Foodservice Must go Greener

Distribution specialist Keystone is urging foodservice operators and suppliers to take the sustainability agenda seriously.
The company carried out research among 40 foodservice chains and 40 food suppliers and manufacturers for its study Chain Reactions, looking at how the sector is responding to environmental issues and their effects on supply-chain partnerships.

The study found that almost half of suppliers and over a third of operators believe many companies do not take the issue of sustainability seriously. Three-quarters of foodservice operators believe that the industry must hold up its hands and take responsibility.

Pegg said: “Despite the barriers that the study revealed, it’s vital that operators and suppliers look at the sustainability practices of their supply chain partners – especially in today’s recessionary environment. Companies can work together for the greater good and add to both their bottom lines. Collaboration is t

Support for Local Food Doubles in Five Years

Nearly a third (30%) of shoppers say they have specifically purchased locally produced food over the last month, double the number in 2006, according to new consumer research released by food and grocery analysts IGD.

Support for ethically produced foods in general has withstood the pressures of an 18-month recession and is in fact growing, despite the tough economic conditions.

When asked about food they have specifically purchased over the last month, shoppers responded:

• 30% said locally produced food (up from 15% in 2006)
• 27% Fairtrade products (up from 9%)
• 18% products with high animal welfare standards (up from 11%)

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD, said: "These figures prove what we have been saying throughout the recession – shoppers are looking for both value and values. They are not simply looking for cheaper food in tough times, they also expect the grocery industry to support t

Spanish Citrus Production Under Threat

Spanish citrus production could disappear in a few years as it faces the threat of two citrus diseases that are not being taken seriously by the authorities, growers complain.

According to Valencia-based producers’ association Ava-Asaja, the European Commission and the Spanish national government have so far failed to understand the gravity of the situation.

The association’s studies of official figures have found that in 2009, of 94 consignments of imported citrus intercepted for disease problems in the EU, 71 of them had evidence of black spot and were rejected. The body is further dismayed that there are no protocols in place should citrus greening appear in the Mediterranean region, despite the discovery of the insect responsible for its spread in the Canary Islands and its presence in Florida and California in the US.

Ava-Asaja president Cristóbal Aguado said: “We have been saying for years that it is like playing fire. Scientists from the

Bananas

A recent report issued by the United Nations FAO has suggested that demand for bananas has been fairly unaffected by the current global recession.

The report issued by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) showing that global sales – particularly in developing countries – have remained stable.

Trade in bananas and tropical fruit accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the global fruit market, the study said.  

Garlic

Due to falling production and fears of the H1N1 ‘swine flu’ virus, china reported that the price of Garlic has almost quadrupled since March.

The announcement last week, prompted a high school, located in the city of Hangzhou, to buy 200k of Garlic and is forcing students to eat it for lunch in an effort to help them stay healthy.

In parts of Shandong, the wholesale price of Garlic has risen by up to 40 times. It is claimed that the speculative is by the wealthy coal mine bosses, but there are other obvious reasons for the trend. Many farmers were convinced it was not worth re-planting their crops, due to the low price of 2008.