http://www.freshinfo.com The latest news and statistics on the UK fresh produce industry from the publishers of the FPJ (c) 2009, Lockwood Press Ltd. All rights reserved. This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/Aca0wj1tfU8/index.php Aston Horticulture has relocated both its office and production facilities to Evesham, Worcestershire, as it looks to expand the business. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:01:02 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49985 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49985 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/lPrOFkO03ek/index.php Agrexco has kicked off the capsicum season with an organic range that mirrors its conventional offer. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=50001 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=50001 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/kTcfXFt4ztw/index.php Concern was raised over the organic agriculture industry’s ability to cope with the onslaught of climate change while spurning GM technologies, at a high-level debate in the capital last week. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49995 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49995 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/3YP3VAbyfo4/index.php Food sales growth slowed to its weakest levels since March 2008, largely reflecting lower food price inflation, according to new data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49994 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49994 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/dCeFhr33nvU/index.php Sainsbury’s has reported strong sales in returning an 18.5 per cent rise in underlying profit for the first six months of the year, but struck a note of caution over its performance going forward. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:13:22 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49998 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49998 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/WcV6MBTpBo0/index.php Branston Ltd has confirmed that plans to build a large-scale anaerobic digestion plant that will turn waste potatoes into electricity are to go ahead, with construction work starting next month. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49992 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49992 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/A3NemiDroAE/index.php Almost a quarter of the top 1,000 fresh produce companies in the UK are finishing the year in financial difficulty, with a prolonged period of consolidation imminent, according to new analysis. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49980 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49980 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/UdknKBE7Nd0/index.php Tesco has grown its market share marginally for the first time since 2007, now holding 30.7 per cent of the market, as opposed to 30.6 per cent last year. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49997 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49997 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/FjYBP_DxkCA/index.php The UK government deserves credit for cutting out red tape with its implementation of the new EU Marketing Standards compared to other EU states, according to the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC). Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49973 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49973 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/4bqzAjL9M5A/index.php National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Peter Kendall has called for a more global outlook in the food security debate, suggesting “some civil servants just do not try hard enough”. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49981 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49981 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/7sRKwy0hJQw/index.php Global warming poses enormous challenges to British agriculture but could also hold a number of opportunities, according to speakers at a prestigious seminar. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49979 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49979 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/Q3X7G_ddeGE/index.php Sharp Interpack is launching its SPS range of punnets as it begins to gear up for the 2010 soft-fruit season. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49986 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49986 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/nmVjaCK7rUM/index.php Smoothie maker Innocent has seen the negative effects of its European expansion take hold as it reported a considerable loss last year. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49989 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49989 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/OdcouVEYrFM/index.php A Lincolnshire gangmaster has had his licence revoked after misleading the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and breaching a variety of licensing standards, including illegal deductions and breaching minimum wage requirements. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49978 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49978 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/deBaZP5E_CM/index.php Angus Soft Fruits Ltd (ASF) is expanding its Good Natured brand with the launch of its new Splendid Spuds as it looks to capitalise on the popularity of potatoes in the UK. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49990 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49990 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/ETW6PSLx2n0/index.php Asda has reported a slight fall in profits which still outstripped Sainsbury’s, while also revealing it has been effectively sold by parent company Wal-Mart. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:09:57 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49991 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49991 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/i51Gk9Ft3QU/index.php Following the success of Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight 2009, it been has announced the culinary celebration will take place again from September 4-19, 2010. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49974 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49974 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/wZCCcyyoXWs/index.php Potato supplier Greenvale AP has strengthened its “green team” with the appointment of Jessica Cranthorne as environmental co-ordinator, based at the company\'s Floods Ferry site in Cambridgeshire. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49972 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49972 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/hIoWhmyucQM/index.php Redpack Packaging Machinery has been accredited with the highly prestigious SAFEcontractor status as the industry looks to improve its safety record. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49975 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49975 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/TtDSWywHn4E/index.php The chief executive of Morrisons has said the “local” argument can be taken too far and that the supermarket giant will only source locally where appropriate. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49977 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49977 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/8g0fWsAv3Eo/index.php A new “food bank” has been launched which looks to capitalise on supermarkets’ wasted product. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49976 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49976 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/drlQoVqw-ws/index.php Fresh strawberries can now be added to Irish Christmas menus as a result of a €10 million (£9m) investment by the Keelings Group at its North County Dublin headquarters. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49942 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49942 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/r0sqbSooW54/index.php A new report into Costa Rican pineapple production claims the country’s industry is rife with questionable labour tactics, severe health risks and soil depletion. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49953 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49953 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/RwglWzgZ0QY/index.php The South African stonefruit industry is currently undergoing a substantial boom in the development, release and production of plum varieties developed in South Africa. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49960 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49960 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/bnpugUB8lC4/index.php GlobalGAP is claiming it has contributed to good agricultural practice harmonisation in North America as it leaves the US, following its fourth stop on a worldwide tour. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49947 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49947 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/F_2h5uxL3dQ/index.php French and Italian top-fruit growers have united in calling for calm and order in the marketplace in the face of low pricing in the first part of their season. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:01:02 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49952 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49952 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/6gr0mYuvsjc/index.php A new strawberry under trial in Scotland is poised to move into the early stages of commercial production next season as interest among growers and retailers in the variety mounts. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:01:02 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49938 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49938 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/H4yRz1NftAI/index.php The British Crop Production Council (BCPC) has warned that DEFRA lacks an appreciation of the long-term effects of existing practices in food production and the potential effects of changes in world population and climate change. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49945 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49945 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/rVz5wOgXiw8/index.php Nuffield scholar Peter Gresty has won the John Stewart Shield for his paper on vegetable innovation and processing at the 2009 Nuffield Winter Conference on October 30-31. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49944 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49944 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FreshinfoNews/~3/0bkG3VhkNeg/index.php French growers and farmers are to benefit from a €1.65 billion (£1.49bn) aid package announced by President Sarkozy last week. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:01:01 +0000 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49954 http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?ei=9&s=n&ss=nd&sid=49954