In order to supply supermarkets in the United Kingdom, Heather describes how preferred suppliers must comply with an increasing number of technical specifications including GLOBALGAP, SEDEX, LEAF and Fairtrade. To ensure fresh produce is available in-store, 365 days of the year, supply programmes are established twelve months in advance, outlining from where and how the product will be purchased, the product offer quality, the seasonality of supply, packaging requirements and price. Specifying which varieties are acceptable is a large part of the business to minimize wastage and to ensure that consumers are satisfied with the eating quality of the fruit. To control costs and improve the uniformity of the product received from the various suppliers in more than twenty countries, regular workshops are conducted to share thoughts and ideas. An integral part of this activity is the identification and development of new products (varieties) to offer to consumers.