All articles by Michael Barker – Page 2
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News
Cattle shortages push up canned beef prices
Canned beef prices are set to soar by up to a third in the coming months due to cattle shortages in South America. Products ranging from corned beef to stewed steak are expected to rise in price after the Brazilian industry was hit by...
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NewsBlackmoor has a crack at UK apricots
Blackmoor Estate is trial-growing apricots in a bid to decrease UK reliance on imported fruit.
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NewsNeed to double food production ‘a lie’, says Soil Association
The widely accepted claim that the world needs to double food production by 2050 has been branded a “big fat lie” by the Soil Association.
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News
Abundant crop sends potato prices crashing
Potato prices have fallen dramatically as a result of a massive oversupply on the market caused by last year's increased plantings.On wholesale markets potatoes are 22.3% cheaper than a year ago and 9.2% cheaper than a week ago at...
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NewsPunnet maker Sharp sold to French packaging giant
Plastic punnet specialist Sharp Interpack has been sold to French packaging giant Groupe Guillin.
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NewsCabbage is latest victim of time-starved consumers
Consumers’ desire for cheap and convenient foods has claimed another victim in the shape of the humble cabbage.
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NewsFish marketing plans on ice as Seafish waits for courts
The future of fish marketing is hanging in the balance as Seafish waits to hear whether its case is to go to the Supreme Court. Michael Barker reports
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News
Pilgrims Choice matures Cheddar to new Xtreme
Pilgrims Choice is launching a new Xtreme Cheddar as part of plans to modernise the brand and "blow the socks off" consumers.The 15 to 18-month matured Cheddar, which will be sold in black packs with a 'For Adults Only' warning, goes on...
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News
Veg consumption falls 11% in spite of 5-a-day
Although millions of pounds have been poured into promoting fruit and veg and the 5-a-day message, consumption is continuing to fall in Britain.New figures from the fresh produce organisation Freshfel Europe reveal that British consumers...
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NewsFrijj wraps itself in England colours for World Cup
Frijj is stripping the branding off its bottles and replacing it with a St George’s cross as it looks to tap into football fever ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
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News‘So many labels out there’... so the EU wants one more
Despite the opposition and sheer disbelief of UK trade bodies, the European Commission looks set to forge ahead with plans for a new quality logo. Michael Barker reports
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News
The Delia effect kicks off ‘staggering’ sales
The 'Delia effect' is already working wonders for Waitrose's sales, with the retailer forced to bring in imported reinforcements to meet demand.
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News
Retail Prices: Forget the blip in produce, the trend is downhill
Falling prices for alcohol and health & beauty mean an overall basket 0.6% cheaper than last month, say Michael Barker and Alex Beckett
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News
Ardo UK set to double its output with new factory
Belgian frozen produce specialist Ardo UK has opened a new £15m facility that it claims will eventually double its production output.The new factory in Kent will process and pack a wide range of imported products, including peas,...
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News
Banana prices set to smash £1/kg barrier
The retail banana price is set to the break through the symbolic £1/kg barrier on the back of huge hikes in the price of oil and the weakness of sterling, importers are predicting.Bananas are currently selling for 97p/kg in the big four,...
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News
Warburton calls for a public debate on GM
There needs to be a public debate on the pros and cons of GM food, according to Warburtons executive director Ross Warburton, who claimed ignoring the issue was "stupid".
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News
Commodities: Tighter supplies push prices for fresh produce back up
Growers had already cut back on crops to more closely match supply with demand but poor weather has also taken its toll, says Michael Barker
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NewsBid to bring back wonky veg ban fails
Spanish attempts to have the EU ‘wonky veg’ rules repealed have failed.
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News
The rain in Spain falls mainly on UK exports
Persistent bad weather in Spain has sent the price of much fresh produce in UK supermarkets soaring.Heavy rain in the key Spanish growing region of Andalusia has wiped out large swathes of crops, leaving exports in short supply. "They've...
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News
Asda cuts fifth of farmers out of milk sourcing pool
Asda has removed up to 20% of members from its milk sourcing pool in a move it claims will give it a more committed farmer base.The supermarket, which sources all of its milk from Arla, currently has about 500 dedicated farmers supplying...