Author: Scott Dylan

Investors are calling on food companies to cut antibiotic use in their supply chains due to rising concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR).Approximately 70% of antibiotics are used by animals, highlighting a significant issue in meat production industries.AMR is linked to nearly 5 million deaths annually and $100 trillion in economic losses worldwide.The Fairr initiative, backed by investors with $71 trillion in assets, targets major US fast-food chains to reduce antibiotic usage.Industry leaders like McDonald’s and Restaurant Brands International are taking steps to responsibly manage antibiotic use.Investors are increasingly urging food companies to implement measures to reduce antibiotic use within their…

Getir is set to reduce its global workforce by over 10%, impacting 2,500 employees.The decision comes in response to decreased demand following the pandemic-induced grocery delivery boom.Getir aims to refocus its efforts on markets with stronger growth prospects by exiting Spain, Italy, and Portugal.A recent fundraising effort is underway, with Getir aiming to secure $500 million led by Mubadala.The company remains committed to pioneering the quick delivery sector despite recent setbacks.In a strategic move amidst declining market demand post-pandemic, Getir, the grocery delivery service, plans to lay off approximately 2,500 employees, translating to more than 10% of its global personnel.…

Efforts are underway to support UK farmers through enhanced supermarket initiatives.A proposal suggests supermarkets add ‘Buy British’ sections online to boost local produce visibility.More than 110 MPs back the initiative, aiming to strengthen the UK economy and reduce carbon emissions.Notably, some supermarkets like Sainsbury’s and Waitrose have already begun highlighting British produce.The initiative emphasises UK farmers’ role in food security and environmental preservation.An initiative has been proposed to bolster the visibility of British produce within supermarkets’ online platforms, encouraging consumers to opt for locally sourced food. Over 110 Members of Parliament have aligned themselves with this effort, advocating for the…

Waitrose is launching its inaugural £5 lunchtime meal deal at stores commencing 30 August.The meal deal encompasses a main, side, and drink from a diverse selection including sandwiches and salads.Waitrose aims to provide a convenient, high-quality, and value-for-money option to its customers.The introduction follows similar initiatives by other UK supermarkets such as Asda and Sainsbury’s.Waitrose also announces a new range of frozen Zizzi products available from mid-September.Waitrose, for the first time, is offering a £5 lunchtime meal deal across its stores. The initiative, launching on 30 August, includes a choice of a main item, a side, and a drink. The…

In July, UK households experienced a relief in financial pressure due to increased disposable income.Asda’s Income Tracker highlighted a 4.5% year-on-year rise in disposable incomes, marking significant growth.Average weekly disposable income increased by £9.48, reaching the highest level since March 2022.Inflation eased to 6.8% in July, largely due to lower energy and food costs.Despite improvements, disposable incomes are still below pre-crisis levels, with some age groups more impacted.In July, financial relief was observed among UK households as disposable incomes grew by 4.5% year-on-year, according to Asda’s latest Income Tracker. This rise signifies the strongest annual growth rate since September 2021,…

The latest data reveals a notable slowdown in UK supermarket sales, marked by a rate of 7.2% for the four weeks to 12 August, the lowest since the start of the year.Contributing to this slowdown are lower inflation rates and unpredictable summer weather, which have led to less frequent shopping trips by consumers.In response, retailers have intensified promotional efforts, increasing spending by 23% on all fast-moving consumer goods to buoy consumer engagement.Amidst this, Tesco and other discount retailers like M&S, Aldi, and Lidl saw market share gains, contrasting with weaker growth figures from Morrisons and Co-op.Key challenges persist for the…

A once-promising robotics start-up backed by Ocado has been sold off at a significant loss, fetching only £350,000.Founded in 2018, the start-up developed innovative kitchen automation, including a robotic chef and fryer.Despite raising £13 million from Ocado and the Future Fund, the company collapsed in June.Attempts to recapitalise the firm failed amidst a challenging economic climate and diminished venture investment.The sale reflects broader industry challenges and the financial strain on start-ups post-pandemic.A once-promising robotics start-up, supported heavily by Ocado, was recently sold for a mere £350,000, a considerable decline from its prior valuation. The company, initiated in 2018 by entrepreneur…

Deliveroo is enhancing its service, allowing customers to add grocery items to their takeaway orders.The new feature was successfully tested in London and will be available nationwide soon.Customers can now include groceries from Deliveroo’s grocery partners like Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Morrisons.The development responds to growing customer demand for integrated meal and grocery ordering.This initiative is part of Deliveroo’s effort to strengthen its market position after reducing financial losses.Deliveroo has introduced a new feature to its app, enabling customers to add grocery items to their takeaway food orders. This addition aims to create an all-encompassing ordering experience, particular in response…

Sainsbury’s has reintroduced the Nectar ‘Great fruit & veg challenge’.From 23rd August to 10th October, customers can earn at least 1,000 bonus Nectar points.The initiative encourages healthier eating by rewarding the purchase of fruits and vegetables.Last year’s challenge resulted in 88 million portions of fruit and veg being bought.Over 580,000 customers participated last year, with substantial bonus points distributed.Sainsbury’s has reintroduced the Nectar ‘Great fruit & veg challenge’, offering customers an opportunity to earn additional Nectar points by purchasing more fruits and vegetables. This initiative, which runs from 23 August to 10 October, encourages healthier eating among shoppers and provides…

Britvic makes a significant investment of £22.5 million to boost production in East London.The sixth bottling line will enhance production capacity by nearly 30%.New equipment will facilitate faster production of popular brands like Tango and Pepsi Max.Eighteen new jobs are created with a focus on technical training for new employees.The investment aligns with Britvic’s strategic growth and resilience plans.Britvic has committed £22.5 million towards establishing a sixth bottling line at its Beckton factory, situated in East London, which is a strategic move to bolster its long-term growth ambitions within the United Kingdom. This substantial investment is poised to increase the…