The FMT Blog

Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.

Addo Food Group celebrates employee’s 50th work anniversary

Addo Food Group celebrates employee’s 50th work anniversary

Shropshire-based Addo Food Group recently celebrated the 50th work anniversary of a colleague at its Palethorpes factory. Alan Burton, who has 50 years of service at the chilled savoury pastry manufacturer, joined the business straight after leaving school in 1971 as...

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Asda owners acquire fast food chain Leon

Asda owners acquire fast food chain Leon

The Issa Brothers EG Group, which owns supermarket giant Asda, has bought the fast food chain Leon in a deal reported to be around £100 million. Leon, founded in 2004 by John Vincent, Henry Dimbleby, now food tsar to Boris Johnson and chef Allegra McEvedy. In a...

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Bringing flexible control into food manufacturing

Bringing flexible control into food manufacturing

SPECIAL FEATURE - Automation: The food manufacturing and processing sector is one that has a complex relationship with automation systems. Although ever-growing market demands mean that manufacturers value the greater efficiency, reduced operating costs and maximum...

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Asda reviewing its bakery operations

Asda reviewing its bakery operations

Supermarket giant Asda is currently reviewing its instore bakeries with a view to using a centralised operation that would then send out pre-baked products to 341 stores to be warmed up in-store. The move would impact up to 1200 jobs. Derek Lawlor, head of marketing...

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Retailer warns ‘perfect storm’ could lead to shortages

Retailer warns ‘perfect storm’ could lead to shortages

Online sustainable supermarket Approved Food is warning a ‘perfect storm’ of Brexit, Covid-19, increased shipping costs and packaging issues could lead to serious disruption in the supply chain – and could ultimately result in shortages. Managing director,...

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Tesco results show sales continued to grow during pandemic

Tesco results show sales continued to grow during pandemic

Tesco’s preliminary results for 2020/21 have been released showing profits at £1990million, a drop of 14.7% but a growth of +6.3% in overall sales. Its chief executive, Ken Murphy said: “Tesco has shown incredible strength and agility throughout the pandemic. By...

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Ice Cream Alliance campaign working to save the sector

Ice Cream Alliance campaign working to save the sector

The Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the UK’s trade association for the ice cream sector, is mobilising its members, the wider industry and other parts of the hospitality sector to promote their products to all those holidaying in the country this summer.  The campaign is...

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Nim’s Fruit Crisps lands exclusive deal with Pink Lady®

Nim’s Fruit Crisps lands exclusive deal with Pink Lady®

The UK’s only manufacturer of air-dried fruit and vegetable crisps has signed an exclusive agreement with Pink Lady® to turn its apples into a snack. Founder Nimisha Raja is hoping the tie-up will double the sales of the apple variety of crisps over the next twelve...

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Eville & Jones completes 10,000th Export Health Certificate

Eville & Jones completes 10,000th Export Health Certificate

Europe’s independent provider of official veterinary inspection services, Eville & Jones, has announced the completion and signing of its 10,000th export health certificate (EHCs) as the company supports UK businesses with post Brexit export requirements. EHCs are...

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