Fruitnet.com's partner publicationsFRESH PRODUCE JOURNAL, EUROFRUIT, ASIAFRUITandAMERICAFRUIThave teamed up to publish a series of special interviews to coincide with the FIFA World Cup, featuring a member of the fresh produce industry from each of the 32 nations involved in the tournament.
Today, it's Mark Newton from English company Freshtime and Lionel Rossi of Uruguay's Azul Sereno, ahead of their national teams' Group D clash tomorrow (19 June):
What is your firm’s world-beating service or product?
Mark Newton:Our goal is to turn quality produce into delicious salads, snacks and deli fillers. We take extra time to make sure we use the freshest ingredients and we always score top marks from our customers!
Lionel Rossi:I am a blueberry producer, as well as an exporter.
What does the World Cup mean to people in your country?
MN:Nearly half a century after we last won a World Cup England fans have learned to temper their expectations. But we all love a big tournament and when we English get the chance to fire up the barbecue and watch a big match sales of salads tend to go through the roof!
LR:The people of Uruguay breathe football, and the World Cup is the highest point of sport spirit. It is the chance we have to measure ourselves with best of the best in the sport. For many Uruguayans, life is what happens between World Cups.
How do you think your national team will fare in Brazil?
MN:We’re in a tough group and the climate won’t help us, but Roy Hodgson has selected a fresh young squad with some exciting attacking talent so there’s room for cautious optimism.Prediction: Finish second in group, and then reach the quarter-finals before losing to hosts Brazil.
LR:I know we will give our best, and, with luck, we will rise to the top.
