The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Public do not back imports of sub-standard food, new survey reveals
As new figures show that 86% of the public believe future trade deals must ensure imported food is produced to the same standards as in the UK, the NFU is asking why the Government hasn’t yet laid out its plans on how it will maintain British farming’s high standards...
NCEFE at Sheffield Hallam awarded £2m grant for research into rice milling in China
Sheffield Hallam's National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering (NCEFE) has been awarded part of a £2m grant researching rice production in China. NCEFE is the lead partner of the two-year project which will look into improving rice processing and rice waste...
Kantar data reveals grocery market hits new milestone
The latest grocery market share figures, published by Kantar, shows supermarket sales grew by 1.4% year on year during the 12 weeks to 16th June 2019. This marks a new milestone for the sector, which is celebrating a three-year trajectory of continuous growth dating...
Groceries code adjudicator to step down from role
Christine Tacon has announced this will be her final year as Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) as she sets out an approach to drive effective top-to-bottom compliance risk management by the retailers she regulates. Tacon is to step down from her role at the end of her...
‘Natasha’s Law’ to change food labelling
A new law, announced by Environment Secretary Michael Gove, has been put into place that will require food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged foods, for direct sale. The legislation, known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, follows the death of Natasha...
Border Biscuits removes 90% of its plastic packaging
Biscuit manufacturer Border Biscuits has highlighted its commitment to improving the environmental impact of the business by removing 90% of plastic from packaging as part of a wider £1.6million investment into its products and processes. Its Dark Chocolate Ginger...
Chinese Vice-Premier visits Cardiff Metropolitan University and Food Industry Centre (ZERO2FIVE) as part of UK tour
During the first visit of its kind, Cardiff Metropolitan University recently welcomed Hu Chunhua, Vice-Premier of the People's Republic of China along with other senior politicians and VIPs from the People's Republic of China and Welsh Government. His Excellency and...
Aldi extends its trial of plastic-free veg
Aldi, is to extend a trial removing plastic from some fresh vegetables as part of its campaign to cut packaging. The supermarket began selling five loose fresh produce lines without plastic wrapping in Scotland earlier this year. It is estimated that the move, if...
Sainsbury’s launches UK’s first meat-free butchers
Sainsbury’s has launched the UK's first traditional style butchers offering customers an array of cuts and joints derived from 100% plant-based alternatives. Open for three days starting today (21st June) in Bethnal Green, customers of the East-End butchers can choose...
IGD forecasts UK food sales to grow by £24 billion by 2024
The UK food and grocery industry is forecast to grow by £24.1bn, or 12.5%, by 2024, bringing the market to a total value of £217.7bn, according to the latest forecasts from research organisation IGD. Highlights from the data include: Online and discount will...