Store cutbacks hit produce quality:Delays and staff cutbacks are lowering fruit standards

摘要

Retailers' cutbacks are impacting on the prompt delivery of British top fruit to supermarket shelves, where displays are also slipping in standard, according to English Apples & Pears chief executive Adrian Barlow, who intends to put these concerns toretailers shortly.He told HW: "The part of the supply chain that is in the hands of the retailers is seeing delays which is having an affect on fruit quality. People think the major multiples work like well-oiled machines but they are cutting back on staff, while those that remain are under a huge amount of pressure, leading also to a lowering of standards of merchandising - there isn't the necessary scrutiny that there was."