Jooste: Pressure is on, and savvy supermarkets are pivoting to meet economic challenges
Since the fall of 2021, the food chain has seen rising costs due to several factors, starting with logistical disruptions and speculation caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, followed by a post-COVID scarcity of human resources, and recently the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Subsequent sanctions against Russia drove up energy prices and heavily affected […]
From fresh produce to environmental conservation
Sustainability comes in many shapes, sizes, colors, dimensions and impact zones. For me, the secret of starting a new sustainability project always depends on three things: inspiration, commitment and collaboration. Here is how these three factors recently came together in a life-changing sustainability project. In June 2021, after working in the global fresh produce industry […]
Borough Market embraces sustainability as it grows in 2023
The iconic Borough Market is putting a strong emphasis on sustainability as it heads further into 2023, launching a number of new plans and welcoming in forward-thinking traders that address the environment within and beyond its footprint in London. “With more than 25 million people a year visiting more than 100 specialist traders, we need […]
UK set to eliminate all single-use, disposable plastics
Britain’s Environment Secretary, Therese Coffey, is set to announce that disposable plastics such as plates, trays, cups and cutlery will be banned by the end of the year in order to protect wildlife and future generations in England. The new ban will be set in place in October 2023, starting with restaurants, cafes and takeaways […]
Can Defra’s new schemes that aim to ‘save the planet’ really help farmers rebound?
UK farmers who have been battered by a range of challenges that include labour shortages and rising costs will be getting at least some relief from the government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) plan, according to Defra. Defra announced on Thursday it will offer farms up to £1,000 extra in grants provided they can be both […]
Sustainability: Tapping into the wings of goodness through ‘awareness, care and respect.’
Recently, I had to present a guest lecture on sustainability to social entrepreneurs who are attending a college-based adult education program. I am soon turning 65, so I asked myself how relevant my grey-haired experience would be to the lives and business environment of this age group (mostly 25-35), especially on a topic they care […]
Freshfel launching Environmental Footprint methodology for fruits and vegetables
Freshfel Europe is developing what it calls a “a state-of-the-art, standardized methodology” in hopes of improving sustainability across the fresh produce industry. Under its Freshfel Environmental Footprint Initiative, the group and its members plan to launch the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for fruit and vegetables. The goal is that more transparency, better communication […]
Westfalia Fruit growing avocados on Portugal reserve using ‘minimal’ water
In a one-of-a-kind ‘farming with nature’ initiative, multinational supplier Westfalia Fruit Group has successfully launched and is maintaining a highly sustainable avocado orchard on protected land in the Alcácer do Sal region of Portugal. Within a Site of Community Importance and under regulations from the Portuguese government and European Union law, it is currently growing […]
