Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

BFFF CELEBRATES 75 YEARS AT OUR ANNUAL LUNCH

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

On Tuesday 21st November we celebrated our wonderful 75th Anniversary Annual Lunch. It was fantastic to see our past presidents and CEO’s all in one room to celebrate with us. We were joined by past CEO’s Alf Carr, Brian Young and Richard Harrow, and ex-presidents including Alastair Salvesen, Ali Hannaford, Howard McEvoy, Stephen Waugh, Paul Freeston, Peter Allan and Nigel Broadhurst. It was a true celebration to have everyone there.

In an address to 800 business leaders at London’s Hilton Park Lane, our President Mr Ian Stone said: “The combined effects of the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis have led to a new-found enthusiasm for frozen foods.

He cited research conducted by the Federation which reveals that two in five consumers – nearly 40% – say that they are now buying more frozen food than they did just a year ago.

His speech marked the official 75th anniversary celebration of the foundation of the Federation on 11 June 1948, at 352, The Strand, London for the inaugural meeting of what is now the British Frozen Food Federation.

Quoting from the archives, Mr Stone said that the first AGM, attended by only 11 people, reported that: ‘Frozen food growth is rapid. Annual sales of frozen fruits are more than 2,000 tonnes, frozen vegetables more than 4,000 tonnes and frozen fish from Grimsby a whopping 5,000 tonnes.’

“As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, those 11 people who met in 1948 would be astonished that sales of frozen foods would grow to a staggering 2 billion tonnes per annum; consumed across multiple categories both in and out of home.

Mr Stone concluded by telling members and their guests that: “It is truly remarkable that our Federation is today celebrating our 75th birthday. Celebrating the gift that is frozen food, looking forward together to the next 75 years.”

The day was rounded off with our highly entertaining guest speaker TV presenter and former England International Rugby player, Martin Bayfield. Martin kindly auction off a signed rugby ball in support of our charity partner NHS Charities Together which raised a fantastic £2,300. A huge thank you to Simon Spence from Westbridge Foods who was the highest bidder and the winner of the signed ball.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and we hope you managed to enjoy some cake!

MAGNAVALE EASTON HELPS STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS TRANSITION TO EMPLOYMENT

Posted on by shane.meharg@magnavale.co.uk

Magnavale Easton Ltd, a provider of temperature-controlled storage in Grantham, recently collaborated with Willoughby Academy and Lincolnshire County Council’s Children’s Services department on an impactful employment readiness program for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

John Edgoose, Site Manager at Magnavale Easton, and his team worked closely with the school and council to provide an inspiring workplace visit for the students, aimed at increasing their enthusiasm for employment in the future.

The students were able to gain experience in a real working environment during their visit to Magnavale Easton. The Magnavale team ensured the day was both educational and fun, creating great memories while also equipping students with practical knowledge to succeed in a job.

Feedback from the council’s SEND Employment Officer praised the experience: “You were all brilliant with the students and helped to create some great memories, along with increasing the desire for many in the room to pursue paid work in the future.”

As a company committed to supporting the Grantham community, Magnavale Easton was proud to collaborate on this program and make a difference in the lives of local students. Providing opportunities for those with disabilities to gain employment skills and succeed professionally is a cause close to Magnavale’s heart.

Amanda Cogan, Chief Operating Officer at Magnavale, comments: “We appreciate the partnership with Willoughby Academy and Lincolnshire County Council’s Children’s Services, and we hope to continue supporting their students by providing them with life-changing experiences, skills and knowledge”. The Magnavale team share that they look forward to organising more student visits and potential supported work experiences in the future.

BIDFOOD APPOINTS NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONTROLLER FOR HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

Posted on by Billy Moone

Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, has recently revealed the appointment of Vicki Philpott as Business Development Controller for Hotels and Restaurants. Vicki will be responsible for leading the national sales teams in representing and further strengthening the businesses support within these important sectors

Vicki brings with her a wealth of experience, particularly from a supplier perspective. Having begun her career with Diageo almost 25 years ago, since then, Vicki has also undertaken roles within notable companies such as Molson-Coors, Twinings, Mars and most recently, Hain Celestial.

As well as bringing with her an excellent understanding of the industry, Vicki is a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion, championing industry networking programmes such as Women in Wholesale which recently rebranded as Diversity in Wholesale.

Talking about her new role, Vicki commented: “The last few years have been challenging for hotels and restaurants, however I’m optimistic that as we approach 2024 the sector will continue to flourish and bring with it a number of opportunities.

“My passion for the foodservice industry has always been at the forefront of the work I do and I’m extremely excited to have joined Bidfood. This role will allow me to put my existing relationships and knowledge to good use, whilst working with the team to continue the outstanding work they do to deliver service excellence and help our customers grow.”

REED BOARDALL MOVES BACK INTO PROFIT AMID CHALLENGING MARKET CONDITIONS

Posted on by jrae@reedboardall.com

Despite continued pressure on costs, leading Yorkshire-based temperature-controlled food storage and distribution business Reed Boardall has put in a strong performance, seeing profits before taxation rise to £1.4m for the year ending 31 March 2023. 

The group, which provides storage and logistics services from its single site in Boroughbridge, Yorkshire, to many of the UK’s leading food manufacturers and retailers, achieved a £5.5m uplift in profits year-on-year. In 2021-2022, a number of adverse conditions, including Covid lockdowns, a cyber-attack and spiralling fuel and energy costs, resulted in the company sustaining a £4.1m loss.

Marcus Boardall, chief executive of Reed Boardall, said: “Given global uncertainty as the Ukraine conflict continues, together with ongoing inflation, pressure on our costs has been unrelenting. In such a challenging environment, the group has once again put in a strong performance, based on its longevity, outstanding reputation in the sector and the skills of our highly trained team.

“We were pleased to see labour shortages having a smaller impact last year than previously, largely due to initiatives we have undertaken to ease the industry’s recruitment issues, including our ongoing investment in training and improving working practices. By the end of the financial year, we had succeeded in training over 50 new recruits via our in-house driver academy, enabling them to become qualified HGV drivers, as well as having set up a number of administration and technician apprenticeships.”

Mr Boardall continues: “Having already weathered one of the toughest years in our 30-year history, we are pleased that our latest financial results show the strength of the business as we look forward to further growth. The year ahead looks positive as we continue to prove the success of our single site strategy which enables us to provide an efficient and reliable service to our customer.”

Group finance director Sarah Roberts adds: “It is great news that despite market turmoil, the business is back on track with both turnover and profits increasing. Some of the positive trends we saw included higher average store utilisation than the previous year, and the recent extension to our 168,000 pallet cold store running at very high capacity.

“The group prides itself for being at the forefront of the cold storage and distribution sector and we plan to continue to innovate, for example, by seeking to further reduce our carbon consumption, water usage and waste production; and by investing in new technology and practices to drive additional operating efficiencies.

“Our can-do attitude, long heritage and financial strength, put us in a strong position to continue to support some of the leading names in the UK food industry.”

Based on a dedicated 55-acre site operation in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, Reed Boardall has grown to become one of the largest temperature-controlled food distribution businesses in the UK. With a fleet of 200 vehicles operating 24 hours a day, year-round, it delivers 12,000 pallets of frozen food daily from manufacturers across Britain, Europe and further afield to all the UK’s best-known supermarkets. It also provides blast freezing, picking and packaging services.

EUROPE’S LARGEST ICE MANUFACTURER TO ENTER WELLNESS CATEGORY WITH ICE BATH LAUNCH

Posted on by Lucy Barrow

Europe’s largest ice manufacturer and supplier, The Ice Co, launches its new ice bath. 

Europe’s largest ice manufacturer and supplier, The Ice Co, has launched a brand-new ice bath, available to consumers now.

The ice bath will retail for an RRP of £125 and is 80cm height x 75cm width, including a five-layer thermal cooling technology, thermo lid to maintain a steady temperature, an inflatable top ring for extra support and comes in a portable lightweight design. It has removable legs for quick and easy storage and is easy to clean with UV resistant PVC lining.

The launch comes in response to this year’s sudden surge in popularity for cold water immersion therapy. Searches for ‘the benefits of ice baths’ have increased by 21%, and ‘ice bath’ has seen a 148% increase in the last 12 months. The trend has been boosted by a number of celebrities embracing the wellness movement too.

Head of Marketing at The Ice Co, Lucy Redman, commented: “We’re so excited to launch our new ice baths to the public and to enter this new market. It’s an entirely new venture for The Ice Co., yet one we see as a natural fit to extend our product offering for consumers. Our ice baths go hand in hand with our best-selling product, Party Ice, which can be used to cool down the temperature of the water in the ice bath.”

Taking the plunge in an ice bath can help recovery post work out and relieve aching muscles by helping to reduce further swelling, as proven by athletes and sports stars. When coupled with breathing techniques, ice baths are also known to reduce stress and anxiety and boost the immune system, helping protect bodies from illness.

Launched in time for Christmas gifting season and in anticipation for January’s health-conscious consumers, The Ice Co’s ice baths will be available to order from: https://theiceco.shop.

For more information, how to set up and usage and safety tips visit the Ice Co website.

LUTOSA UNVEILS THE IRRESISTIBLE: INTRODUCING SMOKY BARBECUE FRIES

Posted on by joe.withers@lutosa.com

These fries offer a unique sensory experience with their smoky flavour and delicious seasoning.

The Smoky Barbecue Fries are so much more than just good-quality, crispy fries thanks to their seasoning: a carefully balanced blend of barbecue spices, wood smoke and a touch of salt.

Imagine a warm summer evening, the scent of a sizzling barbecue wafting through the air, and friends gathered around the grill. It’s the height of shared moments and mouthwatering flavors, and it’s this exact essence that Lutosa captures with its latest creation – the Smoky Barbecue Fries.

At Lutosa, where innovation meets tradition, the team has embarked on a flavorful journey to bring you a unique sensory experience. These aren’t just any fries; they’re a revelation of smoky flavor and delicious seasoning. The Smoky Barbecue Fries are more than a snack; they’re a celebration of bold tastes.

What makes these fries truly special is their seasoning, a meticulously crafted blend of barbecue spices, the richness of wood smoke, and just a touch of salt. It’s as if the soul of a barbecue pit has been infused into each fry. The result is a captivating burst of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.

As the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of barbecue surround you, these fries will elevate your experience. They’re more than a side dish; they’re an essential element of the festivities. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family dinner, or simply indulging in a solo snack, the Smoky Barbecue Fries are here to turn moments into memories.

“In the world of culinary innovation, we at Lutosa understand the importance of creating memorable experiences. With the Smoky Barbecue Fries, we wanted to capture the essence of a perfect barbecue – the smokiness, the spice, and the savory delight – all in one bite. These fries are a testament to our commitment to bringing exceptional flavors to your table,” shared Lieve Jans, Marketing Director at Lutosa.

The launch of the Smoky Barbecue Fries is yet another step in Lutosa’s journey to delight customers with high-quality, innovative potato-based products. With a history of culinary expertise, Lutosa continues to innovate and surprise the taste buds of its customers.

The Smoky Barbecue Fries are available now, ready to infuse your gatherings and daily meals with the spirit of a summer barbecue. For more information, visit Lutosa’s website at https://www.lutosa.com/en/produit/smoky-barbecue-fries/ or stay connected through their social media channels for updates, recipes, and inspiration.

DEFRA WEBINAR ON NIRMS, GROUPAGE AND MIXED LOADS

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

For those of you may have been unable to attend previous sessions, or for those who are seeking additional clarity, we would like to highlight that Defra are running an additional session on the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS), including information on groupage and mixed loads. Details and a link to register are below:

 

Learn more about the end-to-end process for NIRMS, Groupage & Mixed Loads

Date: Tuesday 28 November 2023

Time: 09:30 – 11:00, online

Attending the webinar will give you further opportunity to understand how the Scheme works following ‘go live’ 1 October 2023.

We will provide a broader insight into the following areas:

· The Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme

· Labelling

· Groupage and mixed load consignments

Click here to book

SPS CHECKS ON IMPORT OF GOODS VIA SHORT STRAIGHTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN AT SEVINGTON

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

For those BFFF members who are involved in the import of goods into the UK, we would like to draw your attention to a recent Defra announcement, where they have stated their ‘intention’ for SPS checks on goods arriving through the Short Straits to be undertaken inland at Sevington.

Following the announcement, Dover Port Health have issued the following statement:

You may have attended last week’s BBTP Business Readiness Forum (14 November) and/or received correspondence from Defra on Friday (17 November) where the UK Government announced an ‘intention’ for SPS checks on goods arriving through the Short Straits to be undertaken at Sevington (22 miles inland from the Point of Entry into the UK at Dover).

Following the announcement of the intention, we have urgently and robustly engaged with government seeking clarification (and details) as to how their intention could or would be achieved, delivered, or controlled in practice and whether Sevington can meet all the requirements of the legislation to be designated as a BCP, with the relevant legislation yet to be finalised.

Therefore, we continue to lobby government and work with key Dover stakeholders such as the Port of Dover to scrutinise government actions, and to establish some direction on how your imports will be processed without delay, and or additional costs. An option may include a commercial business operating Bastion; we cannot and will not sit by and leave our businesses, agents, and importers in this disadvantageous position, without the operational delivery support they expect and deserve.

Dover District Council / Dover Port Health Authority continues to operate as a Port Health Authority for Dover Port and the Channel Tunnel, carrying out our functions from the existing and operational BCP within the Port of Dover. As such we continue to work to ensure everything is in place for the operational requirements of the BTOM for the Short Straits.

Please be assured, in the meantime, it remains very much business as usual, and all port health controls concerning the Short Straits, should be directed to Dover Port Health:

Email: Porthealth@dover.gov.uk

Telephone: 01304 872216

The BFFF will strive to keep members updated of any developments, but please do let us know if you have any questions or need assistance in any way, and we do our best to help.