Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

COMMERCIAL MANAGER APPOINTMENT AIDES FOOD SECTOR EXPANSION FOR BRAND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST ACORN TRADE PARTNERS

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

Working with new and developing brands to reach a range of UK and Irish retail food service clients, Acorn Trade Partners (ATP) has appointed Anna Petti as their new Commercial Manager.

Working within the food industry for over twenty-five years, Anna brings with her a wealth of sector experience having worked with a range of organisations and aims to utilise her knowledge in project planning and implementation and drive ATP’s sales and marketing strategies.

ATP, a service division of total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International, source an extensive range of specialty fresh and frozen food products, which covers all key categories, from Europe, the UK and Ireland. They also provide innovative and technical resources to assist small food and drink producers develop using a unique and flexible range of retail service solutions which includes consulting, retail negotiation, invoicing and category development.

Said Anna: “I am delighted to have joined the business and my experience so far has been delightful. ATP wish to expand and develop their food sector presence and success to date, and there are a few interesting projects that I would love to be involved, but my immediate goal is the relaunch of their website and promoting their gelato range.

“I have worked in many different companies over my career, and I have to say that Oakland International shows the utmost care for its employees, clearly demonstrated when I was involved in volunteering in support of the free Food Box staff hampers to help during these very difficult times.

“Long term I will be working alongside ATP’s driving force Peter Turone, but currently I’m enjoying working across the many different departments within Oakland International.”

ATP works in long term customer partnerships, consulting in retail and wholesale category management. By managing the supply chain and producing focused marketing strategies with an eye on ROI (return on investment), which help set the stage for sustainable growth.

ATP’s MD Peter Turone added: “I am delighted to welcome Anna as part of our growing ATP team. Her sector knowledge and experience will support both our immediate and strategic long-term growth plans.”

DEFRA PUBLISH SEARCHABLE SPS RISK CATEGORISATION TOOL FOR IMPORTS INTO GB

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

On 28th April, Defra published detail of the Target Operating Model (TOM) risk categories for imports of animals/animal products into GB from the EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states.

The TOM categorises live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin (POAO) and animal by-products (ABPs) as high risk, medium risk, or low risk. Each category has different requirements and from 31 October 2023 you will need to follow the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules for whichever import risk category the products fall into.

Detail of the risk categories can be found here and now includes a searchable spreadsheet (‘TOM risk categories for animal and animal product imports from the EU to Great Britain: searchable list with commodity codes’), where you can find the risk category for the specific commodity you’re importing. Searches can be carried out using a 10-digit commodity code or by browsing a list of commodities.

Note: Risk factors will be reviewed regularly, and commodities may be moved into higher or lower TOM risk categories in future to reflect changing levels of risk.

TOM risk categories for imports of animals and animal products from non-EU countries are due to be published in summer 2023.

INCREASED HMRC SCRUTINY COULD BE DELAYING R&D TAX BENEFITS

Posted on by James Sampson

Ayming’s first UK Innovation Barometer has uncovered widespread support for the current UK Innovation Strategy. However, when looking at the impact of reforms to innovation and R&D in the UK, a lot of which aims to reduce R&D Tax fraud, a concerning theme emerges.

Across the industry, fraudulent R&D tax claims are widely agreed to be a damaging drawback of the scheme that must be confronted and HMRC’s subsequent clampdown an inevitable repercussion. However, the unintended consequences of this additional compliance are having a significant negative impact on those carrying out legitimate R&D.

Ayming’s inaugural UK Innovation Barometer examines the current state of the UK’s innovation landscape, as well as considers the various reforms that have the potential to influence businesses operating across the technology, manufacturing, food & beverage, construction, financial services, and pharmaceutical industries.

Survey uncovers impact of efforts to reduce R&D tax fraud

In November 2022, Ayming conducted a survey of 200 senior innovation, finance, tax, and CEOs/MDs in the UK. Survey respondents are all at CXO, director or head of department level, and evenly split across SMEs (companies with 250 employees or fewer) and larger companies.

Thirty-five per cent of respondents reported that HMRC’s clampdown has delayed payments of R&D tax credits, 24 per cent share that these delays have forced them to reduce their R&D budget, and 19 per cent note that the delays have had an adverse knock-on effect on how quickly their R&D activity can be carried out.

Benjamin Craig, Associate Director of R&D Tax Incentives at Ayming UK points out that, “The tax scheme is supposed to be an incentive. Whilst everyone is agreed that those committing R&D Tax fraud must be rooted out, HMRC needs to recognise the causal sequence its actions have begun and the impact they’re having on new innovation. We know of businesses that have decided against even filing a claim, having heard the rumours of delay. Small businesses operating on tighter margins just can’t risk the wait.”

You can download a copy of Ayming’s 2023 UK Innovation Barometer here to get all of the insights.

A HOT OPPORTUNITY!

Posted on by kate.sykes@lantmannen.com

The out-of-home eating market is a challenging place to be right now. With the cost-of-living crisis, ingredient costs and inflation having recently peaked, consumers are being very sensitive about their spending2. Lantmännen Unibake’s Americana brand has been reviewing the market and how their products can best support operators. Beyond the classic burger offering, that is already on most outlets’ menus, the real hero of this current economic climate can be found in a versatile, quality, quick and cost-effective Hot Dog!

With summer holidays just around the corner, operators do not want to miss out on the sales opportunity this time of year brings. Americana‘s research showed more than a third (36%) of respondents are most likely to order a Hot Dog at a music festival or event, and just under a third (30%) said that at a tourist attraction, such as a zoo or a theme park, is where they will enjoy a Hot Dog. With over a fifth (18%) of consumers buying a Hot Dog because it is comparatively cheaper than other items on a menu, price point is key; over half of consumers would pay £4.00 – £7.00 for a hot dog out of home.

The research shows that 26% of consumers order a Hot Dog once a week or more. Whereas it was once considered to be a main meal item, this has now diminished to just 17% of consumers. 29% of consumers enjoy a Hot Dog as a snack and 25% consider a Hot Dog a treat, demonstrating the evolution of consumption occasions and the growth of the treat and snack opportunity.

Almost half (41%) said that ease of consumption is the main purchase driver, and for a fifth (20%) of respondents, Hot Dogs are their preferred fast-food option. Speed of service is vital according to over 60% of consumers and 78% saying that the quality of the hot dog roll is important to them when purchasing.

Sam Winsor, Marketing Manager at Americana, comments: “The food to go sector is forecasted to grow by 4% in 20233. Both QSR’s and pubs & restaurants have gained a 29% share for lunch occasions4 and there has been 54% growth in buying at the operator for dinner occasions5. This tells us that, although market conditions are tough, there is opportunity within the marketplace for the right offering. Whilst reviewing the out of home market data alongside our new research, we can see the opportunity that Hot Dogs can provide operators. By capitalising on the emerging trend for Hot Dog snacking and treating. Just look at how this has developed in other Scandinavian countries like Sweden, and Denmark.

“Now is undoubtedly the time for QSR and fast-food operators to dial up their Hot Dog offering. It is imperative that they serve a good quality product that is full of flavour – and quickly – to capitalise on the opportunity.”

Americana‘s research reveals some interesting nuances when it comes to how consumers like their Hot Dog to be served. Most opt for a top sliced hot dog roll (73%) over a side slice (27%), with 56% preferring the sausage and filling to be contained within the hot dog roll rather than poking out the end.

The perfect Hot Dog must be packed full of flavour (32%), fresh and served quickly (27%) and loaded with toppings (18%). In fact, cheese (53%), caramelised onions (41%) and bacon (35%) as the top three hot dog toppings. The perfect Hot Dog roll must be made with quality ingredients (30%), robust enough to hold all the ingredients (29%) and soft and spongy (24%) just like an Americana Hot Dog Roll. Tomato ketchup (57%), mustard (33%) and BBQ (30%) were the top chosen sauces and over half of consumers (52%) choosing American inspired street food as their favourite Hot Dog flavour. This provides outlets with the opportunity to customise their hot dog offering with the option of upselling to a premium option or seasonal LTO to drive sales without adding complexity and slowing down the kitchen.

To find out more about Americana Hot Dog Rolls, visit the website: https://www.americana.co.uk/products/?c1=Hot-Dog-Rolls

GREAT BRITISH PEA WEEK: DEMAND FOR FROZEN PEAS SOARS 20% AS BRITS LOOK FOR CHEAPER FOODS DURING INFLATION

Posted on by coral.russell@britishgrowers.org

With Great British Pea Week retuning on 3rd-9th July, here at Yes Peas! our data shows that demand for frozen peas has increased 20% YOY, as Brits look for more cost-friendly ingredients for their weekly food shops. 

Google Trends data shows that searches for ‘frozen peas’ in the UK have increased 20% in the last 12 months, with over 2,000 searches in the last month alone. 

Alongside this, our data sheds further light on Brits’ changing shopping behaviours, showing that we Brits are increasingly shopping at Aldi and Lidl, rather than Morrisons, as we look to reduce the cost of their shopping basket. 

The number of Brits who shop at least monthly at Aldi and Lidl has risen by 4.6% and 4.5% respectively, compared with the start of 2022. Meanwhile, the number of Brits shopping at Morrisons has decreased by 0.7%.

Marking the busiest season for the UK pea industry, Great British Pea Week is an annual celebration that champions the UK pea industry, whose farmers work around the clock each summer to deliver 2bn portions of frozen peas to the nation each year – with most making it to the factory and through the freezing process in under two and a half hours! 

Holly Jones, Crop Association Executive at the British Growers Association, which runs the Yes Peas! campaign, comments: “Great British Pea Week is the perfect time to celebrate the versatile vegetable that we all love here in the UK. And this year, Great British Pea Week is more relevant than ever before, as Brits look for ways to reduce the cost of their weekly shopping basket at a time when inflation continues to rise for us all. 

“Not only are peas incredibly cost-effective, they’re also a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals – making them a staple for any dinner plate”, Holly continues. “On top of this, in the UK we are nearly 90% self-sufficient in pea production, meaning that nearly all peas in supermarket freezers going into your trolley or online order are most likely grown by British farmers on a British farm – so you’re supporting the country’s local farmers when you buy them!” 

Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation added: “With more shoppers choosing frozen food during the cost of living crisis due to its value for money, convenience, and high-quality, this year’s Great British Pea Week is a great opportunity to raise the profile of the hard work that goes into getting peas from farms to freezers and onto our forks. 

“In the 12-weeks to 19 March this year, the volume sales of frozen vegetables including peas grew by +1.3% (+978,000 tonnes) which shows that consumers are increasingly switching fresh for frozen. Frozen vegetables are a premium option as freezing locks in all the vitamins and nutrients ensuring that our vegetables and peas are always as fresh from the freezer as they were on the day they were picked.  

“Frozen food also helps to reduce food waste, which accounts for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Lots of food waste is caused before food even reaches supermarket shelves as vegetables can go off or get damaged in transport, but by freezing peas so soon after they are harvested means that spoilage is prevented and a huge number of ‘escapeas’ are saved from going to waste.”

Find out more about Great British Pea Week or take a look at some of our reci-peas.

RESTRICTIONS ON MULTI-BUY DEALS OF HFSS FOODS DELAYED UNTIL OCTOBER 2025

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

The Government has confirmed that rules banning multibuy deals on foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar – including buy one get one free deals – will be delayed for another two years until October 2025.

The policy had already been subject to a delay until October 2023. This will now be extended to allow the government to continue to review the impact of the restrictions on consumers and businesses in light of the unprecedented global economic situation.

You can read the announcement in full, along with quotes from both the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay, here

CONSULTATION ON COMMON USER CHARGE (CUC) NOW LIVE

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Defra have now launched a four-week period of consultation on the proposed methodology and rates of the Common User Charge (CUC) for government-run Border Control Posts (BCPs). In the recently published draft Target Operating Model, the UK government outlined its plan to charge for eligible sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) consignments. The charge would recover operating costs for government-run Border Control Posts (BCPs).

The charging model has been designed to minimise the impact across all businesses. Defra welcomes feedback on the impacts of the proposal on businesses of all sizes and operating different business models. They are particularly keen not to disproportionately impact small business and are seeking feedback from stakeholders on how they see the charging model will impact their business, and ways to mitigate this.

This consultation will run from 12/06/2023 to 09/07/2023. Responses should be received by no later than 23:59 on 09/07/2023. Defra ask for stakeholders’ responses on Citizen Space consultation site or via the GOV.UK page. If traders are unable to use Citizen Space, they can download the consultation documents and return responses via email to BCPcharging@defra.gov.uk

MORE SURPLUS FOOD URGENTLY NEEDED AS CHARITY ASKS FOOD INDUSTRY TO HELP SUPPLY MORE MEALS

Posted on by Les Golden

FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland urgently appealing for new suppliers to donate their surplus food to feed people going hungry

The appeal follows the charity extending its opening hours in an attempt to keep up with a record demand for emergency food. However to meet the additional deliveries, an extra 20 tonnes of food are needed each week. The charity is urging the food industry to donate additional surplus to help them meet this demand.

The largest food redistribution charity in Scotland, FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland redistributes surplus food that would otherwise go to waste to frontline charities and community groups. Every organisation the charity currently supplies is asking for more food and there are over 40 new organisations asking for support.

Director of Operations, Jim Burns, said “Unfortunately the demand for food has now surpassed our current supply. We are hoping to be able to take as many new organisations off our waiting list as possible, but to do so we urgently need more support and to get new suppliers on board.

“Between 2022/23 FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland rescued almost 1,500 tonnes of food, the equivalent of over 3.5 million meal portions, but that was only enough to supply those already signed up – to cut the waiting list and deliver to more organisations we need more food coming in throughout the week.

It’s vital all those in the food industry know we are here, can take their surplus food, and redistribute it to those in desperate need.

“We currently work with a wide range of suppliers including farms, manufacturers, wholesalers, supermarkets, restaurants and retailers. Our team work with suppliers to make it as simple as possible to donate your surplus food and improve your sustainability.

“If anyone in the industry would like to help, please contact John Connell at johnc@moveon.org.uk”