The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
“Customers facing unprecedented increases”, says Tesco boss
Commenting on Tesco’s latest trading figures, chief executive Ken Murphy said that the market environment remains “incredibly challenging” as the cost of living is being felt by shoppers nationally.
FSA welcomes confiscation of counterfeit Wonka chocolate
Following an official alert published in May, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has welcomed news from Westminster Council that counterfeit Wonka Chocolate Bars worth around £100,000 have been confiscated.
IGD warns food inflation likely to reach 15% this summer
The latest report from the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) has forecast that food inflation may be set to hit its highest level in more than 20 years.
Food industry employment growth overtakes UK economic growth
A report by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has found that the food and drink industry added jobs at a faster pace than the economy as a whole: quarter-on-quarter, job growth stood at 1.5%, above the UK’s growth of 0.8%.
BFFF calls for urgent changes to oils derogation rules
The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) has written to Defra and the Food Standards Agency asking for urgent changes to be made to the oils derogation guidance which it says is “not fit for purpose”.
UK food industry provides mixed reaction to Government Food Strategy
Responding to the targets set out in the Government Food Strategy, food industry trade organisations have questioned the Strategy’s likeness to the National Food Strategy which was published by Henry Dimbleby in two separate parts over the last two years.
Meat Industry Awards product deadline extended to 15th June
Organisers of the annual meat industry awards have extended the product nomination deadline to Wednesday evening 15th June due to overwhelming demand and to allow as many companies and businesses as possible to participate.
Lidl declared cheapest supermarket for sixth month running
According to the latest data from Which?, Lidl was the cheapest of the UK supermarkets, with shoppers paying, on average, £23.55 for a basket of 18 popular grocery items at Lidl – £1.05 cheaper than rival discounter Aldi.
FDF publishes new trade and investment strategy for UK food industry
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has published a Trade and Investment Strategy that it claims will help “strengthen choice and affordability for UK households at a time of rising inflation.”
AB Mauri appoints new executive members in bid to expand beyond bakery sector
Bakery ingredients company AB Mauri will expand its delivery of technical solutions to food manufacturing sectors outside of bakery, as it introduces four new executive appointments to support the expansion.