FEBRUARY 2009 NEWS

Produce World sells British & Brazilian!

Produce World announced yesterday that they are to dispose all interest with British & Brazilian.

AG Thames Holdings a fruit importer and logistics provider are set to retain the British & Brazilian business and deal with the merge as a separate entity.

Produce World are set to use the money to invest in its ‘core business’ to enhance it’s substantially as one of the largest vegetables In the UK. With AG Thames being a big player in the market it is hoped that it will develop more opportunities for the British & Brazilian business.

Masterchef Presenter joins QV Foods

Gregg Wallace presenter and judge of the BBC television cookery game has become the new face of QV Foods.

Gregg Wallace a successfully vegetable grower who supplies many restaurants in London with fresh produce from his farm knows only too well that quality is everything. Wallace is the “new face” of the forthcoming range of Inspire prepared ready-to-cook vegetables.

The range includes Inspire Potato Wedges with Olive Oil and Parsley Dressing, Inspire Peeled Potatoes….plus many more. The full range is due to hit supermarkets shelves this month with Wallace working alongside the QV development teams to create this ‘inspiring’ range. Let’s watch this space…..

Pepsico launches new R&D Centre

PepsiCo has just opened a new Technical Centre of Excellence in Leicester.

This 16m project will house the state-of-the-art sensory laboratory, product development laboratories and production facilities allow the R&D team to make and test prototype ingredients, flavours and products. With a newly hired Chief Scientific Office onboard namely, Mehmood Khan it will bring the business to the next level in there expertise and focus there attention on driving not only products that sell but also that are nutritional.

Waitrose - Britain’s Favourite Shop

For the second year running Waitrose has been voted the Britain’s favourite shop!

‘Which’ magazine gave Waitrose top grades in the following areas, convenience, pleasant store, environment, ; helpful staff and quality products.

Close second was John Lewis, who ironically own Waitrose! John Lewis came top in every sector. Sources claim that this is the fourth year running that the partnership has hit the top spots.

This certainly shows there dedication to customer service and have a clear vision as to where the business is going! Now there’s food for thought……

Fruit Logistica Set To Raise The Roof

With many trade visitors per year from across the globe companies are said to be keen to attend the Asia Fruit Logistica which takes place in September.

Researches from various sources are suggesting that many suppliers are seeing this as good opportunities to try and deal with different products in a difficult market place. This is said to be one of the most mind blowing event with exhibitors from Australia, USA and the Netherlands.

With such a fascinating overview this certainly isn’t one to miss!!