We've got the last-link blues

摘要

Processors are wary of pressing retailers for a better deal, so it looks as if pig producers will have to try for them... NPA's Acid Test initiative, which has the support of government, continues to make progress, as producers, processors, foodservice, and even retailers, open their doors for constructive whole-chain talks. But it is going to be a long slog. Several areas of common ground are being discovered. The key will be whether these can be turned into solid agreements that will satisfy retailers' requirement for security of supply and at the same time put UK producers and processors on a more sustainable footing. Milestones so far have included a call from a leading retailer for more copies of Acid Test... 'because we want to consider the Retailer Manifesto in detail', and a call from one of the world's most prestigious food service companies, for extra copies of the report to distribute round its managers.