Announcing the development at the group’s annual members meeting at Ironmongers Hall in London today (Tuesday 17 July), president John Mettrick said they needed to “focus image in a 21st Century environment”. He added the move was designed for “customers who expect clarity and to enhance trust”.
“If we are going to be successful in future, we must continue to provide our members with unlimited expert advice and represent their interests when and wherever it matters but with a title that has clarity, is easily recognised, and envelops trust.”
He said that throughout its 130-year history the Federation had been “successful adopting titles to try and reflect who we represent”. From National Federation of Butchers Associations in 1888 to National Federation of Meat Traders at the turn of the 20th century to what it is today the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders.
Mettrick added that the newly-named organisation will help to “better represent members to consumers up and down the country, installing trust in the meat they sell, trust in the skills they have and trust in their craft”.
A new NCB website and promotional materials are set to be published in due course.
The NFMFT runs the Product Competition at the Foodex trade show, which is organised by Food Manufacture’s publisher William Reed,