Dried Fruits Australia’s Post

As we draw nearer to the #National #CherryIndustryConference2024 in Hobart I thought I would post the video of the initiative and results delivered in partnerships with Cantrill Organics, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Food Agility, Woolworths Group, GS1 Australia and Cherry Growers Australia. It was an amazing group of people who with team FreshChain Systems were able to showcase how a data-standards lead traceability system could transform and future proof the industry and engage consumers in a new way. The outcomes were as follows #property identification using #GLN's in the event of a #biosecuritythreat for quick deployment of Govt resources #instant #trackandtrace (fully upstream and downstream) linking all levels of packaging to support a critical food incident through to the consumer  #Environment and #locationsensors for cold chain management and improvement (#reducewaste) #Certificatedigitisation for quicker online approvals and QC checks #Onpack #consumerengagement to share #stories, #ESG initiatives and #productattributes to encourage fresh food consumption  - #Data sets converted to #insights to improve the offering - #maps, #in-##app use,#freshnessindex, #location #ratings #authenticity #consumerdemographics Thanks to Luke Cantrill, Jessica Fearnley, Noelene De Villiers , Melanie Wishart David Lamb Cherry Growers Australia

Are you passionate about fresh, local food? LocalHarvest Networks is shaking things up in Lethbridge's food scene! We're building a robust farm-to-table distribution network that connects local farmers directly with consumers and restaurants. What's the Problem? The current food system is broken: Long-distance transportation: Food travels vast distances, leading to loss of freshness and a bigger carbon footprint. Limited local options: Finding consistent, reliable sources of local produce can be a challenge. Struggles for small farms: Small-scale farmers face difficulties competing with large agribusiness. Our Solution: A Win-Win for Everyone LocalHarvest Networks offers a direct distribution network with several key features: Digital Marketplace: A user-friendly online platform for farmers to list their offerings and for consumers and restaurants to place orders. Seamless Logistics: We handle the pick-up, packaging, and delivery of fresh produce, straight from farm to your doorstep or restaurant kitchen. Quality & Support: We ensure high quality standards and provide support to farmers, helping them expand their reach and improve production practices. Market Opportunity: The Demand is Growing! Consumers are increasingly health-conscious and want to know where their food comes from. Restaurants are seeking ways to differentiate themselves with fresh, local ingredients. Our market research shows a significant opportunity in Lethbridge for both consumers and restaurants eager to join the LocalHarvest Networks community. Join the Movement Towards a Sustainable Future LocalHarvest Networks is more than just a business. We're passionate about creating a more resilient and healthy food system. By supporting local farmers, we boost the local economy and environment, while providing everyone with access to fresher, healthier food options. Ready to get involved? Consumers: Follow us for updates on how to sign up for our marketplace! Visit our website: www.freshlinkfarms.ca Restaurants: Interested in sourcing local ingredients? Get in touch! Farmers: Want to expand your reach and connect directly with consumers? We'd love to hear from you! Together, let's build a better food future for Lethbridge!

Data has revealed the UK’s best farmers markets based on how often they occur each month, how long the markets last, number of trade stalls and online ratings. Farmers markets in Winchester, Taunton, Edinburgh and Blackheath have come out on top in research carried out by food experts. So, where in the UK can you find the best farmers markets? Recipe box provider, HelloFresh, have revealed the best of the best by analysing how often they occur, how long they last, the number of traders/producers, and online ratings. ttps://https://lnkd.in/eT_BdJxu

🌱 50% of “Open Omnivores” & Flexitarians bought a plant-based product in the last 6 months* 🤩 *This is the latest stat from Plant Futures & Vypr who asked about consumer buying behaviours. Based on plant based meat and dairy alternatives, this is only one piece of the puzzle. But it shows that people ARE curious. So what’s holding them back? ❌ Poor experience 😢 Products that don’t delivery the taste, texture or enjoyment of their counterpart. ❌ Cost 💰 Plant based alternatives are more expensive (for a number of reasons). ❌ Plant Based = Perceived UPF 🧪 The latest media push is categorising all plant based into the ultra processed bracket, when this isn’t the case… ❌ Lack of knowledge / misinformation 🧠 Environmental claims are always knocked back, but the data doesn’t lie, plant based food = better for the planet (and the animals of course). There is however a whole sector which regardless of diet preference, everyone should be consuming. Whole foods 🥬 Vegetables 🌽 Fruit 🍇 Grains 🍚 And this is what round 3 of Plant Futures is focusing on. We want to bring the community together to deep dive into the problems we all face as brands. And to come up with a road map of tangible solutions👌🏻 When I had Mitch’s Kitchen, our focus was on making meals with whole food plant based ingredients. To fuel the “Fast Paced Plant Based generation™️” I’m excited to get stuck into this third installment, once again hosted by the very fitting allplants | B Corp™ who have smashed it in this space. Taking place Friday 28th June we already have these awesome brands on board including: Wholesome Heroes 🦸 Bold Bean Co 🫘 Better Nature Tempeh🌟 The Compleat Food Group 🥒 fiid | Certified B Corp 🥘 Citizens of Soil | B Corp 🫒 Gosh! Food 🥙 Clearspring 🍜 Biff's 🍗 Contract catering providers like: Compass Group UK & Ireland And retailers including: Tesco Asda Sainsbury's Waitrose & Partners We’re looking for more people to get involved! So if you’re passionate about all things whole foods. If you want to help put the plants back in plant based & grow the category as a combined effort - then drop me, Simon Day or Indy Kaur a message for more info. Who else should be part of this conversation? #plantfutures #plantbased #wholefoods #healthy

#Topics Ida uses AI to prevent grocery food waste [ad_1] Ida is a relatively new French startup that wants to work with supermarkets and grocery stores to optimize new orders of fresh products, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish. The startup recently raised a $2.9 million (€2.7 million) seed round from Frst, Daphni, Motier Ventures and Kima Ventures. Right now, grocery stores mostly rely on order sheets with a large number of columns that represent the reordering schedule. These error-prone tables lead to both food waste and shortages. Supermarkets are either losing money or leaving potential revenue on the table. “The person in charge or vegetables will take these sheets of paper and a pen. They’ll then go through the stock line by line, reference by reference. Then they’ll do some guess work and say: ‘Ok, right now, I’ve got a good feeling about eggplants. The weather’s pretty nice today, so let’s go for four crates of two kilograms of eggplants,’” co-founder and CEO Mateo Beacco told me. Of course, it isn’t 100% guesswork as experienced people will look at past years to find some trends to guess if it’s time to order more strawberries. But there’s been more turnover in these jobs in recent years. Even for people who have been working in the same...

🚀 "The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight 🏀 This quote really resonates with me, especially in the fresh produce and supply chain industry. My dad was a huge Bobby Knight fan so growing up he was part of it. 🌱🍎 In our field, success doesn't just come from wanting to deliver the best fruits and vegetables to our customers. It comes from the meticulous preparation and hard work that goes on behind the scenes. From sourcing the finest produce, ensuring optimal storage and transport conditions, to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety—every step requires dedication and a relentless drive to excel. 🥇 💪 Here’s how we’re preparing to win every day: Strategic Planning: We continuously refine our sourcing strategies to partner with the best growers and suppliers. Innovative Solutions: Leveraging technology to optimize our supply chain and reduce waste. Quality Control: Implementing rigorous quality checks to ensure only the best produce reaches our customers. Team Training: Investing in our team's development to enhance efficiency and service. Let's remember that it’s the preparation, the behind-the-scenes effort, that sets our industry apart and paves the way for success. 🌟 Keep pushing, keep preparing, and together, we’ll achieve greatness in the fresh produce industry! 🍇🥦 #MotivationWednesday #SupplyChainExcellence #FreshProduce #PreparationToWin #Teamwork #Innovation #QualityFirst #produceindustry #producelife #eatfresh #freshproduce #wholesaledistribution #eatyourveggies #freshfood #organics #retailindustry #grocerystores #fruitsandvegetables #thankafarmer #rosstheproduceboss #organics #distribution #food #produce #fruits #veggies #lovewhatyoudo #freshfruits #freshvegetables #eathealthy #groceryretail #foodbusiness

Interesting reading on the necessity of reducing production costs, and achieving price parity.

It is fantastic to witness that Sizewell C aims to locally source 80% of the food for its workforce, creating significant opportunities for regional food producers. This initiative involves a substantial investment, with approximately 7,900 workers at peak construction and an estimated £60 million in cumulative food and product value over 12 years. The catering commitments include using local produce, offering varied and affordable meals, and minimising food waste through local engagement, reducing single-use plastics. This focus on local sourcing supports the regional economy, potentially spending at least £125 million annually in the community during construction, and reinforces Sizewell C's commitment to economic growth in Suffolk. The initiative to source 80% of food locally will support local region in several ways: 1. Economic Growth The estimated £60 million investment in local food and products over 12 years represents a major economic boost for the local community. By spending on locally sourced products, Sizewell C is directly injecting funds into the regional economy, fostering economic development. 2. Development of Supply Chains Local suppliers will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen their supply chains. This can lead to more efficient operations, improved product quality, and the ability to meet higher standards and certifications required by Sizewell C. 3. Sustainability and Reduced Food Miles By sourcing food within a 75-mile radius, the initiative reduces transportation costs and food miles, contributing to environmental sustainability. This practice not only supports local farmers but also aligns with broader environmental goals. 4. Community Engagement and Social Benefits The initiative includes a socially and environmentally focused food waste policy, engaging local food sharing schemes, charities, shelters, and food banks. This ensures that surplus food benefits the local community, further enhancing social cohesion and support networks. 5. Promotion of Local Produce By prioritising local produce, the initiative promotes regional agricultural products, enhancing their visibility and reputation. This can lead to long-term benefits for local agriculture and related industries. Find out more via: https://lnkd.in/eYGJy3V4 Overall, Sizewell C's commitment to locally sourced food not only supports regional food suppliers but also contributes to the broader economic, social, and environmental well-being of the local community. To gain insight on how your business can get involved, do not hesitate to contact the Sizewell C Supply Chain team via: sizewellcinfo@suffolkchamber.co.uk.

Last week’s top food innovation news 📰🫧 poppi faces a $5m class action lawsuit in California over its "prebiotic" claims. Bored Cow's precision fermentation dairy products debut in 2k Albertsons stores nationwide. Nestlé launches Vital Pursuit, a new brand for GLP-1 drug users, featuring frozen meals available by October. Retailers shift back to offering discounts as consumers become more selective post-pandemic. Land grabs and carbon offset schemes are doubling global land prices, threatening farmers and food production. A new H5N1 bird flu case in Michigan highlights a dangerous escalation in the bird flu situation. Restaurant groups operating multiple eateries in one market are effectively becoming new chains. Mayor Adams' crackdown on illegal mopeds negatively impacts immigrant food-delivery workers in NYC. The Future Market imagines a future where GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic are affordable and widely accessible. #foodtech #foodstartups #foodbiz  #agrifoodtech  #poppilawsuit #precisionfermentation #groceryinflation

We (New Food Innovation) have a report out this week on the challenge of achieving price parity on plant based meat. In advance of that publication, here is a blog post on the same subject. Without achieving price parity, plant based meat has no chance of making significant inroads into meat. The market does not need any more niche, premium options. If plant based burgers were the cheaper options already, right now would be their time to shine. As it is, they are playing catch up. This is just an overview. The report will outline several strategies to help developers reach price parity. Drop me a note if you want an early copy. https://lnkd.in/dq4ZsJjU