The authoritative independent voice of the UK food industry

Ballot on future of potato levy confirmed by AHDB

Dec 15, 2020

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has formally announced that a ballot on the continuation of the statutory potato levy will go ahead in 2021. The yes or no vote on the future of AHDB Potatoes and the work it delivers on behalf of GB potato...

No-deal could risk consumers being priced out from UK produce

Dec 14, 2020

The UK food industry needs to work closely with supermarkets and retailers in order to ensure British goods remain affordable as the country faces the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, according to food safety certification provider Lloyd’s Register. Earlier this month,...

Food sector ignored from £95m Government education scheme

Dec 11, 2020

The Food and Drink Training and Education Council (ftc), along with the FDQ, have criticised the Department for Education after its list of 400 further education courses failed to recognise the food manufacturing sector from the £95 million ‘Lifetime Skills Guarantee’...

Food businesses need support as EU exports fall, says FDF

Dec 11, 2020

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has published a new report showing that in the third quarter of 2020, food and drink exports fell by 11.6% to £5.5bn when compared to the same period in 2019, as both exports to EU and non-EU markets declined. The FDF said the...

Supermarkets given ‘grace period’ to avoid disruption to NI food supplies

Dec 10, 2020

Supermarkets will be given a three-month ‘grace period’ from new EU checks in order to avoid disruption to supplies moving from Britain to Northern Ireland after the Brexit deadline. The new measures will come into place regardless of a Brexit deal on 1st January and...

Plant & Bean reveals first UK manufacturing site

Dec 10, 2020

One of Europe’s largest plant-based food producers, Plant & Bean, has unveiled plans to open a manufacturing site in Boston, Lincolnshire. The new 65-acre site will be Europe’s largest plant-based ‘meat’ facility and will have a planned initial capacity of 55,000...

Report reveals plastics progress for Weetabix

Dec 9, 2020

Weetabix Food Company has confirmed a reduction in its use of plastic by 6% over the last year, with 92% of its packaging now fully recyclable. The results are presented in the company’s second sustainability report, which outlines its commitment to supporting people,...