Predictions are always difficult, especially when they deal about the future. Luckily, I have a crystal ball which shows the future (it is a very interesting and powerful tool, only presidents can borrow it). Working with it is not easy, because it shows blurred pictures. But there are future trends which are not surprising: for example that we
Market situation This is the second year where many blackcurrant growers did not create an income from their orchards. It is a painful experience if the product can’t be sold. This is due to a general oversupply. Growers have to react to this. Successful ones will look for new partners, develop other products, search for contracts
Retrospective 2014 After 8 years of successful work, our General Manager, Bill Floyd, has to resign due to health reasons. The IBA owes Bill a lot. The IBA Executive looked for candidates, carried out a selection process and, finally, voted for Stefanie Sharma from France to continue Bills work. Stefanie will be introduced in June 2015
held Skierniewice, Poland, 20th September 2014 PURPOSE OF THE MEETING To summarise the present situation for Polish blackcurrants, as seen by both growers and processing plants. To consider how to co-operate in coming seasons. To develop strategies to solve the current problems and prevent such problems in the future. MEETING CONTENT Welcome and introduction of
I am pleased to present the 6th Presidents Annual Report to the members of the International Blackcurrant Association (IBA). In general the IBA, has been developing internally as well as in its industry and marketing activities. We have approved the overall key strategies of the IBA in 2012. They are the basis for IBA development:
I am pleased to present the 5th Presidents Annual Report to members of the International Blackcurrant Association (IBA) after my first year as President. Retrospective 2012 In general the IBA has been developing internally as well as in its industry and marketing activities. The Rules of the IBA were approved at our 2012 AGM and so
It is pleasing to hear from our members of the IBA family that the awareness of the attributes that the Blackcurrant can offer to consumers is on the increase. Delivering the awareness message is the responsibility of all sectors of our industry. It is essential that we all have a greater appreciation of these attributes
With the year closing fast I am encouraged and please to see that more and more consumers, foodies and health professionals are taking advantage of the wonderful attributes of the our King of Fruits the “Blackcurrant” Best Berry for Life! With more independent human research papers a myriad of user friendly products coupled with the
I have just finished writing this column as I have been advised of the death of a dear and valued friend and pioneer of the industry, Frans Buijsrogge. I will keep my column the same and I speak positively on many matters despite a real sadness from that loss but Frans would not have wanted
Those of us who attended the 16th European Blackcurrant conference in Goes, Netherlands enjoyed a very interesting and ground breaking conference. There was some very exciting research on gut health presented by Dr Abdul Molan and our own General Manager Bill Floyd presented on behalf of Sujon, NZ the benefits of consuming Blackcurrant formulations for
Since my January “Presidents Postings” there have been two very serious global disasters. Earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand and the whole of the North East coast of Japan fortunately I can report that we have not experienced any loss of life within our Blackcurrant family. This can only be seen as a miracle with the
With the first decade of the 21st century behind us it is time not so much to reflect on the past but open our minds on what we can do to contribute to our Blackcurrant Industry in the second decade. The past years have seen severe financial difficulties faced by the Blackcurrant Industry with uneconomic
