Plant-based food manufacturer Wicked Kitchen, which first launched its products in the UK through Tesco, has raised U.S. $20 million via bridge funding. This brings the total amount raised by the business so far to $34 million.

Former Muller chief executive officer Jon Jenkins has been appointed by Hovis as its new CEO. Jenkins will formally take the role on 31st October, replacing Robert Higginson.

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee has asked the government to re-consider a “disappointing” response to its report on the impact of the Australian free trade agreement on the UK food and agriculture sector.

Following a dispute over pay, workers at Mizkan Euro in Middleton, Rochdale, have announced strike action that the trade union Unite claims could create a shortage of pickles and vinegar within the UK.

Due to weather experienced over the summer of 2022, EU cattle slaughter numbers are predicted to increase which is likely to “stunt” EU dairy production going into 2023, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

UK convenience manufacturer Greencore said it has been negatively impacted due to rail strikes, the unexpected bank holiday and inflation, but “delivered good year-on-year volume growth” in its latest trading update.

Figures published by the Groceries Code Adjudicator has recorded that just over half of UK retailers and suppliers surveyed are aware of the GCA’s role, in response to its 2022 statutory review.

Food and drink manufacturers have reported a higher vacancy rate above the latest overall UK labour market figures, with 6.3 unfilled positions for each 100 jobs in the second quarter of 2022.

Food manufacturers are being urged by assurance provider LRQA to prioritise quality checks when choosing new CO2 suppliers, to minimise food fraud risk.

Plans to “boost” home grown fruit and vegetable production and “drive the growth” of high-tech horticulture have been set out by environment secretary Ranil Jayawardena.

Sales of supermarket own label lines continue to increase as consumers shift from branded products. Own label sales increased by 8.1% in September, while branded items declined by 0.7%, according to Kantar’s latest figures.

The Food and Drink Supply Chain All-Party Parliamentary Group has announced it will hold a “special” inquiry session on 19th October, “examining” the impact of the energy crisis on the food and drink supply chain.

September retail sales recorded a decrease in volumes for milk, cheese, and yellow fats year-on-year, however higher prices meant total spend increased particularly for both milk and yellow fats.

Kellogg’s has invested more than £500k into a new Food Innovation Centre based at its Trafford Park factory in Manchester, which was recently opened.

London-based Italian gelato company Hackney Gelato has raised over £670,000 through crowdfunding on the platform Crowdcube, with a view to grow the business. 

In the retailer’s interim trading report, Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy said that its strategy of inflating “a little bit less and a little bit later” has consequently made its price position “more competitive.”   

The organic food market has seen a 16% decline in volume sales for the second quarter of the year, and pricing is a factor, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.