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SPONSORSHIP RENEWED FOR GB TEAM’S BROOKER-SMITH

GB Team’s Mitchell Brooker-Smith having renewed his sponsorship ties with Redditch family business Oakland International, is enjoying a successful skeet shooting 2022 season, having recently competed in the Italian Open Green Cup.

Oakland’s sponsorship will cover the cost of Mitchell’s gun cartridges, competition fees and funding for his GB Team kit, with Mitchell, currently Great Britain’s Junior champion, now competing as a Senior on home soil and hopefully securing his place in the Great Britain Senior team going forward.

Said Mitchell: “Oakland’s sponsorship is worth so much to me as it means I can increase my training and compete in more competitions and has ultimately made my pursuit of success more accessible.”

World class competitions are generally international, so securing Oakland’s sponsorship ensures Mitchell can attend more events and this year has competed in domestic competitions in the North and South of England and North Wales, coming overall second at the English Open 2022, overall third in the first GB Team selection, and overall eight in the second GB Team selection, and in May competed at the Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, finishing twenty-sixth out of sixty-four. After a few more UK competitions he then competed in the European Championships in Larnaca, Cyprus, in early September.

Added Mitchell: “With Oakland’s continued support, and now that I’ve finished full time education, I have countless opportunities to train and compete.”

Oakland International Co-Founder and Group CEO, Dean Attwell, commented: “Mitchell is a splendid example of what you can achieve when you work hard. He has great focus, determination, and we wish him well for another great season.”

NEW ADVANCED STACKERS JOIN UNICARRIERS LINEUP

UniCarriers has extended its product line with the addition of 16 new pedestrian stacker trucks.  Available in models ranging from 1 to 1.6 tonnes, the MSF and MSW stackers excel at picking, loading, unloading, shuttling and stacking up to 5.4 metres.

The MSF features a damped fold-down platform making it ideally suited to tasks where operators are required to travel over long distances. Several MSW and MSF stackers also come with initial lift which allow high ground clearance for ramp work. On 1.6-tonne models, side stabilisers keep the truck steady to enable operators to safely lift heavy loads to a higher height.  For optimal productivity, some models are available for double pallet stacking using the initial lift on the support forks.

MSF and MSW stackers feature an advanced tiller head that is fully weather and IP65 protected for use in all climate conditions. Large, ergonomic buttons mean handling is easy and comfortable throughout long shifts helping to reduce fatigue and ensure the operator can stay focused. The tiller is also placed at an optimum height for better visibility and safer handling.

Powerful and enduring

Minimal maintenance and downtime are key factors in the hard-working MSF and MSW stackers. The robust chassis is built to endure heavy-duty tasks in the toughest conditions while protecting components to prolong service life. The narrow truck width also offers exceptional manoeuvrability when working in tight spaces.

The new MSF and MSW stackers utilise AC drive motor technology which delivers more torque for greater efficiency, smoother handling, supports easier control resulting in less damage, and ensures a longer lasting battery.  For reliable power, these new stackers have the option of high-performance lithium-ion batteries, which offer opportunity charging for complete operational flexibility.

Standard features include an LCD display on all stacker models to show truck mode and error codes. Optional features are also available including accessory racks, load backrests and PIN code login.

As part of UniCarriers’ full-maintenance site support, all stackers utilise a modular build using fewer components for faster repairs and servicing.

The MSW and MSF stackers are available now. For more information visit:

https://www.unicarrierseurope.com/uk/products/stackers/mswmsf

IMPORTANT: SIVEP STRIKE UPDATE – CALAIS, DUNKIRK, BOULOGNE S/MER

On Friday, the BFFF attended a webinar delivered by our colleagues at Unsworth, well known for their global freight and supply chain expertise.

Due to the imminent (28th September) threat of strike action at French BIPs (Border Inspection Posts). Unsworth have very kindly provided us with a copy of the presentation slides to share with those BFFF members who may have missed the event. You can find these here

In summary, a pre-notification of the intention to strike was issued by the Trade Union SIVEP to the French Ministry of Agriculture.

The French Ministry of Agriculture have “listened” and “heard” the claims made by SIVEP agents and negotiations have started. However, the deadline to avert the strike is 27th September 2022 23h59.

IF the SIVEP strike goes ahead on 28th September, Unsworth believe that the reality is that very few SIVEP agents will strike. But that those who do strike will predominately be at Boulogne, as the main union membership and main focus. Boulogne S/Mer is the BIP for Fishery products/seafood.

Calais will remain an option, and in fact is the best option with its ‘smart border’ – the SIVEP Calais Port will set up an “on-call” team to ensure a minimum of controls for perishable goods. There will be delays. However, goods will still go through.

Other options are available however should the situation change, such as Zeebrugge. You will find information about this along with other BCPs in the Unsworth slides.

If you haven’t already done so, it is also worthwhile following Unsworth and their Port Users Forum on LinkedIn.

UK EVENT: ASIA IMPORTED F&B SECTOR INSIGHTS

For the fourth consecutive year, Incite has surveyed their network of over 1,900 leading food and beverage importers and distributors across Southeast and North Asia to get insights on the state of the industry.

You’re invited to a special event where they will present the findings and host a lively panel discussion with guest importers and distributors from across the region.

  • Date: Thursday, 29 September 2022
  • Time: 9am BST (75 mins)
  • Ticket price: $39 USD (use code BFFF to access free ticket when registering by 22 Sept)
  • Register: exportincite.com/events/uk-29-sep

This event will be of value to anyone with an interest in the Southeast and North Asian F&B sector.

Results will be presented from Incites Annual Distributor Survey, sent to importers and distributors in August 2022 to take the pulse of the industry across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea – you’ll find out:

  • how the F&B sector in each market is performing
  • what product categories are in demand right now
  • preferred communication methods
  • the status of in-store marketing activity
  • the perceived reputation of UK brands
  • responses are also benchmarked against last year’s survey to see the shift in perceptions and performance

Then Cameron Gordon will host a panel of Directors and Senior Executives of leading food and beverage import and distribution businesses from across Southeast and North Asia to discuss these findings and get their on-the-ground insights.

The event will close with a live Q&A session to answer your burning questions.

HOST

Cameron Gordon, Founding Partner – Incite | F&B Export Development

One of the leading experts in deal-making in the food and beverage sector across Asia. Extensive knowledge of F&B market composition, industry players and market trends in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea. Cameron is also chair of the ASEAN Food & Drink Exporters Forum.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS EVENT

This exciting event is designed for decision makers with responsibility for Asian exports at UK food & drink brands – the event will cover challenges and opportunities for grocery channels (on and offline) and the food service sector

  • You may be already exporting to these markets and will gain qualitative insights to help you pivot and improve your export businesses
  • If you are new to exporting to the region, this event will give you valuable insights into the unique dynamics in each market.

UK SUPPORTING PARTNERS

This event is hosted by Incite and supported by the ASEAN Food & Drink Exporters Forum, FDEA, UKABC, Scottish International Development, British Frozen Food Federation, and the Food & Drink Federation.

AFTER THE EVENT

  • Know what your Asia export customers/buyers want and need
  • Have clarity around growing your export sales, opportunities and how best to approach importers/distributors
  • Feel more confident in your export decision making and developing new sales channels
  • Receive an E-Goodie bag that contains the event presentation slides, video recording and a special offer from Incite to help you develop your export markets.

If you have any questions about this event, please email getincite@exportincite.com

FSA SHARES UPDATE ON LABELLING OF SUNFLOWER OIL SUBSTITUTES

The BFFF received an update from the FSA relating to the labelling of sunflower oil substitutes:

Please note that this is not an official line at this stage as the FSA Board are still to meet. Once the Board have met, we’ll formally notify Local Authorities (LAs) and industry. So please do bear in mind that this position may be subject to changes as a result of comments from the FSA Board when the meeting is re-scheduled at a later date.

The FSA has been liaising with LAs on the matter and so far we have received 96 notifications, relating to 105 product reformulations across a range of different foods, where LAs have agreed to a pragmatic approach to enforcement in relation to undeclared ingredients. This is therefore considered to be an issue for a relatively small number of products. In all cases, LAs have worked with the business to ensure that consumers are informed through mitigating actions, such as over-stickering with labels, ink-jetting onto the packaging, point of sale notices and online information. All businesses have been working towards a return to accurate labelling by end of October. In some cases, the business has ordered new packaging but is not yet confident it will arrive on time, given continued uncertainties in this supply chain.

We do not see merit in amending the timeline of end October for return to compliance, given its galvanising effect, and are content that LAs and businesses have worked effectively to mitigate the risks to consumers where labelling has been inaccurate. LAs will continue to engage with businesses in their area to ensure swift progress towards return to compliance if the October deadline is indeed missed in some cases, and to ensure that mitigations remain in place if so.

In addition, our June letter to LAs on this issue clarified our advice in relation to the use of the term ‘in varying proportions’, where different vegetable oils are grouped on the ingredients list.  This advice continues and is not part of the end of October deadline.

To summarise, we recognise there are still ongoing issues with supplies and packaging labelling, but overall, businesses should move on from the substitution of the ingredient which is undeclared on the label, as early as can be achieved. We expect LAs to advise businesses on their return to compliance in line with the end of October deadline, taking account of individual situations on a case-by-case basis, and using inherent flexibilities within the BAU LA industry relationship to support this.

LAs through the statutory codes of practice, offer food business operators advice on compliance, with enforcement action only taken where needed as part of the hierarchy of enforcement and based on public interest.

We will clearly communicate these expectations via email and the smarter comms system to LAs and industry.

We are grateful to industry for taking time to bring to our attention the ongoing uncertainties in supply of ingredients and the labelling and packaging capacity issues. These have been taken into account in the formulation of the update and we will make reference to ongoing supply concerns linked to the war in Ukraine, as part of our advice to LAs.

 

ICELAND LAUNCHES INCREDIBLE 3 FOR £10 DEAL THAT WILL SAVE SHOPPERS UP TO A THIRD OF THE COST

Following the recent news that the average price of a weekly grocery shop has risen by 11.6%[1] in the past four weeks, Iceland has announced the launch of an unmissable 3 for £10 deal that could see shoppers save up to a third on the total price of three main meal items.

The supermarket has been leading the way in supporting customers through the cost-of-living crisis, with a number of initiatives to help struggling households; from the introduction of a 10% discount for all those over 60 earlier this year, to the setting up the Iceland Food Club which offers short-term microloans to those who are struggling to make ends meet while access to credit or additional financial support is limited.

And now, Iceland has revealed the launch of an amazing 3 for £10 deal in which over 200 of its most popular freezer filling items are included that could mean savings of up to £5 for shoppers.

There is a huge range of main meal meats included in the deal, with over 100 options to choose from including Iceland Beef Steak Mince (£4.25, 550g), Iceland Stuffed Chicken Breast Joint (£4.50, 525g) and Iceland Luxury Half Pounder Burgers (£4.00, 454g) – great staples in a number of popular family meals such as classic spaghetti bolognese, wholesome roast chicken dinner and, perfect for hot weather, burgers with salad.

And, with this new deal, any parents wanting to stock up on all three to prep meals for back-to-school time, could get them for just £10 – saving up to £5.

The deal even includes popular products that are fan favourites among kids and adults alike, such as Bernard Matthew Cooked Turkey Strips (£3.50, 400g), Chiquito Habanero Chicken Wings (£3.50, 600g) and TGI Fridays Ultimate BBQ Sausage (£3.75, 360g).

If your family are more fish fanatics than they are meat mad, Iceland’s new deal also includes over 60 fish options, with huge variety to pick from.

And the savings are even bigger, with a number of items’ original price being £5 or just under including Iceland Atlantic Cod Fillets (£5.00, 4pk), Iceland Cooked Seafood Mix (£5.00, 400g) and Iceland Salt & Pepper Squid Fries (£4.75, 325g).

This means that if a shopper were to buy all three from Iceland, they could save a third off the total price.

If you love a takeaway on at the weekend but don’t want to pay the price for one, there are a number of popular takeaway-style items included in the deal too, that will save you money and taste just as good as the real deal.

This includes Mexican, such as Chiquito Pulled Pork Burrito Bowl (£4.00, 460g) and Chiquito Spicy Chicken Enchiladas (£4.00, 550g), Japanese, with Yo! Hoisin Duck Bao Buns (£3.50, 224g) and Yo! Katsu Chicken Bao Kit (£5.00, 385g) and Italian, including Chicago Town Takeaway Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Large Pizza (£4.00, 645g).

Iceland has even gone so far as to include desserts in this extensive list of products included, with a selection of its delicious Magnum range included in the deal in flavours such as Magnum Classic Ice Cream (£3.50, 4pk) and Magnum White Chocolate (£3.50, 4pk).

This offer comes as Iceland recently announced its first-of-its-kind partnership with energy company, Utilita, which was formed to help households through what is expected to be one of the most expensive winters in history.

Called ‘Shop Smart, Cook Savvy’, the first of its kind partnership will help families better understand the cost of cooking, and identify the most economical cooking methods available to them to make budgets stretch further.

To view the full range of products included in this deal, please visit: https://www.iceland.co.uk/offers/famous-3-for-10

[1] https://www.kantar.com/uki/inspiration/fmcg/2022-wp-grocery-price-inflation-hits-new-peak-as-shoppers-navigate-533-annual-increase

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
Upcoming Events More Events
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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