Blistering heat scorching fruits and vegetables across UK
The UK heatwave has caused fruit and vegetables to die on the vine as growers fear the drought and further hot temperatures could ruin harvests this year. Fruit and vegetable suppliers have been counting their losses after record temperatures in July caused crops to fail, according to a report by The Guardian. “It’s not just fruit […]
Boldly British recyclable packaging on vine tomatoes hits the mark for M&S
M&S has given its British Collection vine tomato packaging a beautiful and more sustainable upgrade, switching from plastic sleeves to a recyclable cardboard format. The new covers feature an open look at the tomatoes on top, with a much smaller film footprint, while the rest of the package is wrapped in the sustainable material and […]
Aldi expands pay again for store assistants, looks to hire nearly 1,000 logistics workers
Discount retail chain Aldi is again raising its pay rates for valued store assistants, giving more than 25,000 a bump in hourly wages of 40p to offset rising inflation costs. Starting next month, those colleagues within the M25 will receive £11.95 per hour, while those outside of it will see increases to £10.50 an hour […]
Is variety specification crucial for category growth in foodservice?
I recently attended two events where speakers focused on the importance of variety-specific traits in produce that have an impact on consumer preference and liking. Some traits focus on visual aspects like size, shape or color, while others focus on the eating experience, including aroma, taste and texture. At each event, speakers asked the audience […]
Inflation, prices and profits: It’s a slippery slope
As we move forward in these inflationary times, the pressure increases on prices and, ultimately, sales and profits. Because of these pressures, upper management demands for increased sales and profits are reaching crisis levels. These financial measures become the total focus for upper management (especially those who are publicly held) and command the utmost attention […]
EU’s plan to go green will boost innovation, but costs will rise, too
Companies and citizens of the European Union (EU) will not be able to escape the fact that there is no such thing as a free lunch and there are costs to “greening” the union. The European Green Deal is the name of the EU’s overarching policy that aims to make the EU climate neutral in […]
Sainsbury’s offers £1 million opportunity for Black food entrepreneurs
UK retailer Sainsbury’s along with Foundervine and Mission Ventures are committing £1 million toward a 16-week “incubator programme” that will specifically be earmarked for food startup companies led by Black entrepreneurs. The three businesses said Thrive with Sainsbury’s will effort to help ethnic minorities both navigate the challenges of the industry as well as provide the […]
Record heat leads to severe drought conditions in UK, Europe
As another heatwave hits the European continent, drought conditions and water scarcity in several regions are reducing crop yield and affecting energy production. A staggering portion of Europe is currently exposed to warning (44% of EU+UK) and alert (9% of EU+UK) drought levels, associated with soil moisture deficit in combination with vegetation stress, according to […]
