All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 109
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Article
Hadlow students on parade at annual Lord Mayor's show
Students from Hadlow’s Faculty of Horticulture had the experience of a lifetime taking part in this year’s Lord
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ArticleThe potato challenge
Home-grown potatoes have long been a staple in the kitchen, filling up generations of families and earning themselves recognition as a British favourite. However, even though consumption is edging upwards for the first time in years, the UK industry has its work cut out to get the younger generation to buy into the category. Anna Sbuttoni reports on one of the sector’s biggest challenges ahead of British Potato 2009
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ArticleTotal integration in North West
FPJ heads to Liverpool for the latest in our features on the Total Produce UK wholesale business and finds that the company’s North West director, Steve Webster, was quick off the mark when integrating the region’s wholesale branches under one, unified banner. Tommy Leighton reports
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ArticleHome-grown demand
Winter vegetables are grown in abundance in the UK and home-grown product can pretty much satisfy demand. But is the industry getting the support it needs to push forward this valuable sector at a time when British produce has never been so popular on its own soil? Elizabeth O’Keefe reports
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ArticleSoft spot for berries in the run-up to Christmas
Soft-fruit supplies have now made the switch from the UK to sources in Europe and further afield, so what is in store for the category in the run-up to Christmas? So far, suppliers are reporting a mixed bag and many fear that heavy discounting at the retailers will continue through the festive period. Anna Sbuttoni reports
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Article
Not-so-humble spud category welcomes new varieties
There is no mistaking it - the “humble” spud can no longer be called that. New varieties are coming thick and fast
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Article
No evidence that pesticides pose a risk to bee health, DEFRA minister asserts
When MPs returned from the summer recess last month, it came as no surprise when the issue of bee health and insecticides was
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Article
Four weddings and a fruit tree at Norman church
The Fruiterers are well known for their habit of planting fruit trees when they visit a new venue. This has been a practice
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Article
Xmas price cuts an unwelcome gift
The multiples seem to have waded into the now ubiquitous Christmas price war a little earlier than usual this year, with
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Article
Rail move reflects attitude change
Railways have always had their enthusiasts, so it was intriguing to read last week that the rails are humming out of Spain
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Article
Gearing up for a busy time of year
As we head towards the end of 2009 and the industry’s busiest period on the calendar, I would like to offer a reminder
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ArticleVegetable industry rediscovers its traditional roots
The seed companies were out in force this quarter, giving the vegetable industry a glimpse of what next season has in store. Indications are that the sector is returning to traditional types, but with an innovative twist. Elizabeth O’Keefe reports
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ArticleSeafreight confronts challenges
The seafreight sector has faced turbulent times in recent years, with overcapacity and the global recession throwing the industry off kilter. Doris Lee Butterworth reports
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ArticleChristmas cheers
Traditional Christmas lines such as Brussels sprouts, cranberries, citrus and dates are set for a surge in demand in the coming weeks. This season, growers and suppliers are determined to make the most of the festive market in the face of mounting pressure on prices and the prospect of consumers cutting back on their spending. Anna Sbuttoni reports
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ArticleFrench think pink
Viewed by many as one of the most well-established brands in the fresh produce industry, the development of the Pink Lady apple has been held up as a model for others to follow. Alex Lawson travelled to southern France to see how the fruit reached this point and what lies in store for the product
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Article
Bankers need a leap of faith
Research released this week by Plimsoll suggests that the fresh produce industry is in for a rough ride as 2009 draws to a
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ArticleEurope rolls out bumper crop
A larger European pear crop of 2.5 million tonnes will mean that producers are jostling for pole position this season. Doris Lee Butterworth speaks to leading marketers and discusses how they plan to make the most of the opportunities available for the forthcoming campaign
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ArticleChanging consumer habits
Consumers are fickle creatures at the best of times, but the recession is expected to have a lasting effect on buying habits. Elizabeth O’Keefe looks at these changes and examines the micro trends that are here to stay
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ArticleHopes run high for handover to southern hemisphere
European stonefruit exporters endured a difficult summer in the UK market, due to immense pressure on prices. But with the handover to southern hemisphere supplies almost complete, category sources are in a more optimistic frame of mind. Laura Gould reports