Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

TECHNICAL EXPERT GROUP EXPLORE APPRENTICESHIPS WITH NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

On the 11th June, we held another very constructive meeting of the BFFF Technical Expert Group.

It was great to see so many faces in person, which with their busy schedules, shows their true dedication to the Federation and our members.

Several subjects were discussed including the latest BTOM trade updates, recent foodborne linked outbreaks and the Fairer Food Labelling consultation. Please do get in touch should you wish to find out more about our discussions or would like to propose topics for future consideration by the group.

This time round, we were also joined by colleagues from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to discuss the food industry apprenticeship schemes they offer.

In such a fast-moving industry there are excellent opportunities for career progression in this sector, while at the same time there is also a real need for employees to be qualified in key areas such as Food Science and Technology. Apprenticeships can offer the best of both worlds with minimal to no cost to the business.

We would highly recommend members do take the time to explore apprenticeships in more detail. Information regarding their Level 3 Food Industry Technologist Apprenticeship as well as their Food Industry Technical Professional, Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons), can be found here. Additionally, we would be more than happy to connect members with colleagues at NTU to discuss in more detail.

CONTACT POINTS FOR URGENT BORDER TARGET OPERATING MODEL (BTOM) QUERIES

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

Any urgent BTOM/import queries for plants and plant products across England and Wales should be directed to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), by email, in the first instance: phsi-importers@apha.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can contact them by telephone: +44 (0) 3000 200 301

Any urgent BTOM/import queries for animal products should be directed to the Port Health Authority (PHA) at your nominated Border Control Post (BCP). Find your PHA contact details at your nominated BCP on this map.     

If you need technical help with IPAFFS you should call the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) helpline on 0330 041 6999 or email APHAServiceDesk@apha.gov.uk 

DEFRA ISSUE UPDATED LIST OF SUBMITTED PACKAGING EPR DATA

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

DEFRA has updated its ‘List of Large Producers’ that have submitted data for packaging EPR using the ‘Report Packaging Data’ Service. This is available here.

Report packaging data is part of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging

Find out more about EPR.

On the report packaging data service, an organisation is ‘large’ if it:

· has an annual turnover of more than £2 million

· is responsible for handling more than 50 tonnes of empty packaging or packaged goods in the UK

The new List is up to date as of 10th June 2024. This is after the legal deadline of 1st April 2024, and also after the ‘regulatory leeway’ afforded to companies on a one-off basis that expired on 31st May 2024.

There has been a massive jump in the numbers of companies submitting data since Mid-May, although worth noting that some companies have multiple listings e.g. WH Smith has 60+ listings).

5 WAYS WEATHER-RESISTANT PACKAGING PROTECTS YOUR GOODS DURING TRANSIT

Posted on by Richard Davies

With 60% of businesses in the UK currently facing supply chain issues (Barclay’s), many are struggling to provide a perfect service to customers. Damage to goods during transportation or storage is one of the main customer pain points, a problem that can lead to a host of issues for consumers and businesses alike.

When goods arrive damaged – which often stems from unwanted moisture, humidity, and unexpected weather conditions – customers are left disappointed and unsatisfied. This can give them a negative opinion of the product, and, with 31% of UK shoppers prioritising quality when they shop (American Express), it could be all it takes to send them running towards a competitor. Damaged goods often result in product returns, leading to inconvenience for the consumer and additional costs for your business as a result of sending out a replacement.

With truly fit-for-purpose weather-resistant paper packaging, it’s possible to mitigate these risks and both businesses and consumers can reap the rewards of properly protected products. In this blog post, we explore 5 ways weather-resistant packaging can protect your goods.

1. Moisture protection and damp resistance

Weather-resistant paper packaging is designed to withstand various environmental conditions, keeping goods safe from moisture damage. These types of parcel boxes provide a protective barrier against rain, humidity and wet conditions that occur during transportation and storage, as well as helping to prevent mould from forming.

By keeping goods protected from moisture, weather-resistant paper packaging ensures products remain in the condition they were packed as they move through the supply chain – come rain or shine. This reduces customer returns and the cost of replacing items whilst also boosting brand reputation. It also gives customers a better experience with your business that they’ll remember for all the right reasons.

2. Durable door delivery boxes

Thanks to their durability and sturdiness, weather-resistant postal boxes protect goods against a range of external elements. This keeps goods safe and secure during transit. Durable packaging means a reduced risk of the packaging tearing, puncturing or being subject to any other physical damage, which could harm or even destroy what’s inside.

From rough handling during shipping, clumsy deliveries or exposure to unexpected weather conditions, weather-resistant delivery packaging preserves the quality and appearance of goods. Not only does this keep products safe at all times, but it provides peace of mind for businesses in knowing that goods have the protection they need to get from A to B in one piece. This is also crucial for the all-important unboxing experience, making sure that customers receive their goods as intended. After all, a good unboxing experience can lead to positive reviews, repeat purchases and recommendations. With 55% of smartphone shoppers purchasing a product after seeing it on social media (Modern Retail), good reviews are worth their weight in gold.

3. Extending the shelf life of goods

As well as protecting goods against moisture and humidity, weather-resistant cardboard boxes play a key role in preserving the freshness and quality of fresh produce. By creating a protective barrier, the packaging shields fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items from external factors. Weather-resistant paper packaging helps maintain the correct storage conditions, preventing goods from spoiling sooner than they should.

This means that produce will remain fresh and visually appealing for as long as possible, reaching consumers in perfect condition. Not only does weather-resistant packaging extend the shelf life of goods, but it also boosts customer satisfaction when produce arrives looking good enough to eat.

See how, with the adoption of planet-friendly weather-resistant produce trays, Ireland’s leading herb and leaf grower, McCormack Family Farms, cemented their dedication to sustainability, elevated their brand image and enhanced their reputation here.

4. Flawless unboxing experience

The unboxing experience significantly impacts how customers view a brand, and whether they’re likely to buy from them again. After all, it’s very disappointing to receive an order, only to find that the goods have been damaged by rain or humidity en route. By using water-resistant coated packaging boxes, you can give customers the confidence that their purchase will arrive in the condition they expect.

A positive unboxing experience encourages customers to trust the brand and remain loyal. Building trust is key, as 88% of consumers who trust a brand will buy again (Deloitte Global) – and it also ensures that every unboxing experience is flawless, something many customers are likely to share with friends, family and online. 87% of people use social platforms when they make a shopping decision (Modern Retail), and someone else’s shared unboxing experience could be enough to sway them into making a purchase themselves.

5. Shipping cardboard boxes for every sector

Weather-resistant packaging is extremely versatile and is a solution that works well across various sectors and industries. In the food and beverage industry, weather-resistant paper packaging ensures perishable items remain in optimal condition during shipping. In horticulture, packaging protects plants and flowers from wet weather, preserving their freshness and visual appeal until they reach the customer.

For eCommerce businesses, many of which ship goods worldwide, weather-resistant packaging helps goods to cross continents undamaged. Even when travelling vast distances and experiencing unexpected conditions, this type of packaging protects products, whatever the weather.

Packaging for products and the planet

With 64% of consumers more likely to buy from retailers with sustainable packaging and 50% willing to pay more for it (Drapers), businesses must focus on mitigating their impact on the planet. Weather-resistant paper packaging is an eco-friendly and recyclable solution and, by choosing planet-friendly packaging solutions, businesses can minimise the environmental impact of delivery packaging and reduce waste associated with other forms of packaging.

As we’ve explored, weather-resistant paper packaging steers businesses towards reaching their sustainability goals whilst protecting goods, whether being sent around the corner or across the world. This benefits the environment and resonates with eco-conscious customers who prioritise sustainability and ‘green’ brands when making a purchase.

We’re dedicated to providing packaging that balances sustainability with product protection, and that’s exactly what our weather-repellent cardboard boxes do. Contact us to find out more today!

PLANNING A NEW WAREHOUSE? DON’T DELAY THE WMS!

Posted on by Rob Sherwin

Many warehouse operators moving into a new facility plan to upgrade their warehouse management system (WMS) at the same time. But even when they have identified the requirement and made the business case, many choose to defer their implementation until the new facility is up and running. Is this the correct choice or are there advantages to committing to the WMS at an earlier stage?

“There are pros and cons to each approach but I believe the main consideration should be the length of time until the new facility is completed,” says Joe O’Shea, Director at Principal Logistics Technologies. “Every operation is different but for me the rough rule of thumb is if the opening is more than 12 months away, deploy the WMS in the existing facility and then transfer it to the new one when it is ready.”

One of the main arguments for this approach is that it allows the warehouse operator to take advantage of new and advanced warehouse features right away while using the interim period to bed in the new system and prepare for operations at the new facility. That should help deliver the maximum benefits, gains, and efficiencies in the new warehouse from day one. So, what are the key considerations in the process?

Alignment of Resources to Key Dates: committing to implement the new WMS earlier in the process allows for easier and better alignment of resources to key required dates. The WMS supplier will be able to advise on the best approach and allocate their resources to support the warehouse operator to meet its targets and objectives.

Pressure on Launch: opening a new facility presents many and varied operational pressures including physical stock moves, staff transfers, installing new equipment, dealing with building snags, and so on. This is not unlike moving house but with added stresses and challenges. In short, there is enough going on without adding more pressure by introducing the new WMS at the same time.

Labelling of Stock for Initial Stock Build Up and Receipting: the conventional reaction to the point about launch pressure is to wait until afterwards. However, having the WMS live in advance offers the potential to label stock as it arrives in the old facility. Deploying a WMS after the move could mean relabelling is required which often requires additional time-consuming and costly stock handling operations simply to apply the new labels.

Staff Training: new and existing employees can be shown how to use the new system before moving to the new site and any changes in processes and tasks can often be introduced incrementally. This avoids the “big bang” approach of introducing a new system into an unfamiliar site which can make the transition smoother and less overwhelming.

Data Accuracy: entering or transferring data into the new system is usually straightforward. However, checking and cleaning the data beforehand will remove anything that is unnecessary and redundant. Doing this before moving to the new facility ensures data accuracy and inventory management are optimised from the get-go, leading to better performance from the new system with improved decision-making and fewer errors.

Immediate Efficiency Gains: implementing a new WMS right away should lead to immediate improvements in inventory management, order accuracy, and overall operational efficiency. It also leads to improved customer service (and enhanced KPIs) while there should be fewer issues when moving into the new facility.

Remove Duplication of Migration Tasks: one of the biggest reasons given by operators for not moving forward is that it requires ‘double the implementation effort’ but this is simply not the case. In reality, physical server moves (or resetting an IP address for hosted solutions), new wireless infrastructure, and so on are effective plug and play issues even if they do need rigorous testing. Similarly, solution design, configuration, and build along with data import, integration with equipment and other applications, testing, training, and go live support are among the many additional tasks that must be completed successfully. But ultimately migrating a WMS is a fractional subset of these and the benefits far outweigh any possible additional costs.

Missed Optimisation Opportunities: anyone lucky enough to design or build their own house will know that they learn from the experience and only afterwards recognise where they missed opportunities. The same is true of a new WMS. Deploying earlier allows those missed opportunities and gained insights to be re-engineered into the new system when the operation transfers to the new facility.

“A successful WMS deployment takes significant effort but for the reasons above I’d strongly recommend starting now if your facility is more than 12 months from completion,” says Joe O’Shea. “You can deploy, learn, adapt, and train so that you can apply this knowledge and understanding to the very first stock intake of your new facility. And avoiding duplication of tasks and effort before and after the move can save considerable time and money.”

FARESHARE AND OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL SAVE 14 MILLION MEALS FROM GOING TO WASTE

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

FareShare, the UK’s largest charity tackling food waste to support social good, and total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International, in the last year alone, have saved multiple tonnes of food from going to waste within the supply chain.

The UK’s national network of charitable food redistributors FareShare is made up of 18 independent organisations using quality surplus food from the food industry and redistributing it to support some 8,500 frontline charities and community groups, with Oakland International supporting FareShare over the last 18 months.

Oakland Non-Executive Director Dale Fiddy commented: “Our ongoing FareShare partnership keeps on going from strength to strength with last year’s food savings speaking volumes.

“Of the millions of meals provided they have directly benefitted people in our society most in need including families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis to the homeless, and it’s extremely important that together we continue to develop and expand our capabilities and increase the amount of support we provide to the FareShare team.”

Working in partnership Oakland and FareShare in 2023 helped save 6,068 tonnes of food, supported 5,193 charities, created 14.2 million meals and helped reduce CO2 emissions by 12,000 tonnes. Several new projects for Oakland include a high care food reprocessing area and vegetable processing line capable of dealing with large catering packs of frozen, chilled and ambient products, and the ability to wash, slice or dice, pack and freeze raw vegetables which helps to extend shelf-life and are then repacked and distributed through the FareShare network.

FareShare is at the heart of support for the Coronation Food Project inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, a ground-breaking and urgent response to the growing challenge of reducing food waste and hunger.

As part of their fight against food waste, FareShare has launched a three-point manifesto shaped by local charities and food partners including Oakland International. This manifesto calls on political parties to close the food gap and help get more edible surplus food to people who need it and prevent it from going to waste.

Carl Hawkes, Director of Operations at FareShare: “We’re incredibly grateful to the support from Oakland International, who have been instrumental in helping us tackle the environmental impact of food waste in order to support our network of charities and community groups across the UK. Working with Oakland has allowed us to develop innovative schemes to extend the shelf life of food, reducing carbon emissions while getting food to people who need it.”

Operating 24-hours/7 days a week 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, they are also working towards becoming the first business within their sector to achieve net zero.

SCORE BIG WITH CHICKEN FIT FOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS

Posted on by Lewis Wantling

Football might not be coming home to Wales this summer but for fans of Scotland and England excitement will be at fever pitch for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany!

As fans flock to their local pubs, bars and fan parks to watch the matches their attention will wander to what foods will best compliment their half time refreshments. Here at Meadow Vale we have you covered with an array of top quality added value frozen poultry lines ready to win big for your business.

Quickness & Quality

For many QSR’s, pubs and bars showing the football this summer the need to provide a decent food offering will become extremely important given the expected increased footfall whilst the matches are on. All of Meadow Vale’s top selling lines are quick cook from frozen meaning those of you looking to cater for more heads over the course of a 90-minute match can do so quickly and efficiently.

Our Homestyle Chicken range features everything you could need for the best footy grub going. From fillets and strips to shredded and bites, you can offer everything from delicious chicken burgers and loaded fries to sharing platters of chicken strips and dips that everyone can get involved with.

As well as the tried and tested pub grub you could also look to go down the route of enticing punters in with a great offer. Beer and wings would do the trick, and all of our Meadow Vale wings can be deep fried in a matter of minutes allowing you to offer up 3 unique flavours of BBQ, standard Hot & Spicy and Crispy Hot Wings to hungry football fans.

Authentic Menu Ideas

One way to draw a crowd and increase food sales during the tournament is to offer something unique to the teams that are playing or more simply to the country that is hosting. With this year’s tournament being played in stadiums all over Germany you could use our Meadow Vale Crispy Chicken Schnitzel to add some Deutsche delights to your menu.

This mouthwatering 200g flattened breast fillet will allow you to serve a traditional Schnitzel with fries and gravy or you could get creative and include it in a chicken burger topped with fresh salad and some sauerkraut! The opportunities to tweak your menus for this 5-week football frenzy are endless, it’s all about knowing your audience and catering accordingly.

The Rise Of The Fan Park

Over the past few tournaments we’ve seen a sharp rise in the amounts of pop-up fan parks that are created with the sole purpose of drawing large crowds of fans to one place with the goal of maximising food and drink sales over the course of the match.

If you’re a food truck operator working at one of these venues this summer then you too can maximise on profits by using Madow Vale produce. Chicken is the UK’s favourite protein, so ensure you have at least one offering that will satisfy the crowds.

Not only can all our Homestyle and Meadow Vale chicken lines be deep fried but they also quick cook from frozen in combi ovens, merry chef’s and pizza ovens too, ensuring whatever your set-up you’ll be covered come peak periods of trading.

Don’t Miss The Target

As we head to the business end of the preparation phase for this bumper summer of footballing action if you have any questions about how Meadow Vale products can score you a winner then please just reach out to our development chef via our online contact form or call us on 01978 666100.

We can help you with everything from designing menu ideas and providing imagery for your socials and menus to promote the new meals. There’s an open goal right in front of you to have a great start to your summer trading period, so get your head down, aim straight and hit the back of the net with Meadow Vale today!

EMISSIS: CLIMATE CHANGE: AND THE FOOD INDUSTRY (H1)

Posted on by Graham Robson

First Published: https://emissis.co.uk/2024/05/01/climate-change-food-industry/

Climate change is an existential crisis with far-reaching consequences in various sectors, including the food industry. This industry is integral to human survival but is also a significant contributor to environmental degradation. With a rapidly expanding global population, the pressure to increase food production intensifies, threatening to exacerbate climate-related issues. This article delves into how climate change is reshaping the food industry and underscores the importance of transitioning to sustainable food production.

“Climate change poses an “existential threat” to life on Earth” Phys.org

The ramifications of climate change on the food industry are profound and multifaceted. Fluctuations in climate patterns lead to unpredictable growing seasons, which challenge traditional agricultural calendars and practices. These changes reduce crop yields and lead to the proliferation of pests and diseases, further endangering food security.

Climate change also exacerbates resource scarcity, making water an increasingly precious commodity. As droughts become more prevalent, competition for water resources intensifies, affecting the quantity and quality of food produced. This situation is particularly dire for regions already water-stressed, where farmers must decide which crops to prioritise and how to sustain their herds.

The adverse effects of climate change do not affect all farmers equally. Small-scale and subsistence farmers are especially vulnerable to the whims of the climate. Many of these farmers lack the resources or insurance to recover from crop losses or damage to their property caused by extreme weather events. The resulting economic instability can increase poverty and hunger, further exacerbating social and economic disparities.

Moreover, as climate change disrupts traditional farming practices, there is an urgent need to support farmers in adopting more resilient agricultural methods. Support can include access to education, resources, and technology to help them adapt to the changing environment.

The industrialised food system and its reliance on synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and fossil fuels are unsustainable and a significant contributor to climate change. Modern agriculture, from farm machinery to food processing and distribution, is energy-intensive and produces substantial greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate the industry’s impact on the planet, we must completely rethink how we produce and consume food.

The globalisation of the food industry has led to a system where the average meal travels thousands of miles from farm to plate, contributing to a significant carbon footprint. By prioritising locally grown food, we can reduce emissions associated with transportation and provide consumers with fresher, more nutritious options.

Local food systems are inherently more agile and can quickly adapt to changing local conditions, which is paramount in the face of climate instability. These systems also encourage the preservation of local varieties and farming techniques, which can improve the local environment. We can ensure a more personalised and secure food supply chain by fostering local food economies.

Challenges Facing UK Food Retailers (H2)

In 2008, the United Kingdom passed a pivotal legislation called the Climate Change Act. This ground-breaking act mandated that the UK reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050 compared to 1990. The implications of this act are far-reaching, particularly for industries like food retail that traditionally have a significant carbon footprint.

The term “carbon footprint” refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organisation, service, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent.

The Climate Change Act has catalysed change within the UK food retail sector, spurring a shift towards sustainability that benefits the environment.

To meet the stringent requirements, UK retailers have had to re-evaluate and take action to reduce emissions from their operations, from energy and refrigerants in their supermarkets to fuel used in transportation (Scope 1 and 2 emissions); these are significant but controllable sources of greenhouse gas emissions from the food system.

As the deadlines set by the act approach, UK food retailers need to continue to innovate and integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of their operations. This means reducing emissions arising from their entire value chain (Scope 3 emissions), the upstream supply chain, and downstream activities, such as the use and disposal phases, beyond the direct and energy emissions covered within Scopes 1 and 2. Scope 3 emissions are usually retailers’ most significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

The WWF Basket tracks a range of climate data submitted by food retailers, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

In 2022, Co-Op, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose signed a new commitment to drive action to tackle scope 3 emissions through their supply chains. Find out more about WWF’s Retailers Commitment for Nature – Climate Action here.

Greener Practices for Food Retailers (H2)

There are a number of green initiatives that can be adopted by retailers to lessen their carbon footprint. These include: Energy Efficiency: Investment in energy-efficient lighting, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning systems to reduce power consumption.

Waste Reduction: Minimising food waste through better inventory management and donating unsold but edible food to charities.

Sustainable Sourcing: Sourcing products from suppliers that practice sustainable farming and production methods.

Recycling Programs: Improving recycling facilities and encouraging customers to recycle packaging materials.

More information can be found in our article The Environmental Impact Of Energy Consumption In Food Manufacturing

Advantages of Adopting Greener Practices (H2)

Aside from meeting legislative requirements, there are several advantages for food retailers to adopt green practices:

Customer Loyalty: Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, and retailers that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability can build customer loyalty.

Cost Savings: Energy-efficient technologies can lead to significant cost savings in the long term.

Brand Image: Being recognised as an environmentally responsible business can enhance a retailer’s brand image and competitive edge.

Food Chain Technology Innovations (H2)

Technology facilitates the development of alternative food sources, such as lab-grown meat and vertical farming, which could dramatically reduce the ecological footprint of food production. These innovations have the potential to provide sustainable protein sources and fresh produce even in urban environments, thereby reducing the need for extensive land use and long-distance transportation.

Technology also empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their food. Through apps and online platforms, individuals can trace the origin of their food, learn about the farming practices used, and understand the environmental impact of their dietary choices. By providing transparency and information, technology bridges the gap between consumers and producers, fostering accountability and encouraging more sustainable consumption patterns.

Social media and digital marketing have given rise to a new wave of consumer activism, where individuals can advocate for sustainable food practices and influence industry trends. As consumers become more vocal and connected, their collective choices can drive significant change in the food industry, pushing it towards more environmentally friendly and ethical practices.

Conclusion

Since the Climate Change Act set out the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, the cost of electricity has risen from 5.37 pence per kW in 1990 to 10.72 pence in 2020, placing additional pressure on food retailers.

Climate change poses a significant threat to our food system. Still, technological advancements, new tools, and insights are now available to help retailers achieve Scope 3, reduce energy costs, and forge a sustainable food system for all.