UK government
Food and Drink Federation snapshot finds UK exports to EU, including chocolate, remain down
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has produced its second industry trade snapshot with the EU that revealed export figures remained down for the month of February, according to its latest analysis, reports Neill Barston.
Impact of Brexit and Covid felt as confectionery exports nosedive
The UK government’s latest figures on British chocolate exports to the EU reducing by 68% in January due largely to Brexit policies makes for extremely sobering reading for all involved.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Fairtrade calls on UK government for action on ‘hidden’ carbon emissions in food supply chains, including cocoa
The Fairtrade Foundation has issued a plea to the UK government to actively tackle ‘hidden’ carbon emissions in British food supply chains – including cocoa growing markets, in an urgent bid to address global climate change, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
UK manufacturers urge government to work with EU in preventing costly border delays
British-based manufacturers, including confectionery, snacks and bakery operations, have called on the government to work with the EU to urgently resolve critical border delays caused by complex paperwork brought about by Brexit, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Food and Drink Federation expresses concern on ‘devastating impact’ of promotions restrictions
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has responded with concern at what it considered a ‘devastating impact’ of introducing restrictions on promotions of product lines including snacks and confectionery, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Trading stakes remain high as Brexit plays out its final twisting festive chapter
After a saga lasting four years, it’s not hard to have sympathy with many across the political divide and general public alike that have suffered clear fatigue from observing the process of Brexit play out before us highly unpredictable fashion – and in just a couple of weeks it’s supposed to be over.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Food and Drink Federation issues further plea for support as exports continue to fall
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has issued an urgent plea to government for enhanced assistance to businesses as latest figures show exports fell by 11.6% for the third quarter, to £5.5 billion, year-on-year, owing to the pandemic, reports Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Is the UK government’s consultation on banning online ads ‘nanny state’ or vital intervention?
One of the most intriguing stories to break this past week has been that of the UK government’s newly launched consultation on whether it should place bans on online advertising for foods containing comparatively high levels of sugar, fat and salt.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
UK Government consults on banning online ads for foods high in sugar, fat and salt
The UK government has launched a new consultation on proposals to ban online adverts for foods high in fat, sugar and salt within food ranges including confectionery, to tackle the obesity crisis, and encourage greater levels of fitness.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Industry shows resilience on the eve of a second coronavirus lockdown
This week, following in the footsteps of several other nations around Europe including Belgium, France and Germany, the UK is set to enter a second period of lockdown in England amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Business news, Food safety, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Public Health England figures show failure to cut sugar in confectionery
The latest figures from Public Health England (PHE) have shown that a sector campaign to cut sugar from food product ranges including confectionery, by 20% over the past four years, has failed to achieve any tangible reductions within chocolate and sweets, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
The demise of Public Health England leaves key sugar reduction targets in limbo
Why might the demise of PHE be significant to the confectionery sector? Well, the most glaring reason is the much publicised campaign that sought to drive sugar reduction within the confectionery and wider food and drink sector in 2017 is now effectively dead in the water.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ferrero responds to challenging trading conditions with major Christmas investment
Ferrero is set to invest £3 million in a broad selection of new seasonal products for the UK and Ireland, including its classic series of boxed chocolates, figures and novelties for Christmas 2020, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Sustainability
Food and Drink Federation criticises government’s ‘missed opportunity’ on tackling obesity
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has labelled the government’s new plans to tackle obesity amid the coronavirus crisis as a “missed opportunity” that penalises the sector, including manufacturers of confectionery and snacks ranges. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability