Globalization and the changing networks of food supply: the importation offresh horticultural produce from Kenya into the UK

Set within the context of the global food supply system, this payer examine s the growing trade in fresh horticultural produce between Kenya and the UK . The links between UK retailers and Kenyan producers are investigated usin g the concept of the marketing chain. Two major chains are identified - who lesale and supermarket and, whilst having no direct investment in Kenya, it is the supermarkets who control production there, through intermediaries w ho ensure that standards of quality and presentation are met, importers pla y a crucial role in facilitating this trade, acting as a vital link between farmers and exporters in Kenya and supermarkets in the UK. The need for qu ality and traceability dictates that contractual arrangements are made pred ominantly with large-scale farms using productivist farming methods. The ir ony is that it is post-productivist demands by new consumers' in the UK tha t are encouraging these productivist horticultural systems in Kenya.