Inside food & drink manufacturing
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the UK’s food and drink manufacturing sector is set to rise in 2014 as business confidence rises, according to leading UK business and financial advisory firm Grant Thornton.
Carr's Milling Industries is eyeing acquisitions in the UK and overseas for all of its divisions, including its food business, which supplies flour to bakers and baked good manufacturers.
Clayton Park Bakery has opened a new factory at Huncoat, Lancashire, creating 30 jobs, as it announces it has clinched a contract to supply Newcastle United football club.
Food Safety Conference
The importance of developing a food safety culture throughout food and drink businesses was one of the key messages to emerge from Food Manufacture’s Food safety conference, according to its chairman.
Food and drink manufacturers face “a big crunch”, as the consequences of the public health and environmental damage associated with the over production of meat and dairy foods begins to bite.
Controversial provisions for voluntary allergen labelling could become legally incorporated within the Food Information for Consumers Regulations (FIC), according to a leading expert in the field.
Very little is known about the health and safety and occupational health practices of small–and medium–sized food manufacturers and engaging them is crucial to improving the well-being of staff.
Premier Foods is remaining tight-lipped about reports that the Mexican bakery Grupo Bimbo may acquire its troubled bread division, as the firm’s short-term prospects divided City opinion.
South American food trends offer golden opportunities for UK food and drink manufacturers in the next few years, according to a leading product development expert.