Only a few years ago, stories about Whole Foods Market became famous for their poetic quality, as journalists waxed lyrical about how the fresh, organic fruit in their stores was proof that you could be a successful business while remaining environmentally friendly. Last year, however, sustained questioning by consumers and regulators alike saw the shine come off the company’s glossy image.
It’s last orders at the bar in a certain vegan pub in a certain British city, and my friend Daisy checks casually, ‘Do you need to get any food in? We could do with a bit of veg…’
How can we stop the juggernauts of so-called progress from sweeping away every bit of individualism and community that well-run high streets bring us? John Bird wants to give you his card
A private member's bill that would see supermarkets and other retailers forced to take responsibility for the packaging on their goods has been debated in the Commons.
Confused when shopping? Wondering if, when you go into the nation’s favourite supermarket, you’re getting the maximum green bang for your buck? Andrew Simms’ latest book, Tescopoly, is a forensic investigation of all things Tesco – including the chain’s green and ethical credentials. Forget the hype, he says, Tesco’s most recent charm offensive, the Good Neighbour policy, launched in May 2006, isn’t good enough. Could Britain’s largest retailer do it better? Take a look at Tesco’s Plan A – then read Plan B
Unless the Competition Commission fails to act to curb the power of supermarket chain Tesco, 'people will be justified in questioning exactly what the Commission is for', says Andrew Simms, Director of the think-tank the New Economics Foundation (NEF).
The local council in San Francisco, California, has set a precedent by becoming the first US city to vote to ban large supermarkets from handing out plastic bags, Reuters has reported.
The Competition Commission - the government body charged with investigating whether companies are stifling competition within markets - has published its 'emerging thinking' document on the actions of the major supermarkets.
‘OK then,’ I say to Fergus, with a challenge in my voice, ‘what about badger?’ ‘Badger?’ says Fergus, his eyes on the road as he drives me into the Kent countryside. ‘Many times. There’s no rhyme or reason to badger. Sometimes it tastes really gamey and uriney, even if it’s fresh. It can be excellent though.’ I look at him as he drives. He’s definitely serious.
The Ecologist September 2004 issue caused a sensation with its report on supermarkets: From the chemicals in a bagged salad to the destruction of local shops the report reveals all the facts the supermarkets don't want you to know...
I had always wondered what it was like to work at a supermarket checkout. So when I stumbled upon an article about a Tesco scheme called Twist – short for Tesco Week In Store Together – I took my chance.
No European country is as reliant on supermarkets for its food shopping as Britain. It is no coincidence that the UK also has the worst eating habits in Europe.
As the supermarket doors glide open there they are – cosmetically perfect, irresistibly firm, brilliantly coloured fruit and vegetables. And yet, when you get them home, they taste of nothing. Is it the way you cooked them, or have you just selected badly? No, you’ve been conned.
Already on sale in some British supermarkets, is farmed cod really the long-term solution to the problem of declining wild populations.
By Tom Hargreaves
