Global Lemon Shotage leaves a bitter taste

There's a serious shortage of the fruit at the moment so customers are being squeezed over prices.

The cost of the vitamin C-rich lemon has risen over the past year by 150%.

That's because of increased demand and bad weather.

Spain, which uses produces a glut of the Mediterranean citric delight, has been hit by a cold snap in the weather and lost 80% of its crop while other countries' supplies will not be ready until later in the summer.

Further afield, Argentina has lost 25% of its produce and South Africa has been hit by low temperatures and late frosts.

And to add to consumers' woes, a rise in demand from Russia, India and China has left more people battling for lower amounts.

Jeremy Green of Lincolnshire supplier Greencell said he expected lemons to have almost completely run out by the end of the summer.

Country Fare Has Moved

Yes we have moved! After 5 years of playing chicken with Royal Mail Lorries accessing the Poole Lane warehouse, we have moved to Sunburst House where we have our very own gate. :)

The new Address is
2 Sunburst House
Elliot Road
BH11 8LT.

Country Fare Exhibits at the BIC

Country Fare are exhibiting at the Bournemouth Hotel and Catering show on the 16th and 17th of March. Please come down and visit us.

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