UK Focus 2018

• How to ‘future-proof’ your water management
  Like a fast-moving tide, the management of water is quietly but quickly emerging as a significant risk for the food manufacturing industry in the UK. Companies may be unaware of the ever-increasing water management obligations under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive, which industry experts believe will be maintained in UK law after Brexit. Declan Maguire has some advice.
• Juicy market for UK’s soft fruit
  Soft fruit is a staple for many UK consumers, and the British love affair with strawberries and raspberries is particularly prominent. According to Defra, consumption of strawberries and raspberries has risen by 150 per cent and 123 per cent respectively between 1996 and 2015, supported by perceived health benefits and improved availability. UK soft fruit purchases now account for 22 per cent of all consumer fruit purchases, according to primary market researcher Kantar World Panel. Volumes have continued to climb, with the market value of soft fruit grown in the United Kingdom worth £465 million in 2016, according to Defra’s agricultural report, estimated at £670 million in 2018. Yasuf Allinson from IBIS World assesses the current market picture.
• From fresh fruit and veg to frozen: one producer’s story
  As people’s perception of food and the role it plays in their lives evolves, the frozen category plays an increasingly large part in the UK’s food agenda. Sam Dennigan explains how his company moved into the sector and why he believes innovation is now key to its success.