The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Global markets could face worldwide food shortage post pandemic
A senior lecturer from Cardiff University has warned that there could be a worldwide food shortage in the coming months as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. As reported by the BBC, Dr Ludivine Petetin said: “The problems is, as soon as you have a disruption in the...
AHDB marketing campaign aims to boost potato sales after lockdown slump
The stocks of potatoes held by growers at the end of March totalled 1.19 million tonnes according to an Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) estimate. This is 20 per cent higher than the same point last season and five per cent above the five-year...
Arla Foods launches ambient yogurt concept to meet Chinese demand
Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a clean-label concept to help brands meet growing demand for ambient yogurt in China. The new solution is the first of its kind using Nutrilac YO-4575, a 100% natural whey protein. Arla claims Nutrilac YO-4575 to be unique due to...
Local producer helps protect Island food supply during pandemic
An Isle of Wight dairy producer has helped residents get essential supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic by supplying thousands of litres of milk to local co-operative stores. Staff at Briddlesford Lodge Farm's processing plant have been working around the clock since...
Sainsbury’s chief expects Covid-19 disruption to last until September
Following the release of its preliminary results for the year, Sainsbury’s chief executive, Mike Coupe, said disruption to the supermarket caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could last until September. Despite high single digit percentage grocery sales growth...
Arla Foods offers support during lockdown
Dairy company Arla Foods is working in partnership with a number of charities offering support to those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic, while also offering free meals to NHS staff and key workers. Working alongside FareShare, Food4Heroes, and Magic Breakfast,...
KFC set to reopen a further 80 restaurants
KFC has announced that it will be reopening a further 80 UK branches for delivery, bringing the total number of restaurants reopened to 100 since they closed for lockdown. The fast food chain becomes the latest to set out plans to reopen restaurants around the country...
Lockdown lunchtimes drive frozen food sales
Fish fingers and frozen peas have seen an increase in supermarket sales as millions of children eat at home during lockdown, according to the latest industry figures from the British Food Federation (BFFF) and Kantar. The data revealed that in the four weeks from the...
Former NFU president takes on chairmanship of Organic Research Centre
The Organic Research Centre has announced the appointment of former National Farmers Union (NFU) president, Tim Bennett as the new chair of its Council of Management. Bennett’s appointment follows the planned retirement of longstanding chair, Mike Turnbull, who has...
McDonald’s trials potential reopening of branch during lockdown
McDonald’s has announced that it is carrying out operational testing for the potential reopening of one of its branches. The tests are being carried out in a single branch and that restaurant will remain closed to the public. It comes after a number of restaurants and...