WE'RE PLEASED TO BRING YOU JUST SOME OF THE MAJOR FOOD & DRINK RETAIL AND SUPPLY STORIES RECENTLY COVERED BY THE GROCER.
Shandy Shack sells stake Jeremy Clarkson’s partner
Shandy Shack has sold a minority stake to Jeremy Clarkson’s partner Lisa Bentinck as the craft brewer seeks to deepen commercial ties with Diddly Squat Farm. Read more>>
Cumbrian sourdough specialist named Britain’s best artisanal bakery
Industry experts select a ‘bakers’ dozen’ of the 13 top artisan businesses across the country. Read more>>
The Deli Society adds AI to match shoppers with products
Consumers complete a ‘palate quiz’ to help the website match them with food and drink they will enjoy. Read more>>
Tesco and Aldi become latest retailers to ration fresh produce
It follows similar moves by Asda and Morrisons, which issued buying restrictions on some lines in light of empty shelves. Read more>>
Jamie Laing among influencers and marketing gurus to appear at The Grocer Conference
Attendees will benefit from a programme full of exclusive research, featuring top influencers, agenda-setting case studies and expert presentations. Read more>>
UK salad production to hit lowest levels since records began
NFU president Minette Batters said British farming was in peril as the worst is yet to come from an increasingly alarming slump in production. Read more>>
Sainsbury’s rolls out £2 fruit & veg boxes to reduce food waste
The boxes are available from more than 200 selected supermarkets across the country following a trial in January. Read more>>
Growers fear more labour shortages as recruiter is axed
Kent-based AG Recruitment, had its licence revoked by the Home Office last week in the wake of controversy over the alleged treatment of migrant workers. Read more>>
Medicine database launched to tackle antibiotic resistance
The Food Industry Initiative on Antimicrobials has backed a new database to track usage of the medicines in cattle and sheep supply chains. Read more>>
Oxford Artisan Distillery appoints Mark Harvey as MD
The former Chapel Down CMO would bring a ‘wealth of experience’ to the role, said Oxford Artisan Distillery. Read more>>
Fischer Farms reports successful wheat trial in vertical farm
The agritech business claims it is the first vertical farm in the UK to cultivate the crop in a biosecure, controlled environment. Read more>>
Veganuary continues to boom as latest year breaks sign-up records
Celebrities have continued to be involved in the campaign, with Peter Andre and Diane Morgan, aka Philomena Cunk, among others involved this year. Read more>>
BerryWorld partners with vertical farm to grow strawberries year round
Smartkas has agreed to grow Eve’s Delight strawberries in its vertical farm in Essex, which has 27,000 sq m of growing space. Read more>>
Cheese prices up to 50% more expensive in just two months
The price hikes mean some SKUS are now up to 175% more expensive year on year. Read more>>
‘Broken’ Apprenticeship Levy must be fixed, BRC chief urges
Helen Dickinson is one of four trade body chiefs to sign an open letter to government criticising the current Apprenticeship Levy. Read more>>
Food safety at ‘huge risk’ as EU laws set to expire
Food safety laws carried over from the EU are set to be scrapped on 31 December under post-Brexit legislation. Read more>>
New app Coral to help convenience retailers compare wholesale prices
Coral is currently targeting small, unaffiliated independents, with 250 retailers across London signed up so far ahead of its official launch. Read more>>
Sourdough gets first-ever code of practice from ingredients association
The document sets out suggested definitions for the labelling and marketing of sourdough bread products. Read more>>
