WE'RE PLEASED TO BRING YOU JUST SOME OF THE MAJOR FOOD & DRINK RETAIL AND SUPPLY STORIES RECENTLY COVERED BY THE GROCER.
Keir Starmer announces landmark plans to triple food redistribution
The strategy is billed as a landmark moment in the cost-of-living crisis, bringing together an unprecedented coalition of retailers, manufacturers and NGOs. Read more>>
Waitrose deal sees Scottish eggs sold to customers for the first time
The deal between the Scottish business and premium retailer will see Duncan Farms’ free-range and organic eggs rolled out across Waitrose stores in Scotland. Read more>>
Supermarkets in talks on ‘hyper local’ food poverty action
Food businesses are being asked to consider a range of interventions including help for schools, food charities and the government’s Healthy Start scheme. Read more>>
British strawberry season delayed due to cold weather
The cooler spring has slowed the ripening process, but with strawberries remaining on plant for longer, the taste profile is richer with more balanced natural sweetness, say growers. Read more>>
Chris Packham calls for Co-op CEO to ban ‘Frankenchickens’
Packham has called on the supermarket to stop sourcing ultra-fast-growing chicken breeds known as ‘Frankenchickens’. Read more>>
Tesco puts back food waste reduction target by five years
In a revised target, announced in Tesco’s annual sustainability report, the retailer said it would aim to reduce food waste across its operations by 50% before 2030. Read more>>
Morrisons abattoir to reduce pig suppliers due to economic climate
Cull will include long-standing producers and at least one ‘very large supplier’ to Woodheads abattoir in Lincolnshire. Read more>>
British roast dinner is sprayed with over 100 pesticides, Greenpeace says
Analysis of Fera Pesticide Usage Survey data found 102 unique pesticides across onions, leeks, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, peas, swede, turnips and strawberries. Read more>>
SPS deal could save meat exporters up to £88m a year
Consultancy The Andersons Centre revealed exporters currently faced costs of more than £200 per tonne for chilled meat shipments to the EU. Read more>>
AHDB ads rapped by ASA over carbon emissions claims
The standards agency said that claims made in two of the levy board’s ads breached rules over misleading advertising, substantiation and environmental claims. Read more>>
Own label closes quality gap as shoppers consider trading down, data reveals
A quarter of consumers would switch to cheaper alternatives if prices rise further, according to new research by The Harris Poll UK. Read more>>
‘Patchwork’ of regenerative farming labels risks confusing consumers, report says
American NGO Friends of the Earth found ‘regenerative’ food label standards varied widely, particularly around pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, soil health practices, verification standards and traceability. Read more>>
‘Culture of fear’ on the rise in Seasonal Worker scheme
In its annual report, Worker Support Centre reported that it had supported 550 people in Scotland, many of whom face ‘fear, discrimination and retaliation’. Read more>>
Defra data shows drop in organic farmers and processors
Defra found the number of organic operators dropped from 5,133 in 2024 to 5,004 in 2025. Read more>>
Tesco leads the field as Grocer Gold Awards 2026 shortlist announced
The shortlist for the Grocer Gold Awards 2026 has been announced, with Tesco leading the field with seven nominations. Read more>>
Retail footfall hits five-year low as shoppers make fewer trips: BRC
Total UK footfall decreased by 10.7% in April, compared to a 2.4% decline in the previous month – the weakest performance recorded for five years. Read more>>
Tom Parker Creamery announces supply partnership with First Milk
The partnership, the business said, would strengthen its commitment to regenerative dairy and supply chain sustainability. Read more>>
Glyphosate ban could boost European trade, campaigners say
Organisations including the Soil Association and Riverford have called for restrictions on using the controversial herbicide in an open letter to Defra secretary Emma Reynolds. Read more>>
Own-label innovation overtakes branded for the first time
New research from Mintel shows own label is now out-innovating brands – and the trend looks set to continue. Read more>>
Agricultural inflation more than double general inflation rates
The latest estimates from the farming consultancy have placed the rate at 8.4% annually, well ahead of CPI at 3.3% and CPI Food at 3.5%. Read more>>
British fishing industry on a ‘knife edge’ due to soaring fuel prices
National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations CEO Mike Cohen said rising red diesel prices were causing fishers to tie up their boats and lay off their crews. Read more>>
Companies not following through on welfare commitments, report warns
The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare assessed the policies of 149 leading global food businesses to reveal only 18% had delivered on their cage-free egg promises. Read more>>
GLP-1 drugs surge set to lead to raised food prices
The food industry could seek new ways to protect profits with higher prices and premium ranges aimed at GLP-1 users. Read more>>
Bread Ahead to teach one million children to bake for free over next decade
The programme will combine in-person workshops, a national digital learning platform, and community and partner-led activity. Read more>>
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