All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 143

  • Duncan Parsonage and Paul Miller, development chefs who work closely with Fresh Direct's customers to support them with product and packaging innovation.
    Article

    Catering for change

    2008-04-04T14:29:20Z

    Last year, £39 billion of food and drink was sold to consumers through the foodservice industry in the UK, representing a huge business opportunity for fresh produce suppliers. But, as fears surface of a major economic slowdown in 2008, the sector is gearing up for a tough ride. Elizabeth O’Keefe reports.

  • Gongs for the Geordies
    Article

    Gongs for the Geordies

    2008-04-04T14:29:13Z

    The JR Holland Group has undergone a period of massive expansion in the last decade or so. Last year, it was named Re:fresh 2007 Capespan Wholesaler of the Year and Tesco Overall Produce Trader of the Year, the impressive double honour served to recognise all the hard work and investment that has built the North East- and Yorkshire-based business into what it is today. Anna Sbuttoni caught up with owner John Holland.

  • Re:fresh to fill a perception gap
    Article

    Re:fresh to fill a perception gap

    2008-04-04T14:29:04Z

    The first results are coming in from our survey on UK consumer perceptions of organic versus conventional fruit and

  • Variety boost
    Article

    Variety boost

    2008-03-28T10:14:30Z

    UK tomato producers are hoping for better weather and improved marketing conditions as the new season gets underway. Doris Lee Butterworth finds out more.

  • Joseph Blair
    Article

    Raising Ireland’s profile

    2008-03-28T10:14:25Z

    Joseph Blair, programme manager for the Irish Exporters Association and director of its horticultural division Horticulture Network Ireland, speaks to Doris Lee Butterworth about the opportunities for Irish fresh produce.

  • Article

    Does mother know best

    2008-03-28T10:14:07Z

    In FPJ’s monthly round-up of events from the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), a survey of mothers in the US reveals that, despite having the best of intentions, they find it tough to get their families eating more fruit and veg.

  • Article

    Computer model to solve storage issues

    2008-03-28T10:14:03Z

    Information technology is playing an increasingingly important role in the arena of fresh produce. This month, we look at a computer model which aims to improve fruit storage, the Dutch Produce Association’s adoption of a global data exchange standard, and how the Rural Payments Agency and TIMCON are using the web to their advantage.

  • Slow berry market prepares to speed up this quarter
    Article

    Slow berry market prepares to speed up this quarter

    2008-03-28T10:13:57Z

    The soft-fruit category has continued to build on its impressive growth over the last three months, but sales have been slow to get off the ground because of tight supply. UK producers are now gearing up for the start of home-grown supply. Anna Sbuttoni reports.

  • Article

    Retailers missed a fruity trick over Easter weekend

    2008-03-28T10:13:50Z

    Looking for new and exciting developments over the Easter weekend was a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack amongst

  • Article

    Year of the rat - or acquisition?

    2008-03-28T10:13:45Z

    It is widely acknowledged that 2007 was a year of mergers, acquisitions and ongoing consolidation within the fresh produce

  • Southern hemisphere knows its onions
    Article

    Southern hemisphere knows its onions

    2008-03-21T09:30:05Z

    The 2008 onion season could prove more challenging than most for those southern-hemisphere countries that have been hit by inclement weather. Doris Lee Butterworth reports.

  • Bristol keeps on smiling
    Article

    Bristol keeps on smiling

    2008-03-21T09:29:59Z

    Bristol Wholesale Fruit Centre has stood firm since it opened in 1968 but, with consolidation changing the shape of the market and the traders searching for the best possible ways to service the city and the surrounding area, how will the future pan out for the main produce hub in the South West? Anna Sbuttoni reports from Bristol.

  • Industry relays tale of winter doom and gloom
    Article

    Industry relays tale of winter doom and gloom

    2008-03-21T09:29:37Z

    Yet another quarter of changeable weather has dropped the vegetable industry into a lull, and the outlook for the spring is gloomy. Contrary weather is having a negative effect on most crops. Elizabeth O’Keefe tries to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

  • Article

    Liverpool takes a local approach

    2008-03-21T09:29:28Z

    By Brian Jones

  • Article

    Spears set to charge ahead

    2008-03-21T09:29:23Z

    Looking at the headlines that began in the Sunday Times concerning allegations in the potato trade, and following shock press

  • Article

    Lurking scandals must be dug out

    2008-03-21T09:29:17Z

    Once in a blue moon, the fresh produce industry throws up a news story that piques the interest of the national media as much

  • Innovation, innovation, innovation
    Article

    Innovation, innovation, innovation

    2008-03-14T08:57:15Z

    The Dutch fresh produce industry is one of the most innovative, and Dutch salads are no exception to the rule. But is the industry losing its edge in the UK? Elizabeth O’Keefe uncovers the secrets behind the industry’s success, and looks at the obstacles it is facing.

  • Watton goes beyond its roots
    Article

    Watton goes beyond its roots

    2008-03-14T08:56:54Z

    Watton Produce Company stands as a role model for the carrot and parsnip sectors, with its emphasis on new product development and its longstanding support of both the 5 A DAY initiative and the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. The Norfolk-based supplier was named Re:fresh 2007 English Village Salads 5 A DAY Supporter of the Year. Anna Sbuttoni visited its Norfolk site to catch up on the latest developments.

  • Article

    Resilience needed for food safety

    2008-03-14T08:56:34Z

    By Donald Darnall, WUWM chairman

  • Article

    Getting your terms straight is paramount

    2008-03-14T08:56:24Z

    Adam Bernstein 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 outlines problems that can arise with terms and conditions in contracts