertinent challenge to rival retailers this week to catch him if they can on