Grocery sector news updates

  • E.coli outbreak linked to salad leaves

    E.coli outbreak linked to salad leaves

    Some of the UK’s leading food-to-go suppliers have recalled a range of products due to possible contamination with E.coli. Dozens of different sandwich types sold in supermarkets and convenience stores have been withdrawn from sale as a precautionary step following… Read More

  • Supermarkets club together to buy Fairtrade

    Supermarkets club together to buy Fairtrade

    Food retailers are considering pooling their resources to purchase Fairtrade food products after the competition watchdog gave an initial green light to the collaboration. The FT reported that a number of British supermarkets are in talks with Fairtrade about combining forces to buy… Read More

  • Health trumps British-ness when buying food 

    Health trumps British-ness when buying food 

    Seven major UK supermarkets have added tabs to their websites to help shoppers select British food and drink. Tesco has followed Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Ocado, Co-op and Waitrose in installing ‘British’ and ‘Best of British’ buttons. “It offers shoppers a direct… Read More

  • Campaigners demand sustainability standards for ready-made meals

    Campaigners demand sustainability standards for ready-made meals

    Standards should be set for the health and sustainability of ready-made meals, according to campaigners, after research found unhealthy, high-carbon options dominate the European market. The study, conducted by system change company Systemiq for 10 Europe-wide consumer and environmental organisations, concluded… Read More

  • M&S launches carbon busting cow feed

    M&S launches carbon busting cow feed

    Marks & Spencer is claiming an industry first with the introduction of a new feed supplement for pasture-grazed dairy cows which promises to cut the carbon footprint of the retailer’s fresh milk. Working with 40 dairy farmers in its milk… Read More

  • Plans for universal eco-label revealed

    Plans for universal eco-label revealed

    A harmonised eco-labelling scheme for UK food and drink businesses has moved a step closer to becoming reality after the body leading the scheme published its latest set of recommendations. IGD has been working since 2021 to develop a consistent… Read More

  • Campaigners hail ‘game-changing’ reuse scheme

    Campaigners hail ‘game-changing’ reuse scheme

    Food brands and retailers will join forces to deliver circular economy solutions at scale under a new scheme aimed at increasing adoption of reusable packaging. Supported by UK Research & Innovation’s smart sustainable plastic packaging fund, the collaboration initially brings… Read More

  • Grocery sector’s green claims are greenwash, according to research

    Grocery sector’s green claims are greenwash, according to research

    Greenwashing is “rampant” across UK supermarkets with chains promoting “minor” green initiatives while avoiding significant action on emissions from meat and dairy products, according to research by Feedback, an NGO. “Our research shows that all 10 UK supermarkets are failing… Read More

  • Junk foods deals dwarf veg promotions

    Junk foods deals dwarf veg promotions

    Around a third of supermarket volume promotions or multi-buy offers are on unhealthy foods with less than 4% on fruit and vegetables. Research from The Food Foundation found that foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) account for a… Read More

  • Regenerative milk pool announced

    Regenerative milk pool announced

    Farmer-owned dairy cooperative First Milk and manufacturer Yeo Valley Production are to create a “regenerative milk pool” in the south west of England. The two organisations have together created the ‘Naturally better dairy group’, which will see the regenerative milk… Read More