Sir; Further to your article on local food supply, I am fortunate to live in Suffolk, grow my own vegetables and can afford to pay more for my food if I had to ('Local supply is the only answer', The Grocer,

23 June, p25).

The idea of a local food web is persuasive. However, if we do return to a 17th century civilisation of local producers supplying local consumers, those living in fertile areas will be well served - but what about those living in upland areas of the country or where the weather is cool? It is conceivable that crop failure or shortage could cause malnutrition or even starvation.

I am sure the answer would be to send crops from fertile zones to those less fertile, but isn't that what we do now?

What about a healthy diet full of Mediterranean produce and olive oil, none of which can be grown in the UK? And where do local food webs leave our commitment to the Third World and Fairtrade?

We live in a global economy where the Third World depends on trade with richer countries and we have a duty to do what we can to increase that while minimising carbon impact.

Volatile market leads to wild shifts in price Gary Norcott Commercial director (Ingredients), Staple Dairy Products



Sir; I read with interest your feature on increasing dairy prices ('Dairy prices rise as global supply falls', The Grocer, 23 June, p29).

However, as we all know, prices can move dramatically in volatile markets and, while the content of the article gives a good insight into the evolving "new world" of dairy products, the prices stated are literally months out of date and wildly inaccurate in today's market.

Having recently sold all of the products you mention to industrial customers at levels far higher than those quoted, I am conscious that they may feel we are profiteering if they take the values quoted at face value.

Current wholesale prices are in the region of £2,650 a tonne for skimmed milk, versus the £2,000 stated; £2,600 a tonne for whole milk, versus £2,300; and £2,350 a tonne for butter, versus £1,900.

Asda's cheap, but what about quality? Mrs E Marchant



Sir; The Grocer found Asda was the cheapest supermarket for the 10th year running ('Asda is cheapest chain for a decade', The Grocer, 9 June, p7).

Do you take into consideration the quality of the products? I have used Asda, Tesco and Morrisons and found that I waste more fresh food from Asda than at Tesco or Morrisons. I would rather pay £1 more per week and be able to use all the products I buy. I also wonder whether you take into consideration the attitude of the stores if a customer has a complaint? Asda has a poor "take it or leave it" attitude from the staff on the customer service desks.



The Editor writes: Asda was second in our Grocer 33 ranking by customer service.