The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Food prices rise 3.7% on the year, finds ONS
The Office for National Statistics has published the latest consumer prices index, reporting upward effects on inflation from fish, meat, chocolate and confectionary.
ABF grocery profit falls 18% to £691m
Associated British Food has published its results for the 24 weeks ended 28th February 2026, reporting a 20% fall in grocery adjusted operating profit.
Defra invests £1.5m in UK seafood exports
Government has announced a £1.5 million boost to its Seafood Exports Package, which could see Cornish crab, British scallops and Dover sole reach more plates worldwide.
Warburtons invests £100m in bakery facilities
UK bakery brand Warburtons has announced it will invest more than £100 million as it acquires the former Rathbones bakery site in Wakefield.
SNP announces price cap on groceries in 2026 manifesto
Scotland First Minister John Swinney has claimed that the Scottish National Party will cap the price of supermarket groceries if the party is re-elected.
Probiotic brand appoints UK & Ireland managing director
Probiotic yogurt brand Yakult has appointed Shinji Yamaguchi as managing director of its UK & Ireland division.
Government reportedly contingency planning for potential food shortages
According to reports, Government has looked at the potential impact on the food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
Expanded energy scheme “missed opportunity” to bolster food production, says NFU
The National Farmers’ Union has stated that Government missed the opportunity to ease financial pressures on food producers following the expansion of the BICS.
Shoppers opt for own-label products amid inflation rises
According to market research firm Circana, sales of own-brand grocery products could “further accelerate” as rising inflation causes brands to increase prices.
Tesco reports £3.15bn profit in 2024/25
In its financial results for the year ended 28th February 2026, UK supermarket Tesco achieved a group adjusted operating profit of £3.15 billion, up 0.6% on the year.