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    Written by, Jason Kilbride 

    Author: Jason Kilbride

    Amidst a backdrop of slowing inflation and ongoing increases in bank interest rates, the second quarter of this year bore witness to an astonishing 7.8% surge in wages across the UK. While the influence of inflation and its subsequent economic ripples cannot be underestimated, it’s important to recognise that this remarkable upswing in wages is also being propelled by talent shortages and a growing realisation among employees about their value to organisations.

    To put it plainly, a scarcity of talent is palpable across the entire spectrum of the workforce, spanning from low-skilled positions to the C-Suite level. The battle to attract and retain talent is proving to be more challenging than ever. Companies are finding themselves compelled to pay higher wages to retain existing staff and to entice new talent, a struggle that’s exacerbating the difficulty of recruitment and ultimately leading to heightened remuneration packages. All of this is happening while companies are grappling with pressures on their bottom line from multiple directions. This presents a dilemma: should remuneration be increased, even if it adds strain to the bottom line? Is it justifiable to onboard recruits with higher salaries? Or should companies opt for leaving vacancies, thereby shifting pressure elsewhere?

    This complex situation is particularly evident in specific sectors, where wage increases are surging at a rate that often doubles or even exceeds the aforementioned 7.8%. With inflation and talent shortages as driving factors, candidates are strategically negotiating for higher compensation, capitalizing on the challenging positions that companies currently find themselves in. Essential roles that have suffered from talent shortages for years are witnessing regular wage hikes, often outpaced by competitors, and the demand for young, skilled talent is simply outstripping supply. The urgency to acquire these skills is undeniable, leading companies to opt for immediate salary increases rather than waiting to invest in training and development that would yield returns several years down the line.

    As people contend with rising utility costs (though there’s a positive trend), food prices (which might have been undervalued for years), and evolving mortgage rates, businesses have a responsibility to offer support.

    However, as the need to attract talent grows, there’s a threshold that cannot be crossed. While there’s no magical solution to the talent shortage, and inflation is here to stay for the short term, millions of individuals are yet to be affected by mortgage rate changes, and their financial strain is yet to be fully felt. In short, wage increases are likely to persist for a few more quarters, although not necessarily at the same level.

    The pivotal question emerges: What’s the remedy? Although I lack a definitive answer, I believe several strategies can contribute. Companies should consider a broader pool of candidates, potentially embracing transferable skills, less experienced individuals, or even flexibility in terms of location. These adjustments can grant access to a broader talent pool, alleviating the pressure to rely on salary increments solely. Focusing on non-monetary benefits can also prove advantageous; cultivating an environment where individuals feel valued through initiatives like summer hours, team outings, training, career development, and even schemes like electric car incentives can provide a competitive edge, reducing the sole emphasis on salary.

    While long-term solutions like apprenticeships, graduate programs, internal development plans, and engaging with younger audiences hold potential, they won’t provide an immediate fix for the current wage and talent challenges. The prospect of automation has shifted from being a long-term investment to a medium-term one, and in some cases, even a short-term solution. Despite rising interest rates affecting businesses with limited cash flow, the timeline for automation implementation has still been shortened.

    Of course, there could be many more strategies to consider, but the key is to nurture creativity. With salary increases unsustainable at their current pace, finding innovative approaches becomes imperative.

    In a landscape characterized by uncertainty, it’s essential for all stakeholders to carefully balance the equation between salary hikes and adjustments to hiring strategies. What’s clear is that the challenge posed by wage increases isn’t going away anytime soon.

    Examining Unprecedented Q2 Wage Growth: Beyond Inflation, Talent Shortages Are Creating a Significant Impact
    “Each day at Toolfix starts with a team huddle meeting, setting the stage for collaboration and shared goals.”

    Toolfix, a fourth-generation family-owned business, has been making waves in the UK’s joinery industry for over three decades. With a rich heritage and a strong commitment to honesty, reliability, and solutions-oriented services, Toolfix has established itself as one of the leading suppliers in the market. We sat down with the Toolfix team to learn more about the company’s values, work culture, and exciting future prospects.

     

    Can you share the story behind Toolfix’s establishment and how its history has shaped the company’s identity and values today?

    Toolfix’s journey began with a vision rooted in family values. Over the years, we have embraced the principles of honesty, reliability, and customer-centricity, which have become the backbone of our success. Today, as a fourth-generation family-owned business, we take immense pride in carrying forward these fundamental principles that shape our identity.

    Our commitment to being solutions-oriented and building strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and staff has helped us stand out in the industry.

     

    How would you describe the work culture at Toolfix? What core principles and values are emphasized to create a positive and collaborative environment for employees?

    At Toolfix, we strive to create a work culture where passion and collaboration thrive. We encourage our team to be passionate, proud and engaged in their roles, and we value open communication and innovative thinking. Our core principles include fostering a positive and supportive environment, where employees are not only heard but also encouraged to become key influencers in the business. We believe in recognizing individual contributions and celebrating success together as a team.

     

    Toolfix appears to have experienced substantial growth. Can you elaborate on the key factors that have driven the company’s growth and success over the years?

    Our growth can be attributed to our unwavering commitment to providing a ‘wow’ 360° client experience. Going the extra mile is not just a catchphrase for us; it’s embedded in our DNA. Our dedication to understanding and meeting our client’s needs has earned us a reputation for reliability and excellence. Additionally, embracing modernization and e-commerce capabilities has allowed us to streamline processes, but we never compromise on the importance of face-to-face communication to nurture lasting relationships.

     

    As a potential employee, what are the unique advantages and opportunities that Toolfix offers to its team members? Why should someone consider working for the company?

    Working at Toolfix means being part of a close-knit family where your ideas, initiative, and knowledge are valued.

    We empower our team to be trusted advisors to our clients, providing a sense of purpose and ownership in their roles. As an employee, you can make a real impact on the business while enjoying a collaborative and supportive work environment. We work hard for each other, knowing that the company will support us just as we support it.

     

    From an employee’s perspective, could you outline a typical work routine at Toolfix?

    Each day at Toolfix starts with a team huddle meeting, setting the stage for collaboration and shared goals. After organizing tasks for the day, the team hits the accelerator, ticking off tasks while supporting and watching out for their colleagues. The shared sense of responsibility and camaraderie helps us stay focused and motivated to achieve our daily sales targets.

     

    The team closely track the Women’s World Cup Final.

    Every organisation has interesting stories to share. Can you share a couple of fun facts or anecdotes about Toolfix that showcase the company’s personality and team dynamics?

    Toolfix’s commitment to the community shines through in our monthly charity initiative. Each month, a staff member selects a charity, and we donate £150 to support those less fortunate. It’s heart-warming to see our team’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

    We also celebrate hitting our monthly sales targets, the entire team comes together for a staff meal. It’s a time to unwind, enjoy good food, and share memorable moments.

     

    What exciting projects or expansion plans does Toolfix have for the future?

    While we can’t predict the future, we are committed to continuous growth and innovation. One of our most important goals is to further develop our own product ranges and strengthen our position as a leading brand in the market.

    We remain focused on delivering exceptional service to our clients while exploring new opportunities to expand our offerings and reach.

     

    Could this seat be for you?

    Joining Toolfix means becoming part of a family-driven, passionate, and forward-thinking team. With a culture that fosters growth, innovation, and genuine care for its employees and community, Toolfix offers a unique and exciting opportunity for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the joinery industry. Henderson Brown is thrilled to partner exclusively with Toolfix on this exciting recruitment journey, and we look forward to welcoming new talent to the Toolfix family.

    Join the Toolfix Family – A Company Where Passion and Innovation Thrive
    Prize table at the Luffenham Heath Golf Course

    The sun was shining, the grass was pristine, and the spirit of camaraderie was in the air as we hosted our highly anticipated annual golf day at Luffenham Golf Course. With a perfect blend of friendly competition and unforgettable moments, the event proved to be a lovely day for all involved. We are thrilled to share the highlights of this special day and the tremendous success achieved, both on and off the course.

    Raising Funds for a Meaningful Cause:

    At Henderson Brown, we believe in giving back to the community, and the annual golf day serves as a wonderful platform for us to do so. This year, we are overjoyed to announce that we collectively raised an impressive total of £1800, all of which will be dedicated to a charitable cause – the Little Miracles Charity. To find out more about Little Miracles click here.

    This accomplishment would not have been possible without the incredible support and generosity of our colleagues, clients, and friends.

    A standout moment of the day was the surprise auction, sponsored by Koffmans own Simon Martin. Thanks to Simon’s generous sponsorship and the enthusiastic participation of everyone present, the auction alone raised a substantial portion of the overall sum of the day.

    Charity Raffle:

    In addition to the auction, the charity raffle added an element of anticipation to the event. Attendees eagerly purchased tickets, hoping to be the lucky winners of some fantastic prizes. The prizes ranged from a top-quality Golf Bag to stylish hats and golf balls. 

    Unleashing the Spirit of Competition:

    The Henderson Brown annual golf day would not be complete without a series of competitions that tested the skills of our participants. We had three standout challenges this year:

    • Can You Putt? – Our annual putting challenge is located on the Practice Green.
    • Guess the Number of Lost Balls – Participants were tasked to estimate the number of balls that would be lost throughout the day. This contest proved both entertaining and mind-boggling, as everyone tried to calculate the number which turned out slightly higher than e
    • xpected at 116!
    • Longest Drive andNearest the Pin – These classic golfing challenges showcased some impressive long drives and nail-biting shots to secure the nearest position to the pin.

    Our colleagues and clients demonstrated exceptional golfing skills, making the day all the more memorable. The bar was set high, and participants rose to the occasion, showcasing their talent and love for the sport. We even had a hole-in-one which was extremely impressive! 

    The friendly competition and supportive atmosphere fostered a great opportunity for networking in an enjoyable setting.

    The Henderson Brown annual golf day was a resounding success. We are immensely grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and supported the event in various ways. 

    Henderson Brown Annual Golf Day

    The job market is constantly evolving, and as a candidate, it’s essential to stay informed and equipped with the right strategies to navigate the landscape successfully. 

    Personal Branding Building Your Professional Identity

    Learn how to define and communicate your unique selling point, optimize your online presence, and create a compelling resume and cover letter. Explore strategies for showcasing your skills, accomplishments, and expertise to capture the attention of employers.

    Mastering the Art of Networking

    Networking remains a crucial aspect of job search and career growth. Explore effective networking strategies both online and offline, such as attending industry events, joining professional associations, and utilizing social media platforms.

    Crafting a Winning Job Application

    A well-crafted job application and CV can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview. Dive into the elements of a strong application, including tailoring your CV to specific roles, writing compelling cover letters which are honest, addressing the criteria and adjusting your CV so that it mentions the necessary skills. 

    Navigating the Interview Process

    Preparing for interviews is key to making a positive impression on potential employers. Discuss strategies for researching companies, anticipating common interview questions, and developing compelling responses. Non-verbal communication, dressing appropriately, and demonstrating your enthusiasm and cultural fit is crucial. 

    Developing In-Demand Skills and Continuous Learning

    In a rapidly changing job market, upskilling and continuous learning are crucial for long-term career growth. Explore ways to identify in-demand skills in your industry, such as through job market research and analyzing job descriptions. Discuss the benefits of online courses, professional certifications, and networking with industry experts.

    Balancing Work-Life Integration and Well-being

    Finding a balance between work and personal life is essential for long-term career satisfaction. Discuss strategies for maintaining work-life integration, setting boundaries, and managing stress. Highlight the importance of prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy mindset throughout the job search and beyond.

    Navigating the job market as a candidate requires strategic planning, self-promotion, and continuous learning. Remember, investing in your professional growth and presenting yourself authentically are key to standing out in the competitive job market.

    Cracking the Code: Unleashing Your Success in the Job Market

    We interviewed John Elliott of Entpack to find out his thoughts on how packaging in the food industry is changing?

    Will reusable packaging options become more prevalent?

    It seems very likely that reusable packaging will become more common. The use of single-use non-recyclable packaging options is in rapid decline: take plastic straws for example.

    We need to clarify the interpretation of single-use. A better term would be single-use widely non-recyclable plastic materials. Not just single use. For example, HDPE milk bottles are single use but successfully recycled and from an environmental perspective better than traditional glass

    It is not just a UK consideration though; it is fast becoming a global issue. The Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi has recently announced India will eliminate all single-use plastic by 2022.

    The biggest drive will be to design packaging and systems that deal with packaging once they are no longer needed; be that recycling or secondary use.

    The focus will be on how to grow the notion of the circular economy of plastic, i.e. how to ensure that plastic is infinitely recycled.

    Will there be an even bigger shift towards using materials which are more readily recyclable?

    We have already seen the development of new materials which are easier to recycle. This refers particularly to materials which have good gas barrier properties. Traditionally, such packaging solutions were made with multi-layer laminated plastic structures which helped to increase a product’s shelf life.

    New recycling technologies are readily being commercialised that will be able to handle laminated materials that in the past were not recyclable.

    Marks and Spencer 7I6A7069

    Will supermarkets revert to the traditional means of displaying and selling food/fresh produce, loose and if so, what impact will that have on manufacturers and producers?

    Retailers have already started to do this and are trying to increase sales of loose fruit and vegetables. Logic suggests that this trend should continue to grow. The reality is, however, that consumers still prefer the convenience of pre-packaged goods; for example, people favour to buy six apples already in packaging, rather than picking up six loose apples and bagging them up themselves. It is the same amount of fresh produce, but convenience seems to always prevail.

    What is more, prewrapped goods give the impression of being more hygienic – fewer people have touched the produce, thus anxieties over cross-contamination are lessened. That being said, you should always wash your fruit and veg, prior to consumption, pre-packaged or not.

    What are the possible alternatives to plastic, particularly single-use?

    Paper packaging seems to be gathering preference over plastic – has great consumer appeal; the perception is that paper or even metal are better environmental alternatives. The truth is, however, that both are processed materials, and both can have negative impacts, and a greater environmental burden plastic.

    Will shifts in packaging strategies have an impact on quality control and preserving goods?

    No, we expect that the quality and shelf life of products to improve upon the current levels, thanks to ongoing improvements in technology, research and development.

    The food retail chain has brought back mesh bags in response to feedback from customers who want eco-friendly, plastic-free ways to carry their produce

    How does society and the media influence packaging trends?

    We would suggest there is a great deal of miseducation being presented about plastics. As a result, the public is being misinformed. The consumers which are privy to ongoing press attention, drive sales which in turn impacts on the packaging solutions required. Retailers and manufacturers, therefore, are having to react to help ensure their consumers that the packaging products they use, are sustainable and responsibly considered. Without such reassurances, the consumers will vote with their feet.

    How will producers continue to imprint their brand on to goods going forward, if loose produce becomes the norm?

    There are a few options out there, such as compostable PLU labels and these are currently used on fruit. Increasing use of technologies most smartphones van read 2D barcodes to direct to a website.

    How innovative have manufacturers and producers become in the wake of the shift in packaging demands?

    Manufacturers have been quick to respond, with the likes of Waitrose switching out black plastics in six months. The problem will not be resolved overnight though as the issue is embedded within the waste collection infrastructure in the UK. New technologies which aid in separating waste products are slowly coming into play, such as Digimarc, which is led by Proctor and Gamble an initiative from Helen Mac Arthur Foundation.

    What timescales are retailers working to?

    The government needs to act and help with the recycling of municipal waste. It is planned that by the end of 2022, there will be a packaging taxation system penalising plastics with less than 30 % (to be agreed.) This could be a big game-changer.

    One of the main issues is that plastic waste has no real value: it is far cheaper to drill for crude oil than it is to recycle used plastic using the processes available today. Legislation could change this.

    Retailers are part of the problem, but they cannot fix it in isolation. A combined effort from all stakeholders (government, retailers, packaging manufacturers, fillers and packers) is required and is in action. We expect that in approximately five years’ time, many changes in relation to packaging will be evident.

    Alas, we foresee that the problem may worsen before it improves. Currently, the UK is exporting 60% of its waste to nations overseas. Some countries have now stopped accepting waste, such as Malaysia. They have gone to such extremes that they have returned waste to Canada and have threatened the UK to do the same.

    Retailers have the ability to react quickly and very often they do so, but their reactions don’t always fix the problem and as said before, acting in isolation is not the way forward.

    Big thanks to John Elliott of Entpack for his industry insight, Henderson Brown has worked closely with John on contract assignments and his business as a packaging industry expert.

    FOOD PACKAGING – Q&A WITH A SPECIALIST

    A number of key industry speakers took to the stage on Tuesday 8th October at the Ricoh Arena for the FPJ live 2019 conference. So what were the main takeaways?

    The B-word, Brexit of course was a major point for discussion. We were also privy to talks on Fresh Produce Brands; the methods and means of producing more fresh produce; sustainability; robotic innovation; health and fresh produce benefits; food waste and climate change.

    Have a read below of our own round-ups of the talks that we attended.

    Kantar

    Joe Shaw Roberts, Insights Director for Kantar discussed sustainability in the produce sector and the ways in which meat consumption is reducing. 81% of those questioned as to why they moved towards a meat-free/reduced diet, cited health reasons as the main motive.

    Joe went on to say that some produce sectors are growing whilst others are not. Products which are going in to plant based meat free meals are rising whilst many other fresh produce items such as broccoli and potatoes are not growing as fast as they usually accompany meat as part of an entire meal.

    Trends are showing that sales of whole head produce are growing faster than pre-prepared produce with a rise in cooking from scratch due. This could be attributed to consumers wanting to reduce their packaging waste or simply because it is cheaper. Consumers are becoming more careful about what they buy and want more lbs for their pounds. That being said, further findings suggest that 44% of shoppers are now more concerned about selections on packaging too.

    Jack Ward (British Growers Association) and Hayley Campbell Gibbons (ADHB).

    In a really interesting talk and one which had everyone fully tuned into. The overarching feeling is that Brexit-systems are not in place and the government is not ready for the 31st of October when it is planned that the UK will leave the EU.

    There simply are no answers at the moment as to what will happen. However, there is optimism that a deal will be in place and that no matter what, the flow of goods will continue. Clarity from the government is fundamental in trying to get this.

    Any perceived threats and opportunities from outside of EU won’t happen day on day one of departure: the 1st November should be the same as 31st October, if not with some port border challenges.

    Going forward, DEFRA budgets will also have a focus on supporting on Automation and crop protection.

    The British Growers association remain ambitious despite the uncertainty. They have continued to grow and will continue to support the industry and growers.

    Avnish Malde (Wealmoor)

    Traditionally, Wealmoor had always been a very private, family-run business. Now though they are more in the public eye and are keen to project their values and ethos to the outside world.

    They believe that the global supply chain is important as they have many relationships worldwide. There is much going on and they are trying to further integrate and invest in their farming operations in five countries.

    Wealmoor is creating more brands, such as Herbfresh and Saxons Asparagus with the view to create a sense of provenance and owning stories about production. In time they think that they can get more brands out there on the global market, but they want to do so, cleverly, whereby the story is central to each.

    They went on to say how sustainability is of paramount importance and they are investing in communities and growers. In the likes of Kenya, they plan to attack the issues of climate change head-on for a more promising future.

    John Gray (Angus Soft Fruits)

    The berry category is booming! There is huge reported growth which is down to three factors within their business:

    1. People
    2. Their strong supply chain
    3. Being adaptable

    There are still opportunities for growth- the market has grown by just under 50% in 5 years. The 4 key berries are still growing but more steadily. John sees premium as a growth area.

    Geographically, Peru is predicted to overtake Chile in terms of the volume of berries produced this year.

    Most interestingly, the producers of British summer fruits, still are competitors but have opted to work together to drive growth.

    In terms of the marketing of products, the trend is to continue with direct contact with consumer through campaigns.

    How does geopolitics affect this sector? Gray suggested that it will be an impact no matter where anyone is in the UK, but suggests to look at it as an opportunity.

    Mark Culley (Orchard Fruit Company). 

    They have seen success after the restructure and renaming to the Orchard Fruit Company. Their focus on an overall capacity allowed them to take cost out and remain competitive. The result: new customers, which are growing in their market space.

    Under the previous name, Orchard World which is a company that has existed for 30 years and in that time frame, they have seen many changes.

    The “pile it high, sell it cheap” mantra of Tesco is now a memory and in that bygone time, you used to have lots of customers, but now all seemed to have merged. Growers have grown bigger which has allowed retailers to go directly to them . The result: retail grower partnerships and investments.

    Therefore it is not necessary for a ‘middle-man’ to connect retailers and growers – this relationship can be direct, hence lowering costs. There are now opportunities in the export market which are ripe for exploration and exports into Asia currently are growing considerably.  Can you get better returns from export? Culley suggested that some of their best return is in the export market.

    Longer-term visions for Orchard Fruit Company include continue to do what they are doing, whilst being innovative. And in terms of predictions, cherries will continue to grow significantly.

    Tom Watson, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party takes to the stage.

    Tom Watson(MP and Deputy Labour Leader)

    Tom Watson was very apologetic for the current Brexit situation and how parliament is dealing with it. He suggested that crashing out of the EU would be a huge political failure and the House of Commons with its complexities makes it very difficult to siphon out plausible solutions. Watson acknowledged how serious the situation is. He went on to say that consumers are not aware of how delicate the situation is for food and in particular produce. His view is that everyone needs to give a little to have continuity.

    He went on to say that he doesn’t think the UK will crash out on 31st of October, but he doesn’t know what the next steps are going to be.

    Overall the deputy leader of the Labour Party, much like everyone else doesn’t know what’s going on!

    Side note, he’s been on a health drive himself which has seen him lose 8 stone over the past few years! He puts it down to changing his eating habits to more fruit and veg!

     

    Vegpower – eat them to defeat them!

    VEGPOWER

    As we all know such a great success story and gave an update on the impact they have had. Eat them to defeat them! campaign was a roaring success. They have compiled a full report which is coming out in October.

    They have devised a 10-year mission, that every child, every single day, should be eating one more portion of veg. There is economic value in this plan: £90m to-fresh produce, potentially.

    To push this plan through, they have got ITV back on board and added Sky and Channel 4 advertising.

    To date, they have raised £850,000 in cash and they obtained £10m worth of free marketing for the campaign. But more needs to be done and that requires further funding.

    Take a look here to find out more: https://vegpower.org.uk/

    Hugh Pile from Blue Skies takes to the stage.

    Hugh Pile (Blue Skies)

    Blue Skies offer a unique offering in the industry, fresh-cut fruit produced at source in their factories. This leads to fresher product and creating jobs at source.

    Pile went on to discuss the methods of recruiting more people into the sector and what moves are needed to get people to join our market. Pile suggested that dipping into brands helps to attract people as it gives a sense of pride and attracts talent in. The key talent market they want to focus on is ‘GenZennials’ who are the generation of people that want to change the world and have a purpose.

     

    Mike Snell - IPL
    Mike Snell from IPL takes to the stage.

    Mike Snell- (IPL)

    It is an interesting time for retail as there is a concerted effort afoot to cut out the middle-man. But how has the model changed?

    Snell looked back to 2004 when IPL was started and to be innovative. It worked well in a monopolistic market, where suppliers are not making enough money and it was very fragmented.

    IPL buy all of Asda produce 1/3 pack 1/3 direct 1/3 sourced.IPL has grown outside of fresh successfully. The model expands cautiously and most appropriate to help Asda do what it wants to do.

    Supermarkets have now been giving longer-term contracts. Snell is a big fan of this notion, in particular those which last 2-3years as it creates stronger partnerships. The downside of longer-term contacts is that the number of people you can work with is reduced, taking massive business off some suppliers.

    Snell was asked, “Would you consider acquiring suppliers?” His answer was, yes, but they would only buy if it added value. Not just to get bigger.

    Price and quality remain the number one priority of consumers and provenance has remained further down the list of what consumers really want.

    Snell went on to say that we should always look to buy products as close to the selling point.

    Sainsbury’s Asda merger: how much of a blow to the Asda side? Snell said that they hadn’t done a great deal of planning for the future but they have improved processes and efficiencies. In effect they trained for a race that they will never run. CMA reasoning behind the block was cost would be higher for consumer. Snell went on to say that he couldn’t figure out why that was a valid reason though and felt it would bring better pricing for customers.

    On the topic of Brexit, IPL has prepared as much as they can. He predicts that the ports will cause problems, but those problems are all dependent on what type of Brexit occurs and what shortages happen off the back of whichever Brexit option materialises. What does a no-deal Brexit mean? As IPL is a budget retailer, the best value on offer has to remain. Furthermore, the reduction in plastics needs to be a consideration as it is the biggest single issue in Produce.

    Snell says that he views the wider retail market as super competitive. Consumers today have the best options available, ever. The retail winner will be the one who provides the best experience not just price and going forward he felt that shopping in ‘bricks and mortar’ stores will continue but in combination with more online activity.

    Guy Singh-Watson during the Life Stories talk and discussing Riverford Organics.

    Guy Singh Watson (Riverford Organics)

    This talk was a great insight into his life and how he has grown Riverford Organics.

    Employee ownership (which stands at 74%) is a key factor in the lifeblood of the organisation as they have a meaningful say over their future.

    A key point he made was that we need to make consumers understand the value of produce, seasonality etc. We should be driving this and not just trying to make money out of it.

    Vernon Mascarenhas (Natures Choice)

    Mascarenhas used this platform to talk about their industrial warehouses and vertical farming.

    Such methods are affordable when products are imported as the product cost comes down.

    Vertical farming is attracting interest from buyers and consumers and it is perceived that products grown in this way will be available from the end of 2020.

    Chris Hutchinson (Spitalfield Markets)

    Big changes are afoot for Spitalfield. Land near Dagenham has been purchased which will be used to become a site for selling meat, fish, fruit and veg. Something the location may be a worry due to logistical issues, but Hutchinson is hugely optimistic for such changes.

    Pierre Koffmann and Simon Martin discussing their brand and their companies.

    Simon Martin and Pierre Koffmanns (Koffmanns/Food Heroes)

    Koffmann was established due to a gap in the market. Chefs wanted to have a hold on the conditioning, quality and taste of produce they were using.

    Koffmann has a pipeline of new brands coming to the market in the next six months, including, sauces.

    In terms of next steps for the business, it is not their intention to look at retail. However, they have had conversations with various retailers as they want a point of difference.

     

    Sally Orange (Sally Orange Charity)

    This was a great talk, discussing fruit costumes running marathons and the mental health benefits which can be obtained from eating fresh produce.

    Minette Batters (NFU)

    Batters suggested that the conflicting messages, consisting of lightweight conversations with no detail, have been offered by the Government about Brexit, which is in its purest form the most extraordinary time of change. If we do leave without a deal the only three product areas without tariff protections are cereals and grains, eggs and horticulture.

    The talk then shifted in the direction of labour for farming and it was suggested that the government is not doing enough to meet the need. At present, workers (particularly those from other European nations) are being affected by the devaluation of the currency and also feel less welcome. Such ideas mean that immigration is at the front of the Brexit debate when the focus should be elsewhere because seasonal workers are not an immigration issue. The bulk of people understand this. But now, it has become political and the House of Commons out of touch with this.

    However, there is a massive possibility for fresh produce revolution as Brexit has opened the eyes of industry members. They now have a closer connection with what people are eating and Brexit will bring about collective support for buying and sales across the industry.

    Trade Deals: the battleground of Brexit. Most countries do not have the same legislation as the UK, that is obvious. Agriculture is a huge part of the US trade deal. However, the EU could put the UK on the waiting list for FTA.

    Batters went on to say that aside from Brexit, there is a massive fruit and veg drive to help bolster good health practises. This is coupled with an Environmental Agenda, particularly with regards to climate change where the net change is hoped to become fully sustainable.

    Plants and growing more of them is an effective method of CO2 removal. Going forward this relates to people wanting to know what their carbon footprint is and how they can take ownership of it to counteract any perpetuated negative impacts.

    Finally, Batters talked about Women in Farming and how there is a drive to encourage more women to get involved in the industry. Batters suggested that more universities are seeing an influx in woman enrolling on courses related to the industry so a follow-through will hopefully occur.

    A great event once again from the team at The Fresh Produce Journal, we look forward to next year!

    FPJ Live 2019

    Organisers say there will be a bumper programme of technical seminars and parallel events at this year’s show

    Preparations for the 2015 edition of Fruit Attraction are well underway and this year’s fair will feature an extensive programme of technical seminars and parallel activities and sector-specific events, according to organisers Ifema and Fepex.

    These include the second edition of Stone Fruit Attraction, which will be held on October 29, and will shine a spotlight on the diversity and variety of Spain’s stonefruit offer that enables the country to be the only Northern Hemisphere country able to supply the market for six months of the year (April to November).

    The seventh edition of Fruit Attarction, which is expected to be the biggest yet, will also host the first congress for kakis, Kaki Attraction, to address the growing prominence of this product in Spain’s fresh produce basket.

    Other highlights include the “Oganic Hub”, a space dedicated to organic fruits and vegetables and a parallel session on the afternoon of 28 October entitle “Markets and marketing of organic fruits and vegetables in Europe”, promoted by F&H, as well as Fruit Retail, an event organised by Alimarket, and the II Forum of Agri-journalists, which will focus on an analysis of the production and marketing of European fresh produce.

    Meanwhile, Fruit Fusion, featuring cooking demonstrations from some of the best chefs in the country, will once again be a key part of the three-day event, as will Pasarela Innova, a space to showcase new varieties, and Foro Innova, an area featuring presentations on the latest developments in the industry.

    Fruit Attraction unveils packed agenda

    New clementine variety ripens three weeks earlier than Clemenules

    Chile has high hopes for a new licensed citrus variety that was recently launched on the global market. Clemenluz, or Andes 1, is an early maturing clementine which resulted from a spontaneous mutation of the Clemenules variety.

    Clemenluz has similar characteristics to Clemenules – being of good quality, intense colour and seedless – but ripens three weeks earlier.

    It has been planted in Chile for a number of years and is now being rolled out commercially in South Africa, Spain, Morocco and Egypt.

    Andes New Varieties Association (ANA), the company that manages the licensing and certification of the variety, said it is also in talks with growers in a number of other countries such as Argentina, the US and Uruguay.

    Chile unveils Clemenluz

    The Great British Tri-Nations Butchers Challenge team are getting ready for this year’s contest. 

    In preparation for the event, which takes place in New Zealand this September, the six-man team has been taking part in intense practice sessions at Leeds City College and at the Scottish Craft Butchers Awards in Perth, Scotland.

    These practice sessions have focused on honing the team’s practical and innovative skills by utilizing an entire lamb and a half side of beef to create a range of products. At the actual event, the team will have to do this, but with a two-hour time limit and in front of a large audience.

    David Lishman, Great Britain captain, said the team was keen to be at its best for the upcoming Challenge. “This year’s British team has massive enthusiasm and top-rate butchery skills. Our practice sessions have demonstrated just what a talented group we have, and boosted our confidence to push the Kiwis and Aussies hard for the title.

    “Our focus so far has been on developing a theme and the various cuts to highlight exactly what we can do. With a side of beef, side of pork and a full lamb carcass, there is a considerable amount of meat to use and display. Small goods and sausage products are also an important element to the competition, enabling us to showcase the wealth of great expertise in the group.” 

    British butchers gear up for Tri-Nations Challenge
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