The UK is desperately in need of a food security policy to protect consumers and safeguard legitimate businesses, a leading food expert has said.
According to Chris Elliott, professor of food safety and microbiology at Queen's University Belfast and founder of the Institute for Global Food Security, a series of threats to food security are converging to create “absolute chaos”.
Professor Elliott – who authored the government-commissioned report into the 2013 horse meat scandal – told the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Conference on 19 June that there is an urgent need for the UK’s next government to appoint a dedicated food minister and to implement a robust food security policy.
He also slammed “scandalous” cuts to Trading Standards resources as a major threat to food safety.
“I think the cutbacks in the Trading Standards workforce are the first problem; those people are really at the coalface and understand the problems that are going on. That, and the disjointed nature of food monitoring surveillance governance in the UK, is scandalous to be honest,” Elliott said.
Regulatory divergence in the wake of Brexit, disruption to global supply chains caused by the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis and the rise of online food retail have created a challenging environment for businesses and an increasingly risky state of play for consumers.
Chris Elliott (Photo: LinkedIn)
Among Elliott’s concerns are the withdrawal of legitimate importers from the UK market – as a result of the increased costs and paperwork brought about Brexit – which is creating new opportunities for unscrupulous businesses and rogue traders to bring non-compliant and potentially unsafe foods into the country.
“For the last 14 years, the Conservative government has basically said, it's a free market, don't worry about it, because the food industry will take care of everything. Don't worry if we import more, because imports are cheaper. So there has been no policy whatsoever. The UK currently imports nearly 50 per cent of all the food that we eat, so everything that happens in other parts of the world will impact us,” he said.
“I know a company based in Spain who have taken the decision not to import anything into the UK anymore because it’s not a big enough market for them to deal with the amount of paperwork. If the good guys stop wanting to import stuff, the bad guys will step in, because the UK will be a much easier touch than Europe.
“People are realising it's now much easier to get food that is not of the same quality and standards into the UK, because we don't have the same checks and measures, or the same network of exchange of information. There are lots of reports about dodgy meat turning up in Felixstowe, for example – and that's just one of the consequences of becoming very isolated.”
Elliott cited the disjointed approach to food regulation and monitoring as a key risk to consumers and legitimate businesses. He added that the government’s decision to scrap the LACoRS (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) system in 2010, combined with sweeping cuts to Trading Standards services, has dramatically undermined the UK’s ability to ensure that food entering the country, being sold in shops and online, and reaching consumers’ tables, is accurately described and safe to eat.
“There are also massive challenges out there because of our changing climate. That's really driving some bad behaviours, even with good businesses. The overuse of pesticides and illegal pesticides, for example, is on the rise because producers are trying to deal with climate crisis situations and crop failures,” he added.
“Ten years on from the horse meat scandal, the large mainstream food manufacturers and retailers are much better in terms of the monitoring processes and defence mechanisms they have in place. But in our food system, there are the large players, and then there are the small players, and then there's online – which is the Wild West. We have found a huge amount of food fraud online. They can basically sell whatever they want. That's what we're up against.”
Commenting, Jessica Merryfield, head of policy and campaigns at CTSI, noted that the food supply chain and landscape has changed significantly, and regulators need the resources to do their job.
“This means having the legislative backing to allow officers to effectively deal with the challenges arising, but the rules are only as good as they are enforced; the decimation of qualified, skilled officers in this area needs to be reversed to allow this to happen,” Merryfield said.
“Without sufficient levels of officers working to ensure our food is produced and supplied to the highest levels of safety, effectively we are allowing decriminalisation by the back door. At CTSI, we are calling for the building back of Trading Standards services over the next four years, through funding of extra posts and apprenticeships. CTSI are also proud to announce that we are producing standalone module qualifications in feed and animal health, with a food one coming soon, to give local authorities and other stakeholders the opportunity to get staff trained quicker in these areas.”
Louise Hosking, executive director at the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH), added that the CIEH’s 2024 manifesto outlines the need for the UK government to strategically deliver the National Food Strategy, with a mandate to ensure all policies related to food work together to deliver health and environmental benefits.
“At each stage of the food supply system, from food handling, preparation and delivery, environmental health professionals work to ensure that the UK’s has a stable and safe supply of food,” Hosking said. “In the lead up to the next general election we urge the next UK government to create a fairer, more sustainable food system.”
Two local business owners and entrepreneurs have acquired the historic Jennings Brewery, located in Cockermouth, Cumbria, from Carlsberg Britvic for an undisclosed sum.
Kurt Canfield, CEO of specialist engineering business Delkia, and Rebecca Canfield, proprietor of wine and spirits company Wine and the Wood, took ownership of the brewery site with intention to resume brewing Jennings beer in Cockermouth, following the brewery’s closure in 2022.
The deal also involves the transfer of rights to the Jennings brand, including all trademarks, intellectual property and recipes. Bottled beer under the Jennings brand will continue to be sold by Carlsberg Britvic until March this year, following which beer production will transfer to the new company – Jennings Brewery Ltd.
“As lifelong residents of West Cumbria, we have cherished Jennings Brewery and its beer for many years. Preserving the heritage of the brewery and the Maltings building, which are integral to our community, is of utmost importance to us. We are delighted to bring Jennings back to the local area and to have it once again run by a family-owned business,” Rebecca Canfield said.
“The brewery has almost 200 years of brewing history and one element that really attracted us to the project was the fact that it has its very own well. This is what makes it so beautiful and unique – an authentic Jennings beer can only be brewed with local water!”
Kurt Canfield, who will continue as CEO of Delkia, added: “This project is a remarkable and ambitious endeavour, which we are taking on to benefit the entire community. The Maltings building is an historic landmark, and we have extensive plans to enhance the site while respecting its heritage. However, critical repairs are necessary and will take time before we can get back to brewing the great beer that Jennings in known for.”
David Bodily, head of properties and facilities at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “We're pleased to have completed the sale of Jennings Brewery to new, local owners who are looking to preserve the site's brewing heritage. The brewery is a unique location in Cockermouth, and we wish Kurt and Rebecca every success for the future."
The project is expected to create several new jobs in the area, including the appointment of a Head Brewer, a brewing team, and a local sales and marketing force. Some appointments have already been made for the new business, with Chris France, founder of speciality beer retailer Beer Hawk joining as managing director.
France, who also grew up in The Lake District said: “Jennings was hugely influential as I developed my love for this industry, and the idea of bringing a great beer back to the heart of this town is an exciting prospect. There’s a rich brewing history here and we’d love to hear from anyone in the community who wants to join the team or be part of bringing it back.”
The Labour government is getting rid of a "shoplifters’ charter" to take a grip on rising retail crime left behind by the Conservative party, prime minister Keir Starmer stated on Wednesday (5) in the Commons Chamber.
Starmer was answering a question raised by Labour MP Claire Hughes when he acknowledged that shoplifting is no more a "low level" crime.
Citing an example of seaside town Llandudno where businesses are struggling with a rise in shoplifting, Hughes raised the concern in the Commons Chamber, adding that thieves are now committing robbery in full view of staff because they have no fear of consequences.
She stated, "The recent funding boost for neighbourhood policing is very welcome, but will the Prime Minister please tell my constituents what more the Government are doing to tackle retail crime and deter repeat offenders?"
Starmer agreed, saying shoplifting is not a victimless crime.
He said, "For far too long, crimes such as shoplifting have been written off as 'low level'.
"That is wrong; such crimes are devastating. The Conservative party left us with rising crime and effectively told the police to ignore shoplifting of under £200-worth of goods.
"We have got rid of that shoplifters’ charter, and we are working hard to ensure that we take a grip where they lost control."
Nearly half a million shoplifting offences were recorded by police in England and Wales in a year, the highest 12-month total on record, according to the data released by Office for National Statistics (ONS) last week.
.A total of 492,914 offences were logged by forces in the year to September 2024, up 23 per cent from 402,220 in the previous 12 months. The figure is the highest since current records began in the year to March 2003.
Industry body the British Retail Consortium's (BRC) annual crime survey also shows similar trend.
BRC survey shows that theft and violence against retail workers in Britain soared to record levels last year and are "out of control", driven partly by criminal gangs.
The survey found more than 20 million incidents of theft were committed in the year to Aug 31 2024, which equates to 55,000 a day, costing retailers a total £2.2 billion. There were 16 million incidents in the previous year.
Incidents of violence and abuse in 2023/24 climbed to over 2,000 per day, up from 1,300 the year before. This is more than three times what it was in 2020, when there were just 455 incidents a day.
Incidents included racial or sexual abuse, physical assault or threats with weapons. There were 70 incidents per day which involved a weapon, more than double the previous year, shows BRC survey.
Customer habits of snacking and alcohol consumption are expected to see a major shift in the coming years with growing evidence that weight loss medication users show little interest in snacking, consuming alcohol, or even eating between meals, a recent report has stated.
This was one of the key messages from ‘The 2025 Show’, a virtual event hosted by MMR Research, where top industry voices unpacked what’s coming next for brands and product innovation.
According to event host Andrew Wardlaw, Chief Ideas Officer at MMR Research, GLP-1 medications appear to work in two ways- physically, by lowering blood sugar, delaying gastric emptying, and in some cases, creating feelings of nausea. And neurologically, by interfering with the brain’s reward systems.
“In effect, GLP-1 medications are shutting down desire,” Wardlaw said.
The event featured several real-world consumer experiences, where users shared stories of dramatic reductions in daily cravings.
With the food and beverage industry at risk from the rising incidence of GLP-1 households, Wardlaw highlighted the importance of maximising curiosity at the shelf to mitigate the effects of this unprecedented assault on impulsive behaviour.
Lori Herman, insights leader at Mondelez, North America, acknowledged the impact of GLP-1 medications on the food and beverage.
She said, “You need to eat a lot of protein apparently when you are utilising this medication, and I feel like that’s going to benefit brands that are inherently protein rich. I think we will see the emergence of even more protein-rich snacks come into the market as a result.”
Herman added, “So, I do think it will impact the types of products we are seeing as it potentially becomes a little bit more mainstream.”
The event further covered the importance of new and novel experiences among consumers.
Pointing to recent research by MMR Research across key economic regions, Wardlaw urged manufacturers to escalate innovation that champions new flavours, new pack formats, extreme and unexpected sensory profiles, and product experiences that have the potential to go viral.
“We know that conversations about new and novel experiences are rising dramatically – up 23% in posts involving food and drink in the last 12 months, for example”, Wardlaw claimed.
Interactions with over 3000 consumers showed that people are interested in discovering new products and experiences to break the monotony of everyday life, adding daily glimmers – often FOMO fueled by platforms such as TikTok.
Wardlaw concluded: “Beyond industry yardsticks such as ‘liking’ and ‘overall appeal’ lies a complex network of emotional needs.
"We know that people are often drawn to brands and products because they make them feel adventurous, socially connected, discerning, and so on.
"These motivations have little to do with ‘liking’ and everything to do with identity and aspiration. Increasing our efforts on building superior emotional outcomes will help manufacturers mitigate the risks that GLP-1.
“We think brands can still market irresistible products, but via a different kind of reward system.”
Gander has announced its nomination for The Earthshot Prize 2025, an accolade that celebrates groundbreaking solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
Nominated by BVRio, this marks Gander's third opportunity to contend for the prestigious prize, reaffirming its role as a global leader in waste reduction and sustainability.
The Earthshot Prize, spearheaded by Sir David Attenborough, Prince William, and The Royal Foundation, is built around five ambitious goals, or "Earthshots":
Protect and Restore Nature
Clean Our Air
Revive Our Oceans
Build a Waste-Free World
Fix Our Climate
Gander's nomination aligns closely with the goal of "Building a Waste-Free World." Through its pioneering SaaS technology platform, Gander enables retailers to market and sell items nearing their expiration date, reducing in-store food waste and promoting a circular economy.
Ricardo Salazar, CEO of Gander Brazil, highlighted the urgency of Gander's mission, “The urgency of transforming our efforts to reduce food waste is clear. Gander’s technology enables retailers to reach more consumers, ensuring perfectly good food is sold and consumed rather than wasted.
"This benefits everyone - retailers maintain their margins, consumers access affordable food, and the resources used in food production are preserved.”
Since its launch, Gander has saved an impressive 38.9 million food items from waste. Operating in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Brazil, the platform has become a global force for sustainability, leveraging local data feeds to connect consumers with reduced-price food in real time.
Gander’s nomination underscores its ambition to expand beyond food waste, tackling broader issues of global consumer waste by 2030.
Salazar adds, “Gander’s journey is about creating sustainable solutions that are both commercially viable and environmentally impactful. By addressing food and consumer waste, we’re helping to shape a better future for generations to come."
The Earthshot Prize represents more than recognition for Gander; it is an opportunity to amplify its mission and inspire other innovators worldwide.
As Gander continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of hope and progress, proving that technology and collaboration can drive meaningful change.
Diageo believes the no- and low-alcohol category is a “big opportunity for the industry” and for the company, its CEO has said.
Speaking at a press briefing for Diageo’s financial results for the first half of fiscal 2025 at its London headquarters, CEO Debra Crew voiced her optimism for the no-and-low segment and noted that the group’s non-alcoholic portfolio is up by approximately 56 per cent.
The firm’s alcohol-free portfolio includes Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof and non-alcoholic alternatives for its Gordon’s, Tanqueray and Captain Morgan brands.
Crew believes the zebra striping trend “keeps people” within the group’s alcohol-free brands.
“People want this kind of sophisticated experience, they want to feel like when they’re out, that you know you’re still out, but you know you’re also wanting to moderate and so you can switch back and forth,” she explained. “And so that’s a big trend for us, and we are absolutely looking at that.”
In September 2024, Diageo fully purchased Ritual Zero Proof after initially taking a minority stake in the US-based brand in 2020.
Founded in Chicago, Illinois, Ritual Zero Proof offers alternatives to whiskey, Tequila, gin, rum and apéritifs.
Regarding the non-alcoholic category, Crew said Diageo is the “leader in spirits” with Ritual Zero Proof being the “number one non-alcoholic spirit brand in the US”.
“We’re very excited about it,” Crew told members of the press. “It’s done incredibly, had quite a run, and we’re very excited about what more we can do there.”
Diageo saw its organic sales rise by 1 per cent in the six months to December 2024 with growth led by its Tequila portfolio (up 20 per cent), which represented 13 per cent of net sales by category.
Referring to wider industry trends, Crew affirmed that whisky is “still very much in trend” despite a double-digit drop for the group’s Scotch malts portfolio (down 20 per cent), while its blended Scotch brand Johnnie Walker fell by 6 per cent. However, Johnnie Walker Blonde is seeing growth in emerging markets, Crew highlighted.
With Scotch, Crew was quick to point out that it faces competition from other domestic whiskies around the world, but she noted that the group wants to make sure it “really defends Scotch”, particularly in the face of potential tariffs.
Speaking about “what is off-trend”, Crew stated that rum “is a big quieter right now” while vodka is “getting hit” by convenient formats like ready-to-drink products.
The group’s rum portfolio dropped by 8 per cent with Captain Morgan also down by 8 per cent.
Vodka also struggled to grow its sales, with the segment falling by 9 per cent. Ketel One was flat, but category leader Smirnoff managed to post a sales increase of 3 per cent.
Cîroc vodka suffered the biggest organic sales decrease of all key brands in Diageo’s portfolio, plummeting by 32 per cent.
Over the past six months, the group has offloaded two Venezuelan rum brands, Pampero and Cacique, alongside flavoured liqueur brand Safari.
When asked about the group’s portfolio management, Diageo chief financial officer Nik Jhangiani said they were “still assessing” in terms of the categories and brands that they would consider selling.
He added that the company would also “look selectively at acquisitions” in terms of “how do we actually look at that play and are we right with the brand that we have, or is there a gap, based on that classic point around price laddering”.