WE'RE PLEASED TO BRING YOU JUST SOME OF THE MAJOR FOOD & DRINK RETAIL AND SUPPLY STORIES RECENTLY COVERED BY THE GROCER.
Cook delivers record-breaking Christmas sales figures
Like-for-like retail sales, including local delivery and click & collect across its 94-shop estate, were up 22% from £12.6m in 2021 to £15.7m. Read more>>
Fortnum & Mason to resume exports to Europe in 2023
The business is in the process of opening its own infrastructure network on the continent. Read more>>
Wildly Tasty debuts DTC vegan ready meal service for children
The brand has launched with an eight-strong frozen range suitable for children aged one and above. Read more>>
Single-use plastic ban to come into force in October
Similar bans have already been made in Scotland and Wales, while single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds were banned in England in 2020. Read more>>
Turkey sales slump over Christmas due to supply chain concerns
The spike in avian flu in the run-up to Christmas resulted in the deaths of 600,000 festive birds. Read more>>
Farmison marks Horsegate anniversary with new traceability scheme
The upmarket online butcher started rolling out front-of-pack QR codes across its whole cut range this month. Read more>>
Supply of berries at risk due to inflation, growers warn
British Berry Growers says berry growers are under increased pressure from inflationary costs. Read more>>
Energy scheme: primary food production ‘overlooked’ for ‘paltry’ support
The NFU said it was disappointed in the government for not including the horticulture and poultry sectors in the scheme. Read more>>
Justin Hodnett to launch order platform to help unknown brands get into retail
Unbrands is launching at the end of this month with initially 30 brands across fresh, ambient and BWS goods. Read more>>
M&S launches ‘hottest new style of coffee to reach UK since flat white’
The so-called ‘Magic Coffee’ originates in Australia and is made with a double ristretto instead of a double espresso. Read more>>
Curious Brewery rescues Wild Beer Co from administration
Kent-based Curious Brewery has rescued the Wild Beer Co brand from administration in a deal which will double production at its Ashford brewery. Read more>>
Energy bailout branded ‘pointless’ as support for food and drink companies plummets
The government is to provide a £5.5bn package of support for 12 months after April, compared with the £18bn it will have provided by the time the initial bailout expires. Read more>>
Pukpip makes debut with frozen snack made from wonky bananas
The brand’s mission is to ‘help consumers eat more fruit in fun, delicious and convenient ways’. Read more>>
Whole Foods Market launches hunt for 100 new products
The grocer has partnered with Bread & Jam to help small businesses to apply for the ‘Whole Foods 100’. Read more>>
Milk shortages on the horizon if farmgate prices fall any further
Farmgate prices have now started to fall from record levels late last year in the face of a weakening in global dairy markets. Read more>>
Farmers warn new Defra support is ‘too little too late’
Defra is to increase payments to farmers for protecting nature and delivering sustainable food production under the ELM schemes. Read more>>
