A Happy New Year from everyone at the Fresh Produce Journal and freshinfo.com. Here's what you've missed while you've been away...

Londis directors to back down 24 Dec
Four Londis directors are expected to back down over a shares package. While the store's action group has made a complaint to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Top speakers for Berkshire conference 26 Dec
The Berkshire branch of the Institute of Agricultural Management is holding a conference in February.

CCFRA reveals events for 2004 26 Dec
Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association Group (CCFRA) has announced a range of events for the 2004 calendar.

Food from Britain launches export guide 26 Dec
Food from Britain (FFB) will host a "How to Export" seminar at its London offices on January 27.

Leading Edge announces more label innovations 26 Dec
Leading Edge has produced a range of premium labels for Sainsbury's rhubarb, blueberries, blackberries and redcurrants.

NFU unveils plans for new HQ 27 Dec
The NFU has revealed plans for a new landmark building that will house its new national headquarters.

JO Sims strengthens its team 27 Dec
Fruit ingredients supplier JO Sims has announced the appointment of a new business development manager.

Food and drinks exports half-year high 27 Dec
Confidence in UK food and drink exports is returning as half-year sales were up 12 per cent on 2002, according to figures released from Food from Britain (FFB).

Scientists join forces on environment-friendly technology 29 Dec
Scientists have developed a soil moisture sensor to ensure fruit and vegetables are irrigated accurately, while enhancing environmentally friendly farming practices.

New Year celebrations for watercress company 29 Dec
The Watercress Company is welcoming the New Year with the announcement of important developments at its farms in the UK, Spain and the US.

Roads - congestion is the real toll 29 Dec
Road congestion is costing the UK economy more than £20 billion each year. The FTA tells the government to buck its ideas up.

BFG launches Londis charm offensive 29 Dec
The Londis takeover saga has stepped up its pace post-Christmas, as the Big Food Group launched its bid to charm shareholders of the convenience retailer.

Garlic the best defence against superbug 29 Dec
Garlic has emerged as an unlikely potential life-saver for the National Health Service (NHS).

Anyone for a sandwich (show)? 30 Dec
The European Sandwich Show will take place on February 25 and 26, 2004, at Palais des Congres, Paris

New seedless grape variety on water to UK 30 Dec
UK consumers will soon have their first taste of an American-bred black seedless grape as the initial commercial shipments of Midnight Beauty brand grapes arrive in Europe.

Dollar slips further against euro 30 Dec
The US dollar has fallen to a new record low against the euro.

Chiquita charts banana prices 30 Dec
Chiquita has announced updated information on banana prices and volume for the first two months of the 2003 fourth quarter.

Bologna to host European gras gathering 30 Dec
The fifth European Asparagus Forum will take place in Bologna, Italy, on March 1-2, 2004.

Asda registers record sales 31 Dec
Asda has reported record sales levels at its stores in the week leading up to Christmas.

Londis makes shareholder pledge 31 Dec
Londis will involve shareholders in an independent review of its future.

Vitacress founder given MBE 31 Dec
Founder and chairman of Vitacress Malcolm Isaac has been awarded an MBE in Her Majesty the Queen's New Year honour's list.

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