July
Asda took over Sainsbury's number two slot in the UK retail market. Some firms were fitter than others in a Plimsoll study. Sainsbury's added to its exotics efforts and also denied claims of profiteering aimed at its Fairtrade business. Fairtrade, for its part, expanded into oranges and apples.
Fitness rating for produce companies
Sainsbury's adds edge to exotics
Fairtrade expands into citrus and apples
Sainsbury's responds to Fairtrade profit claims
August
The UK industry was warned of a huge impending MRL issue. Top fruit found itself in the spotlight, for more reasons than one. Organic Farm Foods created a stand-alone packaging operation and Morrisons was reported to be considering a reduced offer for Safeway.
Top-fruit industry feels the heat
Organic packaging developments
Morrison's bid reported as reduced
September
Tesco was lauded as fresh produce retailer of the year. EurepGAP's protocols moved on, with the latest version made public. The apple industry was advised to take consumption matters into its own hands. Wholesale eyes moved to Portugal conference, where food safety was singled out. Redbridge began process of buying shares back from 3i.
Tesco beats rest in fresh produce
EurepGAP protocol revised and launched
