All articles by FPJ Staff – Page 117

  • Article

    DAWS system pays off for Agroleaf Ltd

    2009-06-26T09:18:48Z

    Information technology is playing an ever-increasing role in the arena of fresh produce. This month, we take a look at a weighing system implemented in a Yorkshire soft-fruit packhouse by the Stevens Group, plus further improvements to Fresh Direct’s transport service. Meanwhile, Asia Fruit Logistica is making the most of a new online tool.

  • Article

    Fyffes ensuring we have bananas

    2009-06-26T09:18:41Z

    Congratulations to Fyffes, which is celebrating the 80th birthday of its famous blue label brand next month. Not only do I

  • Article

    Markets must keep upward momentum

    2009-06-26T09:18:36Z

    The inaugural meeting of the Association of London Markets this week seems to have put a spring in the industry’s step,

  • Article

    Are we fighting a losing battle?

    2009-06-19T09:36:15Z

    The facts from our front page story this week really speak for themselves. With ignorance about fresh produce seemingly so

  • Article

    Retailers set to make most of barbecue weather

    2009-06-19T09:36:11Z

    It only seems to take a few days of hot, dry weather to get the barbecues smoking, so not surprisingly they are a major target

  • Industry bodies in positive frame of mind for future
    Article

    Industry bodies in positive frame of mind for future

    2009-06-19T09:36:05Z

    Despite numerous reports of declining sales, organic players are valiantly defying the economic downturn, with trade associations working hard to secure the loyalty of existing customers and drum up new support. Laura Gould reports.

  • Article

    Celebrating cider at Royal Bath and West Show

    2009-06-19T09:35:38Z

    The Royal Bath and West Show, held each year during the last week of May, has become a firm commitment for the

  • Turkish cherry comeback
    Article

    Turkish cherry comeback

    2009-06-19T09:35:31Z

    Turkey produces a wide variety of fruit ranging from figs and pomegranates to oranges. However, it is cherries that have lifted the country’s fresh produce profile and, thanks to its sizeable production, Turkey is one of the largest cherry exporters in the world. Doris Lee Butterworth discovers that exporters are looking for growth in the UK market after last season’s disappointing volumes.

  • The Picota paradox
    Article

    The Picota paradox

    2009-06-19T09:35:26Z

    Picota cherries are back in the UK market, around 10 days earlier than normal due to a tremendous production period. Tommy Leighton visits Spain’s Valle del Jerte and finds that, despite high expectations for volume and quality, growers do not harbour such hopes for returns in 2009.

  • Salad revolution
    Article

    Salad revolution

    2009-06-19T09:35:21Z

    After decades of sitting in the Netherlands’ shadow, the UK salad industry has been given a much-needed injection of life by the new multi-glasshouse venture, Thanet Earth, in Kent. Elizabeth O’Keefe visits the project during its first production season and asks what’s next for salad production in the UK.

  • Back on track
    Article

    Back on track

    2009-06-12T09:28:06Z

    As the carrot sector gears up for the new season, Doris Lee Butterworth talks to leading producers to consider prospects for the campaign and the major challenges and opportunities ahead.

  • St Nicholas’ team L-r: Ros Tapp, Dick Tapp, Jonathan Tapp, Graeme Skinner, Eddie Knowles and procurement manager Tracy Bush outside St Nicholas’ packhouse
    Article

    A family affair

    2009-06-12T09:28:00Z

    Potato grower and packer St Nicholas Court Farms has held its own through the fresh produce industry’s twists and turns over the years and has established itself as a major local potato supplier with the community at its heart. Elizabeth O’Keefe visits the family-orientated firm at its Kent site to mark its 50th anniversary.

  • Banana sector powers through political pitfalls
    Article

    Banana sector powers through political pitfalls

    2009-06-12T09:27:47Z

    The banana category continued to be heavily influenced by fuel prices this quarter, as the industry braces itself for the traditional summer slump caused by the popularity of seasonal fruits in the UK. However, supply overcame labour issues to deliver a relatively calm period for the sector. Alex Lawson reports.

  • Article

    Seasonality is a world concept

    2009-06-12T09:27:41Z

    Having reported on the fresh produce industry for half a century, I have long had a dream about seasonality. This was finally

  • Article

    Markets ready to embrace changes

    2009-06-12T09:27:37Z

    Having returned from our annual spring conference held this year in Prague, Czech Republic, it is good to have the opportunity

  • Article

    FPC to monitor Defra reshuffle

    2009-06-12T09:27:33Z

    With the government in meltdown and ministers jumping ship at an alarming pace, we noted in particular that DEFRA minister for

  • Article

    Don’t let fraudsters into your business

    2009-06-12T09:27:29Z

    Adam Bernstein hosts FPJ’s monthly spotlight on the legislation that affects your business and how you can use it to your advantage. This month, Simon Bevan presents his top tips for reducing the risk of fraud in your company.

  • Article

    Waste war needs something more

    2009-06-12T09:27:18Z

    The war on waste gained momentum this week, when DEFRA secretary of state Hilary Benn told the Futuresource Conference that he

  • A sting in the tail
    Article

    A sting in the tail

    2009-06-05T09:05:57Z

    The sight of hundreds of beekeepers swarming on Westminster last November brought the increasingly desperate plight of the honeybee to the public’s attention. With hives across the world dying off at an alarming rate and fears mounting that in the not-too-distant future there may not be enough bees to pollinate crops for food production, Laura Gould investigates what we can do to reverse this highly worrying trend.