The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Brexit supply chain and logistics fears
With just over a month to go until the 29th March deadline, concerns are growing around the implications of a possible no-deal Brexit. Stepping into the fray, John Perry, the managing director of supply chain and logistics consultancy SCALA, has commented on what he...
Food industry warns Gove in urgent letter
In a letter to Defra Secretary of State Michael Gove, over 30 food and drink trade bodies have asked that any non-Brexit consultations be placed on hold as a ‘matter of great urgency’, until the current Brexit uncertainty is resolved. The letter, which was signed by...
Welsh Beef to benefit from new research
A three-year project has been launched with the aim to not only increase the eating quality and value of Welsh Beef production, but to improve returns to farmers and processors. The BeefQ Project, is aiming to enhance the Welsh beef industry’s reputation, and increase...
No deal Brexit guidance issued on food labelling
The Government has issued guidance on food and drink labelling in the event of a no deal Brexit, giving businesses a 21-month transition period for significant changes. While food businesses will have the 21-month transition period available there are some technical...
Unilever acquires graze
Unilever has announced it has acquired the holding company of graze, a healthy snacking brand, for a disclosed sum. Founded in 2008, graze provides a range of snacking nuts, seeds, trail mixes and snack bars, with no artificial ingredients. Having started with a snack...
Aldi and Lidl continue strong run in food sales
Fruit, vegetables and salad sales have surged by £46 million compared to last January, boosted by customer trends towards plant-based diets, according to Kantar Worldpanel. The latest grocery market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel covering the 12 weeks to 27th...
Food standards could be at risk by “No Deal”
Following the Government’s announcement that border checks on goods coming into the UK will be greatly reduced in the event of a no deal Brexit outcome, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has expressed ‘serious concern’. CIEH say that the move...
Weetabix On The Go appoints general manager
Weetabix Food Company has appointed Emma Varlow as general manager of the Weetabix On The Go brand. This was an internal appointment. Varlow joined the company as part of the graduate scheme in 2000. She will report to Sally Abbott, managing director UK & Ireland,...
Ocado reports both growth and losses
Ocado has reported significant losses of £44.4m for the year ending 2nd December 2018, despite sales rising by 12.3%. The online food retailer has recorded a pre-tax loss of £44.4m, compared with only £9.8m over the previous 12 months. However, the business also...
British Pie Awards adds three new elements
The annual British Pie Awards 2019 is now open for entry, and this year sees the introduction of three new elements including a vegan pie class. The 2019 British Pie Awards is to be held on Friday 8th March 2019 in the pork pie capital of Melton Mowbray, with judging...