WE'RE PLEASED TO BRING YOU JUST SOME OF THE MAJOR FOOD & DRINK RETAIL AND SUPPLY STORIES RECENTLY COVERED BY THE GROCER.
Food trade with EU slumps by as much as 69% amid calls for ‘urgent policy interventions’
The agrifood sectors have suffered ’the most significant adverse Brexit impact’, a study by Aston university revealed. Read more>>
Most organic farmers affected by unpredictable weather, report reveals
The Future of Organic Fruit & Veg report found that 78% of farmers had been affected particularly by floods and extreme drought. Read more>>
Waitrose invests £10m in latest wave of ‘premium’ focused price cuts
Waitrose has focused on its No1 and Duchy Organic lines for the ’first phase’ of the cuts. Read more>>
Hotel Chocolat appoints new UK CEO to replace co-founder Angus Thirlwell
Lysa Hardy’s promotion is the first major change to the retailer’s top ranks following Mars’ £534m takeover in November 2023. Read more>>
Calories and salt slashed in typical basket, claim food bosses
The FDF said the figures, based on Kantar Worldpanel data, showed how serious companies were about reformulation. Read more>>
Tesco vows to ‘revolutionise’ food waste battle with new animal feed facility
The focus of the operation will be on bakery and fresh produce, while a separate process will see meat and fish surplus also used in household petfood. Read more>>
Farmison ordered to pay co-founder Pallagi £115K over unfair dismissal
The online meat retailer was bought out of administration by ex-Asda boss Andy Clarke in April 2023. Read more>>
Dimbleby takes National Food Strategy ‘on the road’ with government consulting arm
Bramble Intelligence launch follows the setting up of Dimbleby’s Bramble Partners investment firm in January. Read more>>
Darzi report calls for ‘bold action’ to regulate food industry on obesity
Report by former health minister contrasts lack of action taken by governments to tackle obesity to interventions that have slashed smoking rates. Read more>>
FSA unveils plans for massive food safety shake-up
Agency has laid out plans to strip local authorities of control over food safety for large businesses, including supermarkets and manufacturers. Read more>>
Tory £358m underspend on farming a ‘kick in the teeth’, says NFU
The shortfall could impact on the UK farm sector’s plans to hit its 2040 net zero target, the NFU said. Read more>>
Number of migrant workers seeking help after leaving UK farms doubles in past year
The Worker Support Centre reported an increase in seasonal workers reaching out over poor labour conditions. Read more>>
England set for third worst harvest ever, new research finds
Analysis by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit said the impact of bad weather would make the UK more dependent on imports. Read more>>
Olive oil prices to finally fall as Spain expects bumper harvest
Industry estimates point to a much better harvest in the 2024/2025 season following two years of extreme drought in the Mediterranean. Read more>>
Many growers intend to walk away from ‘unworkable’ ethical audit
Sedex announced in April that its new SMETA 7.0 audit would come into force on 10 September. Read more>>
Defra allows use of bluetongue vaccines subject to licence
The vaccines are suppressive, meaning they will reduce some of the clinical signs experienced by animals with the disease, but they do not prevent infection. Read more>>
Hospitality sector recovering as new openings outpace closures
The growth was spurred by a rise in casual dining and quick-service restaurants. Read more>>
Sainsbury’s launches industry-first support group for egg farmers
Scheme will include over 100 farmers from across the UK and includes a commitment from the retailer to always pay the cost of production or above for eggs. Read more>>
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