Industry Concerns

Unsustainable Palm Oil Sourcing: The True Cost

Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil originating from the fruit grown on African oil palm trees, which are now grown in Asia, North America […]

Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil originating from the fruit grown on African oil palm trees, which are now grown in Asia, North America and South America, in addition to their native Africa. The oil’s relatively low fat content, unique properties and source of vitamin E has resulted in a global demand with which growers are unable to keep up; unsustainable palm oil is an issue across many industries.

Palm oil is used in almost half of the packaged products in UK supermarkets, from chocolate and pizza to lipstick and shampoo. Its efficiency is one of the reasons palm is the most produced and consumed vegetable oil across the world. However, unsustainable palm oil also causes a number of environmental problems.

Note: see our RSPO integration for more information!

ESG in the Food & Beverage Sector

ESG in the food & beverage sector is a growing concern. Food and drink manufacturing, foodservice and hospitality, and agriculture – three of the main sectors […]

ESG in the food & beverage sector is a growing concern. Food and drink manufacturing, foodservice and hospitality, and agriculture – three of the main sectors in the food and drink industry – are all facing similar pressures to run their businesses more sustainably while reporting progress to stakeholders.

The fact that food production and agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater removal, 26% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, and 78% of global ocean and freshwater eutrophication, highlights why the sector will come under increasing scrutiny to improve its ESG credentials.

A key challenge faced by the food and beverage industry is collecting, storing, and maintaining data to support their ESG credentials.

As food and beverage supply chains become more complex, the collection, reporting, and presentation of accurate ESG data is increasingly essential in building trust in a business’s sustainable business practices.

If you would like to find out more about what practical steps you can take to mitigate these, you can complete the short form.

Natasha’s Law – The UK Food Information Amendment

As of 1st October 2021, all companies will be legally required to adhere to Natasha’s Law, and ensure that all food products that are prepacked for […]

As of 1st October 2021, all companies will be legally required to adhere to Natasha’s Law, and ensure that all food products that are prepacked for direct sale have a clear list of ingredients with allergens clearly specified on the label.

Our guide to Natasha’s Law, published in collaboration with Anaphylaxis Campaign, covers:

• The Dangers of Anaphylaxis.
• What Constitutes a PPDS product?
• Any Exceptions to the Law?
• Frequently Asked Questions.
• Allergen Control in your Supply Chain.

The Dark Side of Chocolate

Modern slavery and sustainability go hand in hand. The areas most likely to be affected by climate change, are also some of the places vulnerable to […]

Modern slavery and sustainability go hand in hand. The areas most likely to be affected by climate change, are also some of the places vulnerable to modern slavery and forced labour practises. Industries operating in these areas, like chocolate manufacturers, are subject to increased scrutiny.

With an average global consumption of 3 million tonnes, chocolate really is big business. Now considered to be one of the world’s favourite treats, the chocolate industry is estimated to generate £80 billion per year.

Over eight million Brits claim to eat a sweet treat every day, however, the reality of cocoa beans’ harvesting process is one of unethicality and unsustainability.

How are you mitigating the risks surrounding modern slavery and sustainability? What steps can you take to ensure compliance in your supply chain?

Supply Chain Risks: What’s in your Picnic?

What supply chain risks are in your basket? Picnics are a defining feature of a quintessentially British summer, as the country scrambles to gather their picnic […]

What supply chain risks are in your basket?

• It is estimated that 94 million picnics take place in the UK each year.
• Annually, two and a half billion pounds is spent purchasing picnic food in the UK.
• Increasingly environmentally-conscious consumers has led to sustainability and provenance becoming major concerns.

Picnics are a defining feature of a quintessentially British summer, as the country scrambles to gather their picnic blankets, insect repellent and a basket of food to share with family and friends while enjoying the British weather (or lack thereof).

However, with more people choosing to spend time outdoors to enjoy the al fresco dining experience, the supply chain risks that can be found in your picnic basket are becoming increasingly prevalent.

To find out more, you can download the “What’s in your Picnic?” report

Vegan Alcoholic Drinks: New Times at the Bar

Why keeping on top of the trend for vegan alcoholic drinks is more important than ever for the drink industry. Did You Know? Trade Interchange surveyed […]

Why keeping on top of the trend for vegan alcoholic drinks is more important than ever for the drink industry.

Did You Know?

• 52% of respondents agreed that the complexity of UK food labels meant often they could not tell what they were consuming?
• Mintel is forecasting an increase in UK sales of ‘free-from’ products to £673m by 2020?
• According to the Vegan Society, more than half of UK adults (56%) are taking on vegan buying behaviours?

Trade Interchange surveyed industry professionals with direct responsibility for food and drink suppliers, and this highlighted a number of interesting trends and potential steps to move forward.

If you would like to find out more, you can download the ‘New Times at the Bar: The Thirst for Vegan Alcoholic Drinks’ report.