News In Brief

Firms in danger​

Industry analyst Plimsoll has released its latest report into the UK food manufacturing market, which rates 295 of the UK's leading food manufacturing firms as being in financial danger.

Of the 295 firms with 'danger' ratings, 173 increased their debts last year, 212 saw profits fall and 153 are losing money.

Aware of welfare​

British shoppers are becoming increasingly engaged with animal welfare standards, according to research from international food and grocery expert IGD.

Of those surveyed, 20% said that knowing about the standards of animal welfare was a key driver of product choice, up from 13% last year. When asked about concerns relating to food production, 46% mentioned animal living conditions, compared with 38% in 2008.

Industry cuts cap ex​

Food manufacturers are dramatically scaling back plans to authorise capital expenditure on buildings and plant and machinery in the coming year according to the latest CBI industrial trends survey. However, there was more optimism over exports driven by the weak pound.

KTN name change​

Discussions are underway to absorb the Food Processing Knowledge Transfer Network (FPKTN) into a new group combining the Bioscience for Business KTN and the Genesis Faraday Partnership. The provisional name for the group, which is expected to be finalised by April is the Agri-Food and Biosciences Knowledge Transfer Network.

Protect pesticides​

At a meeting with the Crop Protection Association on January 15, secretary of state Hilary Benn confirmed that the government shared concerns that the removal of around 15% of pesticides would result in falling crop yields and rising food prices. He said he would vote against the EU's new pesticide regulation when it came before the Agriculture Council for final agreement in March or April.