Report: Orchard House Foods, a supplier to top supermarkets, faces administration
Orchard House Foods, a supplier of fresh prepared fruit, juices and jellies for more than 35 years for major retailers including Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Pret-a-Manger, has entered administration according to several reports. The BBC and other news outlets noted that the Corby-based company, which was bought by private equity firm Elaghmore in 2021, […]
Can Defra’s new schemes that aim to ‘save the planet’ really help farmers rebound?
UK farmers who have been battered by a range of challenges that include labour shortages and rising costs will be getting at least some relief from the government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) plan, according to Defra. Defra announced on Thursday it will offer farms up to £1,000 extra in grants provided they can be both […]
Serious Apeel: How game-changing technology is eliminating food waste at Asda
Using edible produce protection technology from U.S.-based Apeel, UK supermarket chain Asda reduced its citrus waste by 36% in select stores and avocado waste by 10% during the course of a year. The trial, which was done in 150 Asda locations, shows the tremendous potential of using the company’s “plant-based” peels to help retailers achieve […]
In South Africa, soft citrus volumes prove better late than early
Late-season soft citrus volumes continued to grow in South Africa during the 2022 season, while many early season varieties continued their downward trend. Shipping percentage to Europe and the UK was exactly the same as 2021. There were decreases in percentage sent to Middle East (15-13%) and Asia (8-6%). The South African Citrus Growers Association (CGA) said […]
USDA forecasts decline of apples coming into UK from South Africa
The UK’s reliance on apples from South Africa is likely to wane in the coming year because of inflation and other factors, according to a new world trade report on apples, pears and table grapes from the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA says “shipping delays” combined with stagnation on investment because of increased […]
Sustainability: Tapping into the wings of goodness through ‘awareness, care and respect.’
Recently, I had to present a guest lecture on sustainability to social entrepreneurs who are attending a college-based adult education program. I am soon turning 65, so I asked myself how relevant my grey-haired experience would be to the lives and business environment of this age group (mostly 25-35), especially on a topic they care […]
Del Monte set to launch first carbon neutral certified pineapple
Fresh Del Monte Produce has announced the upcoming launch of the Del Monte Zero pineapple, its first carbon neutral certified pineapple, which factors in the entire supply chain from farm to table in its North American and select European markets. Using a limited percentage of the company’s total pineapple volumes, the Del Monte Zero pineapple […]
European ports finally making a comeback after COVID declines
After almost three years, freight levels at ports across the EU are slowly returning to their pre-pandemic state. Port Strategy reports that total weight of goods handled has recovered by 4% to 3.5 billion tonnes in 2021. During 2020, EU ports saw a decline of 7% in cargo compared to the previous year. While volumes still haven’t […]
