The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Fishing industry stages London protest over Brexit disruption
A number of fishing businesses have taken to the streets of London to protest the disruption to the industry caused by new Brexit controls. New Brexit regulations have caused significant price drops across the seafood industry, with reports of a lack of clarity over...
Food sales up despite record low for retail
Food sales grew by more than 5% during 2020 despite the year being the worst on record for retail sales, according to new data from IGD. For 2020 overall, total retail sales declined 0.3% compared with 2019, however food sales were up by 5.4%. Over the three months to...
Impact of Brexit pushes UK seafood sector to “rock bottom”
The UK’s seafood sector is at “rock bottom” with the impact of Brexit resulting in significant price drops, according to Seafood Scotland. Price drops of around 50% have been reported by Seafood Scotland, along with system failures and a lack of clarity on paperwork...
Industry bodies warn of increased costs to food supply chains
The UK’s exit from the EU has the potential to increase food supply chain costs and cause further disruption to Northern Ireland’s retailers, according to the Future Relationship with the European Union Committee. The committee held an evidence session yesterday to...
Nuffield Scholar applications now open
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust (NFST) has opened applications for its 2022 scholarship programme. Applications are now open until the 31st July 2021 deadline. Around 20 scholarships are award each year to applicants working across the farming, food,...
Supermarkets hit out at NI food shortages
In a letter to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, Supermarket chiefs have called for ‘urgent intervention’ to prevent further disruption to Northern Ireland food supplies. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Iceland, Co-Op and Marks & Spencer have teamed up to highlight...
Nomad Foods in talks with Fortenova over potential takeover
Following its acquisition of Findus Switzerland, Nomad Foods Limited has begun negotiations to takeover Fortenova Group’s Frozen Food Business Group (FFBG). The deal would see Nomad Foods also acquire other frozen brands, including Ledo and Frikom. With a frozen food...
Consumers prioritise on food treats during pandemic
Familiar tastes and nostalgic flavours will become the biggest food trend this year as consumers continue to lend themselves to treating during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to ingredients company Kerry Taste and Nutrition’s annual Taste Charts for 2021. The report...
Ocado faces shortages during third lockdown
Online retailer Ocado has warned its customers that it may face shortages of certain products during the current coronavirus lockdown. In an email, the company explained that changes to the UK supply chain had affected its suppliers and that there may be shortages of...
Walk-in takeaway services halted at McDonald’s
Fast food chain McDonald’s has confirmed that it is halting its walk-in takeaway services during the third national lockdown in England. Drive-through and delivery services will remain unaffected by the new measures, but indoor dining and walk-in takeaway services...