The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
McDonald’s sets out date for drive-thru reopening in UK
McDonald’s has announced plans to have drive-thru operations working at all of its UK branches by early June. The move comes after the fast food chain carried out operational testing on a single restaurant at the end of April and the reintroduction of delivery...
Japan trade negotiations a great opportunity for UK
A UK-Japan preferential trade agreement could make a “huge contribution” towards the UK’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). The UK's Department for International Trade (DIT) published its negotiating...
Bournemouth-based noodle company launches in US
Healthy noodle brand, Mr Lee’s Noodles, has successfully launched in the USA after securing a further £1.75m of funding in under a week. The company was founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Damien Lee with the aim of creating the healthiest instant noodles on the market....
Flexible furloughing and trade credit support included in Covid-19 job retention scheme changes
The Government has extended its coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until October, revealing changes to make furloughing workers more flexible while also protecting businesses which rely on trade credit insurance. As of August, furloughed workers will be able to return...
Spiraling freight costs threaten global food prices
Evidence of a doubling and in some cases nearly tripling of maritime freight costs over the last month from exporters across the food supply chain has raised a red flag for food prices. The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), along with other food industry...
SFT says Agriculture Bill in its current form is a big mistake
After almost 20 months of gestation, the Agriculture Bill is due to come into being this week when it is expected to complete its final stages in the House of Commons without significant amendments. The Sustainable Food Trust (SFT) says it feels the Government will be...
Morrisons sales up during lockdown
Supermarket Morrisons has revealed a 5% rise in like for like sales in the first quarter of 2020/2021, according to its latest trading update. Despite “significant improvement” in recent weeks, the retailer said the first quarter had been “highly volatile” during the...
Climate change still important despite pandemic, says NFUS
Vice president of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) Martin Kennedy says that the Scottish farming industry’s focus remains firmly on keeping food and drink on the nation’s table but it continues to recognise its responsibility to respond to climate change....
Former FDF president joins The Felix Project
Former president of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and CEO of Premier Foods, Gavin Darby, has joined food redistribution charity The Felix Project as its new chair. Darby's career includes 15 years at Coca-Cola as well as work with large FMCG and Telecom...
Trade committees hear of logistical challenges during crisis
The Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee has taken evidence on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the agriculture and horticulture sectors. The hearing featured speakers from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), National Farmers Union...