Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (11/08/04)
Greengrocers, butchers & bakers disappear from the high street
A study which has analysed the changing composition of companies in telephone directories between 1992 and 2002 has shown a dramatic decline in the number of greengrocers, butchers, and bakers. The Yellow Pages Alternative Census reveals that eight out of ten of the sharpest declines are in industries associated with the high street or the countryside. Greengrocers declined most, having 59% fewer entries. They were followed by butchers, down 40%, and bakers, down 20%. However, farm shops, a new category to emerge, were up 623% over the ten years. Source: Yell press release.
Consumers hungrier for info on meat origin
The origin of meat served in restaurants is increasing in importance to consumers, says research conducted by NOP World for the Meat & Livestock Commission. The survey found 61% of consumers said it was important to know where meat eaten outside the home comes from, compared with 55% in the past two years. Source: The Grocer, July 2004.
Calls for clearer labelling of watered down pork
The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) has called for clearer labelling of water-injected fresh pork, following the discovery of pork with added water, sold alongside unadulterated meat, but often at a premium price. The TSI is pressing the Food Standards Agency to intervene to make sure consumers are aware that they are paying for water. Source: Farmers Guardian.
Booths launch 'Festival of Northern Food'
Booths' supermarket chain recently launched its Festival of Northern Food in 14 of its stores which will run throughout the summer. The event sees promotion of over 100 local specialities of the North West. Lincoln Clarke, Booths' marketing director, said 'We're hoping it will bring people closer to the wonderful food and drink available from Northern producers'. Source: Farmers Guardian.
Somerset Centre for Local Food
A feasibility study is being undertaken by Somerset Food Links for a centre for local food on a National Trust estate at Barrington Court in Somerset with funding from the county council. The centre would assist fledgling food enterprises, as well as running a demonstration garden, catering kitchen, and local food shop and cafe. Source: Farmers Guardian.
PGI status for Scotch Lamb
Quality Meat Scotland has been officially informed of the Product of Geographical Indication (PGI) definition of Scotch Lamb, following closely behind Scotch Beef. Other recent products given PGI status by the EC includes six types of Portuguese cooked sausages. The list of European protected food names now numbers around 650. Source: AgraEurope.
EVENTS
13/14 August, Shrewsbury Flower Show
This year will see an unusual world record attempt when a group of potato enthusiasts will try to gain a Guinness World Record for the largest number of different varieties on view. No fewer than 600 types of spud will be on display in the main Quarry Marquee by the Three Countries Potatoes group. The group will be seeking to beat its own record of 525 varieties on display, which it achieved at the Royal Horticultural Society autumn show four years ago.
10 September, Local & Sustainable Products in Yorkshire and Humber, York
A half day event in the afternoon of the 10th September 2004 at York Museum to further develop and identify an opportunity of including 'local' and 'sustainability' within the day to day roles of decision makers and actors working within the local product sector. The event will include a number of speakers and workshops covering regional issues, results of research, and practical examples. Contact: Caroline Welbourn, 0113 246 9222 or caroline.welbourn@countryside.gov.uk.
25 September, 9.30am-1.30pm, Brighton and Hove Local Produce Festival
Hosted by St. Luke’s Junior School, Brighton, the festival will celebrate British Food Fortnight and Harvest Festival and include delicious produce stalls and fun foody activities in celebration of local food. For more information call 01273 234 833.
October, Devon Celebration of Food
Various events throughout October organised by producers that reflect the quality and variety of products from Devon. See: www.devoncelebrationoffood.co.uk.
