All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 106
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Re:fresh 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Glass reflects on 55 years in produce
Alick Glass was the worthy winner of the Florette Lifetime Achievement Award at Re:fresh 2009. He tells Laura Gould about the highs and lows of a career spanning more than 50 years in the fresh produce trade
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Fairtrade moves forward as category shows resistance
The rise of Fairtrade has been one of the biggest success stories in the produce industry in the last two decades. With the recent addition of melons to the Fairtrade offer, coupled with the category’s strength in the face of the recession and an impressive line-up at its conference, 2009 was a positive year for the Fairtrade Foundation. Alex Lawson caught up with executive director Harriet Lamb to find out more
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ArticleMexico needs to diversify its export offer
As Mexico assumes its role as partner country at Fruit Logistica next week, John Giles, divisional director of Promar International, outlines why it is key for the Central American country to seek alternative export avenues
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ArticleCo-operative approach pays dividends for Re:fresh winner
The Co-operative’s high-profile takeover of Somerfield has propelled the community retailer to grocery stardom over the last 18 months, and scooping two of the prestigious gongs on offer at Re:fresh 2009 was the icing on the cake. Laura Gould finds out how the group is determined to cement its status as not only the fifth-largest supermarket chain in the UK, but also the most ethically minded
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ArticleWhat will the general election mean for UK food and farming?
The UK food and farming landscape could be set to shape up very differently following the next general election, which looks likely to take place in early May. However, the two main contenders, Labour and the Conservatives, are yet to reveal the detail of their horticultural manifestos. Anna Sbuttoni finds out what the fresh produce industry would like to see from the next party in power
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ArticleIndustry treading water
The last decade saw the concept of carbon footprints become part of everyday business, but an even bigger concern is looming for the horticultural industry in the shape of the water footprint. Elizabeth O’Keefe looks at how potential global water shortages and the energy used to import water to production areas around the world could affect the fresh produce industry in the UK
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ArticleTotal rebrand for Redbridge Worldfresh
Three years after the acquisition of Redbridge by Total Produce, the ‘Totalisation’ of the group moved a step closer this week with the rebranding and restructure of Redbridge Worldfresh and its companies under the Total Worldfresh umbrella. Tommy Leighton reports
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ArticleHow can the industry future proof fresh produce for tomorrow?
Future proofing any industry is a difficult challenge and substantial skills are required to ensure ongoing survival and growth. Doris Lee Butterworth reports
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ArticleBack to basics: UK farmers’ markets, farm shops and greengrocers enjoy resurgence
Since the UK’s first farmers’ market in 1997, consumers have become increasingly concerned with the provenance and quality of the fresh produce they eat. This awareness has meant an uplift in demand for farm shops and to some extent, the traditional greengrocer. Elizabeth O’Keefe examines the apparent resurgence in these independent retail forms
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ArticleMushroom players look forward to a better year
Heavy snowfall may have disrupted businesses across the UK but the mushroom industry is looking ahead and this year’s campaign will focus on attracting adventurous cooks. Doris Lee Butterworth reports
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English apple campaign raises new marketing ideas
This week’s English apple season relaunch must be good news for the industry, and in particular those growers who have
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Changing of the guard as new Master to assume office
The Fruiterers will congregate at the Wren church of St Mary Abchurch in the City of London next week to witness the new
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Quest for exclusivity can confuse variety names
I often wonder about the choice of variety names that appear on the shelves. In many cases, there are indications that
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Putting trust in public not such a bad idea
I was privileged enough to attend the annual City Food Lecture this week, of which FPJ is a sponsor, and as so often happens
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ArticleInnovation struggles to get on shelf in the New Year
After a turbulent year in which the prepared fruit and vegetable category saw a slowdown for the first time, the sector has mixed feelings for the year ahead. Elizabeth O’Keefe rounds up the views
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ArticleProduce sector seeks out opportunities in shifting foodservice landscape
The foodservice landscape has changed almost beyond recognition in the last 18 months, with consumers rethinking their spending, cut-throat promotions on the high street and some of the toughest trading conditions for suppliers. However, this has given the sector the opportunity to reposition itself. So what can suppliers and operators expect from 2010? Anna Sbuttoni reports
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ArticleInto the dragons’ den: what could business angels mean for your company?
The credit crunch has hit bank lending to companies and the Federation of Small Businesses repeats regularly that this is hitting small-growing business the hardest. But if you have got a great idea for a business and the bank says no, where can you turn? Paul Clapham reports
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ArticleCornish veg lines weather cold snap to face stiff competition
Cornish winter vegetables traditionally meet the needs of the UK supply calendar from November to April. However, this season was hit by a bad start when oversupply pulled down returns before the big freeze swept over the county and held back production. So what next for winter vegetable growers in the South West? Anna Sbuttoni reports
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ArticleNew potatoes battle to reach UK consumers’ plates
The imported new potato season usually offers UK consumers that extra special something to push away those post-Christmas doldrums, but this year tells a different tale. With UK stored maincrop in abundance, exporters are finding it tough to tempt the market back to new product. Elizabeth O’Keefe reports