Positive outlook for food in 2012
With some of the doom and gloom we again here in the press, it is interesting that we have definitely still got a glass half full perspective.
As always at times like these, there are differing positions but
we can only judge the situation on what we see and the facts we see
in our trading.
With the notable exception of Tesco - all retailers had reasonably
positive trading in the run up to Christmas with like for like
sales increasing. Waitrose enjoyed good growth and Marks and
Spencer overall sales were supported by their food sales.
Most of our retail, foodservice and manufacturing clients are
positive about 2012 - recognising there is still a need for
talent. In fact, the first couple of weeks in the New Year
have seen an increase in recruitment briefs into the business
against last year.
The vast majority of clients are telling us there is a need for
real talent to support their plans for this year. So whilst the
Public sector in particular takes a pounding with increases in
unemployment, we predict the food and drink sectors will increase
employee numbers this year.
Stephen Jones
Director of Focus Management Consultants Ltd
Retailers Introduce Red Sprouts For Christmas
First we had multi-colour carrots - red, yellow, white, purple (plus the standard orange) - and now red sprouts? Where will it end?!
The sprout is a widely accepted AND rejected vegetable in many households. Some love the taste of a sprout and couldn't imagine a Christmas dinner without it, whilst others will do everything in their power to avoid it.
For those who enjoy a sprout or two (and perhaps those who don't, but are likely to see sprouts on their table this Christmas regardless), should they be green, or is a 'festive red' sprout a welcomed twist or a traditional vegetable?
Please have a read of the article below taken from the FDiN website and let us know your thoughts!
The Co-operative, Asda an Marks and Spencer have all announced plans to launch festive Red Sprouts in time for the festive season.
The new variety of sprouts will add
colour to the traditional British Christmas dinner plate, which is
used to seeing green sprouts on plate - and aims to encourage
shoppers to stick with the veg - known for being the least favoured
part of a Christmas dinner.
The new Red Sprouts have the same
taste as their conventional counterparts.
The red sprout stalks - which are rich in vitamin C - will be
harvested by hand in the run up to Christmas, and will be introduced into stores nationwide.
The sprouts are sold on a central stalk rather than loose which
helps the sprouts stay fresh, and means they can be stored in the
fridge for over a week.
Siobhan Thornbury, vegetable buyer for The Co-operative,
commented:
Red Sprouts have the same taste as their conventional
counterparts
"We're really excited to be stocking these quirky sprouts this
Christmas, which are similar in colour to red cabbage. Sprouts are
very versatile and can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried or roasted,
but my tip is to pan-fry the sliced red sprouts with butter,
pancetta and black pepper for a posh twist to your Christmas
dinner."
Dr Simon Coupe, an agronomist at M&S said:
"We've been working with our sprout producers for over 30 years
and are really excited to be offering customers these striking red
sprouts.
"They keep their vivid colour after cooking, so will be a great
addition to the dinner plate."
Asda was first retailer to announce it's plans to stock the red
sprouts commercially following trials in Cambridgeshire, where they
are grown.
Asda produce buying manager Anne Spencer said:
"Sprouts are as traditional as Father Christmas and we sell
millions of them every year.
"Whether you love them or hate them, they are one of the
healthiest vegetables around so, for those who aren't so keen, we
hope this exciting new variety, with its sweeter flavour, will
encourage people to make them a festive favourite."
New roles in 4 countries, Virgin are the best trains, and Focus Management are number 1 in Google...
After a very rewarding trip to Anuga with job briefs being taken from 4 countries - it does make you realise what a small world it is.
Last week I travelled from Belgium to Germany to France to the UK. What was noticeable, apart from the competence of all train companies (well done Virgin, you held your own against all of them!), was the fact that in every country Focus Management held the top spot in Google results page for the key search terms. It's a good job really, as we have so many jobs in each country!
I have recently arrived in the USA, and am eager to see what's over here!
Stephen Jones
Ps anyone want tax free buying, technical or operations roles?

To wear a tie or not?
Now I'm no expert on such matters, but it does seem a bit confusing the tie thing. I know the fashion conscious are again tied up with small knots, tight trousers and 1980s hair.
If the train from Frankfurt to Cologne is anything to go by they
are back... but most of the hair styles are comb-overs or grey.
It's a judgement call just like when we are all faced with the
casual day - is that jeans or slacks... whatever they are.
I thought we had ditched the tie a few years ago, but seemingly
they and the suit are back. My advice? Wear them. As my Mum always
tells me, it's always better to be smart than scruffy - a mantra
I've struggled for years to live up to. However, if going for an
interview for a job, I think it is still the safe bet.
What are The Kiwi's treats?
Watching my beloved Wales beat a very good Irish team last weekend, my mind wandered to what New Zealand treats they might enjoy.
Clearly they are too sensible to do the English thing and go for the blonde or the pint, but I am perplexed what Kiwi foodie treats they might find... Lamb? Yeah right - thanks but I think our salt marsh lamb is probably better. Butter? - Think we got that one sorted as well. Kiwi fruit? That's original!
Seriously, what is the quintessential Kiwi food? Maybe the fact they haven't got one is why the New Zealand rugby team are so mean!
Stephen Jones
What recession?
Brussels may well be full of Euro MPs worrying over Greek debt,
but the Eurostar from London to Brussels was full of Marks and
Spencer customers by the look of their bags. Interesting,
that even in these times of debt and worry, a fondant
fancy still hits the mark. Indeed, on the way to the
station Jane Asher was talking about the increase in home baking,
which is spot on for some of our clients. So London, Brussels
and now Cologne for Anuga, and back to London tonight - might fancy
a fondant fancy myself by then!
I will keep you posted about Anuga - we have several client
meetings and a number of IFR-A initiatives to get through... it
will be a long but productive day. What is apparent already
is there doesn't seemto be much talk about recession here -
everyone is talking positively about business - after all, we all
have room and a Euro or two for the strawberry, lemon or chocolate
mouth-full... And that's the thing all of us in the food industry
need to keep in mind.
Stephen Jones
My take on the food industry
Stephen Jones, Director of Focus Management Consultants discusses his take on the economic climate in relation to the food and drink industry.
Food Jobs in Kuwait
I have had a really exciting dialogue with a new client that is doubling in size every year, and this year has grown at 140% already - amazing! They operate out of Kuwait and I am looking forward to visiting this fascinating country to discover more and learn about the career opportunities on offer.
Specifically we are looking for purchasing
professionals, but also NPD and
technical specialists, who want to work in the
retail focused operation. I believe these positions will deliver
great career progression and offer an excellent quality of life and
challenge - not to mention a tax free salary.
We have opportunities in Kuwait and Dubai and would be interested
in talking to you about either. We are open to applications of
relevant candidates from anywhere in the world. If this is of
interest, please contact Stephen Jones stephen.jones@fmcl.co.uk
or Sally Galloway sally.galloway@fmcl.co.uk.
Click here for more information on food jobs in Kuwait.
Less packaging, but it goes in the bin?
The Tesco store round the corner from my house has just started stocking 'milk bags'. I know Waitrose have trialled these last year and Sainsbury's were the first in the UK to introduce the milk bag and jug concept back in 2008.
The concept has actually been used in Germany for a number of years. Quite surprising it's taken some time to come over to the UK, but I guess that comes from differences in cultures and buying styles, but also as I expect the shift in packaging has required significant investments from milk producers/bottlers, who will have had to invest in new machinery and new materials.
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It's not only Germany who has adopted this concept. A list of
countries who have been using milk bags include Argentina, Bolivia,
Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Nicaragua, Honduras, China, Colombia,
Estonia, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, Montenegro, Poland, South
Africa and Uruguay.
I think the idea is good, and at the introductory price I guess
it's a bit of a bargain, and you get the added feel good factor
that you are somewhere along the line helping the environment. Is
slightly odd though, as where I live we are able to recycle plastic
milk bottles, however you can't recycle plastic bags - so in theory
the packaging has been reduced but now goes in the bin instead of
all in the recycling? I guess there must be some logic somewhere
along the line.
If we compare this to Kenco, who introduced their low packaging
coffee bags a few years ago. I personally think this is a great
idea, however it puts me off buying it when you pay more for a bag
of coffee that you do for a larger amount of coffee in a glass jar.
Whilst the goal is to reduce packaging, surely some of the cost
savings should be passed on to the consumer? As many still feel the
pinch from the 'credit crunch' and from Government cut backs, how
can they be expected to pay out extra for a low packaging
product?
Deborah Meaden's six job seeking tips
As the government continues to make savings across public sector employment, thousands of ex-public sector people become job seekers.
The government is hoping that a boom in the private sector that
will employ many of the staff previously working in the public
sector, but is that the only issue? Are people who have previously
worked in the public sector ready for a jump to private
sector?
Deborah Meaden, entrepreneur and Dragon's Den star, is one of the
business people helping ex-public sector employees find employment
in the private sector.
Tip #1: DON'T DELAY
Following redundancy, many people will tend to delay job
hunting, wallowing on the past. This should be avoided - it is bad
for you and is bad for your CV.
Be proactive, plan ahead, and get moving.
Tip #2: TAILOR YOUR EFFORTS
Invest time and effort into your CV. It might be a while since
you last used it - you may not even have a CV, but it needs every
ounce of your effort. If your CV isn't perfect, you're giving
yourself a disadvantage from the off.
Realise that you are applying for jobs in the private sector now,
and tailor your CV for that sector.
Don't dwell on the past, don't dwell on the public sector. Revamp
your CV, apply your skills and illustrate how you can apply them to
the private sector too, and you'll stand a much better chance of
getting an interview.
Tip #3: BE FLEXIBLE
Your first job in the private sector might not be your dream
job. It takes time to find the right job, and to move into a
position, which is ideal for you. Your first role might not be
perfect, but get used to this as if you manage to secure a private
sector job, you'll be a lot better off than many who still won't
have any employment or income.
Getting straight into a new job, even if it's not ideal, prevents
you from getting stuck into a routine of not working - which can
have disastrous affects for any future employment.
Any form of work looks better than no work - and employers will
recognise this and will see your desire to work and your ability to
be flexible.
Tip #4: GET TALKING
Talking, networking - call it what you will but you'll be
surprised at how many people secure new roles and opportunities
through networking with peers, friends, and colleagues.
Don't be afraid to recognise your strengths - if you're good at
something, tell people that you are - be careful not to be arrogant
about it though. Just be aware of your strengths and if you see an
opportunity where you can add value through your skills, don't
hesitate to put your name forward.
Tip #5: ATTITUDE MATTERS MORE THAN AGE
Ensure your attitude gives off the correct image - you're a passionate individual, who wants to continue their career into the future. You want an opportunity with career prospects that will allow you to progress. You don't want a job that will see you through the next year until you can retire - employers will not be attracted to job seekers who exhibit this attitude.
Tip #6: RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
So you've been made redundant. If ever there was cause to take a deep breath and throw everything you've got at getting a new job, it was that. You never know, it might be the lucky break you were looking for, and being made redundant could be the best thing that ever happened to you.
You've got nothing to loose, so give it your all.

