WE'RE PLEASED TO BRING YOU JUST SOME OF THE MAJOR FOOD & DRINK RETAIL AND SUPPLY STORIES RECENTLY COVERED BY THE GROCER.
Turkey sales slump over Christmas as lamb benefits
AHDB said turkey was the ‘clear casualty’ this Christmas as shoppers cut back on whole birds and primary cuts. Read more>>
Food & Drink Exporters Association relaunches under leadership of Future of Food Team
The export target equates to adding an extra £1bn in new overseas sales every year for the next 10 years. Read more>>
Defra talks stress need for growth agenda
Industry leaders complained the food strategy has been dominated by calls from NGOs for more regulation on health, with little focus on growth. Read more>>
Booths enjoys third ‘record’ Christmas in a row
The northern grocer credited its ’warm, friendly and reliable service’ and best ever Christmas availability for the success. Read more>>
New lamb pricing regulations to bring fairness and transparency for farmers
The changes, which were established following consultation with industry, are designed to establish a consistent and transparent system. Read more>>
New Covent Garden Market says hello to new Buyers’ Walk
The opening on 12 January brought the wholesale section of Block B fully into operation within a market that is now four-fifths redeveloped. Read more>>
Tom Bradshaw to face opposition for NFU presidency
Tom Bradshaw has announced he will be seeking a second term as leader of the farming union, but unlike two years ago he will not be running unopposed. Read more>>
‘Pork is Dead’: La Vie launches new campaign to boost Veganuary
Plant-based food company has described the campaign as a “bold, rebellious punk-inspired statement”. Read more>>
Fortnum & Mason profits surge after loyalty and digital push
Loyalty scheme is part of CEO Tom Athron’s ongoing strategy to make the 319-year-old grocer more ‘relevant’ to everyday shoppers. Read more>>
Cage egg ban raises ‘serious concerns’ for the egg industry
The British Egg Industry Council has said the move could undermine farmers and distort the market while delivering ‘little meaningful benefit for hens’. Read more>>
Christmas retail sales ‘drab’ as growth slowed, says BRC
Total retail sales slowed for the fourth consecutive month in December, while volume growth was weak in food. Read more>>
Lady Bamford’s Daylesford Organic back in the black
Increased retail and wholesale demand was joined by the first full year of operations at its dedicated events space. Read more>>
Grocer Gold Awards 2026 are open for business
The 33 awards – widely regarded as the industry’s most prestigious honours – will be returning to the Royal Albert Hall for the fourth time. Read more>>
Cook enjoys ‘pleasing year’ after focus on new stores and supply chain
Cook opened seven new stores and added 170 new concessions during the year and is set to launch a major new investment to grow its cold supply chain. Read more>>
Inheritance Tax changes do not go far enough, apple industry warns
The organisation said the level of investment required for modern orchard businesses meant the changes ‘really do not go far enough’. Read more>>
Batters plan to turn Adjudicator’s golden rules into law slammed by experts
One of the recommendations of Batters’ Farming Profitability Review was for Adjudicator Mark White’s current advisory set of principles over CPIs to be given regulatory teeth. Read more>>
Milk poured away as oversupply issue worsens
Freshways told its farmers it had to ‘physically dispose of milk, and this situation is expected to continue. Read more>>
Apple and pear growers facing continued rising costs
Analysis revealed that persistent inflationary pressures across key areas of orchard management and post-harvest operations are still having an impact. Read more>>
NFU appoints Morrisons exec as new director general
The supermarket’s former head of agriculture at Morrisons will succeed Terry Jones when he steps down in the spring. Read more>>
Cotswold Fayre falls to loss but 2025 sales set for ‘strong growth’
For the year to 31 March 2025, the group suffered a loss after tax of £514.2k. Read more>>
Waitrose commits to higher welfare standards for continental charcuterie
The retailer said the move made it the only UK supermarket to commit to and deliver 100% higher welfare own-label continental charcuterie. Read more>>
SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO THE INNOVATIVE AND AGILE SPECIALIST FOOD MARKET.
If you do not already receive our montly digital newsletter Farm Shop & Deli News, produced by The Grocer in conjunction with the Farm Shop & Deli Show, please click on the image below to sign up now. The Grocer will carry a wide range of articles to inspire and inform, while William Reed will host additional content including videos and webinars on the Farm Shop & Deli Show website.
