FDF Scotland launches new funding to help SMEs ahead of HFSS deadline
Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland has launched a new round of funding to support Scottish food and drink manufacturers.
Nutrition & Health
The UK is getting sicker younger, while future policy threatens to undermine progress
With new data showing that UK healthy life expectancy has dropped, Food Manufacture’s editor looks at the drivers behind the shift, opportunities for the F&B industry, and where unintended consequences could emerge.
61% of Brits say junk food firms should help foot the NHS bill
A coalition of organisations led by Sustain, The Food Foundation, and the Obesity Health Alliance, are calling for UK Government to take tougher action on the food industry as new polling shows British public considers healthy eating to be too inaccessible.
Healthy F&B: What the modern consumer wants
A new report from Lumina Intelligence has outlined the key trends shaping UK consumers’ expectations when it comes to healthy food and drink.
45% of Brits cutting back amidst health trends and GLP-1s
Almost half of British adults (45%) are now following a specific diet as health continues to lead the charge.
Plant-based meat can improve diets - but a key cog is missing
New research shows swapping ‘processed’ meats with popular plant-based options can lead to meaningful dietary improvements. However, inconsistent micronutrient fortification remains a key challenge - and opportunity - for manufacturers.
M&A in the high protein market
Food Manufacture hears from two merger and acquisition specialists on how the UK’s high-protein market is driving corporate transactions.
Investors tell OOH sector to step up on health reporting
More than 30 investors with over $1.1 trillion in assets under management have called on out-of-home businesses to report and set targets on the healthiness of their sales.
Unilever to buy US green supplement firm
The FMCG giant has signed on the dotted line to acquire Grüns – the US vitamins, minerals and supplements company.
California pushes ‘non-UPF’ seal as certifications multiply and confusion grows
A proposed state-backed label aims to simplify ultra-processed food choices, but could competing definitions and private certifications risk muddying the message for consumers and complicate reformulation efforts?
What makes a good protein?
Matthew Balkin, Huel’s former nutrition lead, Registered Nutritionist and founder of Balkin Nutrition, discusses what makes a ‘good’ protein and how to assess its quality.
Herbalife acquires personalized nutrition firm Bioniq in $150 million deal
Global nutrition giant Herbalife Ltd. has acquired assets of UK-based personalized supplements company Bioniq, with the aim of expanding its tailored nutrition offering.
Why did Danone buy Huel?
This week saw Danone announce its acquisition of Huel - but given its already strong health portfolio, why didn’t it just develop its own equivalent?
Gut health trend enters new era
The gut health trend is entering its next phase – one shaped by sharper science, smarter consumers and big opportunities
What does the NPM update mean for food businesses?
The Nutrient Profiling Model 2018 introduces some significant changes which food and drink manufacturers will need to be attuned to. Angie Jefferson, RD RNutr and strategic projects manager for the British Nutrition Foundation, outlines what we know so...
Zoe fails to overturn ASA ruling on gut supplement ad
Professor Tim Spector says the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) decision to uphold its ruling that Zoe’s Daily30+ supplement advertisement was misleading is a profound failure of logic.
UK obesity epidemic: The UPF scapegoat debate
Industry experts have their say on ultra processed food and the UK’s obesity crisis.
Fearne & Rosie founder: ‘That naivety and simplicity is a big part of why our business started’
Rachel Kettlewell talks about swapping the classroom for jam making, distrust in the health category, and why it’s ok to drop the ball sometimes in this latest podcast episode.
Is this the obesity gamechanger we’ve been waiting for?
The UK is currently in the grip of a serious obesity epidemic, with an estimated 65% of British people now overweight. But is change around the corner?
Soluble vs insoluble fibre - and its impact on the gut
Not all fibres are created equal. For food manufacturers, that means fibre choice needs to be intentional, especially when addressing consumers with digestive sensitivities. Emma Cahill, Tate & Lyle’s global marketing director for sweeteners, fibre and...
Are ready meals ready for GLP-1?
Louise Forster-Smith, innovation director at Hot Pickle dives into the world of ‘GLP-1-friendly’ ready meals to find out if healthier formats can move beyond niche appeal.
Sainsbury’s goes protein wild
The retailer is the latest in a long line to launch new ranges which leverage the ever-popular trends of high protein and nutrient dense mini meals.
£3M boost for UK diet and health R&D
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are investing £3 million to drive diet and health innovation.
Danone urges UK clarity on ‘healthy’ food definitions but warns current proposals could make things worse
As the UK Government gets set to consult on its new health score, Danone is urging policymakers to provide a clearer definition of what constitutes ‘healthy food’.
Industry raises ‘serious concerns’ following UK Nutrient Profiling Model update
The UK Government has published the long-awaited update to the nutrient profiling model (NPM) 2004/5 which would see tougher rules imposed on food and drink.
M&S accused of ‘ripping off’ influencer’s ‘brain food’ snacks
Marks & Spencer has become embroiled in a legal dispute over accusations that its ‘brain balls’ range is ripping off an influencer’s original idea.
Government backing for organic food could deliver ‘huge national returns’
Government backing for organic food could deliver huge health and economic returns, a new report has concluded.
Ingredients under pressure: What HFSS means for NPD
It’s a challenging time for food manufacturing with escalating costs, spiralling demands and increased regulation all set to further hit the sector.
UK Prime Minister promises healthier school food
The Food Foundation has welcomed the Prime Ministers commitment to improving the nutritional quality of children’s food in schools but called for “decisive action.”
Reformulation: Hard work but not to be ignored
Despite talk of HFSS rules being watered down, reformulation remains a constant across food and drink – from sugar reduction to sustainability targets. But getting it right is no easy feat, as Michael Segal, VP of solutions and blends at Tate & Lyle,...
Applied Nutrition plans for expansion with revenue capacity to c.£200M
Applied Nutrition, the sports and wellness brand, is set for expansion with an increased revenue capacity to around £200 million and plans for a new global distribution facility and head office.
Reducing meat and dairy consumption helps pursuit of Scottish diet and climate goals, report says
A new report from Food Standards Scotland has concluded that reducing meat and dairy consumption can help meet the Scottish dietary goals and climate targets.
Brand exemptions defined, as Government clears up junk food ad rules
The Government has published its response to the consultation on the draft advertising regulations around less healthy food and drink advertising on TV and online.
Pepsi introduces functional cola with prebiotics
The Pepsi-Cola launch marks a significant innovation within the cola category and follows other prebiotic-focused beverage NPD.
More children obese than underweight for first time, Unicef report finds
The number of school-age children and adolescents that are obese has exceeded the number that are underweight for the first time, a new Unicef report has found.
Government opens consultation on banning energy drinks for under-16s
The proposal, which could save tens of millions of pounds, was set out as a government commitment in the 2024 King’s Speech and underscored in Labour’s recently published 10-Year Health Plan.
UPFs ‘harm men’s health’, new study finds
A new human study has found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) lead to increased weight, disrupt hormones and introduce harmful substances linked to declining sperm quality.
Co-op bolsters health and wellbeing offer through Holland & Barrett partnership
Co-op has partnered with Holland & Barrett to boost the health and wellness offer across its convenience stores.
Man-made famine taking place in Gaza due to Israel’s actions, UN body says
An entirely man-made famine is currently occurring in Gaza due to Israel’s blockade on aid, the UN-backed Famine Review Committee has declared.
Baby food manufacturers given 18 months to slash sugar and salt
The Government has announced a crackdown on sugar and salt in baby foods, challenging manufacturers to reduce levels in baby foods aimed at children up to 36 months old.
Less healthy food rules slash HFSS sales by 2 million per day
The findings of the first independent evaluation of HFSS legislation show a marked reduction in purchases since the rules were put in place.
Lidl rolls out new health logo across own-label
Lidl GB has become the first discounter to introduce a health marker across its own-label products.
Taste and price, not calories, main driver of takeaway orders, study finds
Taste and price rather than calorie content appear to be the main considerations for people ordering takeaways, a new study has found.
4.5K families accessing food support during summer holidays via charity programme
More than 4,500 families will access food and essential support during the summer holidays via a project led by food redistribution charity The Bread and Butter Thing.
Deli Kitchen partners with charity to launch Curious Kids Club
Speciality bread brand Deli Kitchen has teamed up with charity Rethink Food to help children explore food and learn about nutrition through the Curious Kids Club.
Less processed food linked to weight loss in new study
Participants in a recent University College London (UCL) study lost twice as much weight eating minimally processed foods compared to ultra-processed foods.
150 F&B leaders demand end to Israel’s starvation of Palestinians in Gaza
More than 150 senior figures within food and drink have demanded an end to Israel’s starvation of civilians in Gaza and called on the UK Government to take urgent action.
Israel using food as weapon of war against Palestinians: Human Rights Watch
Israel is using the depravation of food as a weapon of war against Palestinian civilians, Human Rights Watch has said.
MPs investigating food and weight management
The new inquiry will cover access to nutritious food and weight loss medications.
Food Strategy: Defra says it will ‘take difficult decisions about what to prioritise’
The UK government has published 10 goals for a healthier, more sustainable food system, as it looks to develop a ‘good food cycle’ - but it cautions not everything can be tackled at once.