Dairy alternatives may have to change their names if new rules to prevent shoppers confusing plant-based with real dairy products are imposed.
With trading standards officials thought to be on the brink of issuing new guidance, including a ban on the use of words and phrases like “m*lk”, “cheeze” and “not milk” on labels, the Plant-based Food Alliance UK (PbFA) is set to make a last-ditch appeal to the environment secretary to intervene.
While custard creams, salad cream and cream crackers are among the foods that are exempt from the rules, the experts said terms like “soya yoghurt” and “vegan mozzarella” should not be used. Instead, they propose “soya dessert fermented with live cultures” and the literal “vegan soft-white balls with a light cheese flavour”.
Marisa Heath, the PbFA’s chief executive, said it would set out its concerns, which include the risk that the resulting upheaval could push up prices, in a letter to Steve Barclay. It will request that the guidance is dropped and the regulations reviewed.
“At the time when we should be encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices … this is a bad move,” said Heath, who suggested an enforcement drive would harm the wider food industry.
“Major retailers will have to rename their own-brand plant-based products,” she said. “This will cause unnecessary time and financial costs in an industry that is already doing its best during the cost of living crisis. This could then have an impact on consumer prices too.”
Ian Hepburn, the marketing director of Upfield UK and Ireland, which makes I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, said the spread had been in millions of fridges across Britain for nearly 35 years.
“It’s implausible that anyone would be confused,” he said. “In 2023 we didn’t receive a single complaint of consumer confusion. We are baffled by these proposed restrictions which do nothing but add bureaucracy to an outdated EU law.”
The latest version of the guidance, dated January 2024 and seen by the Guardian, has not been watered down despite the concerns raised by the plant-based food industry.
The draft opinion is written by the Food Standards and Information Focus Group (FSIFG), a leading group of trading standards officers.
The FSIFG explains, “Technological innovation is leading to the construction of products offered as alternatives to conventional foods of animal origin. It is important that products are clearly distinguished, understood and nutritional differences are not confused.”
The document says plant-based brands should not use homophones, asterisked characters or other wordplay. Words like “whole” are also outlawed. Analysts said using fun names like m!lk or m*ilk has historically been a way to encourage people to try plant-based products.
Companies fear the restrictions could be in place by Easter. If they are the subject of complaint, they could face enforcement action such as having to change a brand name or packaging.
Bryan Carroll, the general manager of Oatly UK and Ireland,said it was“frankly insulting” to assume people could not tell the difference. Did the UK really want to be a country with some of the “most draconian rules about how we describe our food and drink?” he added.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said, “This is a draft opinion from a group who are independent of government. There are no plans to change existing legislation in this area.”
National Lottery operator, Allwyn, today announces that Coldean Convenience in Brighton and Londis Solo Convenience Store in Glasgow have been crowned National Winners at its Local Retail Champions awards event. Both retailers have been awarded £5,000 cash and a Social Value store makeover worth up to £20,000.
In a special awards ceremony at the Hilton Wembley yesterday, the two National Winners and 16 Regional Winners – who were each awarded £5,000 cash – picked up their Local Retail Champions awards which are made from recycled National Lottery Scratchcards. Additionally,102 runners-up will receive a £100 cash prize.
Launched in September, Allwyn’s very first Local Retail Champions campaign – funded by Allwyn’s Social Value Fund – asked the UK public to nominate National Lottery retailers who go above and beyond to support their local community. From almost 1,000 stores nominated, Allwyn selected two national and 16 regional winners, as well as 102 runners-up.
Coldean Convenience, run by Raj and Manish Suchak, was selected as a National Winner for a variety of community-focused work, including creating a safe space for those who need it, donating generously to local food banks, and providing all the food for a local school’s breakfast club and fundraising for the local cat shelter.
Manish Suchak said: “To know that our wonderful customers voted for us gives us tremendous pleasure. It’s a very supportive community in general, so anything we’re doing is just repaying that kindness. I’m now giving some thought to how we can spend the store makeover money, it’s such a lovely thing to be able to spend £20,000 to benefit my customers.”
Londis Solo Convenience Store, owned by Natalie and Martin Lightfoot, took home the other national prize for going that extra mile for their community, including organising charity fundraising events and local litter-picking activities, and providing a home delivery service for those who need it.
Natalie Lightfoot said: “I’m so proud of my shop, I joke that it’s my fourth child. It’s lovely when other people recognise something you’re so passionate about.”
Allwyn’s Director of Commercial Partnerships and Retail Sales, Alison Acquaye-Acford, said, “Congratulations to all of our Local Retail Champions winners. You’re all doing such incredible work in your local communities and, as National Lottery retailers, we’re delighted to be able to recognise and reward you for this.
“National Lottery retailers already do so much for communities around the UK simply by selling lottery tickets that help fund Good Causes to the tune of around £30 million each week. So our Local Retail Champions really are doubling up on efforts to help their communities with the work they’ve been nominated and awarded for through this initiative. Thank you for all your wonderful work.”
R-L Manish and Raj Suchak, Coldean Convenience; Harriet Jameson, Director of Social Value, Allwyn; Julie Brian, Head of Retail Strategy and Operations, Allwyn; Martin and Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience Store
The Local Retail Champions initiative is being paid for with money from Allwyn’s dedicated Social Value Fund, which is an annual £1 million that the company has committed to using to support operating The National Lottery in an environmentally and socially responsible way. This year, Allwyn is using a portion of the fund to reward and recognise the important role its retail partners play in every community across the UK and Isle of Man.
The Social Value store makeover, which the Coldean Convenience and Londis Solo Convenience Store will receive, will help them do even more for their customers, community or environment. Both Manish and Natalie are now looking at social and environmental initiatives to improve their stores and how they support their local community, and some initial thoughts have included solar panels and a defibrillator and bleed control kit.
Independent research conducted by KAM on behalf of Philip Morris Limited (PML) has revealed the growing importance of offering a diverse range of smoke-free products, as retailers gear up for the Tobacco and Vape Bill and the impending ban on single-use vapes in 2025.
The findings highlight that a significant majority (76 per cent) of independent UK retailers feel well-informed and supported in preparation for the regulatory changes. 68 per cent agree that success will require a varied product portfolio – encompassing e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products – rather than reliance on a single category.
Notably, the research emphasises the increasing prominence of nicotine pouches, with seven in ten retailers currently stocking or planning to introduce the oral nicotine alternative. Since their UK debut in 2019, nicotine pouches have seen extraordinary growth, with a 91 per cent rise in volume recorded in early 2024. This surge reflects the growing appeal of products such as ZYN – the world’s leading nicotine pouch brand – among adult nicotine users.
The study also found that over a third (36 per cent) of retailers have already observed disposable vape users transitioning to other smoke-free options since the announcement of the single-use vape ban. Despite this, concerns remain, with 39 per cent of retailers expressing apprehension about the forthcoming changes.
"In the face of a shifting regulatory landscape, it’s crucial that retailers take proactive steps to meet the evolving needs of adult nicotine users in 2025," said John Rennie, Commercial Director at PML. "With single-use vapes soon to disappear from shelves, adult nicotine users will increasingly turn to alternative smoke-free products that align with their preferences.
“Adopting a multi-category approach and offering a diverse range of smoke-free alternatives will not only help retailers prepare for 2025 but also play a vital role in ensuring that those who do not quit tobacco and nicotine completely do not revert to smoking cigarettes.”
The KAM research also revealed that more than half (51 per cent) of retailers are anticipating increased demand for smoke-free products, fuelled by New Year’s resolutions. Furthermore, just under half (48 per cent) are implementing strategies to help adult smokers move away from cigarettes in the coming year.
As Small Business Saturday approaches, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new interactive online tool and clearer guidance for small businesses.
Aimed at supporting new and existing ‘sole traders’ to better understand their responsibilities, the new interactive tool explains the records they may need to keep, taxes that may apply to their business, and includes other useful information, for example how to pay a tax bill.
Whether preparing a first business plan, finding their feet as a fledgling firm, or already an established enterprise, small businesses across the UK can access the support and information easily and free of charge.
HMRC’s new Set up as a sole trader: step by step guide supports people working for themselves to understand when they may need to register as a sole trader and how to do so. This is presented in seven simple steps.
There are several HMRC interactive tools available, including one newly launched to help businesses estimate what VAT registration may mean for them. The VAT Registration Estimator was developed after feedback from small businesses suggested an online tool would be helpful to show when their turnover could require businesses to register for VAT and its effect on profits.
“At HMRC, we know small businesses are vital to our economy, and we want to help you get things right from the start,” Marc Gill, HMRC director of individuals and small business compliance, said.
“It can feel overwhelming when you’re a new business owner. That’s why we’ve created user-friendly, anonymised tools that give you the knowledge to make confident business decisions.
“We are committed to continue building trust with the small business community. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your business, we’re here with clear, reliable guidance to help your business succeed.”
The guidance and interactive tools are free to use and available directly from GOV.UK. They have been launched for information purposes only, users will not be registered for any taxes as a result of using them. HMRC will not collect or store any information about the user.
HMRC’s online services support businesses and individuals to interact with it securely at a time that suits them, and the free HMRC app helps businesses stay on top of their personal tax matters.
Vapers and retailers are being urged to "protect the future of harm reduction" by giving evidence to government as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Campaign group We Vape wants vendors to answer a parliamentary call , explaining the importance of e-cigs and how the new bill might impact the numbers of people who choose to vape instead of smoke.
They have also encouraged businesses to 'spread the word' among consumers about how to respond to government's request for more data, as it advances the bill. The appeal follows a planned ban on advertising, which critics fear will prevent vital education of smokers that vapes are significantly safer than cigarettes.
Research shows half of all smokers (50 per cent) incorrectly believe vaping is more or equally as harmful as smoking - an increase of 10% on 2023. Only one third of smokers understand vaping is less harmful than smoking.
Further evidence suggest a potential ban on flavours could push 1.5million vapers back to smoking. One study - funded by the UK Health Security Agency - also raised fears many vapers will make their own flavoured e-liquid, 'which may expose them to toxicants or chemicals that have not been approved for use in vapes.'
We Vape Founder Mark Oates said, "This call to evidence is a rare opportunity for retailers and consumers on the ground to have their say on vaping. We know the potential restriction to flavours will drive many ex smokers back to the death sentence that is cigarettes, while the advertising ban means we cannot educate the staggering 50% of smokers who think vaping is more harmful than smoking.
"Both these elements of the bill already imply vaping is as bad for you as smoking, which is entirely wrong and contrary to the NHS policy of handing out starter packs to adults wanting to quit cigarettes.
"Vape retailers and vapers are best qualified to speak on the tastes and purchase options that draw smokers to vaping and can provide the expert evidence the government needs.
"It is vital its decisions protect the rights of vapers to choose the flavours that help stop them smoking, as well as allowing smokers to be educated about the health benefits of making the switch.
"While the government can adjust its decisions based on new evidence, a person diagnosed with terminal cancer after being forced back to smoking cannot.
"That's why we also encourage businesses to spread the word to their customers about contributing evidence, which will help protect the future of harm reduction.
"If you are a vaper or your business involves vaping, please answer the parliamentary call for evidence on the impact the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will have on you or the people you serve daily."
The government wants to hear from those with 'relevant expertise, experience or a special interest' in vaping, who can provide proof of its importance as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill enters the committee stage of approval.
Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) acknowledged the Scottish Government’s efforts to deliver the 2024-25 Budget during a time of significant economic challenge.
While the commitments to stability and growth are positive steps, the wholesale and food and drink sectors require more targeted action to navigate ongoing pressures and invest in their future with confidence.
Commenting on the draft Scottish Budget, Colin Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Wholesale Association, said, “This Budget demonstrates an ambition to provide direction and stability, which is welcome, but for wholesalers, the reality on the ground remains tough.
"Rising costs linked to inflation, energy, and transportation – compounded by UK-wide changes to National Insurance contributions, the National Living Wage, and business property relief – continue to squeeze margins and challenge operations, particularly for family-run SMEs.
“We hope that measures within the Budget will help ease pressures on wholesale employees, who are the backbone of our sector. Ensuring our workforce feels supported is essential as businesses navigate these economic challenges.”
Smith acknowledged helpful measures, which will indirectly support wholesalers serving the hospitality industry, through the reinstatement of 40 per cent non-domestic rates relief for hospitality businesses, from 2025-26.
He said, “The hospitality and leisure sectors are critical to Scotland’s economy but who have struggled to fully recover after Covid, and which our members work tirelessly to sustain.
"Wholesalers are at the core of the food and drink supply chain, ensuring those businesses remain supplied. This much-needed support for hospitality was vital in trying to secure their long-term viability and investment within the Scottish economy.”
Confirmation from Scottish Government that they are not planning to proceed with the reintroduction of the Public Health Supplement for large retailers was also welcome
Smith also highlighted the importance of providing a stable environment for business planning.
“A sense of direction is encouraging, but businesses need certainty and tangible measures to invest confidently in the long term,” he said. “For wholesalers, and indeed many of our customers, this means targeted support that allows us to manage rising costs while contributing to Scotland’s economic recovery and sustainability targets. There was little sense of any optimism for business confidence from this budget.”
The SWA also stressed the importance of addressing the sector’s recruitment challenges, particularly in attracting young talent. “We welcome any Budget commitments to invest in education and skills development through colleges and training programmes,” Smith said.
“These measures could support the wholesale industry’s efforts to encourage more young people to consider careers in our diverse sector, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent for the future.”
The SWA, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure the wholesale sector’s critical role is fully recognised.
Smith emphasised: “We are eager to collaborate with the government to build a resilient, sustainable future for the wholesale sector and the communities it serves. We have consistently called for a Scottish Government Scottish wholesale strategy which we believe is essential to navigate the economic challenges ahead, and to give the confidence our members need.”
As the detailed implications of the Budget become clearer, the SWA will continue to advocate for policies that support the sector’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness. “The wholesale industry is integral to Scotland’s economy, and with the right support, it can thrive and contribute to Scotland’s prosperity,” Mr Smith concluded.