Page 217 — British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF)

PRINCIPAL LOGISTICS TECHNOLOGIES AND KESTRONICS PARTNERSHIP OFFERS TOTAL SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS

Posted on May 23, 2023January 9, 2026 by Rob Sherwin

Warehouse management and ERP solutions provider Principal Logistics Technologies and supply chain management technology provider Kestronics have signed a partnership contract that will enable both companies to offer integrated solutions incorporating each other’s products. Principal Logistics Technologies’ products include ProSKU cloud-based warehouse management software, ProWMS enterprise-level warehouse management software and ProERP enterprise resource planning software. Kestronics, experts in technology solutions, offers a wide range of hardware devices, aftercare support, and services. The company works with many well-known brands supplying label printers, barcode scanners, mobile computers & tablets, and vehicle mounted computers, as well as specialist RFID readers and machine vision cameras to support retailers, warehouse & logistics operators and manufacturers across the UK, Europe, and North America.

“Most solutions needed to support modern supply chains combine applications and hardware,” says Joe O’Shea, Sales Director at Principal Logistics Technologies. “As a result of this partnership customers of both companies will benefit from integrated solutions aligned to their business requirements and which deliver innovation, performance improvement, and added value.”

“We are excited to be exhibiting together for the first time at the IWLEX, Inside Warehouse Logistics Expo, taking place at Telford International Centre in May 2023, stand C34. Here we will be offering live demonstrations of Principal Logistics Technologies’ ProSKU software on the newly launched Kestronics Packing Bench Solution. This innovative, state-of-the-art equipment can increase frontline efficiency by 33% faster packing, minimising human error, reducing return fraud, and improving overall inventory accuracy,” says Mark Shirran, Managing Director at Kestronics.

As modern supply chains become more complex and costs continue to rise, integrated solutions will play a pivotal role by driving efficiency, visibility and optimising warehouse and supply chain operations. This exciting partnership will allow customers of both Kestronics and Principal Logistics Technologies to leverage these solutions to drive modernisation and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

£130 MILLION INVESTMENT INTO EUROPE’S MOST EFFICIENT COLD STORE FACILITY

Posted on May 23, 2023 by shane.meharg@magnavale.co.uk

Magnavale, one of the UK’s leading cold storage providers, has announced that they have made a £130 million investment into their new development in Easton Lincolnshire.

The 101,000-pallet cold store will be the highest cold store built in the UK, at 47.5 metres high, allowing greater capacity and efficiency in a smaller footprint. Magnavale intends for the energy efficient facility, which will be run entirely on renewables, to serve as the first automated development of their extensive pipeline of new facilities across strategic locations in the UK and Europe.

Advanced Infrastructure for Greener, More Secure Supply Chains

Magnavale are excited that the progress of its Easton development is progressing rapidly. Since breaking ground in September 2022, the company has achieved significant milestones, positioning the development to become Europe’s most efficient cold store.

McClaren have completed the main concrete slab, and low bay cladding and steelwork for the staircase and office are now complete. Construction has also begun on the high bay automation, and the high bay cladding, which including the cranes, are currently being erected within the store’s steelwork lattice. The electrical infrastructure and fire suppression system are also making steady progress.

The refrigeration and oxygen reduction plantrooms, essential elements of the cold store, are under construction and nearing completion. Magnavale are pleased with the progress made so far and remains confident that they will complete construction in Q4 2024.

Magnavale’s new development in Easton, Grantham, is set to become the most efficient cold store in Europe, accommodating a capacity of 101,000 pallets. The fully automated cold store will operate solely on renewable energy, making it an environmentally sustainable solution for the modern cold storage industry.

Seasonal Worker scheme extended to 2024

Posted on May 23, 2023January 12, 2026 by Nicola Parkinson

Despite the pressures on the UK government to reduce net migration, they have committed to extending the Seasonal Worker visa scheme for a further year in 2024 as part of a package of support for farmers.

What is the seasonal worker scheme?

The seasonal worker visa is a temporary one that allows fruit and vegetable pickers to apply under the horticulture route to come and work in the UK if they have a sponsoring approved operator and meet various eligibility criteria. It also allows temporary visas for those in the poultry production sector during certain periods of the year.

You can apply for a Seasonal Worker visa to come to the UK and work in:

horticulture for up to six months (e.g. to pick fruit, vegetables or flowers); or
poultry from 2 October to 31 December (in the same year).

Although applications for horticulture Seasonal Worker visas can be made at any time of year, applications for poultry Seasonal Worker visas must be made by 15 November each year.

The story so far…

The Prime Minister has recently committed to making available another 45,000 seasonal worker visas to the horticultural sector over the next year to support producers to plan ahead for the picking season.

While this commitment rejected the industry’s call for a five-year rolling scheme, the announcement comes earlier than last year and aims at giving “further certainty” to growers planning for their next harvest.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) for England and Wales has been lobbying the government on behalf of its members to support the supply of seasonal workers for some time so this is certainly a positive step forward. It will bring some relief to growers who continue to struggle to find the skilled labour needed to continue to produce the nation’s fruit and vegetables.

How can we help?

Our immigration experts are on hand to advise and guide you through the planning process for visas under the Seasonal Worker scheme. If you would like support with applying for this visa then please contact Calum Hanrahan in our business immigration team.

Overseas / Immigration

Contact: Calum Hanrahan calum.hanrahan@shma.co.uk

THE CHIP THAT HAS IT ALL – NEW AVIKO SUPERCRUNCH PURE & RUSTIC

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Shah Khan

According to independent research, 65% of foodservice diners want rustic looking chips and are willing to pay a premium for it*. So, there has never been a better time for chefs, caterers and operators to upgrade their offering to Aviko’s new – SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic, the chip that combines a homemade feel with the taste and crunch of a ‘proper’ chip.

Available to foodservice now, Aviko’s SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic Chips are made with superior spuds which lock in flavour for a delicious tasting chip. With the skin left on paired with irregular cut sizes, the chips have a rustic, natural look and unrivalled texture. These features combined make for a five-star chip that will add a premium feel to any dish.

Speaking of the launch, Mohammed Essa, Commercial Director UK & Ireland, said:

“Aviko is proud to add another delicious solution to its foodservice portfolio. There’s a huge opportunity for operators to offer chips that are premium, crispy and appear homemade, so the launch of Aviko SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic means there is a real solution that can help operators boost profits and satisfy their customers’ cravings.”

Available now in 2.5kg format, Aviko’s SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic Chips are gluten free and vegan friendly, have a shelf-life of 24 months and can be prepared in both the oven or fryer, ensuring versatile preparation to suit busy kitchens and all menus.

Mohammed continues,

“Now more than ever, kitchens need to focus on cost-savings, reduce food waste and make menus work harder through stocking versatile ingredients. With chips the side of choice for so many dishes, our new Aviko SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic Chips will help chefs and caterers everywhere make the most of consumer demand for quality and value when eating out.”

The new chips are perfect for delivery too, thanks to their SuperCrunch coating which promises a long holding time and guaranteed crunch on arrival. When considering that 81% of consumers would order chips more often if they knew that they would arrive crunchy*, plus the increase of +115% of pubs and restaurants offering delivery since Covid**, Aviko’s SuperCrunch Pure & Rustic are a win-win product to stock.

Aviko has been the resolute potato partner for foodservice for over fifty years, bringing quality and smart solutions to menus all over the world. With a range of chilled and frozen potato specialities made by chefs, for chefs, Aviko’s extensive range includes Hash Browns, Premium Fries, Mash, Snackables and much more.

*Toluna Survey

**Lumina Food Strategy Forum Q1

For more information on Aviko visit www.aviko.co.uk

BORDER TARGET OPERATING MODEL WEBINAR RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Over the last few weeks, the government have been running a series of webinars to explain how the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) will work and to seek feedback from stakeholder groups.

The recordings from those webinars have now been uploaded to the APHA YouTube site and can be accessed here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouExecY1Kne5ac9VeNAE_TZVdcy8P0ga

THE FUTURE OF FOOD CONFERENCE 2023

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

After a three-year break, BSI is delighted to bring back the Future of Food Conference.

Joined by The Cold Chain Federation and The British Frozen Food Federation, the day will feature insights and advice on topics such as emerging industry trends, how innovation changing the way food is delivered, and the effects of cyber security.

Join us for talks from experts and take part in our live Q&A panel discussions, for insights and advice on topics such as sustainability, innovation, food defence, and cyber security.

Click here to view the event agenda.

BFFF’s Head of Technical, Denise Rion will be speaking about how different factors have influenced consumer choice and behaviour over the years and a forward look at overcoming the challenges facing the sector.

A few reasons to become a member of BFFF

To find out more about becoming a member call 01400 283 095 or email the team

Join BFFF

Member profile on BFFF website

Free BFFF Member List

Free listing in the annual Member Directory

Access to latest industry news and information

Weekly newsletter, press and media opportunities

Press and media opportunities

Marketing, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities

Networking via opportunities at BFFF events

Free market data provided by Circana and World Panel

Access to industry specialists

Expert guidance from Technical and Health & Safety teams

Access to Primary Authority schemes and assured advice

H&S Audit Service/Advice

Free access to HR and legal guidance and advice line

Training and Education

Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

BFFF energy deals and rates
Vypr member deals and introduction
Defib Plus deals
Company Shop – membership
Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
Annual Lunch
Awards Night

Become a member

Sponsorship Packages

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to BFFF members across our events throughout the year, with flexible packages that can be tailored to suit your business objectives.

Need a comment from the BFFF?

The voice of the frozen food industry
Representing over 340 businesses in the frozen food industry
Available out of hours

Contact the BFFF PR Team

what our members say...

Helen Atkinson

Wakefield Council

“What an amazing piece of work and indicative of how BFFF respond to the concerns of their members and make an impact on the whole industry sector.”

See Full Quote
Paul Duncalf

Sysco

“You guys really ‘Do The Right Thing’ for the good of the industry”

See Full Quote
Co-CEO Dries Talpe

Darta

“The BFFF awards night is becoming an “appointment not to miss” on our calendar and we again enjoyed it immensely together with lots of well-known people from our industry. The…

See Full Quote
Lewis Kain

Kantar Worldpanel

“The Business Conference was an excellent day that was very well organised and allowed so many likeminded individuals in the room to learn so much more around the Frozen industry….

See Full Quote
Gail Hodson - Technical Director

Lakeside Food Group Ltd

“This Not For EU labelling situation alarmed us and quickly became a major worry to our business. These are times when you really rely on some support and from previous…

See Full Quote
Domenic Granelli - Financial Controller

Meadow Vale Foods Limited

“We had a few questions with respect to the new EPR waste packaging legislative changes. I know some of my colleagues have been assisted by BFFF in the past so…

See Full Quote
Dave Griffiths, General Manager

Newberry International Produce Ltd

“I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding event you organised. I have only worked in this sector for the past nineteen months coming from twenty-five years…

See Full Quote
Liam, Commerical Director

Place UK Ltd

“The BFFF 2024 Conference was compelling and thought provoking, with a many relevant and interesting topics covered at great pace and some depth by excellent speakers – will certainly attend…

See Full Quote
Peter Bambury

Roswel Spedition GMBH

“Thank you and the team for rushing around so brilliantly before, during and after the conference. It was pleasure to be part of the conference.”

See Full Quote
Alexandre Alves De Mattos

Seara

“The event was great, in my opinion. Not only it was very well organised, but the venue and the catering were excellent too. Furthermore, the content of the presentations was…

See Full Quote