Karen Betts

FDF welcomes new UK Labour government, urging collaborative action on challenges

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has welcomed the new incoming UK Labour government, noting that collective action on supply chain challenges was vital to economic growth, reports Neill Barston.

Food and Drink Federation greets inflation drop, yet warns of agriculture and labelling challenges

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has welcomed a further inflation drop to 4% in February, though warned that unstable weather conditions within many agricultural sectors around the world could pose further significant challenges, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory

Cocoa prices continue to soar, as weather and crop deficits hit global industry

Cocoa prices have reportedly risen to their highest recorded level on the New York stock exchange since the 1970s, standing at $5,874 a tonne (£4,655), yesterday, causing notable industry concern, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

FDF welcomes drop in sector inflation, yet cocoa prices remain notably high

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has welcomed figures revealing an easing of inflation within the sector, down to 8%, last month, from near-record highs experience last year, which impacted significantly on the cost of living crisis for consumers, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory

FDF welcomes UK government autumn statement pledging billions for manufacturing investment

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents a broad array of sector businesses, including within confectionery and snacks, has welcomed today’s Autumn Statement offering funding for investment in capital equipment, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability

Food and Drink Federation welcomes further drop in retail inflation

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has welcomed latest figures showing a notably drop in inflation impacting the sector, including for confectionery and snacks, as the organisation urges government support for small and medium-sized businesses to ensure greater levels of investment, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory

FDF trade snapshot shows key export losses, including within confectionery markets

The UK Food and Drink Federation’s latest full-year trade snapshot for 2021, has revealed sector exports were 13.1% down against figures from three years ago, at £20.2 billion, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

FDF reveals online tool enabling firms to harness technology for key business growth

A major initiative is being launched by the UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF), to enable businesses, including those within the confectionery sector, to engage with key technology to grow their operations, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Regulatory

Food and Drink Federation appoints Karen Betts as chief executive

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation is set to appoint a new chief executive, Karen Betts, to lead the organisation from 2022, reports Neill Barston

Business news, Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability