UK dairy import volumes have increased 11% year on year, indicating volumes have returned to 2020 levels as foodservice markets recover and adapt to new Brexit trade deals.

Trade bodies from across the UK food industry have responded to the latest financial support measures issued by government. Many have welcomed the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, but warn that more action is needed.

More than 60 workers at Quorn’s production factory in Billingham will strike from the 30th September to the 8th October, trade union Unite has confirmed.

The UK food and beverage sector saw a 29% drop in mergers and acquisitions deal volume and a 90% decline in deals by the second transaction date of the year, when compared with the same period in the prior year.

The winners of the 2022 Meat Management Meat Industry Awards were announced on Thursday evening 15th September at a black-tie dinner and ceremony hosted by globally recognised entertainer Paul Zerdin, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

UK retailer Asda has restricted the purchase of its budget food range, ‘Just Essentials’, to a maximum of three of each product per customer to ensure the products are available to “as many customers as possible.”

Commenting on the company’s interim results, chief executive Philip Heffer of Hilton Foods plc said the protein processor “has not been immune” to the impact of heightened inflation.

UK food manufacturers faced higher prices for their ingredients in August, with ingredients produced in the UK being 17% more expensive (down from 18.4% in July) and imported ingredients are 24.8% dearer (up from 23.9% in July).

Job openings in the food and drink sector continue to increase, with manufacturers adding 3,000 jobs in the Q2, bringing the total number of jobs in the sector to 478,000. However, vacancy rates remain high.

McCain Foods has invested in the Netherlands-based producer of frozen foods Scelta, with the aim of expanding its presence in the global prepared appetisers market. 

Organisers of the Meat Management Meat Industry Awards 2022 are making the final preparations ahead of the annual awards ceremony for the sector taking place on Thursday evening 15th September.

According to Kantar’s latest market report, grocery price inflation has hit a new record, rising to 12.4% in August. This figure means that the average annual grocery bill will go from £4,610 to £5,181.

Rising energy and other input costs are putting pressure on food manufacturers and government plans for intervention may not be enough, according to the latest report by the Food and Drink Federation.

Following the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, the current Royal Warrants from the late Queen will become void. Companies or individuals will have two years to discontinue the use of the Royal Arms in connection with their businesses.

The UK government has announced a delay to import controls on EU goods entering Great Britain siting the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the supply chain and the current rise in global energy costs. 

Food industry trade bodies have welcomed the UK government’s new energy price cap for businesses but add that the support may not go far enough.

On Thursday 15th September, the Meat Management Meat Industry Awards ceremony and black-tie dinner will return to the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.