Out of Home News Analysis

  • Sub-standard or streamlined?

    Sub-standard or streamlined?

    The Food Standards Agency’s new approach to regulating large food retailers is under scrutiny and currently there are more questions than answers. By Nick Hughes. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is grappling with a dilemma as it seeks to create… Read More

  • THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Diage-go-go-go for greener packaging

    THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Diage-go-go-go for greener packaging

    It was promised in 2021. Disappeared without trace in 2022. Almost made it into the world in 2023. But finally it is here: a paper-based bottle for Johnnie Walker whisky.  Made from 90% paper and a “very thin plastic liner”,… Read More

  • Labour builds blueprint for healthier diets

    Labour builds blueprint for healthier diets

    The new government is already pursuing a more interventionist approach to food and health policy but faces pressure to go further. By Nick Hughes. A programme of free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England will start to roll… Read More

  • Europe meats in the middle on consumption

    Europe meats in the middle on consumption

    A new vision for EU agri-food has some hot potato policies, including on livestock consumption. David Burrows reports.  Hopeful Henry. A social media post by Henry Dimbleby (co-founder of Leon, founder of food innovation investment firm Bramble Partners and, of course,… Read More

  • The Friday Digest: A crisis in climate confidence

    The Friday Digest: A crisis in climate confidence

    “Time is running out to save the planet,” reads the sobering headline from a new Mintel report that dropped into the Digest’s inbox this week. The research company’s new ‘Global outlook on sustainability’ paints a worrying picture of public desperation at our collective… Read More

  • Comment: Foreword thinking needed to bring carbon transparency 

    Comment: Foreword thinking needed to bring carbon transparency 

    Food and drink companies need to be up front about their progress (or lack of it) when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By David Burrows. My comments are not always like a box of chocolates: sometimes you know… Read More

  • Meat versus the alternatives … it’s complicated

    Meat versus the alternatives … it’s complicated

    Analysis by the Food Foundation has sought to introduce some nuance to an often polarised debate over the benefits of eating plant-based meat alternatives. By Nick Hughes. It’s been a turbulent period for plant-based meat alternatives. Following years of consistently… Read More

  • THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Labour looking for love from farmers

    THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Labour looking for love from farmers

    This week’s news has a heavy agricultural feel. Wednesday was, of course, ‘Back British Farming Day’ – an annual event now in its ninth year and taking place with UK farming at a “tipping point”, according to organiser, the NFU. … Read More

  • Are public diners ripe for a comeback?

    Are public diners ripe for a comeback?

    A perfect storm of food system challenges means the time is right for the state to step in and provide affordable, healthy meal options, says a charity. By Nick Hughes. You’ve had a busy day at work. You’ve collected the kids… Read More

  • NET-ZERO NOTEBOOK: Reporting on hot news and hot air since 2021

    NET-ZERO NOTEBOOK: Reporting on hot news and hot air since 2021

    Food companies are trying to beat the burps, while sustainability leads suffer from reporting rules headache. David Burrows reports. We start with burps. From cows. These contain the potent but relatively short-lived greenhouse gas methane (CH4) and have therefore become… Read More