We were delighted that Somerfield used the Re:fresh Conference to present its new fresh produce purchasing policy, developed in conjunction with the FPC.
This produce purchasing policy acknowledges the aim of providing consumers with fresh produce that combines quality, variety and choice at competitive prices.
It also recognises the fact that consumers now expect food retailers to operate effective food safety management systems, to use sustainable systems of production and to conduct their affairs in a socially responsible manner.
The purchasing policy details the means by which the retailer and supplier can address these requirements through a series of interlinked statements in the areas of:
Product policies:
covering production practices, including membership of assurance schemes, product specifications and compliance with legislation on genetically modified food;
Food safety management policies:
including the use of HACCP principles, pesticide minimisation, implementation of the FPC Code of Practice for the Control of Pesticides, implementation of the FPC industry guide to good hygiene practice, implementation of a traceability system, and compliance with the BRC standard for packhouses;
Supplier relationship policies:
whereby the policy approach is to adhere to the Code of Practice on Supermarkets’ dealings with suppliers, even if the customer is not formally bound by the code;
Labour rights policies:
Whereby the principles of the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code should be adopted, providers of temporary labour should be managed in such a manner their activities comply with UK legislation, and better working conditions for labour employed in developing countries are encouraged;
Public health policy:
Covering promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption, labelling of pre-packed foods and the provision of nutrition information;
Review policy:
A commitment to review the code of practice with the Fresh Produce Consortium on a regular basis.
For further information, contact the FPC.
YOUR VIEWS NEEDED ON PR PROJECT FOR FRESH PRODUCE
The FPC has been involved in discussions to identify opportunities for a generic promotional campaign for fruit and vegetables.
We appear to have the best opportunity we’ve had in years to improve the position of the fresh produce industry, with government initiatives on healthy eating, general public recognition of health and nutrition issues and even the impact of Jamie Oliver’s campaign to improve school food.
While the timing seems right, raising the necessary funds could prove difficult due to financial pressures throughout the industry. Such an initiative requires the backing of the entire industry ensuring the direct cost is kept to a minimum for maximum benefit.
We would like to hear your views on the subject in order that we can gauge the interest out there.
RE:FRESH A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
Many thanks to all those who attended the Re:fresh Conference 2005 earlier this month for making it such a successful event.
It was especially refreshing (if you’ll pardon the pun!) to hear Gillian Kynoch of the Scottish Executive speak of the total commitment to the task of achieving actual consumption of five pieces of fruit and vegetables per day in Scotland and the resources being put in place to do so.
Under the banner of “healthyliving” the Scottish Executive has established a diet action plan working with partners across the food chain, promoting healthy consumption, improving food knowledge and food skills, ensuring access to healthy food in excluded communities, making public sector food especially food in schools, lead the way and setting nutritional standards.
Procurement of fruit and vegetables for schools is delegated to local authorities and has consequently benefited the wholesale sector. In addition “healthyliving” is supported by substantial investment in advertising and PR activity.
The campaign concept will be introduced into convenience stores to ensure the supply of healthy choices in local communities, especially low income areas.
Conference speakers from both the convenience store and food service sectors reinforced the fact there is a huge opportunity available in these two areas for suppliers of fresh produce, including flowers.
In his opening address, FPC President Alan McCutchion highlighted the danger that retailers’ emphasis on price competition was making the UK uncompetitive in the world market and unprofitable to the UK producer.
It is possible that producers and exporters will find alternative outlets for their produce and the UK could slip down suppliers’ lists of priority markets, he said.
The conference also provided an opportunity to look at the supermarket code of practice for relationships with suppliers, with Bob MacDowall of the Office of Fair Trading presenting the conclusions of the OFT’s recently published audit.
Further to our newsletter to members just after the conference and the article in the last week’s Journal, if you have any comments for the OFT consultation, you can either contact the OFT directly or use the FPC to make a submission on a confidential basis.
We would like to congratulate all the winners of the Re:fresh awards and thank all applicants for such a high entry standard, all of which served to highlight the wide range of dynamic activity and original initiatives within our industry.
We trust that you found the conference informative with plenty of networking opportunities, and had fun at the Re:fresh Awards Dinner, and we look forward to seeing you next year for yet another spectacular event.
No comments yet