The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Retailer invests £340m in M&S Food distribution centre
Marks & Spencer has unveiled a £340 million investment in an automated National Distribution Centre, with the aim of doubling the size of the M&S Food business.
Olive oil and butter prices have doubled since 2020, says FDF
The Food and Drink Federation has responded to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, finding that ingredient costs have “surged”.
Premier Foods acquires premium ready-to-eat grains brand
Food manufacturer Premier Foods has announced that it will acquire Merchant Gourmet, a premium, convenience meal brand.
Researchers suggest new food groups should be added to allergen labels
Allergy research has found eight food groups were not included in the mandatory labelling of foods despite accounting for at least 1% of cases of food anaphylaxis.
Branded sales prove popular with consumers, finds Worldpanel
Worldpanel by Numerator has released its retail data for the four weeks to 10th August 2025, finding that sales of branded grocery items were ahead of own-label by 2%.
Brassica production down as drought declared in areas of the UK
UK producers have confirmed that brassica crop yields for 2025 are “tight”, as warm weather and four heatwaves affect food production.
Lola’s Cupcakes acquired by Finsbury Food Group
UK bakery manufacturer Finsbury Food Group has acquired a majority stake in premium cake business Lola’s Cupcakes.
Associated British Foods to acquire Hovis
UK food producer Associated British Foods has reached an agreement to acquire Hovis Group Limited from Endless LLP.
Welsh food producers encouraged to invest in workforce
The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme has reportedly delivered “tangible results” on its mission to build a “future ready industry”.
FSA supports Food Safety Research Network with £650,000
FSA has partnered with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council to deliver £650,000 of funding to the Food Safety Research Network.