COVID-19

Whilst the lockdowns may be over, Covid continues to impact populations across the globe. Credit: Getty/agrobacter

News

The ingredient looking to take on Coronavirus

By Bethan Grylls

A new study has found that a natural compound found in foods such as kiwis, parsley and green peppers, possesses antiviral effects which researchers claim could destroy coronaviruses and help prevent the spread of infections.

Cargo thieves are targeting higher value goods based on demand and shortages. Credit: Getty/shironosov

News

Food most targeted in supply chain thefts

By Bethan Grylls

A BSI report surveying global supply chain risks between 2021 and 2022 has identified food and fuel as top commodities involved in supply chain thefts, alongside an influx of sophisticated cyberattacks.

2023's biggest threats to food and drink manufacturers. Credit: Getty/Richard Drury

Long read

Today’s biggest risks in food and drink manufacturing

By Bethan Grylls

Marsh, a leading insurance broker and risk advisor, recently highlighted several big threats producers should be aware of in 2023. Here we summarise the findings and how one might mitigate against them.

Frozen chicken has seen an uptick in popularity. Credit: Getty/Photosiber

News

Seara capitalises on frozen food surge

By Bethan Grylls

Current economic volatility has been having a big impact on consumer purchasing habits, driving the popularity of frozen foods, says leading UK poultry supplier Seara.

Levels of food insecurity have reached 25% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Credit: Getty/imaginima

News

Food insecurity reaches new highs

By Bethan Grylls

Food insecurity has increased from 16% to 25% across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the last three years.

Who claimed the title of top food trading country in the world in 2020? Credit: Getty/imaginima

Data dashboard

Who led food trade during the height of the pandemic?

By Bethan Grylls

An analysis of the world’s most imported and exported food groups identified the US as the world’s food trading leader during the first year of the pandemic, with the UK ranking eighth.

Stratagem on closures: “It's just a big domino effect of the current crisis we're in

Long read

What’s driving food factory closures – and how to avoid them

By Bethan Grylls

With news of administrations, proposed closures and complete shutdowns haunting the headlines, Food Manufacture takes a deep dive into the drivers, whether this is a trend set to last and what businesses can do to turn things around.

Tracey Hughes is no stranger to challenging times, taking on the role as MD of Henley Bridge shortly before the Covid pandemic hit

Me & My Team

Surviving hard times in business

By Tracey Hughes

Tracey Hughes, managing director of the sweet treat sourcing and suppling specialist, Henley Bridge, discusses how she has been leading a team through these tough times we’ve all felt.

Food adn drink M&A activity is starting to bounce back, but the value of deals has yet to hit the historic average

News

Food and drink M&A activity on the rise

By Gwen Ridler

Food and drink merger and acquisition (M&A) activity is on the rise, but the value of deals has dropped in the face of persistent macroeconomic headwinds and the absence of larger players in the market.

The manufacturing sector needs to prepare for a record number of insolvencies, accroding to Higgs.  Image: Getty, Stas_V

News

Threat of insolvency for manufacturers on the rise

By Gwen Ridler

Insolvencies in the food and drink manufacturing industry have seen a steady decline since September last year, but a record number of insolvencies could be on the horizon for the manufacturing sector, according to law firm Higgs.

How can food and beverage manufacturers cut costs responsibly? Credit: Getty/Wasan Tita

Long read

Where can I cut costs without impacting food integrity?

By Bethan Grylls

Food Manufacture recently aired a webinar that explored how food manufacturers could reduce costs without negatively influencing food integrity. Here are the highlights from our expert guest speakers.

Food inflation may be at its highest, but market indicators suggest it may be at its peak

News

Food inflation accelerates but could be hitting its peak

By Gwen Ridler

Food inflation has risen to 19.2% in March from 18.2% in February, the highest rate in 45 years, rocketing ahead of CPI’s inflation of 10.1%, according to Office of National Statistics figures.

Jon Poole sits down with Keston Williams of Barfoot to talk decision-making with confidence

The Talent Poole

Being a confident decision-maker

By Jon Poole

Jon Poole interviews Keston Williams, Barfoots COO, who offers his perspective on nimble decision-making in the fast-paced world of food and drink.

Bethan Grylls speaks to Timothy Lang about food insecurity in Britain and what action is needed

Video

Why can't the UK solve food insecurity? Episode seven

By Bethan Grylls

In the final episode of this seven-part series brought to you by Food Manufacture and sponsored by RSSL, our editor Bethan Grylls, meets with Timothy Lang of City University, emeritus professor of food policy.

What challenges now face the food and drink supply chain?

Long read

Challenges and developments in the food and drink supply chain

By Gwen Ridler

With the food and drink industry under constant threat from global pressures such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, how has the supply chain managed to keep up and running and what new developments do operators need to be aware of?

Red meat production is returning to pre-Covid patterns

Red meat production is returning to pre-Covid patterns

By Michelle Perrett

Red meat production is returning to pre-Covid patterns as the impact of the pandemic is subsiding, the latest Monthly Market Bulletin by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has revealed.

Salmonella has dogged the food industry over the past few months. iStock credit Manjurul

Digital feature: long read

Food safety trends

By Michelle Perrett

The past two years have brought rapid and relentless change to the food chain and this shows no signs of slackening.

The Government has U-turned on its decision to implement further restriction on EU imports

Government U-turn on border strategy: Industry reaction

By Gwen Ridler

The UK government’s U-turn on border strategy will help clear up red tape surrounding imports, but could endanger parts of the industry to potentially devastating disease risks, warned members of the food and drink industry.

There isn’t yet a trusted international certification scheme for sustainable soya

Digital feature: long read

Sustainable sourcing: the challenges

By Michelle Perrett

Food and drink processors are making constant progress in tackling the sustainability of the raw materials they use, from energy, gas, packaging, to ingredients such as soy and palm oil.

Twinings Ovaltine performed well in its interim period, ABF said

Sugar and ingredients soar as ABF offsets inflation

By Rod Addy

Associated British Foods (ABF) claims its sugar and ingredients divisions have delivered powerful performances in the 24 weeks to 5 March 2022, while Twinings Ovaltine proved a star performer in its grocery channel.

Low stocks and shipping issues could see a shortage of sushi rice in the UK

Sushi rice prices set to explode

By Gwen Ridler

The UK is set to experience a significant increase in the price of sushi rice, according to ingredients firm Eurostar Commodities.

Heavy goods vehicle driver shortage: what's the answer?

Heavy goods vehicle driver shortage: what's the answer?

By Michelle Perrett & Rod Addy

The heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver shortage will only marginally improve by sourcing more EU workers; attracting UK drivers with better wages and working hours is preferable, a report has suggested.

Lolay: 'Disruptions to supply chains and shortages of labour'

Food and drink output plunges

By Rod Addy

Food and drink sector output fell at the fastest pace in eight months as staff shortages, driven partly by large numbers of workers self-isolating, restricted production capacity, according to Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker.

Simtom Foods's factory is based at Merry Lees Industrial Estate in Leicestershire

World foods supplier Simtom Food Products in administration

By Rod Addy

Simtom Food Products Limited, the family-owned ethnic condiments manufacturer, has entered administration citing the impact of the pandemic and labour shortages, after making most of its 60-strong permanent workforce redundant.

Milton: 'We have seen an increase in the use of robotics'

Food Manufacture Excellence Awards: Menzies on industry trends

Food Manufacture Excellence Awards: Menzies on industry trends

By Gwen Ridler & Rod Addy

The food industry faces three immediate trends offering pitfalls and opportunities, according to Caroline Milton, head of manufacturing at Menzies, headline sponsor of the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards in this videocast.

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