All articles by Michael Barker
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Cold weather and low prices spell hard times for stone fruit
European stone fruit producers are warning that poor weather and low prices have decimated profits and that many of them face ruin as a result.Cold winter and spring weather delayed the summer stone fruit season, hitting production of...
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Fear of retail hikes as butter hits record price
The wholesale price of butter has hit a record high leading to fears of further hikes on-shelf.
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Welsh abattoirs ‘at risk if regulatory subsidy is cut’
Many meat slaughterers will go bust if the Welsh government does not step in to subsidise struggling smaller abattoirs, an influential new report has claimed.The Welsh government should "develop a mechanism for subsidising the industry...
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Tulip launches into meat snacks with Wicked Pig
Tulip is making its debut in meat snacks with a rival to Fridge Raiders.The Danish pork specialist has created Wicked Pig, a pork snack aimed at 17 to 35-year-olds looking for an alternative to crisps or nuts. The brand has been launched...
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NewsBanana wars
Price skirmishes in supermarkets have hit growers hard. Now Costa Rican farmers are fighting back with a bid to premiumise the fruit. But will shoppers be willing to fork out more? Michael Barker reports from Central America
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NewsWhy a green ministry could give food producers the blues
Analysts are warning that the threat of Defra losing its environmental remit could be bad news for food production. Michael Barker reports
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Orange prices rocket as rain batters crops
The price of oranges and orange juice is rocketing due to reduced supply from the world's two biggest growing areas.
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NewsPineapples hit 50p low in big four’s price war
The big four are waging a price war over pineapples, with some being sold for a third of last year's price.
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NewsNescafé recalled in glass contamination alert
Nestlé has been forced to recall jars of Nescafé Collections coffee over fears of glass contamination.
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Mixed bouquets drive Morrisons flower sales
Supermarkets would significantly boost their flower sales if they followed Morrisons' lead in selling more bouquets packed with lower-value flowers, a report has claimed.Morrisons has outperformed the market in the past year with a 7%...
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NewsFocus On Fresh Produce: Soft fruit, hard attitude
Soft fruit has been the star performer in the past year in a fresh produce category that was dragged into round-pound pricing by the recession, says Michael Barker
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Asda pulls eco meat pack due to shelf-life concerns
Asda has been forced into the embarrassing U-turn of withdrawing its environmentally friendly vacuum-packed meat packaging less than a year after launching it.
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Costa Rica bids for PGI to create premium banana
Costa Rica is to apply for EU protected food name status for its bananas in a move aimed at premiumising the commodity product and protecting market share.
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First Milk appoints advisers in run-up to boardroom reshuffle
A new advisory group has been set up by dairy supplier First Milk as part of plans to galvanise the company's management board.Seven First Milk members have been appointed to the group and were selected for their range of commercial...
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Adlington takes its posh low-fat poultry products to the mults
Poultry supplier Adlington hopes to increase turnover by at least 20% to over £3m on the back of product launches and a move into the multiple retail sector.The Warwickshire cooked meat producer will launch a low-fat turkey bacon line...
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Cheddar cheese set to soar 10% in price this year
The price of Cheddar will rise by at least 10% over the next six months in reaction to a major tightening of milk supply, manufacturers have warned.Wet weather during the crucial spring flush has resulted in lower-than-expected milk...
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Seafood giants in new sustainability pledges
Seafood giants Birds Eye Iglo and Young's have announced parallel ethical commitments in a bid to ensure the sustainability of future fish stocks.
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Graham’s hopes national listings will double sales
National distribution will more than double sales at Graham's The Family Dairy to £100m within five years, managing director Robert Graham has predicted.The Bridge of Allan-based company expanded beyond the borders of Scotland for the...
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NewsAn eruption of media hype, but so far your veg are safe
Despite the headlines about empty shelves, UK grocery has got off quite lightly. Elsewhere, it’s another story. Michael Barker and Nick Hughes report
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Florette introduces Three Lions Salad for World Cup
Florette is claiming a category first with the launch of an official England-branded salad.The Three Lions Salad, which will be launched on 3 May in major retailers, will stay on shelves for as long as England stays in the World Cup.