Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

REGISTER YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME PILOTS

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

The Expression of Interest (EoI) for the Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme (ATTS) is now live.

The proposed ATTS is a scheme aimed towards frequent importers of ‘medium risk’ Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and Animal By-Products (ABP) from the European Union (EU) and the Rest of World (RoW).

ATTS has been designed with a modular framework which will provide businesses with flexibility and choice in how they engage with the Trusted Trader approach. Businesses will be able to build a package of facilitations that aligns with their specific operational needs rather than needing to engage with a one-size-fits-all solution. Each module will be piloted as a first step to determine if the module will be included as part of the scheme indefinitely.

The Border Target Operating Model (TOM) has now been published and can be viewed here, for further details on the Trusted Trader scheme, please review the Trusted Trader section within the TOM (P.44 – P.47)

The Expression of Interest will be open from 11th September 2023 to the 6th October 2023. Please refer to the application form on gov.uk for further details.

To be considered for the EOI, all applications must be completed in full otherwise your application may be rejected.

Providing that a business meets the minimum entry requirements to become a member of the ATTS, it will have the option of applying for different facilitations on a modular basis. These include conducting checks away from the border, simplifying the certification process for goods moving to Great Britain from a consolidation hub, and sharing supply chain data with the UK Government in return for a reduction in checks at the border proportionate to the level of assurance provided by the data. Please refer to the EOI policy document for full details of the membership criteria on gov.uk

What are the modules that a trader can apply for?

Certification Logistics module

This module focuses on streamlining the certification process for animal products. It allows an Export Health Certificate to be used from the point of origin of the goods (e.g. a manufacturing site) without the need for re-certification at a consolidation hub in the EU prior to dispatch to Great Britain. This is as long as the Trusted Trader can provide acceptable assurances regarding the biosecurity integrity of the goods in the interim, throughout transport, storage and any limited manipulation that is permitted.

This benefit will initially be limited to packaged medium-risk POAO and ABP which originate from the EU.

The Certification Logistics module will initially be available only to traders importing goods into Great Britain from EU/EFTA countries.

Checks Away from the Border module

This module would allow frequent importers of animal products to reduce the need for routine physical checks at the Border Control Posts by taking responsibility for carrying out checks at other locations, to ensure the protection of biosecurity, animal and public health whilst being closely regulated by Government. The checks carried out by the trusted trader at their own site will not necessarily replicate the BCP model but will provide equivalent biosecurity and public health assurance to Government.

This benefit can be applied to medium-risk POAO and ABP.

This benefit will be available initially to traders importing goods from both the EU/EFTA countries and the Rest of the World.

Journey Assurance module

This module will consider how supply chain data and technology already utilised by businesses could be drawn upon to provide biosecurity and public health assurances.

The precise benefits associated with this module would need to be determined as part of the co-design and pilot phases, but one possibility envisaged that it would be a proportionate reduction in the level of checks based on the assurance secured via the relevant technology.

This benefit can be applied to medium-risk POAO and ABP.

This benefit will be available initially to traders importing goods from both the EU/EFTA countries and the Rest of the World.

When will the pilots take place?

The pilot of the Certification Logistics module will begin in January 2024.

Pilots for the other modules will operate from April 2024.

Defra will conduct an Expression of Interest process to provide an opportunity for a representative range of businesses to participate in the pilots delivered in 2024

Help and further information

If you would like to know further information, please visit here.

You can also get in contact with Defra here.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESSING ON MAJOR COLD STORE EXPANSION

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

Magnavale, one of the UK’s leading providers of temperature-controlled storage, has announced that its development currently taking place at its Chesterfield cold storage facility has made significant progress and is on track to be completed in late 2024.

Since breaking ground in February 2023, construction of Magnavale’s Chesterfield cold storage expansion has progressed smoothly. As of August 2023, the company reports that the steel framework is now complete, and the installation of insulated wall and roof panels is also nearing completion.

Over the month of September, the construction crew will be finishing the roof membrane and intumescent painting of the new steelwork. Concurrently, work will commence on the small plant rooms and internal services including electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and other systems.

On completion, the expansion will add a significant 25,000 pallet positions to the cold stores’ existing capacity of 44,000, bringing the total pallet capacity of the facility to 69,000, making it one of the largest cold stores in the area.

This expansion will not only accommodate the increasing volumes of Magnavale’s existing customers but also open doors to new customers wanting to utilise Magnavale’s temperature-controlled facilities and value-added services.

The facility features one of the most comprehensive portfolios of value-added services, encompassing, blast freezing, microwave up-tempering and contract packing. Coupled with its strategic location, just off the M1, Magnavale Chesterfield is extremely desirable for food manufacturers that wish to cut unnecessary cost, risk, and complexity from their cold chain.

TASTE TREND ALERT: ASIAN FLAVOURS SET TO BE THE NEXT TOP STREET FOOD FLAVOUR, ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

New research from Lantmännen Unibake’s Americana brand reveals that 86% of consumers think Asian flavours could be the next big flavour in street food and burgers, inspiring vendors to spice up their menus and capitalise on this growing taste trend.

The research shows that a third (33%) of consumers purchase street food at least once a week, and 35% order a burger out of home once a week or more. Almost half (49%) of respondents say that the opportunity to enjoy Asian flavours would inspire them to choose a street food burger, and 53% agree that when considering a street food purchase, trying new flavours is a deciding factor.

Samantha Winsor, Marketing Manager at Americana, comments: “Our market reports show growth within the dining out and street food sector. However, this is mainly driven by branded chain outlets catering to consumers looking for a quick and cheap refuel menu option, or a pricier but value-driven indulgent meal. This shows an opportunity for outlets to regain market share and increase sales.

“Street food operators, pubs and restaurants that offer a classic but quality burger menu to cater to the masses will reduce operational pressures in the kitchen and cut food waste. Then add on-trend, indulgent seasonal or LTO burger options to provide intrigue and excitement that will appeal to consumers looking to indulge and willing to pay a higher price point, developing the overall sales opportunity.

“Our new research into Asian street food trends provide the most desirable Asian street food inspired fillings matched with the perfect Americana gourmet buns in easy recipe solutions, to help operators successfully compete with the branded chains and increase their market share.”

Korean Fried Chicken (31%) has emerged as the preferred Asian-inspired street food burger recipe; Chinese Pulled Pork (25%) comes in second, followed by Katsu Curry (22%). Sweet chilli (42%), Korean BBQ (42%) and Teriyaki (28%) are the top Asian flavours when purchasing street food. When asked what they find so appealing about Asian street food, consumers agreed that it tastes delicious, the flavours are bold, and there is a great variety of dishes available.

Outside of Asian flavours, and despite the popularity of plant-based options in everyday life, people eating street food burgers are more likely to purchase it with a meat-based protein. Beef is the most popular (50%), followed by chicken (29%) and pulled pork (10%). In comparison, just 9% chose plant-based options, such as jackfruit, mushroom, tofu, bean burgers or whole vegetables.

When it comes to general street food burger toppings, the advice is to keep it traditional. The findings show cheese and bacon are the most popular, followed by onion. Avocado was the least favourite, with only 7% of consumers choosing it as their preferred topping. Tomato sauce continues to be a British favourite, with 45% selecting it as their favourite burger sauce. Mayonnaise and barbeque sauce come in at joint-second, with 41% choosing each one as their favourite burger sauce.

Winsor continues: “A burger should always have a delicious main ingredient – and vendors should ensure they finish off the dish with a premium bun. In fact, 69% agree that a high-quality bun would make them more likely to purchase a street food burger. The majority prefer a Brioche Bun with their burger, with a Vegan Brioche Style Grill Marked Bun and Gourmet (Sourdough Kaiser) Bun also making the top 3. Not only does a high-quality bun make a burger look great, but it will also hold a variety of fillings, allowing vendors to experiment with more flavours and textures, giving customers a better eating experience. Plus, premium buns show their quality and taste better, adding to the overall dish.”

The research from Americana also looked at consumer spend; on average a consumer would spend £9.97 on a street food burger and £11.82 on a street food meal. This shows that when purchasing a street food burger, consumers are looking for quality and value. It also gives outlets the opportunity to hit that higher price point and develop their margin, by adding further street food inspired flavours to enhance the overall burger offering whilst still demonstrating quality and value.

Outlets should also look to capitalise on the afternoon rush with a more street food inspired offering. Lunch is the most likely time that people want to purchase street food (40%) with dinner falling behind – just 27% agreed this was their preferred time to enjoy street food.

Feeling inspired? Check out Americana’s new Asian inspired burger recipes below and visit our campaign page here.

 

BBQ Korean Fried Chicken Burger

Serves 4

Ingredients

· 4 Americana Grill Marked Vegan Brioche Style Buns

· 500g boneless skinless chicken thighs and/or breast

· ½ tsp minced garlic

· ½ tsp minced ginger

· 1 tbsp rice wine

· 40g corn starch

· Pinch of salt

· Pinch of pepper

· 4 tbsp Kimchi

· Lettuce – torn or chopped

· Sweet chilli mayo – for the bottom bun

· Oil for deep frying

 

Soy glaze for the chicken ingredients

· 1 tbsp soy sauce

· 3 tbsp rice wine or mirin

· 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

· 1 tbsp gochujang paste

· 3 tbsp honey, corn or rice syrup

· 2 tsp sesame oil

· 1 tbsp brown sugar

· 1 tsp minced garlic

· 1 tsp grated ginger

· Pinch of pepper

 

Korean BBQ sauce Ingredients (or alternatively use store-bought as a time saver!)

· 230ml soy sauce

· 150g dark brown sugar

· 2 tbsp minced garlic

· 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

· 1 tbsp chilli garlic sauce (such as Sriracha®)

· 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper

· 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

· 1 tsp Asian (toasted) sesame oil

· 1 tbsp cornstarch

· 1 tbsp water

 

Method:

1. Remove any visible fat from the chicken, then cut into bite sized pieces.

2. Marinate the chicken for 20-30 mins in a mix of salt, pepper, rice wine, garlic, and ginger. Then coat each chicken piece well with corn starch.

3. In a pan, add all the soy glaze ingredients and stir well. Bring to a boil, and when it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the heat off.

4. Pour about 1 inch of oil into a heavy bottom pan. When the oil is sufficiently hot (165°C), drop the chicken pieces in one at a time and fry in batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook until light golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove and set them on a wire rack or a paper towel lined plate.

5. Reheat the oil to 165°C. Deep fry again until golden brown, about a minute or two. This can be in one batch.

6. Heat the soy glaze over medium low heat. Add the chicken and stir well until the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Sprinkle white sesame seeds.

7. For the Korean BBQ sauce, stir the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rice wine vinegar, chilli garlic sauce, pepper, ginger, and sesame oil together in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until the cornstarch dissolves; pour into boiling soy sauce mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the sauce is thick, 3 to 5 minutes.

8. Toast the buns.

9. Add sweet chilli mayo to the base.

10. Layer on the lettuce.

11. Add the soy glazed chicken.

12. Add the Korean BBQ sauce.

13. Layer on the Kimchi.

14. Top with the bun lid.

 

Japanese Teriyaki Bean Burger

Chinese Pulled Pork Burger

The research was conducted by Opeepl on behalf of Americana, July 2023 and followed a study of 500 diners from across the UK and all demographics.

UK UKRAINE TRADE HUB LAUNCHED BY OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL

Posted on by hayley.smith@oakland-international.com

Known for creating innovative business solutions, total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International has launched the UK Ukraine Trade Hub based at their Redditch HQ.

The concept driving Oakland’s UK Ukraine Trade Hub is to assist Ukrainian manufacturers reach the UK market and expand sales. Initially twenty-seven products have been sourced via six different suppliers with foodstuffs including Beehive’s natural honey, Chumak’s sunflower oil, Bob Snail’s natural fruit snacks, granola and breakfast cereals from Dobrodiya through to instant soups from Streetsoup and tomato sauces from Runa. In time, and as the Hub grows, Oakland’s UK Ukraine Trade Hub is set to handle an expanded and more diverse product range from multiple suppliers with Oakland International playing a pivotal logistics role encompassing delivery, storage, and distribution.

UK Ukraine Trade Hub Director Taras Krykun said: “This initiative has the power to generate employment and contribute to Ukraine’s GDP. Furthermore, this will introduce some of the best Ukrainian products to British consumers and bring a part of home closer to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who since the war have sought refuge in the UK.

“The UK Ukraine Trade Hub marks a milestone in the British retail landscape as it represents the first introduction of Ukrainian merchandise into the high street, and not just niche stores catering for Eastern European customers, familiarising British consumers with the best Ukrainian products available.”

In an additional gesture of support 50% of all profits within the UK Ukraine Trade Hub will be paid directly back to Kyiv based charity Super Humans for as long as the war continues.

Oakland International is a leading D2C/B2C/B2B specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and brand development support covering ambient, chilled, and frozen food, and services retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK and Ireland. They are also BRCGS AA accredited and have taken the first step to becoming B Corp certified and are working towards becoming the first business within their sector to achieve net-zero.

Backed by the Ukraine Embassy and viewed as a win-win by all parties concerned, it positively impacts Ukraine manufacturing as well as their economy and provides access to cost-effective, top-tier products in the UK.

Added Taras: “The first shipment arrived just ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day on the 24th August, and such a splendid gift for the 200,000 Ukrainians currently residing in the UK.

“Tuffins Supermarket & Garden Centre was the first UK retailer to showcase UK Ukraine Trade Hub products and we are now in negotiations with several prominent UK retailers to establish Ukrainian food product shelves within their stores.”

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS LAUNCHED AGAINST DEFRA OVER DECISION NOT TO MAKE FOOD WASTE REPORTING MANDATORY

Posted on by Carla Brown

Food waste campaign group Feedback has launched legal proceedings against Defra over their decision not to impose mandatory food waste reporting.

Law firm Leigh Day said it had sent Defra a pre-action letter – the first step towards a judicial review, arguing that Defra’s decision was not based on a reasonable or rational view of the evidence and was actually unlawful.

Defra had previously said that a mandatory system would drive high costs but the campaign group stated that because measuring food waste improves data, this would in turn help businesses to spot opportunities to cut wastage.

It said the current voluntary approach, had saved 251,000 tonnes of food from going to waste since 2005, worth £365m but “This figure could only be improved if the measuring and reporting were mandatory,”

Leigh Day solicitor Ricardo Gama said: “The Government has decided to continue with a voluntary food waste reporting scheme even though all the expert advice said that voluntary measures aren’t working.

“All the evidence shows that the costs to the shopper of introducing a mandatory requirement will be massively outweighed by savings which would be achieved by reductions in food waste. Our clients say it is impossible to see how the Government’s decision can be based on a rational reading of the evidence.”

 

MEALS & MORE REPORTS TOUGH SUMMER FOR FAMILIES

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

Meals & More, the charity started by leading UK wholesaler Brakes, has reported a huge increase in demand this summer, as families face some of the toughest conditions since it began.

The charity delivered record levels of support over the summer, helping 270 holiday clubs and providing more than 250,000 meals, as it sought to assist vulnerable families struggling in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

In addition, Meals & More extended its Big Day Out programme, which helps to give children an enriching experience over the summer holidays, something that families may not otherwise be able to afford. This year, more than 2,000 children were given the opportunity to enjoy a Big Day Out.

Parents and children alike valued the opportunity to get away for a day, providing positive feedback on this new initiative from Meals & More.

Comments include a mother of two who, after a visit to Magna Sheffield, said: “This free, amazing trip not only created an understanding and appreciation of science, but also provided cherished memories and stronger bonds with the community and staff members.”

Her comments were echoed by other parents, including a Scottish mother who said: “My son has ADHD and came home excited to tell us how much he loved everything.” She went on to say that, following the visit to Fairburn Activity Centre, “he wants to do this every week and that he loves Rokzkool.”

And, following a trip to the Rare Breed Centre near Ashford, an emotional parent on the verge of tears, explained how relieved she was to hear that the children would be given a goody bag at the end of the day. Since this was their only school holiday trip, the parent wanted to make it extra special and had saved some food shop money so her daughter could buy a souvenir. Now her daughter could have a great day out, and still put food on the table.

Peter McGrath, Operations Director at Meals & More, said: “I’m very proud of the support that Meals & More has delivered this year, but equally disappointed that we still must. We are so grateful that our supporters continue to fund us so generously, as without their donations we would not be able to help the tens of thousands of children that we do.

“The requirement for our support continues to grow and we would encourage other businesses to join us as we work to put an end to holiday hunger.”

Kevin Sherriff, Project Manager for Highfields Adventure Playground in Leicester, said: “The support that Meals & More provides is incredible and enables us to continue to feed all the children that come to us through the school holidays.”

Meals & More was founded by Brakes when it recognised that millions of children were missing out on nutritious food when schools were closed for the holidays. While there has been greater recognition of the problem in recent years, 90% of people still underestimate or do not know the sheer scale of the problem, which sees more than 4 million children living in poverty in the UK.

BIDFOOD TO CHAMPION SMALL BUSINESS SUPPLIERS, WITH LAUNCH OF NEW OPEN DOORS PROGRAMME

Posted on by Billy Moone

As the industry continues to feel the impact of the cost of living crisis, Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading wholesalers, has announced it will be launching a brand new initiative – Open Doors Programme, this October.

The scheme will identify the most innovative and interesting brands from small food and beverage suppliers trying to establish themselves within the market, by raising awareness of their brands and supporting the development of their businesses.

With inflation taking its toll on the industry, confidence from small business owners is wavering. This is more so the case for those in the food sector who have seen a nearly 20% dip in confidence that their business will grow.1

Bidfood’s Open Doors Programme aims to help small suppliers overcome these obstacles by increasing their presence in the wholesale space and ultimately, their selling power.

Developed with SME expert and former supplier to Bidfood, Andrew Allen will be working with Bidfood’s technical services, buying, procurement and marketing teams to create a range of activities designed to nurture, champion and accelerate emerging suppliers.

In addition to this, the Open Doors Programme will pose as a valuable asset for Bidfood customers, who will get access to the most exciting, future-facing products landing in the market. A key target that will support the wholesaler’s vision to be a positive force for change.

An Open Door Conference, taking place on 2nd October, will mark the inception of the initiative, where small business suppliers will gain insight into the strategic aims of Bidfood, its customers and what it takes to build a winning proposition within the channel.

Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK said: “The Open Doors Programme represents a significant cross-business commitment towards smaller suppliers.

“We understand the uniquely challenging environment smaller suppliers have faced in the last few years, whilst also recognising the important role they play in fostering diverse innovation within our industry. The Open Doors Programme is designed to provide true opportunities for these businesses, by identifying, nurturing and then accelerating them within our network.

“This scheme goes hand in hand with our vision to be a positive force for change as we are investing in the future of the supplier base. And then for our customers, we’ll be presenting them with the most interesting suppliers that are best aligned with their needs and values. I can’t wait to see what’s out there and most importantly, support their growth and development.”

SME expert, Andrew Allen added: “I’ve experienced first-hand both the incredible opportunities and challenges, related to being an emerging smaller supplier in foodservice. Whilst the retail sector has made significant inroads of late when it comes to smaller supplier opportunities, in my view, foodservice has fallen behind.

“What started as a question to Andrew Selley has led to an understanding that Bidfood shares my view of the opportunity, and it’s been a pleasure building the Open Doors Programme with the team! Together we aim to champion the role of the sector and help accelerate the best emerging suppliers down the road of success.”

More information regarding the Open Doors Programme will be available soon via a dedicated webpage.

UPDATE ON IMPORTS OF CHILLED MINCED MEATS & MEAT PREPARATIONS

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

From 31 January 2024, imports of certain chilled minced meats and chilled meat preparations from the EU, other EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland to Great Britain, can continue when health certification requirements come into effect.

These goods are classified as ‘medium risk’ under the Target Operating Model so from 31 January 2024 will require an Export Health Certificate (EHC) to enter Great Britain.

For further information on risk categories, please visit here and for EHC’s please visit here

Official veterinarians in the EU, other EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland will be permitted to strike through the deep-freezing clauses in the Export Health Certificates for meat preparations and minced meat (bovine, ovine and porcine). This will allow the import of these products in their chilled state to continue.

Defra are working with the Food Standards Agency to develop a longer-term policy that can be applied consistently to imports of minced meats and meat preparations from all countries from 30 April 2024.

Defra understand that stakeholders require certainty on the import of minced meat (poultry) and mechanically separated meat (porcine and poultry) and have said they will communicate this as soon as possible.