We have been made aware today by the Defra forum for the movement of goods between GB and Northern Ireland that they will commence a series of workshops to discuss the practical implications of having a dual regulatory scheme in Northern Ireland. This is part of the changes the Government is planning to make unilaterally to the Northern Ireland protocol. We understand they will be issuing invitations to these workshops by the end of the week, with an introductory one taking place on Monday 4^th July. If any member wishes to take part in these workshops and has not yet had an invitation, they can contact Alex Rennison who is the lead on this project for Defra. The BFFF will strive to attend the sessions and will feed out relevant information but we would also urge members to take part to ensure operational issues are discussed.

UniCarriers has launched an upgraded series of compact pedestrian stackers with state-of-the-art features designed to enhance operator comfort and productivity.  As the latest innovations in the world-class UniCarriers portfolio of market-leading stackers, the CSW125 compact pedestrian stacker and CDW125 compact pedestrian stacker for double pallet handling are ideally suited to cross-docking applications.

These compact pedestrian stackers excel at shop replenishment, order picking and short-distance internal transportation in environments such as warehouses, supermarkets and production areas.  The narrow chassis of just 660mm allows easy working in tight spaces while achieving lift heights of up to 2090mm.  Due to its low weight, the single stacker CSW125 is especially valuable if working on mezzanine floors.

In good hands

The CSW125 and CDW125 stackers now feature a new advanced ergonomic tiller head that offers greater operator comfort thanks to large rocker buttons optimally placed for better access. The robust and impact-resistant tiller head is IP65 rated against water and dust damage and is completely weatherproof to withstand all conditions when working indoors and out. This minimises maintenance and downtime to ensure lower total cost of ownership. The tiller arm is designed to reduce stress on the operator’s arms and hands enabling them to stay comfortable and focused over long shifts.

The compact pedestrian stackers have also been upgraded with a new speed regulated electric proportional valve for controlled lifting/lowering and smooth handling. This supports maximum throughput and efficiency as operators can quickly, confidently and safely handle goods.

Adapt to your application

UniCarriers is dedicated to delivering high-performance trucks built to meet the ever-increasing market demand for efficiency and adaptability.  That’s why the CSW125 and CDW125 compact pedestrian stackers come with a range of new options including an advanced multi-function display, battery creep, an audible battery level warning, service alarm, automatic log off, and the ability to revert to low speed at log off. Pedestrian stackers can play a vital role in every part of the pallet handling chain from intake to dispatch, and to increase uptime, UniCarriers utilises a modular build using fewer components for faster repairs and servicing. It’s all part of UniCarriers full-maintenance site support.

The CSW125 and CDW125 are available now. For more information visit:

https://www.unicarrierseurope.com/uk/products/stackers/csw125

https://www.unicarrierseurope.com/uk/products/stackers/cdw125

Dawn Foods has revamped its range of hot glazes to include new and improved recipes for its popular Belnap and Gelomat GT products.

Belnap concentrated glaze, available in natural apricot, strawberry and neutral, now features a much creamier texture making it not only easier to handle, but easier to dilute in cold water too. Easy dilution with up to 70% water means cost savings for the baker as there is no compromise on performance and the flexibility for it to be applied on a variety of products. Once diluted, boiled and cooled, Belnap is ready to use and easy to apply with a brush or spraying machine to give an eye-catching finish to pastries and helping to protect the integrity of the fruits, including those with a high acidity content such as strawberries and kiwis.

Also new and improved is Dawn Foods’ Exceptional Gelomat GT, a premium hot glaze which delivers a strong and consistent glaze, with no mixing or boiling required. Neutral, strawberry or apricot flavour, Gelomat can go straight into the spraying machine, warmed to 75°c then used to glaze fruits of all kinds, cakes, pies and laminated products, including whole trays of pastries. And since Gelomat FT can be sprayed homogenously, less glaze is needed per pastry making it extremely cost effective for large scale bakery production. For more information please visit www.dawnfoods.com

Well, this is my last post as the CEO of the BFFF and despite of all the challenges, I have enjoyed my time at the Federation. I have worked in the frozen food industry for the best part of 40 years, and it is a category I have a great love for. We produce some amazing products and do not always get the credit we deserve for the quality and value we provide to consumers and end users. Our industry has a massive role to play in helping climate change, food security and in the short term the cost-of-living crisis.

I have had the pleasure to meet many members and you have always impressed me with your enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to our industry.

To my team at the BFFF who have supported me during my time here, I would like to send special thanks. From the day I walked in you have shown nothing but support and commitment to me and the Federation. I have been honoured to lead you.

Despite the office announcement I am not exactly retiring, just finishing my contract with BFFF. I will still be involved with the Private Label consultancy as I work with a group called IPLC and then in November I take over the Chairmanship of PAPA again.  So, If any member would like to keep in touch my mobile stays the same (07930345326) and look I forward to hearing from any of you.

Lamb Weston announces the launch of its ChampionChips, a brand new competition that celebrates those brilliant foodservice and hospitality chefs that see possibilities in potatoes!

Think you can pimp up the nation’s favourite side dish?

Lamb Weston is encouraging chefs to share the most exciting, innovative and out of the box recipes that can be created using its sensational range of fries, chips and potato shapes.

“We’re delighted to announce that our 2022 ChampionChips competition is now underway,” says Peter Evans, Lamb Weston’s UK Marketing Manager.

“At Lamb Weston, we are constantly looking for new ways to innovate, and we’re always inspired to see what chefs can do with our products. We have launched this ChampionChips challenge to find the most inventive and exciting recipes that can be created using our fries, chips and potato shapes. Whether it’s topped and trending, deliciously dirty, a full-on flavour mashup, or even left-overs, the fries the limit! Diners’ appetite for innovation is higher than ever, so this is the perfect opportunity for chefs to get creative and push the boundaries of their potato offering.”

Big fry-ideas win big!

For a chance to become one of our ChampionChips winners, submit your most original, inspiring chip creations to be judged by our panel of industry experts. Three winners will be selected from four sector categories, with first place from each receiving £1,000 cash, plus exclusive incentives from Lamb Weston.

The closing date for entries is Friday 5th August 2022.

A mix of Oakland International colleagues and friends are preparing to take part in a 180-mile bike ride from York to Warwick (8^th to 10^th July) to raise funds for Molly Olly’s Wishes as part of the charity’s 10-year anniversary celebrations.

With a fundraising target of £7,500, making up the team ‘Oakland and Friends’ are Oakland International Co-Founder and Group CEO Dean Attwell and his son Samuel, Oakland’s CEO of Contract Logistics Shaun Foley, HR Director Cory Winstanley and Chief Operating Officer Lee Whiting, and Central IT System’s Chris Shuker and brother Patrick, and new Oakland team member Tony Banks.

“Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a fantastic charity providing support for children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and their families.” said Dean.

Molly Olly’s Wishes launched by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw in 2011 following the loss of their daughter Molly, has since gone on to support thousands of children around the country. Tim and Rachel chose York as the starting point as it was one of the last holidays they all spent together as a family with Molly.

Dean added: “Anybody who has been touched in any way by the life of a person with cancer will know the catastrophic effects and suffering that this creates. Molly Olly’s make a real difference and due to the coronavirus pandemic they have struggled to raise funds like so many other wonderful charities with fundraising events cancelled.

“This bike ride will be a real challenge for us, but we are committed to achieving our goal whilst raising funds for this fantastic charity. Thank you for anything you can give, no matter how big or small, and know that it will make a genuine difference to so many children.”

To donate and support team ‘Oakland and Friends’ please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oaklandandfriends-care