Archives for January 6, 2017

← 2017

Food and drink sector squares up to Brexit challenges

By Rick Pendrous

As 2017 opens, without doubt, we are entering unknown territory. The biggest question facing UK food and drink is what direction of travel the government will disclose for Brexit in advance of Article 50 being triggered, probably in March.

New food innovation centre opens in Northern Ireland

By Rick Pendrous

Northern Ireland now has a new focus for food innovation, following the official opening in November by North West Regional College (NWRC) of the region’s first centre of excellence for food development and technology.

Thermal fluids pose contamination risk

By Rick Pendrous

Many food processors will be surprised to learn that contamination of products can result from the use of thermal fluids that are not of food-grade quality, should it come into contact with the food.

DEFRA’s food export policy to China under fire

By Matt Atherton

Environment secretary Andrea Leadsom’s plan to export more British food and drink products to China has been criticised by a panel of industrialists from the sector, members of which claimed even the most experienced exporters would struggle to break...

Fuel prices to hit food manufacturers’ profits

By Gwen Ridler

Food and drink manufacturers’ profits are likely to be hit, after diesel and petrol prices reached an 18-month high, according to manufacturers’ organisation EEF. 

Warburtons joins new gluten-free association

By Gwen Ridler

Warburtons, Genius Foods and Northumbrian Fine Foods are founder members of the Gluten Free Industry Association (GFIA), formed in response to the growth of the market for gluten-free products.

2 Sisters to add 100 jobs at Derby plant

By Noli Dinkovski

2 Sisters Food Group plans to create 100 new jobs “across all levels” at its Derby factory, just over a year on from rescuing the site from administrators.

Ministry of Cake stake sold to French firm

By Michael Stones

Private equity firm Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) has sold its stake in dessert manufacturer Ministry of Cake to French counterpart Mademoiselle Desserts, for an undisclosed sum.