Perfection Fresh Australia CEO gives producers’ perspective on global grape industry
When Michael Simonetta rejoined the family business in 1984, he thought he’d spend the rest of his career selling lettuce, cauliflower, and broccoli in Sydney, Australia’s wholesale markets. Today, he travels the world as CEO of Perfection Fresh Australia in search of the next best-tasting fresh produce – including grapes. The company Simonetta’s father founded […]
Grapes in foodservice: It’s all about presentation and taste, says Sysco director
Can expanding grapes in the foodservice sector drive increased consumption overall? Two experts in the field addressed exactly that at the recent Global Grape Summit in Bakersfield, California. Jon Greco, senior director, produce sourcing at Sysco in Salinas, California, knows foodservice, plus he knows the challenges from the growing/supplier community, and brought that insight to this year’s […]
South African table grapes managed slight increases in production, exports in 21-22
The 2021-22 South African table grape season finished with marginal increases in both production and exports, despite numerous challenges. A total of 77.7 million cartons (4.5kg equivalent) were inspected and passed for export (intakes), a marginal increase of approximately 4 percent, in comparison to last season. Good weather conditions during the season as well as […]
UK supermarkets gradually eliminating expiration dates on perishable items
UK supermarkets are gradually getting rid of expiration dates on a range of perishable items in favor of shoppers’ judgment. While the chain retailers say the move will save customers money and cut waste, it marks a new turn in a grim consumer battle with rampant inflation, according to an article by Bloomberg. Morrisons kicked off […]
Rewe’s Stephan Weist brings broader perspective on global grape marketing
We have been fortunate to have Stephan Weist of Rewe in Germany participate here on the Pundit and in many of our events: Wonky Fruit, Regionality, Omni-Channel, Sustainable Packaging… All Come To The Fore In Presentation At Global Trade Symposium By Stephan Weist Of REWE Group And Patricia Brunn Of Penny Market Announcing Thought-Leader Breakfast […]
Sainsbury’s aims to boost healthy consumption through Vegfast Van, Nectar points
In an effort to get customers to eat five fresh produce items each day, supermarket chain Sainsbury not only is giving them more bonus points for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables but last week sent a Vegfast Van to spots across the UK to spread the word. As part of its now-annual Great Fruit & […]
Tesco makes further inroads on emissions with electric-powered trucks in London
British retailer Tesco has begun removing carbon emissions on some of its deliveries in London, becoming the first in the industry to distribute food via an electric-powered lorry. Tesco’s new gas-free vehicle made by Renault Trucks is the first of many on the way that will be delivering food to city centres, including 400 supermarkets […]
European apple volumes forecast flat for 2022-23 but pears set for big rise
The outlook for European apple and pear production for 2022 is hopeful, with pear volumes set to rise by 20 percent and apple volumes expected to increase by 1 percent compared to last year. The figures were released on August 4 at the Prognosfruit 2022 conference in Belgrade, Serbia. It was the first in-person Prognosfruit event after […]
