The FMT Blog
Opinion, analysis and musings from the FMT editorial team and expert guest writers about the food processing and manufacturing sector.
JBT acquires food processing equipment manufacturer Marel
Iceland-based multi national food processing equipment manufacturer Marel has been acquired by John Bean Technologies Corporation (JBT).
Christmas sales “fared better” as retailers had “challenging year”
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), December food sales were below the 3-month average growth of 2.1%.
Walker’s Shortbread gains Royal Warrant
Scottish manufacturer Walker’s Shortbread has announced that it has received a Royal Warrant.
Record Christmas spend as customers splash out on premium lines
According to the latest data from market research firm Kantar, household grocery spend hit a “record high” during Christmas as customers spent an average of £460.
Bakkavor “disappointed” with continued Spalding strike action
Mike Edwards, CEO of food manufacturer Bakkavor, has stated that Unite the Union had been “encouraging its members to maintain strike action”, calling the action “disruptive”.
London Fish and Meat Markets agree terms on new future site
The London Fish Merchants’ Association, Smithfield Market Tenants’ Association and the City of London Corporation have released statements regarding new trading sites.
Strikes at Princes Food look set to escalate
Strikes at Princes Food UK’s factories across the country could see hundreds of Unite Union’s members head to the picket line in January.
Food exports “continued to fall” in Q3, finds FDF
The Food and Drink Federation has released its Trade Snapshot for Q3, finding that the US remained one of the UK’s biggest trade markets.
BRC says increased retail costs “cannot simply be absorbed”
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released the latest data on consumer price inflation and retail sales, finding that food sales had increased as CPI reached 2.6%.
Aldi invests £650m in 2025 expansion plans
UK discounter Aldi is set to invest around £650 million across Britain as part of its 2025 expansion plans, as it aims to open 1,500 new stores.