The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Dame Angela Eagle returns to Defra
Following his appointment as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has selected Dame Angela Eagle MBE as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
2026 Meat Industry Awards finalists revealed
The finalist shortlist for the 2026 Meat Management Meat Industry Awards has been published online ahead of the highly popular awards ceremony taking place on Thursday 3rd September.
Walker’s Shortbread sees annual sales fall by £4m
Walker’s Shortbread Ltd has announced its full year financial results for 2025, reporting a reduction in sales as the business experienced “market volatility”.
Sainsbury’s calls for Government to employ long-term food system objectives
UK supermarket Sainsbury’s has urged for Government action and cross-industry support to deliver a “more resilient” food system.
Consumers reluctant to pay more for less processed products
Consumer insight company Vypr has found that manufacturers are facing “growing pressure” to reformulate products as shoppers demand shorter ingredient lists and fewer ultra-processed foods.
FSA data shows high levels of concern over food prices
The Food Standards Agency published its end of year report from its monthly Consumer Insights Tracker, finding that 91% of respondents were concerned about food prices.
Premier Foods achieves “strong” revenue growth
Over the 13 weeks ending 27th June 2026, UK food business Premier Foods reported its total revenues up 2.7%.
MPs call for further action from food industry over HFSS foods
The Health and Social Care Committee has called for Government to prioritise preventing obesity over the interests of the food industry.
World Cup gives retailers a “welcome boost”
The British Retail Consortium released sales data covering the five weeks from 31st May to 4th July 2026, finding food sales growth was down on the 12-month average.
FDF campaign sees UK consume extra two billion portions of fibre
UK food manufacturers have provided two billion portions of fibre to the nation since 2021, according to the Food and Drink Federation.