1. Business
The last couple of months have been a very busy time for us and happily our service levels have continued to get better. We know that we don't get everything right all the time but we do try our best and welcome your feedback. One thing we can do nothing about is supplier out of stocks which are running higher than ever. With the downturn upon us all businesses are careful with their funds which leads to lower manufacturing stocks and less cover when the unexpected happens. As (if?) we pull out of recession we expect these restraints to be eased but until then we will all have to be patient.
2. Prices
Good rains have meant that Almonds are starting to ease a little after a prolonged bull run. Hazels were not so lucky and early frost have undermined confidence in a good crop. Some are predicting the worst crop ever but no one can be sure until late June. Please note that we always promptly reflect decreases in the prices of commodities as well as rises. Walnuts have suffered a bad crop and China exported very few nuts leaving India and California unable to cope with demand. No respite is expected this year. The Vietnamese crop of Cashews has disappointed because of high temperatures pre-crop. Currency permitting these prices may ease back in a few months if the Indian crop is good. The real doom and gloom commodity is Pecans. Winter 2010 will be the off crop and there is strong Chinese demand and reduced supply. All this and a weak pound has caused prices to soar about 40% on last years levels. The continued strength of the market has scuppered hopes of a price correction so there is not much reason to be hopeful of these prices coming down. The pattern of Chinese and Indian demand, bad weather and weak currency has effected Pistachios and Brazils as well. It all seems like bad news but it will revert at some point. Next price list I will focus on dried fruit which is not quite as bad due to the prospect of competition between Turkish and Californian farmers bringing raisin prices down a little. Currency has not been favourable of late and that has inevitably expressed itself in some steep increases. We are looking closely at trends so we can bring these prices down just as soon as markets move.

3. Pippa moves on
Phillipa Painter, as she was when joined Rainbow in 1987, Phillipa Winch as she now is, having married Alistair who worked at the warehouse at the time, has decided to enjoy her repose in her garden as is fitting for someone who has made a huge and telling contribution in the upper management zones of Rainbow. We wish her well with everything and offer a big thank you to her for helping us become what we are these days.
4. Joe Thompson
It is with great sadness that we learned of the recent death of Joe who worked in our warehouse about 6 years ago. Joe was an outgoing, very friendly and helpful colleague. He was a devoted family man who fulfilled his ambition to relocate to France. He came back into the warehouse from time to time to stock up with wholefood and it was always lovely to see him. We send our best wishes and condolences to his family.

For more news and chat, check out the Rainbow Blog