Page 322 — British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF)

FURTHER SUBSTITUTE OILS NOW APPROVED FOR USE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SUNFLOWER OIL

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Following an assessment carried out by FSA, fully refined corn oil/fully refined maize oil can now be used to substitute sunflower oil without a declaration of the change on the label, as short-term measure, with a pragmatic enforcement approach taken by LAs.

The full list of oils that may now be used to substitute sunflower oil can be found in the table in Annex 1 of an enforcement letter issued to Local Authorities.

The FSA have reiterated the request that LAs ensure business provide sufficient information on supporting mitigations and that businesses indicate the necessary steps being taken, with timescales, for working towards a return to compliance as soon as possible.

If you have any queries relating to this matter please email the FSA on receiptandmanagement@food.gov.uk. The FSA also encourage you to direct any queries to your responsible LA.

POTENTIAL CYBER SECURITY RISK TO AGRICULTURE

Posted on May 31, 2022November 7, 2025 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

A report by the University of Cambridge has highlighted that internet-connected technology which is increasingly used in the agricultural industry could be vulnerable to exploitation, if not sufficiently protected.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has previously worked with the National Farmers Union (NFU) to support the Agriculture and Farming Sector and created useful cyber security guidance for farmers explaining why cyber security matters in farming and steps to take.

This is important for ultimately assuring food chain security, in which agriculture plays a vital role.

GSCOP ONLINE WORKSHOP: COST PRICE INCREASE MANAGEMENT

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

BFFF, in collaboration with the retail mind, is pleased to bring you a GSCOP Online workshop: Cost Price Increase Management. Dates are available in October. Book early to avoid disappointment.

The workshop will be delivered via Zoom and is presented by Ged Futter from the retail mind.

When you have a cost price increase we know that the first thing a Retailer will do is deny, deny, deny, then deflect, deflect, deflect then look at reducing it to a level so insignificant that it can’t be justified.

Your problem is that you need the cost increase and you need it to maintain your business for the future.

What can you control? You can’t control your input costs – but you can agree your selling price!

We know in many cases this proves to be a difficult conversation and can then feel like your business is under threat. Well it doesn’t have to be that way.

Our Cost Price Increase workshops focus on the following areas;

Prepare
- Understand the challenge
- Negotiation – Principles and phases
- How retailers plan and prepare
Plan
- Materials, approach, process. Inc move planning.
- Dealing with objections and rejections
Practice
- Role play, feedback, improve
- Getting to agreement

We have had success with clients who work in both private label and branded categories

The cost of the workshop is £500 / delegate & it is run across three Zoom sessions like the GSCOP Workshops.

The next CPI Workshop is likely to be October unless other dates become available.

To register your interest, please email Kate Miller

PLANT-BASED BRAND ARLEY’S LAUNCHES SIX NEW MEAT-FREE FAVOURITES

Posted on May 31, 2022May 31, 2022 by

Arley’s, the UK brand pioneering gourmet quality, meat-free flavour sensations, is excited to announce the launch of six brand new plant based products.

Included on the new Arley’s menu is a plant based mince that successfully holds its flavour and texture throughout the cooking process. A range of BBQ favourites is also making their debut, with new beef burger and chicken burger alternatives.

These juicy taste sensations pack in all the succulence of big meaty patties, without the animals. And of course, no BBQ is complete without sizzling sausages, and Arley’s does not disappoint; the new plant based pork sausage alternatives have a real meaty texture – while being wheat-free so no one is left out at mealtimes. Last but not least, Arley’s is also adding meatballs to its plant based range. There are two options: regular meatballs, and spicy meatballs for those looking for a little kick. Both options keep their shape when cooked. The Arley’s team love them packed into fluffy sub rolls and topped with tomato sauce.

Brady Collins, CEO of Arley Foods, said “For our new additions, we decided to focus on one of the most challenging ingredients in plant based cuisine: mince and mince-based foods. Meat-free mince has a tendency to turn to mush, which isn’t great when you’re expecting to bite into a tender burger and get paste instead!”

OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER

Posted on May 31, 2022 by hayley.smith@oakland-international.com

Total supply chain solutions specialist, Oakland International, has appointed Vera Bruntink as Sustainability Manager to drive forward their programme of sustainable and environmental initiatives throughout its group of businesses.

Having studied economics in the Netherlands and a marketing internship in New Zealand, Vera completed a master’s degree in management and corporate sustainability at Cranfield University in the UK, and whilst there worked on several sustainability consultancy projects for a range of small to medium-sized enterprises.

Vera commented: “Oakland has always prioritised sustainability from within an industry known for its significant environmental impact, giving me a great starting point for driving impactful sustainable change.”

Oakland has over the years introduced a wide range of sustainable initiatives that fit with

their ethical approach to business and their focus on leading the way in advancing carbon efficiencies.

Added Vera: “My strategic mindset and experience in identifying sustainability issues and opportunities together with my passion for the environment will help me focus on driving the business to become net-zero. In the short term I will be mapping Oakland’s current environmental performance and carbon footprint, after which we can set reduction and net-zero targets, as well as starting with several energy saving initiatives.

“In the longer term I will focus on securing B-Corp accreditation, increasing our on-site energy generation, working on decarbonising our distribution fleet, reducing packaging and waste, basically everything we can do to make Oakland as sustainable as possible.”

A specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain, Oakland International is BRC AA accredited and a double Queen’s Award for Enterprise recipient for International Trade and Sustainable Development and currently working towards becoming the first carbon-neutral business within their sector.

Commenting on her appointment, Oakland’s Strategic Development Manager Pete Vaughan said: “We are delighted to welcome Vera to Oakland International to support us with our sustainability agenda.

“I’m sure her knowledge, experience and expertise will be a huge asset as we move forward to attain our environmental goals.”

INTRODUCING THE NEXT-GENERATION ALR STAND-IN LOW LIFTER FROM UNICARRIERS

Posted on May 31, 2022 by

UniCarriers has launched a new generation of the ALR stand-in low lifter, now offering enhanced features in line with the highest standards of technology, quality and ergonomics. Available in 2 and 3-tonne capacities, the ALR is ideally suited to heavy-duty operations such as internal transportation and cross docking applications.

Space-saving and safe

The compact ALR stand-in low lifter is specifically designed for use in confined warehouse spaces and allows for agile movement in areas where other pallet trucks may not fit. The operator is contained safely inside the compartment, helping to minimise risk of injury when working up and down narrow aisles near racking and pallets.

Stay in control

For flexibility, the ALR has a newly redesigned steering wheel that can be fully adjusted in both height and angle depending on the operator’s driving direction, and new ergonomic controls enable smooth, intuitive handling with less strain. While driving, the operator can maintain a comfortable position thanks to the optical presence control, which is an alternative to a pedal as it allows the operator to lift their foot without it causing the truck to brake.

The operator compartment has a low step for easy entry, and a dampened floor minimises vibrations to reduce fatigue – helping operators to stay alert and productive through long shifts. The advanced multi-functional display is easy to read and shows a variety of information, including driver settings, battery status and hour meter.

Make it your own

At UniCarriers we know that every business and every application is different, which is why we work closely with customers to provide tailored products. The ALR low lifter offers a range of optional features to allow customers to create a product package adapted to their needs. For example, customers can choose to add an overhead guard combined with a panoramic roof, or 360-degree steering for improved manoeuvrability.

If a task requires the truck to move with forks trailing, the Ergo Forks Trailing Control will allow the operator to face ahead whilst maintaining a completely unobstructed view.

All in a day’s work

Time is of the essence during fast-paced picking operations. The ALR has a powerful AC motor for high speeds, quicker accelerations and greater efficiency on jobs. When it comes to motive power, multi-shift applications may benefit from a high-performance Li-ion battery option which offers fast opportunity charging. But to ensure high availability at all times, UniCarriers believes it is essential that customers receive quality full-maintenance site support. The modular ALR is built using UniCarriers’ shared components concept, which enables our engineers to provide exceptional first-time-fix rates for maximum uptime.

The ALR is available now. For more information visit:

https://www.unicarrierseurope.com/uk/products/pallet-trucks/alr

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.

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