Author: Scott Dylan

Nomad Foods plans to alter freezer temperatures to reduce energy consumption.A pilot study indicates a 3°C increase can cut freezer energy by over 10%.The study was in collaboration with Campden BRI, testing nine product types.Results showed no noticeable effects on food quality or safety at -15°C.The initiative aims to lower costs and the carbon footprint industry-wide.Nomad Foods, known for brands like Birds Eye, has announced plans to increase freezer storage temperatures by 3°C. This decision stems from a pilot study indicating potential energy reductions exceeding 10% without any changes required to product formulation. The change involves storing frozen foods at…

Beyond Meat revises its yearly revenue outlook, citing declining market demand for plant-based products.The company expects 2023 revenues between £283m and £299m, down from previous forecasts.Inflation is driving consumers towards cheaper animal proteins instead of plant-based alternatives.Second-quarter sales dropped by 31%, falling short of analysts’ projections.CEO Ethan Brown addresses changing consumer perceptions regarding plant-based meat benefits.Beyond Meat has adjusted its revenue expectations for the fiscal year, projecting a range of £283 million to £299 million. This forecast marks a reduction from the initial estimates of £295 million to £326 million, reflecting a notable shift in market dynamics.The slowdown in demand…

One Stop has initiated a partnership with Veolia to recycle over 380,000 milk bottles annually, enhancing sustainability efforts.Milk bottles from One Stop’s vending machines and staff refreshments are collected weekly by Veolia for recycling.These bottles are processed at Veolia’s facility in Dagenham to create pellets for new milk bottles.The initiative contributes to One Stop’s broader sustainability goals, including achieving net zero by 2050.One Stop has also collaborated with Müller and Whywaste to reinforce its sustainability initiatives.One Stop, a notable convenience retailer, has undertaken a significant step towards sustainability by partnering with Veolia, a global resource management company, to recycle over…

Luke Jensen, the departing CEO of Ocado Solutions, has been appointed as executive chairman at Hana Group, highlighting his significant industry experience.Jensen has held a non-executive director role at Hana Group since 2015, contributing to the company’s strategic development within the Sushi Gourmet brand.He will work closely with Hana Group’s CEO, Ed Romero, to drive global strategy and operations with a focus on transformative growth.Jensen’s previous achievements at Ocado Solutions, including global expansion initiatives, underpin his new leadership role.Steve Dacus, the outgoing chairman, supports Jensen’s appointment citing his transformative track record as a valuable asset.Luke Jensen’s appointment as executive chairman…

In July, food and drink emerged as the strongest performers on the high street, even as overall retail sales growth decelerated.According to the British Retail Consortium, retail sales in the UK grew by 1.5% in July, marking a decline from the previous year’s growth.Food sales surged by 8.4%, surpassing the 12-month average, amidst a slight easing in inflationary pressures.Non-food retail sectors experienced a downturn, with online sales hitting their lowest point since the pandemic’s onset.Consumers continue to grapple with ‘super-shrinkflation’, where reduced product sizes accompany rising prices, impacting purchasing power.In July, food and drink remained resilient as the leading categories…

The Bank of England’s chief economist warns that post-Ukraine invasion, food prices may not drop.Huw Pill attributes lasting high food prices to supply chain disruptions caused by the conflict.The UK faces compounded issues due to businesses securing high-cost commodity contracts.Food inflation has reached unprecedented levels, showing signs of moderate decline.Retailers remain cautious, expecting further food price increases at a 10% annual rate.In a recent Q&A, Huw Pill, the chief economist of the Bank of England, provided insights regarding the persistent high cost of food due to the Ukraine conflict. He stated that “the days of seeing food prices fall, that…

Tesco is broadening its initiative to reduce food waste and offer cost savings by expanding its ‘reduced in price, just as nice’ signage to 300 more supermarkets.The signage aims to help customers easily find discounted products, particularly those approaching their expiry date or end-of-season items.Tesco’s initiative responds to consumer demand for value, highlighted by survey results indicating increased interest in ‘yellow sticker’ products.Claire Lorains, Tesco’s director, emphasised the company’s commitment to minimising food waste and providing quality products at reduced prices.This expansion underlines Tesco’s ongoing strategy to enhance customer experience and promote sustainability within its operations.Tesco has announced a significant…

Meatless Farm products have reappeared on supermarket shelves following a strategic takeover by VFC.After experiencing significant financial challenges, Meatless Farm’s products are now back at Asda.The relaunch includes a variety of plant-based options such as mince, chicken breast, and burgers.Meatless Farm’s revival was described as a ‘golden opportunity’ for innovation by VFC.The products are set to expand to other retailers, maintaining their original manufacturing partners.Meatless Farm products are making a notable return to the shelves of Asda supermarkets, courtesy of a recent takeover by VFC. This comeback marks a significant step forward for the brand, which had faced considerable financial…

Lidl’s latest initiative sees the launch of fully compostable tea bags, enhancing sustainability in their product range.The transition to compostable tea bags is set to prevent approximately 800 million units from reaching landfill each year.This initiative represents part of Lidl’s broader strategy to reduce plastic packaging by 40% by 2025.The tea bags, made from plant-based plylactic acid, assure quality without compromising flavour.Lidl joins other major retailers in the move towards eco-friendly packaging.In a significant move towards sustainability, Lidl has announced the introduction of fully compostable tea bags within its own-brand range. This effort is poised to considerably reduce the environmental…

The post-pandemic era has reshaped the speedy grocery delivery sector, prompting significant consolidations and strategic pivots.During the pandemic, rapid grocery delivery flourished, but with eased restrictions, demand has dwindled, leading to market contraction.Major industry players underwent strategic changes, with some companies merging and others reevaluating their business models.Giants like Getir and GoPuff restructured operations and pursued new collaborations to maintain market presence.Despite challenges, partnerships with established delivery platforms indicate a path forward for the remaining operators.The evolution of the speedy grocery delivery market has been marked by considerable restructurings post-pandemic. The convenience and safety provided during the pandemic saw numerous…