All articles by Fred Searle – Page 2
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NewsFive key messages from LEAF’s annual conference
Speakers emphasise the scale of change needed to respond to the climate crisis
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ArticleThe Power of Branding
For decades, own-label has dominated the fresh fruit and vegetable aisle at Britain’s top supermarkets. But now high costs and tough market conditions are putting huge pressure on margins. So is own-label still the only game in town?
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ArticleEcuadorean port operator ramps up security
The explosion of drug trafficking and related violence in Ecuador has made security a hot topic in the banana industry. One business taking the problem seriously is Contecon, which operates the country’s largest port in Guayaquil
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ArticleEcuadorean bananas at a crossroads
Ecuador’s banana industry faces serious challenges around security and climate change, but hopes are high in the sector following the election of President Daniel Noboa, heir to one of the country’s largest exporters of the fruit. Fred Searle reports from Ecuador
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FeaturesUncertain future for UK cucumber sector
Energy prices have come down and fewer growers are now exiting the industry, but insufficient returns from retailers, delays to plantings, labour issues and weak government support continue to harm growers
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NewsChristmas box proves a cracker for Earth & Wheat
Wonky veg supplier enjoys year-on-year sales surge of more than 100 per cent for its festive box
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NewsCity Harvest could double daily output thanks to depot expansion
New mezzanine floor at food redistributor’s depot will allow it to process an additional 60,000 meals a day and respond to escalating food poverty
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News‘Fantastic’ fruit quality as British Pink Lady supply begins
Worldwide Fruit says variety has “thrived” amid Britain’s changing growing conditions
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NewsTesco relaxes specs for veg growers hit by flooding
Retailer is accepting slightly smaller sprouts, cauliflowers, cabbages and leeks from growers to support growers and help avoid shortages
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NewsSainsbury’s enjoys bumper Christmas thanks to price push
Retailer posts strong year-on-year grocery growth as it continues to take on Aldi and Lidl on price
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NewsSoft fruit forecasting tool features in global investment summit hosted by PM
FruitCast, which launches in spring 2024, uses imagery and data to forecast growth in strawberry plants
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NewsRSPB report reveals rising demand for ‘nature-friendly’ farming
Research shows how RSPB’s Fair to Nature certification can help growers, food businesses and consumers to “restore the balance of nature in farming” – and benefit from that
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NewsEnglish veg volumes hit by flooding
Various winter vegetables have been badly affected by flooding across England, with Nationwide Produce reporting shortages
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NewsDefra announces SFI changes including increased payments
Changes to the Sustainable Farming Incentive for 2024 to include higher payments and new options such as support for precision farming
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NewsFlamingo co-founder Richard Evans knighted
Former boss of Flamingo Horticulture recognised by King Charles for contributions to business, sport and charity in Kenya and the UK
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NewsOFC report explores how ‘broken’ food supply chains can be fixed
Recent global and climatic events have caused a risk-versus-reward imbalance that is forcing farmers out of production. Retailers need to share more of the burden, report argues
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NewsTim O’Malley becomes FareShare trustee
Group managing director of Nationwide Produce to chair redistribution charity’s food committee
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Article‘Kissabel expects to double UK sales in 2023’
Worldwide Fruit’s commercial director Hannah McIlfatrick reflects on the journey so far for the red-fleshed apple brand in Britain
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NewsNCGM supplier donates 3.5 tonnes of fresh produce to Crisis UK
Rushton’s at New Covent Garden Market donates fruit and veg to help feed London homeless over Christmas
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NewsNew farm shop ‘creates a destination’ for West Midlands shoppers
Birmingham Market traders Mark and Paul Tate want to capitalise on post-Covid changes to shopping behaviour among the over-65s