All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 131
-
Article
Corporation behind single market approach
David Smith, director of markets at City of London Corporation, looks after the interests of New Spitalfields, Billingsgate and Smithfield wholesale markets. He talks to Tommy Leighton about London Markets’ Month.
-
ArticleStormy ride for traders looks set to keep rolling
Exotics traders are predicting a difficult ride over the next few months, as sales over the last quarter suggest high-end goods are no longer top priority on shopping lists. But there are still some reasons to be cautiously optimistic. Laura Gould reports.
-
Article
Traceability plans approved
In this month’s outline of events taking place across the pond, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has teamed up with its Canadian counterpart and association United Fresh to implement a common standard for produce traceability by 2012.
-
Article
Seasonal slots dominate as autumn rolls onwards
I would not be surprised if immediately after Christmas we were to see the first signs of Easter in the shops. Promotional
-
ArticleRetail tactics are beneath contempt
Generally speaking, I find the approach of UK supermarkets to their suppliers to be beneath contempt. It is more apparent with
-
ArticleWhen the US sneezes...
... the UK catches a cold. US trends have long been taken as a barometer of what is about to happen across the pond. The economic downturn is making its mark on both sides of the Atlantic, posing a new set of challenges for the fresh produce industry. Anna Sbuttoni reports.
-
ArticleDecision time in Gateshead
The North East Wholesale Fruit & Vegetable Market in Gateshead turned 40 in September. With major fresh produce trader numbers down to three, Tommy Leighton asks what happens next at the Team Valley site?
-
ArticleCanaries out of tune
Exporters are in a reflective mood as the first loads of Canary Islands tomatoes begin landing on UK shores. Having endured four difficult seasons, it is make or break time for some growers. Doris Lee Butterworth speaks to leading producers and exporters to see what lies in store.
-
ArticleUS in blooming good form
US apple growers are gearing up for a strong season, having overcome pockets of bad weather in the major growing regions over the last few months. Producers remain cautiously optimistic that their distinctive varieties will still carve a solid market in the UK - despite global financial issues. Laura Gould reports.
-
Article
Borough brings a unique outlook
One of the focal points of London’s food chain, Borough Market receives in the region of 4.7 million visitors each year. But despite being on a par with the Tate Modern for footfall, it was ignored when the London Food Strategy was being formulated, and struggles with its market counterparts in the capital for political recognition. Borough Market’s chief executive Simone Crofton (SC) and board trustee George Nicholson (GN) tell Tommy Leighton that involvement in London Markets’ Month is a step towards addressing that.
-
Article
Fruiterers visit prestigious Garden of the Year
Winning the prestigious Garden of the Year Award is fitting tribute to the ingenuity, effort and affection that has been
-
Article
Yog freezes for the future
Three months ago, I set up Yog, frozen yogurt - a new concept for the UK market. Yog makes and sells 100 per cent fat-free
-
ArticleInconsistent supply exacerbates summer issues
Red grape and Spanish quality have done as much as anything in the poor summer to keep the category afloat, as higher retail prices and tighter consumer purse strings combine to put the pinch on demand. Kathy Hammond reports.
-
Article
Jaffa campaign one to watch
Fruit and vegetable branding directly aimed at the public is not what it used to be. This is because promotional budgets are
-
Article
Show appreciation for institution
The National Fruit Show has had its ups and downs over the years. However, the 75th anniversary of an industry institution
-
ArticleSowing seeds for the future
This academic year has seen the Year of Food and Farming take the nation’s schools by storm - introducing children to the world of farming from field to fork. Elizabeth O’Keefe looks back over what the initiative has achieved and finds out what the future holds for the now firmly established relationship between farming and education.
-
ArticleRewriting the apple rule book
In late April 2007, HE Hall & Son, in Marden, Kent, planted a four-hectare organic “concept orchard”, at the behest of marketing group OrchardWorld and customer Sainsbury’s. A sister orchard to a 1ha conventional version planted nearby exactly one year earlier, the concept orchard is a super-intensive planting based on the Dutch table-top system and is entirely systems-driven. Tommy Leighton visits Peter Hall to see how the first crop in the new orchard has turned out.
-
ArticleWalking a fine line
The 2008-09 English apple crop looks to be in relatively good shape, quality and volume-wise - but in this challenging economic climate, finding the right balance between retail prices and grower returns will prove crucial to the industry’s ability to re-invest in itself. Laura Gould investigates.
-
ArticlePotato supply back on track after variable summer
The potato category has endured more than its fair share of ups and downs this season, with growers and suppliers trying their best to supply the market consistently in the face of mixed weather and the increased pressure of pests and disease. Anna Sbuttoni reports.
-
Article
Wholesale heads to Denmark
The major global players in the wholesale market scene met in Denmark last week for the World Union of Wholesale Markets’ (WUWM) 26th congress and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Copenhagen Wholesale Market. Anna Sbuttoni reports.