All articles by Michael Barker – Page 7
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Shoppers rediscover taste for oranges as prices fall
Oranges are back in favour after three years of declining consumption as shoppers take advantage of cheaper prices and promotions. UK consumers ate 6% more oranges last year, according to TNS figures for the 12 months to November 2008,...
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Shortage of tomatoes expected this summer
Supermarkets face a serious tomato shortage this summer.
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Vion announces 380 further job losses and closure of Ashton site
Dutch giant Vion is cutting up to 380 jobs and closing a bacon processing unit in response to 'overcapacity' in the UK meat sector.The company has begun consulting with staff at its Ashton bacon unit, with a view to closing the facility. It...
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Cooksey stands down at DFB as restructure ends
Dairy Farmers of Britain chief executive Andrew Cooksey has stood down following the completion of the company's restructuring process.Cooksey, who has been at DFB for four years, left the farmer-owned co-operative this week after laying off...
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Wrap to map wastage in fruit & veg supply chain
A major new research project has been launched to measure and ultimately reduce wastage in the fresh produce supply chain.
The Resource Map project is examining the entire retail and wholesale supply chains from packing and distribution to… -
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Quality Test: Tinned Sardines in Brine, Own-Label, 120g
The use of both a box and tin by Morrisons seemed wasteful, but the disappointing packaging was partly allayed by a decent eat.
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Sausage maker to raise pigs due to supply fear
Debbie & Andrew's is to re-establish its own pig herd due to growing concerns about the long-term availability of British meat.
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NewsRachel's drops 'Organic' as packs get fresh look
Yoghurt specialist Rachel's Organic is dropping the word 'Organic' from its name to simplify its brand identity.
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NewsM&S red meat volumes soar thanks to price cuts
Marks & Spencer has turned around last year's poor performance on red meat through an aggressive price-cutting programme. The retailer's volume sales of red meat plunged 30% year-on-year in late 2008 as the recession took its toll....
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Price cuts 'trample the green shoots of recovery underfoot'
Milk processors have come under renewed fire from farmers' unions following another round of price cuts.Dairy Farmers of Britain last week announced it was dropping its standard milk price by 2.2ppl to 20.16ppl from April 1, its third...
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New strawberry Viva Patricia hits UK shelves
A new strawberry variety promising excellent shelf life and eating quality is now available in commercial volumes.
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NewsFairtrade boom tipped to defy recession
Sales of Fairtrade products are predicted to defy the recession and grow by at least 10% this year.
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NewsCapespan cautious as it delivers best-ever profits
Capespan has delivered its best-ever set of results - but warned that its 2009 profits were already coming under pressure as a result of the global slowdown. The South African producer, which exports a wide range of fruit to UK supermarkets,...
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NewsSausage prices shoot up 50% in 12 months
Sausages have soared up to 50% in price over the past year thanks to constricting UK and EU pork supplies and the weak pound. The average price of a six-pack of branded sausages in the big four last month was £2.09 - up 50% on last year,...
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Dairy Crest sells Yoplait stake as import costs hit
Dairy Crest chief executive Mark Allen has blamed its decision to sell its stake in Yoplait prematurely on soaring import costs in the yoghurt market.Britain's biggest dairy business sold its 49% stake in Yoplait Dairy Crest to the Yoplait...
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Retailers grow profit margins on Cheddar
Supermarkets have been accused of significantly increasing profit margins on Cheddar in the past year - but failing to pass on the benefits to processors or consumers.The retail gross margin on mild Cheddar has increased from 37% of the...
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NewsTesco milk price cut brings relief to the dairy industry
Tesco is in dairy farmers' good books after dropping the price it pays for milk by just 1ppl. But what are the wider implications, asks Michael Barker
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'The Garden' aims to be London's food hub
New Covent Garden Market will be renamed The Garden at New Covent Garden Market as part of plans to give it more consumer appeal, it was revealed this week.The renaming of the £600m turnover market as The Garden reflected the way it was...
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Cameo growers aim to secure mainstream role
Growers are planning a major planting and promotional programme as they attempt to make Cameo a mainstream apple variety.Market research had shown consumers were unaware of Cameo as a variety and did not know why they should buy it over...
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Sneaky mash range targets the parents of veg-dodging kids
A new potato product has been launched that will make it easier to get kids to eat their 5-a-day, its makers promise.Mighty Mash contains fresh vegetables and fruit, with each serving providing up to two of a child's 5-a-day. Five flavours...