WE'RE PLEASED TO BRING YOU JUST SOME OF THE MAJOR FOOD & DRINK RETAIL AND SUPPLY STORIES RECENTLY COVERED BY THE GROCER.
Waitrose unveils Championing Regenerative Farming logo
Waitrose said the innovation ‘highlighted the start of the regenerative farming journey which Waitrose dairy farmers are practising on their farms’. Read more>>
English whisky secures ‘landmark’ Geographical Indication status
The milestone comes after more than six years of campaign work by the English Whisky Guild. Read more>>
Seasonal Worker Scheme is still ‘high risk’ for workers
The annual seasonal workers survey results for 2025 have been published, revealing that 94.1% of workers reported a positive or extremely positive experience in the UK. Read more>>
Mediterranean food imports endangered by worker heat stress
Research published this week by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit revealed significant increases in the impact of rising temperatures on workers in the region. Read more>>
Shopper optimism rebounds to hit five-year high in PwC survey
Consumer confidence over spending has risen across all age groups in the UK. Read more>>
‘Thriving and sustainable’ UK fishing action plan launched
The cross-party group called on ministers to set out a long-term strategy for the sector that recognises its value to the country’s food security. Read more>>
Regenerative definition for British apples and pears launched
British Apples & Pears said the move provided industry with a ‘clear, crop-specific framework for understanding and advancing regenerative practices’. Read more>>
Salmonella cases linked to imported eggs rise to 549
Total number of cases detected as part of organisation’s ongoing investigation into three distinct outbreaks of salmonella enteritidis has increased 3.9%. Read more>>
Tesco bans 114 ingredients in ultra-processed food clampdown
Tesco launches clampdown on UPFs as consumer pressure grows. Read more>>
£2.4bn needed to secure resilient and sustainable future of UK dairy
The study said slurry and manure infrastructure was expected to swallow much of the investment, alongside improvements to energy systems and water protection. Read more>>
Ultra-processed food decision anger as campaigners call on Burnham to step in
A raft of high-profile figures said the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition had gone against overwhelming evidence and public support for intervention. Read more>>
Christmas reprieve as FDF slashes food inflation estimates
Shoppers have been handed a Christmas reprieve in the ongoing cost of living crisis, as food inflation will now fall six points short of previous estimates by December. Read more>>
UK food self-sufficiency lower than 30 years ago, NFU says
Report showed the UK provides less of its own wheat, oilseed rape, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, beef, poultry, eggs, pork, sugar and potatoes than it did 30 years ago. Read more>>
Gail’s unveils menopause action plan ahead of 2027 workplace reforms
Under the plan, the high street bakery chain will offer its thousands of staff new benefits. Read more>>
Lamb supply to be impacted as bluetongue continues to rage
Latest data shows there have been 942 cases of bluetongue in the current season with the majority of cases in sheep. Read more>>
NEET crisis breakthrough: retail bosses and ministers unveil plan for 100,000 jobs
The landmark partnership includes a new retail work experience programme to help tackle Britain’s growing youth unemployment crisis. Read more>>
M&S lowers organic food prices to make it ‘more accessible’
The retailer has invested more than £4m to lower prices on food items starting from 70p for organic garlic and 90p for organic carrots. Read more>>
FSA admits one-size-fits-all food safety shake-up won’t work
Talks with supermarket bosses lead to rethink as FSA agrees not to pursue a one-size-fits-all approach across the industry. Read more>>
NGOs call for government to stop expansion of intensive poultry farming
The coalition is pressing for the release of analysis showing ‘the need for more poultry’ and to pursue a ‘regenerative poultry sector growth plan’. Read more>>
Gen Z appetite for meat and dairy grows
Between September 2025 and January 2026, red meat purchase intent among Gen Z rose by eight percentage points, alongside a three percentage point increase for dairy. Read more>>
UK food supply in firing line as El Niño grows to record highs
Up to a quarter of the UK’s food imports (worth £17bn) could be impacted by this year’s accelerating El Niño climate pattern, experts have warned. Read more>>
Efra Committee adds to industry pressure on government for Brazil meat ban
Industry groups have called on Great Britain to follow the EU in banning imports of products such as beef and chicken over antibiotic resistance concerns. Read more>>
The Grocer’s Adam Leyland steps down after 20 years
Adam Leyland will be stepping down from his role as editor-in-chief of The Grocer, after 20 years of heading up the grocery industry bible. Read more>>
British farmers lose £5bn due to extreme heat
This summer’s extreme heat and drought are projected to have led to the worst harvest on record. Read more>>
Fewer than half of British consumers trust food labels, survey finds
The analysis also showed 53% of respondents thought food labels were ‘overwhelming’. Read more>>
Scottish abattoirs reject ‘intimidating’ meat inspection action
FSS announced its 2026/27 rates in March, giving businesses three weeks’ notice of an 8.6% rise in official veterinarian charges and a 10.4% surge in meat hygiene inspector rates. Read more>>
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