Horsemeat: learning the lessons of an avoidable crisis
WRBM
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Unimaginative meat packaging misses significant opportunities to promote brands, improve customer service and cut waste, warned Andrew Streeter, research fellow at market intelligence firm Datamonitor.
The soaring value of pork and a commitment to new product development (NPD) has boosted sales at pork specialist Cranswick, according to city analysts, after the firm reported a strong set of fourth quarter results.
Kerry Foods has been slammed by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) after its decision to cut 350 jobs with the closure of its food processing factory in Durham.
Sector Skills council Improve has urged the government to “remove the shackles” from the food industry, which are currently preventing many firms from targeting a younger generation of workers to the sector.
Manufacturers are still not sure how much flexibility they have in wording health claims because guidance from the European Commission (EC) is not yet available.
Confectionery manufacturers have come under fire from Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson, who accused some firms of being too complacent on the packaging efficiency and recyclability of Easter eggs.
The row over redundancy payments at meat processing firm Tulip’s Tranfoods site has taken a step towards reconciliation after Unite the union revealed that the firm had agreed to talks with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service ACAS.
The spectre of Dairy Crest’s future exit from liquid milk has again been raised by industry commentator Julian Wild of Rollits solicitors following a pre-close trading update from the firm.
Dwindling global resources will force food manufacturers to radically change the way they do business in the next few years, according to Gavin Neath, Unilever’s senior vice president of sustainability.
A major multi-national trade buyer is going to be the most likely bidder for frozen food firm Birds Eye Iglo, according to city analysts, after its owner Permira confirmed it was exploring a sale of the business.
Food and drink manufacturers should visit schools to attract more young people into the industry rather than rely on recruiting the unemployed to fill the widening skills gap, according to the HR Forum.
Food manufacturers’ willingness to reduce salt in their products is being tested by a lack of support from the Department of Health (DoH), according to a leading health expert.
Food and drink exports from the UK will play a vital part in the UK’s economic recovery, according to agriculture minister Jim Paice, after it was revealed that exports topped the £12bn barrier last year.
Premier Foods has had its credit rating with investor service firm Moody’s withdrawn just two weeks after securing a new refinancing package with its lenders.
Walkers Crisps manufacturer PepsiCo UK has revealed that it is set to cut about 400,000 miles from its annual road usage with a new £9.3M investment at its Peterlee warehouse and distribution centre.
Be passionate, stay focused and write a tight business plan, was the advice on building a successful food brand from Dragons' Den entrepreneur Levi Roots, delivered at the Foodex 2012 event, near Birmingham on March 25.
Meat-packing firm Hilton Food group has posted “solid” growth in the UK and Ireland, according to city analysts, ahead of the firm’s first quarter financial results due on March 29.
High street baker Greggs has hit out over the government’s decision to impose a tax on all warm foods after Chancellor George Osborne’s budget announcement led to £30M being wiped off the firm’s value.
Cake manufacturer Perfection Foods has confirmed that it is set to create hundreds of jobs at its new international distribution centre in Leicester in order to meet soaring export demands.
Premier Foods, Unilever and Nestlé were among some of the UK’s biggest food and drink manufacturers to throw their weight behind the government’s new Responsibility Deal calorie reduction pledge.
Workers from meat processing firm Tulip’s Tranfoods site in Birkenhead will sit down with the firm’s management tomorrow in a bid to end the row over redundancy payments, according to Unite the union.
Foodborne diseases, such as norovirus, are as big a threat to the Olympics as terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, according to a Home Office risk assessment.
The latest health warnings about red meat focus on the dangers of eating too little not too much.
A stronger performance in new and emerging markets, such as China, has led to food and non-alcoholic drinks exports topping the £12bn mark last year.
Excitement is mounting as the search for the Great British Bounce Back champion draws to a close. Pie-makers, popcorn producers plus many others are contending for the crown Great British Bounce Back Champion.
UK soft drinks manufacturer, Britvic will create 30 new jobs after moving its headquarters next month to Breakspear Park, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire from Chelmsford, Essex.
A lack of investment in new product development (NPD) and support for brands has hit sales in the UK cheese sector, according to a leading industry expert.
Ranjit Boparan’s 2 Sisters Food has hit out at the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for failing to understand the “competitive dynamics” of the own-label market after its acquisitions of Northern Foods and Brookes Avana have lead to competition concerns in the Christmas pudding market.
As pundits continue to pick through the fine print of Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget, we capture the implications for food and drink manufacturers in key quotes. There’s a a summary box too, listing the main points for food and drink firms.
Kraft Foods plans to call its new global snack business – which will include iconic UK brand Cadbury – Mondelez International.
European food and drink manufacturers have welcomed the vote by the European Parliament to reject an objection tabled against the list of permitted Article 13.1 health claims.
Food and drink manufacturers have given a mixed reception to Chancellor George Osborne’s budget after he introduced measures affecting energy, red tape for small businesses and introduced VAT on sports nutrition drinks and takeaway hot food.
The internet contributes 8.3% of the UK economy – a bigger contribution than in any other developed nation, according to a new study by The Boston Consulting Group.
Retail baker Greggs plans to introduce WiFi at all its 1,571 shops around the UK after signing a deal with wireless broadband access provider The Cloud.
Jaffa Cakes maker United Biscuits (UB) has dismissed reports that it is preparing for the sale of its salty snacks business – ascribed a £500M price tag by some commentators – as “market speculation”.
The Real Good Food Company (RGFC) is “on track” to double its size within three years after posting half year continuing profit before tax up 148% to £5.7M, said Pieter Totté, its executive chairman.
Nestlé UK and Ireland has become the first major confectioner to deliver 100% recyclable packaging for its Easter egg range.
2 Sisters Food owner Boparan Holdings is considering the sale of one of its Christmas pudding businesses amid competition concerns arising from its acquisition of the Brookes Avana business from Premier Foods.
Food and drink manufacturers have urged Chancellor George Osborne to change government policy on energy and emissions or risk contributing to industry price rises of up to 40%.
Tumbling bread sales in the UK and an over aggressive acquisition strategy from previous management has significantly contributed to Premier Foods’ share price plummeting more than 90% since its purchase of Hovis in 2005.
The boss of a Leicester food manufacturing firm has been ordered to pay nearly £9,000 after a teenaged employee fell two metres while unloading a shipping container attached to the back of a heavy goods vehicle.
The row between meat processing firm Tulip and workers at its Tranfoods plant in Birkenhead has escalated today after Unite the Union accused management of bribing its employees over redundancy pay.
Premier Foods still has “a long way to go” following its key re-financing deal, according to city analysts, after the firm revealed a 29% fall in trading profit last year.
The soaring share price of chilled foods manufacturer Greencore is proof that its recent decision to switch to the London Stock Exchange was beginning to bear fruit, according to city analysts.
An inability to pass on rising input costs to consumers is expected to hit profits at soft drinks manufacturer AG Barr, according to city analysts.
Frozen food firm Birds Eye will meet its zero waste to landfill target two years ahead of schedule this year, thanks partly to composting, according to its waste reduction partner Biffa.
A new survey reporting positive views about genetically modified (GM) foods, coupled with recent comments from billionaire philanthropist and IT guru Bill Gates reveal attitudes towards the controversial technology are changing, claims the Crop Protection Association (CPA).
Food and drink manufacturers need celebrity endorsements to attract a new generation of young talent, according to the government’s chief scientific adviser.
British banks’ failure to understand the food manufacturing sector is choking industry innovation, warned speakers at a conference in London this week.
Glaxo SmithKline (GSK), the makers of iconic brands Ribena and Lucozade, are to invest £18M in a new bottling facility at its Coleford, Gloucestershire, which will create 20 new jobs.
Probiotics have a good future, despite the failure of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to approve any dossiers submitted by the food industry for approval under the new health claims rules, leading scientists have claimed.
Leading scientists and food and drink manufacturers have rejected calls for legislation to tackle Britain’s obesity crisis from consumer campaign group Which?
New Britain Palm Oil (NBPO) is investing millions to expand the volume and variety of sustainable palm oil (SPO) available to UK food manufacturers.
Retail giant Morrisons aims to be the UK biggest food manufacturer by 2015.
UK food and drink manufacturers have rejected claims by campaign group Which? that the government’s Public Health Responsibility Deal has made inadequate progress at reducing what it describes as “the national obesity emergency”.
A group of top British scientists yesterday (March 14) called on the government to push ahead with the fortification of flour or bread with folic acid, as recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) to reduce neural tube defects in unborn babies.
A futuristic 3D virtual reality warehouse simulator has been launched enabling food manufacturers and logistics providers to explore different warehouse designs and make more informed business decisions before committing to them.
Meat industry experts and health campaigners have both questioned the results of a Harvard Medical School study which claimed to show that eating a diet high in red meat shortened life expectancy.
The UK’s largest bakery chain Greggs reported sales up 5.8% to £701M and profits up 1.1% to £53.1M last year after it opened 84 new shops.
Troubled giant Premier Foods is still in “the last chance saloon” after it agreed a four-and-half-year re-financing package with its lenders this week (March 12), according to Martin Deboo, financial specialist with Investec Securities.
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has welcomed the government’s plan to invest £15M in research and development dedicated to boosting food sector growth.
Europe’s largest own-label ice cream manufacturer, R&R Ice Cream and its majority owner Oaktree Capital Management have both refused to confirm or deny press reports that the business is for sale.
Frozen food has lacked strong branded leadership, but could become more successful by focusing on its strengths with the addition of significant marketing investment, according to Birds Eye Iglo boss Martin Glenn.
Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning resulted in 15 workers at Riviera Produce in Connor Downs, Cornwall being taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro yesterday (March 12).
Kerry Foods has been fined £4,500 and ordered to pay costs of £5,210 after a worker fell from a breadcrumb-making machine at its Lincolnshire factory.
Diets high in red meat reduce life expectancy through an increased risk of cancer and cardio vascular disease, according to the results of a new study from Harvard Medical School.
More than 200 workers at meat processing firm Tulip demonstrated this week (March 13) outside its Tranfood plant in Birkenhead after being locked out by the firm, said Unite the union.
Nestlé was fined £180,000 after a worker died in an accident involving a depalletiser because the firm “failed to implement basic safety measures”.
Chilled foods firm Greencore has revealed that the successful integration of the Uniq business is “very much on track” following an investor day at its Northampton sandwich factory, according to city analysts.
Premier Foods has confirmed that it has secured a new four-and-half-year re-financing package with its lenders that will allow the firm to continue its recovery after a troubled 2011.
The new Dutch owner of UK tea manufacturer Clipper Teas has pledged to invest in increased capacity at its Dorset site and spend more on brand promotion.
The impact of retailers’ restructuring plans on their food manufacturer suppliers has divided city analysts.
Fish processer Young’s Seafood has confirmed that 31 jobs at its Border Laird factory in Northumberland have been cut as part of a consultation over the future of the site.
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is teaming up with Nestlé to attract a new generation of scientists into the industry at the Big Bang Careers Fair later this week.
Culina Group is pressing ahead with ambitious plans to enhance services for food manufacturers and retailers – slashing store delivery lead times and pursuing rapid growth in fresh food and other categories.
Northern Ireland’s (NI’s) dairy sector needs government help to support its exports – particularly as competition rises from producers south of the border, according to industry body Dairy UK.
Food packaging and paper supplier DS Smith Packaging has been fined nearly £60,000 after a worker broke his arms and ribs when he was drawn into a rotating spool.
Dairy Crest intends to make further acquisitions in the UK dairy and chilled food sector, according to city analysts, after the firm revealed it was considering the possible sale of its St Hubert spreads division.
Higher prices could result from the recent government agreement preventing illegal eggs being exported to the UK, according to food and drink manufacturers.
Workers at meat processor Vion have postponed two strike dates in the row over pay and conditions after the firm revealed that it had lost a significant contract with retailer Sainsbury, according to Unite the union.
Salaries paid to managers working in manufacturing and industrial roles range from about £25,000 to £150,000, according to the latest income survey from recruitment consultancy firm Michael Page.
Premier Foods will be keen to make further disposals ahead of any deal with its lenders, according to city analysts, after Manchester jam manufacturer Duerr’s confirmed it was still considering a bid for Hartley’s jam.
Rising costs in the UK soft drinks market has hit sales at Vimto manufacturer Nichols despite the firm posting a strong performance for the period ending December 31.
Food manufacturers and retailers continue to work on carbon footprinting, despite moving away from displaying results on consumer packaging, according to Chris Stanley, director at sustainability consultancy Best Foot Forward (BFF).
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has defended the controversial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) after Campbell’s Soup pledged to phase out its use in all cans due to consumers' safety concerns.
Morrisons’ plans to modernise its core business could hit growth at the multiple, according to city analysts.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has slammed Kellogg for making “misleading” claims on its Coco Pops website that sugar was unrelated to obesity or ill health.
Ingredients manufacturer Unilever Food Solutions has confirmed the appointment of Unilever stalwart Peter Dahl as the new channel marketing director for the UK and Ireland.
Most managers who work in food and drink manufacturing can expect a boost to their salary and bonus this year, according to a survey by recruitment consultant Michael Page.
Chocolate manufacturer Mars has been given the all-clear from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after the watchdog judged Twitter endorsements from Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand and glamour model Kate Price to be “acceptable”.
The British egg industry has shelved legal action against the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) after last minute government clarification about its policy on illegal egg imports.
With equipment companies and beverage fillers eager to eliminate the use of chemical sterilants in cold aseptic and ultraclean filling, many are weighing up the use of pulsed light decontamination.
UK food and drink manufacturers should find access to domestic sugar easier after British Sugar revealed another record harvest last year.
Pork manufacturer Tulip has been slammed by Unite the union and accused of “vulture-like behaviour” after the firm abruptly closed its Tranfoods site yesterday (March 5).
One of Scotland's largest independent drink suppliers, Inverarity Morton is to close its depot in Symington, South Lanarkshire with the loss of three jobs as part of a £400,000 restructuring programme.
Walkers Shortbread plans to build a new 3,500m2 factory, which will create 30 new jobs alongside its existing facilities at Fisherton in Aberlour, Scotland.
Premier Foods’ Power Brand plan is expected to deliver “significant growth” this year after the firm announced a new £10M investment in its Ambrosia rice snack pots range.
The row over changes to pay conditions at meat processing firm Vion’s South Lanarkshire plant has escalated today (March 5) after the firm revealed that workers were preparing for two more strike dates, starting this week.
Government support for the organic food market in Britain is vital, according to the Soil Association, after the latest figures showed that a slump in the UK market had bucked the trend of soaring sales across Europe.
The row over changes to workers’ pensions at Marmite maker Unilever has moved closer to resolution after Unite the union revealed that the firm had made changes to its controversial proposals.
A reassuring Food Standards Agency (FSA) survey and the promise of an EU level report regarding food safety risks from mineral oil content in recycled board has significantly reduced the pressure on board producers, converters and end users.
Prime Minister David Cameron has backed Tesco’s plan to create 20,000 new jobs in the UK over the next two years as the firm responds to its shock profit warning at the start of the year.
Gluten-free food sales could balloon after fresh research from the University of Hawaii has identified a new condition known as gluten sensitivity, which responds positively to a gluten-free diet.
Brighton-based firm Hampstead Farm aims to woo health-conscious consumers with a four-strong range of salt-free cooking sauces the firm's founder believes could establish a new sub-category within 'free-from' retail offerings.
Chickens resistant to Campylobacter – a bacteria that is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK – could result from a new £1.3M research project.
Self-heating food cans could rival sales volumes of Pot Noodles within a decade, one supplier of the products has claimed.
Morrisons’ new seafood processing business in Grimsby will create 200 jobs and make the firm the only major food retailer to source fish from the quayside and process it for sale across the UK, it claims.
Free-from food manufacturers are increasingly waking up to the sector’s potential, according to Michelle Berriedale-Johnson, author of the Foods Matter website and founder of the Free-From Food Awards.
China’s booming food and drink sector, the prospects for frozen bakery in Eastern Europe and the vast potential of the US dairy products sector feature in this first global news roundup selected from FoodManufacture.co.uk’s sister online publications around the world.
The London 2012 Olympic Games has backed the government’s ban on the production of battery eggs in the UK after Lord Sebastian Coe confirmed that all caterers for the event will use only British Lion free-range egg products.
UK confectioners could still do more to make their products healthier following Nestlé’s claim that it has become the first major firm to remove all artificial ingredients from its entire range, according to industry experts.
Millions of pounds of savings are on offer across the grocery supply chain through pallet consolidation as global specialist Chep’s project targeting the topic builds momentum among manufacturers and retailers.
Kraft Foods has opened its new Global Research and Development (R&D) Centre at Bournville, as part of a £17M investment in the UK.
Calling all food and drink manufacturers: could you be the industry’s Great British Bounce Back champion?
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