The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
MEPs urged to reject proposals to ban plant-based foods from using terms like ‘veggie burger’ or ‘vegan sausage roll’
Consumer, environmental and animal welfare organisations have come together to call on the new Members of the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) to reject proposals that seek to prevent the producers of plant-based foods from...
New report reveals how food giants are responding to consumer demand for alternative protein
A three-year shareholder engagement with 25 giant food retailers and manufacturers has found that some leaders are beginning to capitalise on the rising demand for alternative proteins, while others are falling behind the curve of a booming growth industry. This...
Perthshire produce championed at foodie event
Celebrity chefs Phil Vickery and Gary Maclean are set to showcase Perthshire’s finest produce at this year’s Perthshire on a Plate festival (2nd-3rd August). Headlining the Friday (2nd August) of the weekend-long event, is ITV This Morning’s resident chef Phil Vickery...
Theresa Villiers replaces Michael Gove at Defra
Theresa Villiers has been appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s cabinet. She replaces Michael Gove. Villiers served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from September 2012 until July 2016....
Tesco, Sainsbury’s & Asda issue urgent recall of Quorn products
Several supermarkets, including, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Asda have recalled Quorn products amid health fears that its Chilled Cocktail Sausages could contain fragments of metal, due to a production issue. Quorn issued a statement saying: “This product is...
Cross-industry meeting on beef prices
Representatives from across the beef supply chain met on Monday at the Royal Welsh Show, to address the falling market prices for beef which are causing great concern at present for farmers. The meeting brought together the presidents of both main farming unions, as...
Food industry response to Boris becoming new Prime Minister
Following the choice of the Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP as the new UK Prime Minister the industry has begun to respond. Ian Wright CBE, FDF chief executive said: "The UK's largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, is central to our critical national infrastructure....
Welsh bakery teams up with rugby legend Sam Warburton
Welsh family run bakery, Brace's has partnered with former Wales and Lions rugby captain, Sam Warburton, to release a range of protein-packed products including breads and Welsh cakes. Two 800g loaves – ‘High Protein White’ and ‘High Protein Prograin’ – will be...
Supermarket sales suffer by comparison with last year’s summer highs
The latest grocery market share figures, published today by Kantar, show year-on-year supermarket sales fell by 0.5% in the 12 weeks to 14th July 2019. This marks the first overall decline in the supermarket sector since June 2016. However, on the back of record...
Welsh salami producer takes a slice of global market
Shoppers in supermarkets across Canada and Shanghai will soon be able to taste the success of Welsh food exports, as salami made in Pontardawe’s Cwmfarm Charcuterie is expected to fill their shelves. Husband-and-wife team Ruth and Andrew Davies, who began rearing pigs...