All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 135
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Article
Sometimes the grass is greener
I’ve been saying for months, if not years, that the UK market needs to be mindful of the impact its pricing policies are
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ArticleFrench crunch
With fruit quality set to tick all the right boxes and significantly fewer southern hemisphere stocks hanging around in Europe compared to last year, French apple shippers are justifiably optimistic ahead of the upcoming season. But will the stringent demands of the UK market force them to look elsewhere for export potential? Laura Gould investigates.
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ArticleRush Group goes for global gold
Rush Group Ltd is striving towards the creation of a global fresh produce trading entity, to enable and empower growers to obtain a worldwide market. The London-based firm has just changed its name from Rush Potatoes Ltd to build on its 30-year position in the market and its strategic shift into new lines. Anna Sbuttoni met directors David Ough and Murray Hogge in Canary Wharf.
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ArticleBye, bye baby?
With consumers demanding more seasonal British produce and generally tightening their purse strings, once fashionable baby vegetable lines could be forced onto the backseat. But the industry remains upbeat. Elizabeth O’Keefe investigates.
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ArticleTight supply firms up prices for southern suppliers
The southern hemisphere has enjoyed a strong market over the last three months, with a slow start to the season and tight supply keeping prices high. But the traditional summer sales slowdown has been painful and the sector is keen to turn consumers back on to citrus. Anna Sbuttoni reports.
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Life is just a bowl of cherries
What could be more appropriate than the Durbar Court in high summer if the Fruiterers were to move out of the square mile for
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Article
Retail is all about image when it comes to quality
While the multiples obsess about promoting value for money on their fresh produce shelves, there remains an ongoing battle to
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Article
Act now: control your own fate
The produce lords giveth and the produce lords taketh away. And as so often, this week they deal a mix of good and bad news
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ArticleFeeling the squeeze
Despite having made it into the mainstream in recent years, there is mounting concern that mangoes could swiftly become a casualty of the credit crunch. But with new, improved varieties coming onto the market and the fruit’s appeal still spreading, insiders are cautiously optimistic they can weather the economic downturn. Laura Gould reports.
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ArticleSweetening the deal
Sweetcorn is still one of the most popular summer treats, especially when the sun shines. But tight margins and attractive alternatives are tempting growers away from producing the UK crop. So what lies ahead for the category this season? Anna Sbuttoni reports.
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ArticlePrepared sector quashes credit crunch effect
With media reports speculating that the credit crunch is having an effect on eating habits in the UK, the prepared fruit and vegetable sector is a likely casualty. But all may not be what it seems. Elizabeth O’Keefe investigates.
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Collecting debts in today’s tight market
Adam Bernstein, pictured, hosts the FPJ’s monthly spotlight on the legislation that affects your business, and how you can use it to your advantage. This month, Ben Hopps explains the procedures for ensuring that unpaid bills do not pile up.
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Make sure your voices are heard
Another busy month at the FPC, and July saw us lobbying MPs and MEPs with regard to EU pesticide proposals. Failure to secure
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Exotic by any other name..
There are times in life when everyone needs a little help. And to this end, having read with interest the latest statistics on
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The true cost of understanding
There are so many factors at play as we dodge the flak flying in the credit crunch that it is difficult to know how to
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ArticleTop fruit takes world stage
New Zealand, Chile and South Africa dominate the UK top-fruit market in the heady summer months but, this year, major suppliers have not had such bountiful harvests. As southern-hemisphere supplies wind down and northern-hemisphere producers wait in earnest, Doris Lee Butterworth asks what is on the agenda in the coming months.
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ArticleA labour of love
Labour issues have come to a head across the fresh produce industry this year, following restrictions on seasonal migrant workers and the combination of a number of factors that have squeezed the supply of temporary workers. The industry has repeatedly warned that, if left unchecked, the shortfalls could spell disaster. But what can the trade do to help itself? Anna Sbuttoni reports.
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ArticleBristol gets serious
The Port of Bristol is well equipped to handle the demands of the fresh produce industry. With arrivals by conventional ship, container feeder and road, business is brisk; but the fresh produce terminal is always looking for more. With a major new container terminal planned, life could be about to get very interesting for this ambitious port. Elizabeth O’Keefe visited the site.
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ArticleNiche lines in for bumpy ride as credit crunch bites
The exotics sector is experiencing its usual summer lull - but insiders believe the situation has been exacerbated this year by poor weather across the UK, and consumers tightening their purse strings. Laura Gould reports.