Latest news
01.09.2010
Temporary break in supply of Lizard Leaf...
Message from Pete at the Lizard Leaf company: From this weekend there will be limited availability of the mixed babyleaf salad bags from The Lizard Leaf Company for approx 10 days. This is due to the increased volume of sales during the August holiday period which have used up everything that is ready for harvest at present ahead of schedule. Production is planned for September and October and sowings have been made to cover this period however there will be a temporary break in supply while we wait for our next patch of leaves to be ready for harvest, thanks to all our customers for their continued support.
10.08.2010
Commodity prices soar as spectre of food inflation is back…
The spectre of food inflation is back report The Guardian on Saturday the 7th of August. Two years ago the world was gripped by the prospect of supplies running low, thanks to a combination of rocketing demand from emerging countries and tightening supply as farmers turned wheat fields over to biofuels.Wheat prices, which are up 40% over the last month, reached a two-year high as concerns about a drought in Russia and rotting stocks of grain in India exercised markets in London and Chicago. Claims that a major crop failure in Australia, following an invasion of locusts and a wet summer in Canada, could lead to a worldwide shortage, have pushed up prices in recent weeks to levels not seen since 2008.
The rise in futures contract prices traded on the major markets also follows a United Nations report in June that warned food prices could rise as much as 40% over the coming decade, amid growing demand from emerging markets and for biofuel production. Strong growth in China, India and the rest of Asia, coupled with a stable outlook for Europe, has encouraged demand for commodities.
Other categories experiencing rapid price inflation are Milk and Dairy; with Bacon up 65% in the last 12 months due to meat products price relationship with grain feed pricing, and Butter up 30% in the last 12 months. Coffee has gone up 10% in one month as global reserves decline following poor harvests, Sugar has gone up 9% in the last month and Cocoa has increased by 150% in the last two and a half years, again due to declining stocks and the impact of disease.Menu planning and pricing will need to reflect these pressures, as inflation and market prices inevitably filter their way down the supply chain.
19.06.2010
Product Info: Chipping potato
Much of the old season potato is now being cleared, leaving only the very big sources available. Chipping potatoes will, over the next 2 to 3 weeks be more expensive and more difficult to source. We are expecting new season ( eg.Maris Peer) to be at a reasonable size and suitable sugar content level in less than a month.
For the next couple of weeks we will have a limited amount of English Markies and Cyprus Spunta available, both very good varieties for chipping/wedges.
19.06.2010
Product Info: Cornish lettuce
We are currently experiencing an influx of Cornish iceberg, lollo and oakleaf lettuce. It has had a very productive growing spell and with the majority of eateries prefering baby leaf, sales of whole lettuce is slower than in previous years. This will create some very good value lettuce on the market, having said we still encourage the use of Lizard Leaves field grown baby leaf as the quality and taste is far superior to any other salad we have sourced.
19.06.2010
Product Info: Peeled Garlic
We are at that time of year where we have to take a break from pre peeled garlic, it will be a couple of weeks until new crop is usable.
14.05.2010
BRC Grade A pass for Food Safety...
We are delighted to have passed our annual food safety audit with the highest level Grade A award. This ongoing investment in quality ensures our customers have certification and traceability for all the fresh produce, dry goods and dairy products we store and deliver. The importance of implementing these systems and using suppliers with accreditation continues to be promoted by the FSA. The new Scores on the Doors rating systems for food businesses will give the public and critically customers the ability to view and measure businesses on their food safety systems and the suppliers they use. Please contact the office if you would like a copy of the certificate.
30.04.2010
Weekly Newsletter...
At the markets…Tomatoes – English Longdon Hill Nursery tomatoes are now in stock – market leading varieties include yellow and red cherry, cocktail, on the vine and standard salad tomatoesThai Products – Imported lines are all suffering from disruptions to supply - initially due to the flight disruptions and now compounded by civil unrestApples – new season Chilean and Brazilian are now in stock – eating very well – crisp and freshAsparagus – English now in stock, with varieties from Wye Valley and Evesham, but local Cornish is still yet to come throughMicro-cresses - new lines are available in this great range such as lemon balm and samphireSalad Leaves – English Lollo Biondo & Rosso, Oakleaf, Endive, Cos, Iceberg all now available – Spanish quality much better and prices have eased right back down with supply exceeding demandBaby Veg – problems with heavy rain inSouth Africa have led to shortages in supply which remain an issue – French are filling the gap but demand is outstripping supply so prices are highRed Rooster Potatoes – we now stock this extremely versatile potato, it can be used for chipping, mashing, boiling, baking, and roasting Local Produce…Cauli -Cornish cauliflower continue to be plentiful and are a great value optionRhubarb -Nice local rhubarb is available alongside the regular English stock which is ensuring it is good value at the market Ware Potatoes -Remain good value with plenty of choice – local Cornish potatoes start at £2.00 for 25kgCornish Vegetables – We recommend spring green cabbage, purple sprouting and leek for value and seasonalityCornish New Potatoes – some growers picked too early in an attempt to be first to the market, but quality is improving now – also very good Majorcan new potatoes availableEnglish Strawberries – high quality English Haygrove now in stock, as well as Dutch and Spanish offering a choice in price and qualityLizard Leaves…This market leading local baby leaf is back in stock and the quality speaks for itself.We highly recommend this great product.
27.04.2010
Product Info: Lizard Leaves
We were very pleased to receive the first picking of Baby Mixed Leaves from the Lizard Leaf company yesterday. Stock is very limited to start. The early mix contains Peatips, Green and Ruby Mustard Frills, Mizuna, Russian Kale, Batavia, Purple Tatsoi, Green Pakchoi, Greek Cress and Baby Spinach. At just a slight glance the colour and quality stands out, the leaves are sure to compliment any quality dish. Available in 300gm catering size bags.
