All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 122

  • Article

    Covent Garden’s memory lane

    2009-04-03T09:20:45Z

    I hope I am around long enough at least to enjoy reading the next chapter in the story of the UK’s most famous flower,

  • Article

    It’s life, Jim - but not as we’ve known it

    2009-04-03T09:20:36Z

    The theme of this year’s Re:fresh Conference - ‘Beyond the Big Four’ - could not be more pertinent.As the

  • Sheerness ship shape
    Article

    Sheerness ship shape

    2009-03-27T09:16:59Z

    The Port of Sheerness is one of the major gateways for fresh produce arrivals into the UK. The facility has long been recognised as a major player in conventional shipping, but with the trend towards container shipping becoming more popular and the exchange rate changing the shape of the UK market, the port is seeking to diversify and strengthen its position. Anna Sbuttoni visited the Isle of Sheppey.

  • Stepping up the pace
    Article

    Stepping up the pace

    2009-03-27T09:16:54Z

    Since the Dutch government announced its aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent, grower co-operative The Greenery has jumped into action. Elizabeth O’Keefe visited the Netherlands to investigate the innovative projects coming to fruition.

  • Back on track
    Article

    Back on track

    2009-03-27T09:16:48Z

    Jersey Royal potatoes enjoy great sales when in season and the island’s growers are hoping that Mother Nature will pick on someone else this year and allow them to get back on their feet. Doris Lee Butterworth talks to leading producers and asks them what is in store.

  • Article

    Internet makeover for Chilean data tool

    2009-03-27T09:16:32Z

    Information technology is playing an ever-increasing role in the arena of fresh produce. This month, Chilean consultancy Decofrut is revamping its online image, while Paragon software is doing the business for both foodservice specialist Fresh Direct and Sainsbury’s. Meanwhile, German packaging film manufacturer alesco has launched a new web portal.

  • Organic downturn hits headlines - but is it fact or fiction?
    Article

    Organic downturn hits headlines - but is it fact or fiction?

    2009-03-27T09:16:22Z

    This quarter has been dominated by talk of the recession, with data suggesting that the organic produce sector is experiencing a sales slump far beyond its worst predictions. But are the claims of an organic downturn nothing more than media hype? Laura Gould reports.

  • Article

    Reading small print not a top priority for shoppers

    2009-03-27T09:16:11Z

    There is nothing wrong with giving a fresh produce consumer as much information as possible. Indeed, hopefully it goes part of

  • Article

    Banana war can only end in tears

    2009-03-27T09:16:03Z

    Asda fired yet another salvo in the never-ending multiple price war on bananas last week, by cutting the cost to just 68p a

  • Tenderstem comes of age
    Article

    Tenderstem comes of age

    2009-03-20T08:03:03Z

    A relatively new crop on the marketplace, Tenderstem broccoli is managing to battle through the recession and establish itself as a must-have niche line in UK multiples. Elizabeth O’Keefe visits the vegetable’s main areas of production in Kenya to find out how the industry is faring.

  • South Africa holds steady
    Article

    South Africa holds steady

    2009-03-20T08:02:56Z

    Despite the tough economic climate, a good early market for pears in the UK and Europe has provided an excellent start to the South African top-fruit season. Weather conditions prior to the start of the season were favourable and the total harvest looks promising in terms of volumes, fruit size and quality, leaving producers and exporters cautiously optimistic. Louise Brodie reports.

  • Tight supplies made worse by difficult weather conditions
    Article

    Tight supplies made worse by difficult weather conditions

    2009-03-20T08:02:47Z

    Banana supplies have traditionally been tight during the winter months. However, with poor weather conditions across key growing regions, industrial action and the spike in sales brought about by Fairtrade Fortnight, product has been even harder to come by than usual. Alex Lawson reports.

  • Article

    Fruiterers’ feast plays host to distinguished guests

    2009-03-20T08:02:41Z

    The Fruiterers held their annual banquet at the Mansion House during the evening of February 12. A number of very

  • Article

    Campaigns must reap rewards

    2009-03-20T08:02:34Z

    In my experience, the fresh produce industry at all levels has always had a somewhat love-hate relationship with the consumer

  • Article

    Labour regulation even more vital

    2009-03-20T08:02:30Z

    The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) has this week reported a largely pleasing response to its performance from the very

  • Andalusia presents united front
    Article

    Andalusia presents united front

    2009-03-13T09:32:51Z

    For the first time, more than 18,000 growers across the region of Andalusia have united under the newly formed organisation, Hortyfruta, to represent and strengthen their standing on the European stage. Alex Lawson visited the fertile fields of southern Spain to find out more.

  • A perfect hat-trick
    Article

    A perfect hat-trick

    2009-03-13T09:32:46Z

    Last year’s Re:fresh Awards were a bumper affair for foodservice specialist Fresh Direct, which walked away with not just one, but two accolades to its name. Added to that, Parkfresh, a business acquired by Fresh Direct just a few weeks before the ceremony, also picked up its first ever Re:fresh prize. Laura Gould finds out how the 12 months since its triple triumph have panned out for the firm.

  • Dutch set on expansion drive
    Article

    Dutch set on expansion drive

    2009-03-13T09:32:40Z

    Dutch salad producers have secured a good reputation in the UK and are well- known for providing high-quality fresh produce in plentiful volumes. Despite the challenging economic climate, innovation remains firmly on the agenda. Doris Lee Butterworth reports.

  • Soft-fruit category toughs out a difficult patch
    Article

    Soft-fruit category toughs out a difficult patch

    2009-03-13T09:32:29Z

    The soft-fruit category has been fraught with difficulties in the last three months, with the weak sterling causing headaches and late Spanish supply pushing up prices. So how is the berry trade handling the situation? Anna Sbuttoni reports.

  • Article

    Fresh produce gears up for annual chocolate fight

    2009-03-13T09:32:23Z

    Easter may still be a month away, but it is already being promoted heavily in most major supermarkets. Fresh produce is