Ironically, my workBASE (fruit importers) is quietish compared with 7 years ago...it used to be manic.
Now a lot of packing is done at source...Cyprus, South Africa, Uruguay, Spain etc....so while the workforce back here have it easier now...i'm (and my colleague is ) busier than ever travelling round and setting up lines and servicing equipment ready for the new seasons.
Labour costs......thats what drives it.
Uruguay and S Africa.....$5 a day for the average worker....jeeez £2.50 a day !!!!!
I think i spend 10% of my working year abroad.