Author: Scott Dylan

The plant-based sector is witnessing significant shifts with major brands facing financial and operational challenges.Plant-based brands are struggling to maintain growth amidst rising cost pressures and economic challenges.Meatless Farm was recently rescued after facing a cashflow crisis and filing for administration.Vegan Fried Chick*n (VFC) is expanding its presence and continued to invest in new product lines despite industry hurdles.Beyond Meat is experiencing a decrease in sales amidst increased scrutiny over health perceptions and economic factors.The plant-based food industry is encountering substantial challenges as economic pressures rise. Seventy-three percent of vegan shoppers are actively seeking to cut costs on their groceries.…

Asda announces an 8% reduction in its Just Essentials product line, now offering 296 items instead of 293.The reduction will affect availability both online and in-store, with several items being discontinued.Some products like chicken thighs and mild cheddar will be removed from the Just Essentials range.Despite fears of decreased choice, Asda plans to introduce new items including breaded fish fillets and prawns.Asda affirms their commitment to offering relevant products, with ongoing assessment of customer needs.Asda has decided to cut its Just Essentials product range by 8%, reducing its selection from 293 to 296 lines. The changes will be implemented both…

Aldi has reduced prices on more than 30 grocery items, reinforcing its commitment to being a cost-effective choice for consumers.Prices have been reduced by an average of 7% on a variety of household staples, including fresh produce and personal care products.This effort is part of a broader strategy by Aldi, having previously cut prices on over 130 items in recent months.The move includes the expansion of Aldi’s promotional fruit and vegetable range, now branded as ‘Super 7’.Aldi continues to maintain its position as the UK’s cheapest supermarket, according to recent consumer analysis.Aldi has implemented another round of price reductions, this…

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on the government to prioritise domestic food production equally with environmental concerns.The UK’s self-sufficiency in food currently stands at 60%, according to Defra, but NFU President Minette Batters stresses the need for legislative measures to maintain this level.Recent disruptions in food supply chains, exacerbated by weather anomalies and geopolitical tension, amplify the urgency of this issue.Batters highlights the risks of over-reliance on imports amid global economic and climatic challenges.The NFU urges enhanced resilience in UK food supply chains to counteract volatility and ensure sustainability.The National Farmers Union (NFU) has made a compelling call…

One Stop has introduced a price lock on over 85 products, aiming to alleviate financial strain for customers during the summer holidays.The initiative includes a wide range of items, from fresh foods to breakfast essentials, ensuring affordability across staple products.This move is part of One Stop’s ongoing Low Everyday Prices campaign, featuring both own-label and branded items.Marianne Aitken, Head of Product, highlights the company’s commitment to offering value without compromise on quality.Closed loop recycling for own-label milk bottles is a new sustainability effort by the retailer.One Stop, known for its convenience retailing, has announced a significant price lock on over…

In response to the summer holiday financial pressures, Iceland has reduced prices on 200 products.Customers can find savings of up to £3.75 on popular products including Richmond Sausages and branded coffee options.The ‘Holiday Heroes’ initiative highlights a trend where 54% of parents are cutting back on spending over the summer.Additional savings include a £2 bonus card initiative and mix and match offers for essential items.Iceland Foods’ efforts are a response to the rising cost of living, providing affordable options for families.Amid summer holiday spending challenges, Iceland has introduced significant price reductions on 200 products to support families. Customers can enjoy…

Former Ocado Solutions CEO Luke Jensen transitions to a strategic role at Hana Group.Jensen has been actively involved with Hana Group since 2015 as a non-executive director.He will guide Hana Group’s global strategy alongside CEO Ed Romero.Jensen played a pivotal role in expanding Ocado’s retail technology ventures globally.Steve Dacus will continue as a non-executive director, having worked with Jensen previously.Former Ocado Solutions CEO, Luke Jensen, is poised for a transformative role at Hana Group, a prominent provider of on-the-go sushi and pan-Asian cuisine. Having served as a non-executive director of the group since 2015, Jensen will now assume the position…

Retail sales slowed in July with food and drink emerging as top sellers.UK retail sales rose by 1.5% in July, marking a decline from the previous year.Food sales saw an 8.4% rise, with non-food sales dropping by 0.5%.Online spending decreased as consumers preferred physical stores.Retailers increased promotions to attract budget-conscious shoppers.In July, high street sales in the UK pointed to a significant change in consumer behaviour as food and drink items topped the sales chart amidst a general retail slowdown. A recent report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) in conjunction with KPMG, revealed that retail sales across the UK…

Economists have issued a stark warning over the future of food prices amidst global uncertainty.The Bank of England’s chief economist suggests that prices may not revert to pre-conflict levels.Food supply chain issues stemming from the Ukraine invasion are a significant factor.Retail inflation has peaked, but prices are still high and may rise further.Contracts made during uncertainty locked in higher commodity prices.Huw Pill, the chief economist of the Bank of England, has raised concerns about the ongoing impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on food prices. He noted in a recent discussion that the invasion has disrupted the global supply chain,…

Tesco has expanded its ‘reduced in price, just as nice’ signage to 300 more stores, facilitating the discovery of discounted products.The initiative, originally launched last October, is part of Tesco’s efforts to reduce food waste and make value foods more accessible.The signage highlights fresh produce nearing expiry and end-of-season items, helping customers find quality discounts easily.Claire Lorains, Tesco’s group quality director, emphasises the importance of reducing food waste and offering great value to customers.The signage rebranding was driven by customer feedback, suggesting more appealing displays for discounted products improve purchase likelihood.Tesco has recently extended its ‘reduced in price, just as…