Winter 2012
I am writing this on the 11/11/11, a very significant date around the world and one that would have been unimaginable to those present on that first Armistice Day. What would they have thought about recent events and the world today?
For example, who in FIFA decided that poppies were inappropriate to be worn on the England Football strip? Will the camping protestors outside St. Paul’s achieve anything positive, has Iran now got a nuclear capability, what is happening inside the Eurozone, who can help but marvel at the functioning of the ipad? More tellingly, the world is still littered with violence, wars, civil unrest and intolerance, religious or political and 7 billion people now struggle to exist on this planet; is this what the battles in the trenches were all about? Or, do we see it all through pink glasses as in Downton Abbey?
But enough, I write this seven weeks before Christmas and hope that both the weather and footfall are positive in your arena. I continue to get reports from around the world, some good like Apricots and Almonds, some poor like Pecans and all reporting that world demand continues to push up costs.
As regards new products, I did not realise that Pork scratching could be posh, but ours are, and a new Gordon Rhodes range will be soon in stock as well as The Food Doctor range and Equal Exchange, all organic, fair-trade, probably all singing and dancing range of peanut butters will be gracing our warehouse shelves.
You may be aware that Duncan is now buying all our nuts and dried fruits, as well as working closely with a new local confectionery company. I am merely advising, but he has had to contend with a raft of record prices, like Brazils, Walnuts, Pecans and Vine Fruits and our stock figures reflect this, often doubling our need for cash. We hedge currency, spread deliveries and I suspect that you all have the same pressures on space and finance. I mention this only to emphasize that we understand a common predicament that we share.
Talking of modern trading, I continue to see and be impressed by the sheer range of outlets, products, marketing, design and personalities that I call on across the UK. No two shelves are identical, but enthusiasm is the common core and I salute you all.
Our new link with the local confectionery company will soon produce for us a new range of quality chocolate products, which I do hope will soon grace all your shelves.
Final things to consider – a Greek alliance government, Mr Berlusconi has stepped down, poppies in the field of dreams that is Wembley; maybe there is hope for mankind!
As always, my best wishes to you all and Happy New Year!
David Hider
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