Sysco GB and Meals & More have teamed up to brief parliamentarians on the growing child food poverty crisis facing the UK, and to call on the Government for further support.

The Tackling Food Poverty event, which took place on 22 October, saw MPs, Lords and Westminster colleagues hear about the progress being made to end holiday hunger and the significant hurdles that still need to be overcome.

Ahead of the November budget, it provided the opportunity to talk to MPs about the urgent reforms that are required to strengthen the Holiday, Activities and Food Programme (HAF), which provides the basis for the Government’s response to child hunger in school holidays.

Sharon Hodgson, MP, who sponsored the event, said: “I was pleased to host Sysco and Meals & More in Parliament for this vital issue. As Chair of the APPG on School Food, I have long championed the importance of ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals – not just during term time, but throughout the holidays too. There is a clear and urgent need to strengthen the HAF programme and extend its reach to all children living in poverty. Feeding children is the foundation for their health, wellbeing and ability to thrive in education and beyond.”

 

Meals & More Chair of Trustees, Richard Cooper. said: “We are committed to tackling child hunger and isolation during school holidays. And that means going beyond our direct support for the organisations that provide children with safe and fulfilling activities, to engaging our MPs and policy makers on the wider challenges. We are reassured by the engagement across the House and the support for our call on the Government to extend the HAF to match the eligibility for free school meals in September – reaching millions more children.”

Sysco GB CEO Paul Nieduszynski said: “Meals & More has provided more than 2.9 million meals over the last ten years. Sadly, it’s clear that there’s much further to go. We need to double down on support for children over the holidays when the safety net of the school system is missing. I’m delighted that Sysco continues to play its part in supporting the work of Meals & More, and to have joined the team at this important event, as it echoes our company purpose which is to share food and care for one another.”

Meals & More was founded by Brakes, a Sysco company, ten years ago and continues to support more than 400 holiday clubs across the UK, supporting provision of healthy meals and enriching activities.

In the fast-paced and often physically demanding environment of frozen food warehousing, efficiency is essential – but so is the well-being of your operators.  Repetitive handling of heavy, cold, or awkwardly shaped goods can quickly lead to fatigue, discomfort, and even injury.  Over time, this can impact productivity, staff retention, and overall warehouse performance.

That’s where the right forklift attachments make a real difference.  Attachments aren’t just tools for moving products – they’re solutions designed to create safer, more ergonomic workflows.

For example:

• Gas Bottle Grab Brackets provide a safe, secure way to lift individual gas cylinders, eliminating the need for awkward manual handling
• Forklift hitches expand the versatility of forklifts, allowing operators to tow or move specialised trolleys and attachments safely
• Drum rotators and specialised grabs help manage awkward loads safely, protecting both operators and products.

 

By prioritising ergonomics and comfort, businesses can see tangible benefits:

• Reduced fatigue and injury risk, leading to fewer workplace accidents and lower absenteeism
• Improved operational efficiency, as confident operators can handle more loads safely in less time
• Reduced product damage, helping maintain quality and minimise waste.

 

Mark Jones, Technical Sales Advisor at Contact Attachments, said: “At Contact Attachments, we specialise in designing forklift attachments tailored to the unique challenges of frozen food operations.  Our solutions are engineered to withstand low temperatures while supporting operators in performing their tasks safely and efficiently.

 

“Investing in the right attachments isn’t just about safety – it’s about creating a productive, sustainable workflow.  A comfortable, confident operator is a productive operator, and the right equipment can make all the difference.”

 

Contact Attachments Ltd has been supporting UK manufacturers for over 50 years and offers a wide range of standard and bespoke material handling solutions to the food and drink sector. Whether you’re handling dairy, beverages, or bulk ingredients, their team is on hand to help find the right solution for your specific needs. For more information, visit: www.forklift-attachments.co.uk or call 01686 611200.

Oakland International’s technology team have come together in support of Movember, the annual November charity campaign dedicated to men’s health, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

 

To spark open conversations around men’s health, the Technology Team is making a noticeable impact across the company, not just through their growing moustaches, but also through growing momentum. Beyond facial hair, some team members are taking on the challenge of completing 60km through walking, biking, swimming, or rowing.

 

Oakland International’s Chief Technology Officer, Steve Naylor, commented: “This initiative came directly from our tech team, and I couldn’t be prouder.

 

“Movember is about more than growing moustaches; it’s about raising awareness and driving real change. We’re excited to see our colleagues and community come together for such a worthy cause.”

 

Throughout November, participants are encouraged to:

• Grow a Mo: Sport a moustache to spark conversations and raise awareness.
• Move for Movember: Walk or run 60km to honour the 60 men lost to suicide every hour globally.
• Donate or Share: Every contribution counts.

 

You can support their campaign here: https://movember.com/t/oakland-international-ltd?mc=1

 

Oakland International will be sharing the team’s updates, photos, and progress throughout the month to celebrate their growing achievements and to inspire others to take part.

 

Added Steve: “The team saw an opportunity to make a difference and ran with it. Their energy and creativity are now helping to inspire colleagues across the company to support and get involved.”

Porky Whites, a Surrey-based sausage manufacturer is proud to have won Best Cocktail Sausage at the annual UK Sausage Week (UKSW) awards for its Thai-Style Cocktail Sausage.

 

Having triumphed at last year’s awards event with our Signature Surrey Pork Sausage for Best Pork Sausage and overall Supreme Sausage Champion, this year’s triumph continues another successful awards campaign for the family-owned and run business.  Porky Whites also received Finalist nominations in the Best Specialty Sausage category for its Cheese, Leek and Black Pepper sausage and the Best Lincolnshire Sausage for its wholesale/foodservice Lincolnshire Sausage.

 

The awards event which took place at Butcher’s Hall in London, kicks off a week-long celebration of the great British banger. Backed by the Yandell Publishing Group and Meat Management magazine the event is designed to support the sausage and pork trade, its suppliers, and to generate interest and increased revenues over the all-important autumn period, a key time for sausage sales both at retail and wholesale.

Francesca Wyatt, Managing Director – Porky Whites Ltd, comments: ”Our Thai-Style with turmeric and coconut cocktail sausage has divided opinion, but this award shows how good it really is! We’ve got a long and successful history in product development so to have our Thai-Style recognised by UK Sausage Week is an incredible feeling. After winning Supreme Sausage Champion in 2024, this latest triumph is hugely satisfying and a reminder that the family business still has a place at the table.”

Sysco GB companies M&J Fresh Seafood and Brakes have been awarded the prestigious 2025 MSC UK Foodservice Supplier of the Year award and have now won the award in 11 of the past 12 years.

As part of its business strategy, Sysco GB is committed to displaying leadership across all aspects of sustainability, which includes responsible sourcing. With more than 120 MSC-certified lines available, the company continues to raise awareness and promote the importance of the quality standard to its customers.

Paul Nieduszynski, Chief Executive Officer, Sysco GB said: “Fish is a key part of our centre of plate offer, and we focus on delivering great value, quality and consistency across the range. MSC ensures that whatever fish our customers choose, they can be reassured that we are sourcing them sustainably.

 

“This award is a good reflection of the work our procurement team undertake in identifying and promoting the right fish to help customers to develop more sustainable menus.”

Sustainability, supply chain performance and customer experience are all important factors in a brand making its mark in the frozen food industry.  What connects them? High-performing packaging. With new regulations placing greater responsibility on brands and consumer expectations evolving quickly, packaging goes beyond keeping products protected. It’s an invaluable touchpoint that shapes the consumer’s overall experience and lasting impression of your brand.

 

As a proud associate member of the British Frozen Food Federation, Smurfit Westrock Mold can help members to overcome packaging challenges and access the opportunities that having the right packaging can provide.

 

Sustainability: Making Sense of Brand Responsibility

 

Sustainability is no longer just about choosing the right material and hoping for the best; it’s about accountability throughout the entire lifecycle of packaging. The introduction of new regulations, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), aims to reduce the environmental impact of products by holding producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, from design to disposal. This moves responsibility from consumers and places it on businesses.

 

For frozen food producers, this means considering the impact of packaging at every stage – including sourcing, recycling, waste management and reporting – and demonstrating strict sustainability compliance. This is part of a bigger move towards a circular economy, where packaging is designed with reuse and recycling in mind.

 

Lianne Pemberton, UK&I Sustainability Lead at Smurfit Westrock, highlights: “With the right understanding and preparation, changing sustainability regulations are also an opportunity for brands in the frozen food industry. It’s the ideal way to reduce waste, improve transparency and encourage consumer trust.”

 

Innovation: Changing Consumer and Market Demands

 

Frozen food packaging must adapt to consumer demands for convenience and the specific needs of retail environments. This doesn’t mean simply finding a brand new type of packaging; it’s about improving existing designs to meet changing demands. By rethinking your packaging, you can ensure products stand out on shelves, reduce waste without compromising on product protection, and ensure boxes are easy for consumers to open, store and recycle. It’s about rethinking and improving existing designs to deliver better outcomes.

For example, when Smurfit Westrock proposed a top and bottom packaging solution for transporting frozen baked goods. Traditionally, these products are delivered to bakeries in a box with a separate plastic bag inside. The new approach eliminates the need for the plastic bag by introducing a bottom tray with reinforced sides for extra protection, ensuring the goods remain undamaged during transport. The tray features a protective coating that doesn’t affect recyclability, supporting both sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

By approaching packaging with a focus on innovation, you have a better chance of staying competitive and responsive. It’s also an effective way of future-proofing packaging against regulatory changes and market shifts.

 

Supply Chain Optimisation: Streamlining the Frozen Food Journey

 

In the frozen food industry, supply chains must balance efficiency, cost-effectiveness and product production. Packaging plays a surprisingly significant role in finding this balance. For example, Smurfit Westrock Mold manufactures transit shippers using carefully optimised pallet layouts to maximise storage, transport and handling efficiency. Plus, with innovative pack designs that allow for speedier decanting, you can reduce all-important time and labour costs in store, which helps to streamline the supply chain even further.

 

By approaching packaging as a way to optimise a supply chain, rather than simply a way to contain frozen food, you can identify opportunities for improved speed, reduced cost and more sustainable operations.

 

Risk Mitigation: Securing Your Supply Chain

Disruptions in supply chains have made risk management a top priority across the frozen food industry. Packaging is no exception, and a reliable supply chain is essential to keep products moving from A to B and beyond. Reducing risk means working with suppliers who not only combine local expertise with global knowledge but also have the infrastructure to deliver continuity and confidence.

At Smurfit Westrock, we have the advantage of owning over 60 of our own paper mills, giving us control over a key raw material and ensuring continuity of resources even in times of disruption. With UK-wide sites, we provide built-in resilience and flexibility – enabling us to adapt to short-term needs, deliver limited packaging runs, and maintain the stability required for long-term supply. This approach ensures customers benefit from a packaging partner who can safeguard their supply chain against international market pressures while keeping frozen food moving securely and efficiently.

Your Exclusive BFFF Invitation:

Packaging security extends beyond using the right materials; it’s about having a reliable packaging partner to overcome challenges and provide stability. If you would like support with navigating sustainability legislation, supply chain optimisation and innovative packaging solutions – or if you would like to book a site visit to Smurfit Westrock’s newly invested facility in Mold – connect with Fiona MacDougall directly at fiona.macdougall@smurfitwestrock.co.uk

Or take the next step with a complimentary Smurfit Westrock Better Planet Packaging Audit – giving you clear, expert insight to ensure your packaging is sustainable, compliant, and ready for the future of frozen food.

“We’re here to make packaging simple, effective, and ready for the future for BFFF members. From navigating EPR and optimising supply chains to securing sustainable materials and reviewing packaging with innovation in mind, our focus is on giving members the clarity and confidence they need,” Fiona MacDougall, Business Development Manager at Smurfit Westrock Mold.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the updated Food Law Codes of Practice (Codes) and Practice Guidance for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

This marks the latest phase of the FSA’s modernisation of food regulation, following a 12- week consultation which was held in 2025 and engagement with local councils (local authorities and port health authorities in England and Wales and district councils in Northern Ireland) and other key stakeholders. A summary of responses to the consultation for England, Wales and Northern Ireland were published in August.

The changes are designed to help local councils target resources to where they make the most difference to public health outcomes.

Key updates include: 

• A more flexible, risk-based approach to prioritising initial official controls of new food businesses, allowing the flexibility for local councils to triage businesses when they first register
• Greater use of alternative control methods, including, in some cases, remote assessments allowing local councils more choice to support more efficient use of resource
• Broadening the cohort of professionals who can undertake certain activities to support delivery of official controls in England and Wales to ensure that officer’s expertise is dedicated to where it can have the most impact
• The introduction of the new Food Standards Delivery Model in Wales. This updates how local councils regulate food standards within food establishments in Wales. This was implemented in England and Northern Ireland in 2023.

The FSA has also launched a revised competency standard which may be used to ensure that officers undertaking food safety checks are appropriately trained and competent. The standard, read in conjunction with the Food and Feed Law Codes of Practice, helps local councils assess the competency of their staff for the activities they undertake in their roles and is used as part of their ongoing professional development plan.

Next Steps

The updated Codes of Practice, Practice Guidance and Competency Standard are available to view on the FSA website.  Separate versions are published and tailored to the legal and operational context in each nation.

Pecan Deluxe Candy (Europe) Ltd is marking a major milestone this year — its 25th anniversary — celebrating a quarter of a century of innovation, growth, and success in the European confectionery industry.

Established in 2000 as a fully owned UK subsidiary of the US-based Pecan Deluxe Candy Company, the Yorkshire manufacturer has evolved from a modest operation into one of Europe’s most dynamic and trusted suppliers of sweet inclusions and toppings for the food and beverage industry. From cookie dough, fudge and praline nuts to brownie and cookie pieces, Pecan Deluxe’s ingredients add indulgent texture and flavour to a host of household-name products enjoyed by consumers across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. The company has also become a reputable and trusted supplier to numerous retailers, Quality Service Restaurants (QSR’s), casual dining and food service chains.

Prior to its acquisition by Pecan Deluxe, the Sherburn-in-Elmet based company operated under the name Harriet Websters, specialising in the production of fudge. Since the change in ownership, substantial investments have been made in both innovation and workforce development, facilitating the company’s expansion into bakery, chocolate, and confectionery production to meet increasing market demand. A major £3 million factory extension in 2018 enhanced manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics capabilities, while the continued emphasis on innovation resulted in the successful launch of the ‘Bling’ range in 2021 — allowing Pecan Deluxe to offer its range of premium ingredients to smaller businesses and catering providers through ecommerce and wholesale distribution channels.

Managing Director Graham Kingston said:
“There are great plans afoot and many more developments in the pipeline. We operate in a fast-paced industry, and we’ll continue to stay ahead of food and beverage trends to bring innovative, high-quality products to market. Watch this space!”

The European celebrations form part of a truly global moment for the Pecan Deluxe family. Founded in 1950 by Texan ice cream retailer J.C. Brigham, Pecan Deluxe began by creating a range of candies to be used in Brigham’s own scoop shops. Over seven decades later, the family-owned company has become a global leader in inclusions, expanding its international footprint with state-of-the-art facilities in Dallas, Texas (celebrating an impressive 75 years in business in 2025), Yorkshire in the UK, and Pak Chong, Thailand (celebrating its 10th anniversary this year).

With all three Pecan Deluxe sites achieving landmark anniversaries, 2025 is truly a year to celebrate. Pecan Deluxe Europe marked its ‘official’ 25th birthday earlier this year with a visit from President Jay Brigham, a spectacular cake and celebrations for all staff.  

But while 2025 is a year for celebration, the business is already focused firmly on the future. Under third-generation President Jay, Pecan Deluxe continues to push boundaries — from pioneering popping boba production outside Asia to doubling the size of its Thai operations in response to rising demand. 

A quarter of a century on, Pecan Deluxe Europe remains committed to its founding principles: quality, creativity, and a people-first culture that continues to drive its sweet success story forward.