Defra have announced that the Bluetongue Virus restricted zone will be extended from 1st July 2025 to cover the whole of England. This will end movement restrictions for animals and allow farmers to move cattle, sheep, all ruminants, camelids, throughout England without movement tests.

Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – but in most cases seen since September 2024 clinical signs have been mild, and animals have recovered.

The decision to extend the zone follows consultation between industry and scientists recognising that the area of England where disease has been found is now too large for movement restrictions to remain an effective and proportionate way of controlling the disease.

Many areas of England are now affected by BTV and safe and effective vaccines are available. Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines are now available, and Defra are strongly encouraging farmers to discuss their use with their private vet as vaccination is the most effective way to protect livestock from bluetongue.

This new approach is in alignment with the approach taken throughout the EU.

Restrictions on the freezing of germinal products within the restricted zone will remain.

How to report BTV

Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.

In Wales, suspected disease should be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03003 038 268.

In Scotland, you should contact your local Field Services Office if you suspect bluetongue.

In Northern Ireland report to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

Guidance for livestock owners on how to spot and report the disease can be found here

 

Blast freezer and cold storage specialist Blue Cube has welcomed Mark Yates as its new Managing Director, following a successful tenure by Alan Hunt.

In his new role, Yates will oversee Blue Cube’s ambitious growth strategy, centred on delivering exceptional value for customers and driving future innovation.

Yates has been with Blue Cube since the start of this year, previously heading up the company’s sales division. He has extensive experience leading teams and a proven track record in driving strategic growth in sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, water and automotive.

Yates said: “Blue Cube has a well-earned reputation for excellence, responsiveness and innovation thanks to our trusted and talented team.

“I’m looking forward to building on all the success that has been achieved so far and believe we are very well positioned to deliver our growth targets.”

He added: “Our goal remains to deliver best-in-class efficiency and service for our customers, significantly improving their productivity and profitability.”

Blue Cube is part of Turner & Co, a fourth-generation family investment office with a strong portfolio of industrial companies, united by a passion for technology and outstanding customer service.

Mark Abbey, Operating Partner for Turner & Co, said: “We’re sincerely grateful to Alan Hunt for his dedication and commitment during a period of significant development for Blue Cube.

“Under Alan’s leadership we’ve strengthened our performance, deepened relationships and consistently raised the bar on service delivery.

“We now welcome Mark, whose experience and leadership will be instrumental as we look to further scale Blue Cube’s innovative products, services and market share.”

Demelza Prothero has been appointed DLM (Distress Load Management) Customer Excellence Manager by total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International.

 

With 17-years’ experience gained from within retail and the high-end commercial equipment and domestic appliance sectors, Demelza brings a wealth of senior level experience to the roll.

 

Said Demelza: “I’m excited to bring a fresh pair of eyes to Oakland International and hope to encourage our team to go beyond expectations and push boundaries, whilst developing our DLM processes further through the introduction of latest technologies that enhance and improves customer engagement.”

 

Oakland International’s DLM service is a BRCGS-accredited and EHO-approved solution designed to help businesses manage compromised food loads efficiently while reducing waste.

 

Operating 24/7 from their dedicated Midlands facility, Oakland’s DLM service addresses distress loads caused by issues such as contamination, temperature abuse, or transit damage. Operators can access same-day or next-day treatment, minimizing losses. Clients can attend on-site to verify the recovery process and receive certification of destruction. The service enjoys an impressive average recovery rate of 85% of product.

 

Added Demelza: “Oakland’s DLM service is a game-changer for the food supply chain industry, safeguarding brand integrity, reducing costs, and advancing environmental sustainability. I’m proud to be part of this exceptional team, delivering a service that makes a real difference.”

 

Oakland International is an authority in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for ambient, chilled, and frozen food, servicing retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK and Ireland.

 

A Certified B Corp, the company is currently working towards becoming the first business within their sector to achieve net zero.

 

Oakland International General Manager Jamie Robinson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Demelza to our team. Her expertise will be instrumental in driving the next phase of growth and innovation for our Distress Load Management service as we continue to evolve and enhance our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

Want to get ERP right and accelerate your digital transformation? 🚀

Join Peter Jones, Elaine Marshman, and Shona Munro at the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit for an insightful roundtable on “Getting ERP Right: Avoiding Pitfalls and Accelerating Digital Progress”.

 

This session will explore how manufacturers can align ERP with broader goals such as MES, AI, and supply chain modernisation, and will provide actionable strategies to avoid common pitfalls and drive strategic change in your ERP journey.

 

See more details here!

Keep it Cool has continued its impressive growth, driven by fleet expansion and a stronger team. Focused on exceptional service and innovation, the company is set to achieve even greater milestones in the coming year, staying dedicated to client needs, quality, and efficiency.

 

The announcement of 11% growth caps off another successful financial year for the company, which cemented its position as a leader in the sector by winning the prestigious title of ‘Refrigerated Courier of the Year’ in 2024 at the TCS&D Awards. The business, driven by its commitment to operational excellence and client satisfaction, aims to retain this title in the upcoming 2025 event.

 

“Our growth this year is a testament to smart recruitment and the strategic expansion of our fleet,” said Managing Director Nikki Redhead. “We’re delighted to see our hard work pay off with an 11% boost in business performance. We have even bigger plans for the future, including attempting to retain our ‘Refrigerated Courier of the Year’ crown!”

 

Part of Keep It Cool’s ongoing success has been its ability to respond to rising demand while maintaining exceptional service quality. The addition of Eddie Lloyd to the team as the new Transport Supervisor represents another forward step for the company. This follows the promotion of Transport Manager, Quentin Villard, to General Manager in the summer of 2024.

 

“After a tremendously busy 2024, it became clear we needed extra support across the business,” said Nikki. “We’re thrilled to welcome Eddie, who will play a key role in keeping operations running smoothly as we continue along this growth path.”

 

2025 has also seen the addition of two new vehicles to the Keep It Cool fleet, increasing capacity and ensuring even greater efficiency in serving its clients nationwide. This comes as the company moves toward setting a new benchmark in the temperature-controlled logistics industry while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and adaptability amidst industry changes.

 

Founded in 2014, Keep It Cool is a temperature-controlled same-day delivery specialist based in Yorkshire. Known for its 24/7 operations and exceptional customer service, the company has grown tenfold over the last decade. Its focus on reliability, innovation, and client satisfaction has solidified its reputation within the cold chain logistics industry.

 

The company remains a proudly female-led operation and is continually innovating to meet the needs of a diverse portfolio of clients. With a continuing track record of strong year-on-year growth and key accolades confirming its expertise, Keep It Cool sets its sights on further milestones in the years ahead.

With 78% of consumers considering sustainability an important factor when shopping (USwitch), it’s clear that green practices are no longer a nice-to-have. What’s more, sustainability isn’t just about consumer appeal – it’s now a legal requirement. Updates to the UK’s packaging waste regulations mean businesses must comply with packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Falling short of these new regulations isn’t just a missed opportunity – it could lead to significant consequences.

Businesses that fail to meet EPR requirements may face financial penalties, with fines scaled according to non-compliance severity and the organisation’s size. Civil sanctions, such as enforcement or stop notices, may also be issued, and in more serious cases, non-compliance could result in criminal prosecution. Increased audits and inspections are also likely as authorities work to ensure businesses are fulfilling their obligations.

In this blog, we explore what EPR is, how it impacts businesses, and the importance of support from a sustainable packaging partner in navigating these changes.

What is packaging EPR?

Packaging EPR aims to reduce environmental impact by holding producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, from design to disposal. The regulation shifts the responsibility of household packaging waste management onto producers, requiring them to be responsible for or pay costs associated with its collection, sorting, and disposal.

As part of the new EPR legislation, the Packaging Waste Recovery Notes (PRNs) system accounts for packaging that ends up in business waste streams and serves as evidence that producers are meeting their recycling obligations. Issued by accredited waste reprocessors and exporters, PRNs support the reprocessing of packaging waste. Unlike PRNs, which manage reprocessing, EPR introduces a fixed-fee structure (which is reviewed annually) to cover the collection, sorting and disposal of packaging materials, helping businesses understand the associated costs per tonne for the varying packaging materials.

To help keep costs at their lowest, companies should focus on using recyclable packaging.

How will packaging EPR regulations affect businesses?

As packaging EPR regulations have now come into effect, businesses face additional legal responsibilities in managing packaging waste. At the heart of these regulations is accountability. Businesses are expected to take full responsibility for ensuring their packaging can be recycled. That means designing with recyclability in mind and registering and reporting on their packaging to show they’re managing it sustainably. It’s all part of a bigger push towards a greener, more responsible future for all of us.

This shift brings new costs as companies must cover the full lifecycle of their packaging, from collection to disposal. Additionally, businesses must track and report detailed packaging data, which may require operational changes and adopting more sustainable materials to meet recyclability standards. The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) will play an important role under EPR, helping producers understand how well their household primary and shipment packaging works within the UK’s recycling system. It looks at how easily packaging can be collected, sorted, and reprocessed, and the results will influence the level of modulation applied to EPR fees. In short, RAM will directly impact compliance costs starting in July 2026, so businesses will want to keep a close eye on it.

Non-compliance could result in penalties, making it essential for businesses to prepare early and explore cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions.

This marks a significant shift in how packaging is sourced, tracked and reported for many businesses. Understanding and implementing EPR is now a critical business responsibility, ensuring companies comply with the legislation.

Packaging EPR UK timeline and fees

The UK’s EPR regulations are now in effect, and all obligated businesses should have registered by 1st April 2025. If your business meets the EPR thresholds and has not yet registered, immediate action is required to avoid penalties.

Businesses are legally required to comply with EPR if they meet the following criteria:

Large producers: Annual turnover of £2 million+ and handling 50+ tonnes of packaging per year – must register, report packaging data, and pay EPR fees.

Small producers: Annual turnover of £1 million+ and handling 25+ tonnes of packaging per year – must register and report but are not required to pay fees.

Affected businesses include:

• Brand owners
• Online marketplaces selling packaged goods for non-UK businesses to UK consumers
• Companies supplying unfilled packaging to smaller businesses
• Businesses that hire or lend reusable packaging

Packaging EPR fees: What will it cost?

Unlike the PRN system, EPR has a fixed-fee structure (which is reviewed annually), meaning businesses will pay based on the materials used in their packaging. The more recyclable your packaging is, the lower your fees will be, making sustainable packaging choices essential.

Estimated EPR base fees per tonne (from March 2025):

• Paper or board – £215
• Glass – £240
• Wood – £320
• Plastic – £485

What should your business do now?

If your business is liable under EPR but has not yet registered, you must register online immediately via the DEFRA registration portal. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action. You can find a direct link to the portal here.

Smurfit Westrock’s UK Sustainability Lead, Lianne Pemberton, is encouraging businesses to also sign up to the new PackUK newsletter, launching in mid-April. “It’s a great way for businesses to stay up to date with key announcements on the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme,” she says, “along with valuable insights and practical guidance to help businesses stay on top of their obligations.” You can subscribe to the newsletter using this link.

How a sustainable packaging partner can help

When running a business, there’s a lot to think about, and adding EPR compliance into the mix can feel daunting. That’s why working with the right packaging partner is important – a team that understands EPR and what it means for your packaging and your business. By choosing a packaging partner that understands EPR compliance, you can ensure your packaging meets legal requirements and is optimised to reduce waste management fees by using materials that are easier to recycle, along with packaging transparency for ease of packaging reporting.

Smurfit Westrock has implemented several proactive measures to support businesses with EPR regulations – helping them report packaging data accurately, manage costs, and ensure their packaging meets the required standards. “Through innovative design and smart material choices, we’ve helped customers like Cappellaro Fruits cut carbon emissions while staying cost-efficient,” says Lianne Pemberton, UK Sustainability Lead at Smurfit Westrock. “By switching to a corrugated cardboard solution, they reduced CO₂ emissions by 63 tonnes a year and eliminated 120,000 non-biodegradable containers – without increasing packaging costs.”

Internally, the Smurfit Westrock team has also launched campaigns to educate colleagues on the benefits of EPR compliance, including cost savings and its contribution to a healthier environment.

Beyond improved financial forecasting, EPR compliance showcases corporate responsibility and reinforces your business’s dedication to sustainability.

Perfecting packaging waste regulations  

EPR is a step towards a more sustainable, circular economy, which lies at the heart of Smurfit Westrock’s business and operations. EPR aligns with Smurfit Westrock’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility by encouraging businesses to reduce packaging waste and use more recyclable materials.

Understanding and complying with EPR regulations can be complex, from reporting requirements to choosing compliant packaging. We recommend turning to Valpak, our trusted provider, for expert guidance on what EPR means for your business and how to adapt. Watch their informative video here to learn more about EPR compliance and what steps your business needs to take.

Register for EPR online through DEFRA’s official portal here and reach out to us directly to see how we can support you with packaging that’s not only better for the environment but also better for your business. You can also find out more about EPR legislation from our recommended provider, Valpak.

The FSA have asked that we circulate the following information to our members on an issue of emerging concern: ‘Dubai-style’ chocolate.

Please note, to assist in the amplification of this message, you are permitted to onward share. However, where FSA material is used, it must be accurately quoted, without alteration, and referenced to ensure the FSA position is reflected

 

‘Dubai-Style’ Chocolate

Audience: Businesses who import and/or wholesale / sell at retail, products known as ‘Dubai chocolate’ or ‘Dubai-style’ chocolate.

We want to make you aware of concerns the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have about the recent increase in some food products known as ‘Dubai Chocolate’ or ’Dubai-style’ in shops. While there are safe and legitimate products on the UK market, there is growing evidence of both unsafe and non-compliant products being sold.

These products are often imported from countries outside the United Kingdom (UK), including Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and are sold across a range of UK retail settings – from online and national retailers to small convenience stores.

The supply is meeting demand linked to social media promotions and while it is great to see the food industry meeting consumer choice, we also want to protect consumers by making sure food is legal for UK markets and safe for consumers.

As part of this we want to remind you of your responsibilities as retailers, suppliers, wholesalers, and/or importers under UK food law.

Based on initial incident notifications and information being gathered, many of these imported products are not formulated for the UK market, some brands pose allergen risks, they may contain unauthorised additives, be in contravention of import requirements or may not comply with UK food information requirements more generally, meaning consumers could be at risk from:

· Missing, incorrect or misleading labelling

· Undeclared allergens or un-emphasised allergen information on labels

· Authenticity of ingredients

· Unauthorised food additives

 

To help your understanding, Annex 1 provides examples of unauthorised additives and potential areas of non-compliance linked to these products. These have been identified from various sources and have been the subject of media reports, with incidents reported to the FSA and local authorities. The FSA provides a list of the authorised and approved additives and E numbers. If an additive is not on this list, then it is not permitted in the food in the UK. Please note there may also be restrictions on the use and quantities of some approved additives and E numbers for certain foods.

Non-compliant products must not be placed on the UK market, and it is extremely important to understand that failure to comply with legal requirements is an offence and may lead to enforcement action, including destruction of non-compliant imported goods. Supplying non-compliant food products, while ultimately risking consumer health, can also lead to financial, legal and reputational risks for businesses. They may be required to withdraw and recall products from the market, risk breaching business contracts and in instances where an allergen incident or allergen fatality occurs, risk being the subject of a criminal investigation; Annex 2 outlines relevant legislation.

If you have any queries about compliant food products, please contact Trading Standards or the Food Safety team at your local authority or district council (Northern Ireland).

Best wishes

Food Standards Agency

Prevention Team, Incidents and Resilience Unit

After the recent increases in the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance contributions last month, stemming from the Autumn Budget, Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading wholesalers, has relaunched its ‘Unlock Your Menu’ industry support hub, providing fresh insights and practical tools for foodservice businesses.

With mounting industry challenges and financial pressures, only a mere 14% of businesses feel optimistic about the hospitality market, with business confidence at its lowest since October 2022, when inflation was at a 40-year high[1].

Addressing the main pain points of increased costs, labour and skill shortages, Bidfood’s ‘Unlock Your Menu’ hub is packed with expert tips, practical advice and cost-saving strategies on menu engineering, saving energy, menu profitability, food waste and inflation.

Developed by Bidfood’s Culinary Development Chefs, ‘Unlock Your Menu’ has been designed to support the long-term success of operators across all sectors, enabling them to cater with confidence and boost their bottom line to deliver real value.

Joe Angliss, Sector and New Business Marketing Controller at Bidfood, said: “I am extremely pleased to present our relaunched support hub to the industry. We’re more than just a wholesaler at Bidfood, we’re a trusted partner to every single one of our customers across 13 sectors.

“We understand first-hand the challenges our customers face, from rising costs and staff shortages, to increasing pressure to operate more sustainably. That’s why we’ve refreshed ‘Unlock Your Menu’, giving it a sharper focus and even more tailored advice to help the industry adapt and thrive.

This is only the beginning, and we will continue to add more expert insights, practical guidance and smart tools so operators can unlock their menu’s full potential and run a more profitable, efficient kitchen.”

To access Bidfood’s Unlock Your Menu industry support hub, please visit: https://www.bidfood.co.uk/unlock-your-menu/

ENDS.