The price of coffee beans has had a significant rise in the last year due to climate change. Countries like Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam are experiencing severe harvesting conditions which has caused concern for production. 

However, the weather conditions are varying for different countries. While Brazil is being affected by heavy rainfall, Vietnam is experiencing extreme heatwaves. 

The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has remarked that the serious droughts that Vietnam are experiencing has caused concern for the level of harvest and production for the rest of the year. Vietnam produces Robusta coffee, which has a bitter taste in comparison to Arabica coffee beans produced in Brazil. 

With both countries producing over 50% of these coffee bean varieties. The costs continue to rise through 2024. 

This has resulted in a strain on companies buying coffee beans in the UK. With the continuing effects of climate change on our harvests, these higher prices are likely to stay the same. 

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The British Tomato Growers Association (BTGA) have revealed the declining stability of the tomato sector. This is due to the post-Brexit conditions affecting importation and causing delays for companies and farmers.

The changes that have taken place post-Brexit have had a serious effect on the farming industries. The delays can be up to six weeks, which is mainly due to the prolonged time taken for pathogen testing. This has caused stress on the programming of the crop production for UK growers. 

The BTGA are requesting that Defra, the Department for Environment, food and Rural Affairs can help implement a reform to border processes. These delays to do not only cause importation issues, but the BTGA are urging UK supermarkets to agree to 2025 contracts by the end of September, to unsure enough time for British growers to deal with these delays. 

The seed exportation in Europe is governed by disease free testing of tomato seeds before exportation to the UK. It can be said that if these standards were implemented into the UK importation, then this may subside the current delays. 

With the urgent need for sectors to be reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, the dairy sector in the UK have created a new initiative that introduces a methane-reducing feed for cattle. 

One company that are working with farmers to actively reduce their emissions in the dairy sector are Tesco. Who recently stated that they are partnering with Grosvenor Farms by introducing a ‘methane-reducing feed supplement for dairy cows.’

Grosvenor Farms are known as one of the lowest carbon milk producers in the UK. 

As a member of the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG), Tesco have stated that Grosvenor Farms are ‘adding the methane-reducing feed supplements to the diet of 400 cows as part of the trial.’

The United Nations have stated that “Methane is the primary contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone, a hazardous air pollutant and greenhouse gas.”

Tesco have stated, “As a result of the enhanced feed, the carbon footprint of each cow is projected to reduce by about 1.3 tonnes C02e annually. If the four-month trial is successful, Tesco hopes to scale up the use ofBovaer across the TSDG, reducing emissions and helping to create a more sustainable food system.”

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There has been a change in shop price inflation since the beginning of June. In May the inflation rate was 0.6% and through June dropped to 0.2%. 

The sudden ease in prices has also affected fuels prices. With these prices lowering, the industries are looking at the lowest rate since October 2021. 

However, even with the lowering costs, families across the UK are still unable to afford necessities. This highlights the severity of the high current costs that UK citizens are facing. 

As supermarkets drop their prices of everyday products, that includes butter and coffee. The UK Inflation have switched their goal back to 2% after it lowered to 2.5% in June.

Simon Williams, the head of policy ay RAC has said, “While it’s good news prices at the pumps have fallen for the second month in a row, this also leaves a bad taste in the month because we know drivers in Great Britain are continuing to get a raw deal as both petrol and diesel are still much more expensive than in Northern Ireland.”

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It has been announced that UK stores are recalling pre-packed sandwiches, salads and wraps after the rapidly increasing number of E. Coli cases.

As of June 11, the UK Health Security Agency have stated that the total number of cases in the UK has now reached 211. The cases are supposedly rising, and experts have suggested that the source of the rising numbers could be due to pre-packed foods, but this is still being investigated. 

One of the suppliers that is involved is Greencore Group, as of right now the company have recalled Asda smoky beans cheddar cheese wrap, Sainsbury’s Greek style wrap, Co-op ham and cheese wrap, Aldi chicken fajita triple wrap, Boots chicken salad sandwich, Asda prawn layered salad, and Morrisons gluten-free sandwich platter.

Greencore Group have had to recall 45 products after E. coli being found in foods that contain salad leaves. 

The head of incidents at the Foods standards Agency (FSA), Darren Whitby has said, ‘This is a complex investigation, and we have worked swiftly to narrow down the wide range of foods to a small number of salad leaf products that have been used in sandwiches and wraps.’ 

Other manufacturers are set to announce recalls on more pre-packed products.

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An urgent alert has been announced that savoury pastries are being recalled by major supermarkets due to a contamination among the food.

Supermarkets such as Sainsburys, Asda, and Aldi have been a part of the recalling and are removing any products that have been supplied by The Compleat Food Group. It has been stated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that the savoury pastries ‘may contain small pieces of metal and plastic, making them unsafe to eat.’

The Compleat Food Group are one of the leading suppliers in the UK. Home to brands such as Wall’s Pastry, Squeaky Bean, Wrights, and Pork Farms. 

Some of the products include Asda’s chicken tikka slices and steak slices. As well as Asda’s snack pork sausage rolls, cheese and onion rolls, salt and pepper chilli chicken slices, pork and apple sausage rolls, pesto, and mozzarella pinwheels, and deep filed chicken and gravy puff pastry pie.

Sainsburys and Aldi have additionally recalled their sausage rolls, and cheese and onion rolls.

The Food Standard Agency (FSA) have said: “if you have brought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store where they were bought for a full refund.”

An internal investigation has been taken which identified the area of contamination. The affected areas have now been shut down and The Compleat Food Group have stated that operations are back to normal.

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Crosta & Mollica, an Italian manufacturer of pasta sauces has had to recall two of their products due to the possible risk of glass in the sauces. This would mean that for consumers, the products are unsafe to eat.

The pasta sauces are packaged in 340g jars.

The pasta sauce that was recognised as unsafe was the Crosta & Mollica Sugo Alla Norma Aubergine, Ricotta and Tomato. Crosta & Mollica pasta sauces are only sold in Waitrose stores across the UK.  Customers who have brought this product will be advised to return it to their local store and receive a full refund. 

Crosta & Mollica have stated that, ‘We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused.’

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There is to be expected an increase in olive oil sales over the next few years. After a turbulent few years' olive oil production and sales experienced a temporary decrease due to COVID-19 and the price increase for imports. The CBI, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, ‘Production in the 2022/2023 season was 35% lower than average.’ The olive oil consumption was estimated to be about 1.5 million tonnes.

However, over the past 5 years there has been a steady growth in the olive oil consumption due to the price increase of extra virgin olive oil. With most European countries importing olive oil from Spain, Italy, France, and Greece; the United Kingdom have had an increase in importation which is set to increase over the next few years. With a high demand in healthier lifestyles, olive oil is another ingredient that helps reduce highly processed refined oils. 

The CBI, Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, ‘the European market for olive oil is likely to increase at an annual growth rate of 3-5%. The highest consumer growth rate is expected in Eastern Europe (5-6% per year), while moderate growth is expected in Western Culture (1-3% per year)’ 

The high increase in olive oil production and sales will bring reassurance to the industry’s market and with this rapid growth in healthier lifestyles, olive oil may be set to increase its growth rate even further across Europe and developing countries.

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Asda is set to become the first UK supermarket the introduce Welsh milk that is sourced and produced in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The leading UK supermarket has begun their partnership with Arla dairy farmers and Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd, both leading suppliers of sustainably sourced milk. 

Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd prides themselves on their Welsh cows and sustainable attitude to farming. They focus on keeping their market-related price fair for dairy farmers, as well as expressing their passion for animal welfare. As Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd state, ‘Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, from our sourcing practices to our state-of-the-art facilities.’ 

As well, Asda’s collaboration with Arla dairy farmers has allowed over 2,400 dairy farmers to have their milk sold in Asda stores. Arla has said, ‘for every bottle of Farmers Milk sold, an extra 25P goes back to the farmers in the Arla cooperative.’ Through this initiative, dairy farmers working with Asda can reinvest their money back into their farms. This helps produce more sustainable production and help keep high levels of animal welfare. 

Asda’s choice to introduce Welsh milk into supermarkets will be a huge step for the dairy industry in Wales. As well as providing customers with the highest quality fresh milk that is sourced, produced and packed by Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd. Customers will have the option of Welsh whole milk, semi skimmed milk, and skimmed milk. 

Arriving on Asda’s shelves from the 29^{th of} May 2024, Mark McQuade, the Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd stated, ‘‘We are extremely excited to have partnered with Arla Welsh Farmers to bring milk that has been produced, processed and packaged in Wales to Asda’s Welsh stores. The move represents an exciting time for the Welsh dairy industry, and one that will give customers across Wales the opportunity to enjoy high-quality authentically Welsh milk.’’

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Food production is habitually an undeviating problem affecting our environmental impact. The ever-changing world we live in impacts the reliability of our sources which is based on variable factors including climate change, population growth and a lack of resources. It has been stated that 25% of total greenhouse gas emission are of consequence to crop and animal production systems, as well as agricultural land. Our growing population has been faced with the unnegotiable fact that food production must evolve for an efficient future.

It can be stated that ‘agriculture now accounts for only 3% of total employment in high income countries, but over 40% in emerging economies.’ This figure suggested how high-income countries have traded in their risk for just the reward. The uncertainty of crop production has resulted in lower income countries becoming responsible for these resources. As their main source of food and income, agricultural systems provide the poor with the amenities they need to survive; but it serves as our biggest drawback in creating a food production system that will benefit our future. 

José Graziano Da Silva stated that, ‘collateral damage of land degradation and deforestation, over extraction of groundwater gases, emission of greenhouse gases, loss of biodiversity, and nitrate pollution of water bodies’ are all factors within food production. The consequences of these factors are paralleled with the on-going risk of climate change effecting agriculture and fishing. The natural hazard increase in droughts and flooding, as well as a lack in the distribution of fish has led to certain resources rapidly decreasing globally. 

Unfortunately, the decrease in supply is more profound than ever because of the increase in population growth. As the world needs more, the earth has less. It is stated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that by 2050, we will need to produce 60% more food to feed a world population of 9.3 billion. This amplifies the need for an increase in food production and if the agricultural system remains unaltered, there will be almost no natural resources left for businesses to utilize. 

So, what is the solution? taking a sustainable approach. For businesses in the food production sector to survive, they must unveil their green fingers to create a non-polluting future. The European commissions suggested that the internal market must reward greener production. ‘Products will be addressed for their environmental footprint and boost the material resource efficiency of products to make sure they cover reusability, recoverability, recyclability, recycled content and durability’.  

Other methods of sustainability include the natural resource protection to increase biodiversity by protecting land, water and energy resources and using environmentally friendly fertilizers. 

The waste that is produced through food production is a large factor within the industry. It Is stated that nearly 1.3 billion tonnes of food produced is lost or wasted ever year and if food waste was reduced by 25%, there could be enough food to supply an additional 500 million people. 

It is difficult to ensure that food production can match the population growth by 2050. Although maintaining a sustainable approach is desired, it may not be possible. But if the industry can provide sustainable options where possible it could move in a positive direction. That creates a production that is not reliant on the natural world’s resources. As not only are they being rapidly exhausted by our hand’s but by nature too.

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On the 5^{th of} September, Lidl have announced the opening of their largest warehouse in the world with a £300m investment.

Based in Luton, Lidl’s largest Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) is set to cater to the growing consumer demand across England. The RDC is a substantial 1.2 million square feet and ‘it will service 150 stores and create up to 1,500 jobs, which is almost triple that of any other Lidl GB warehouse. 

Lidl’s aim is to further increase their infrastructure across Great Britain and reach more customers. 

Richard Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Lid GB, said: “Demand for Lidl has never been higher, and we are seeing an increasing number of people walk through our doors to make savings on every shop. The fact that Lidl’s largest RDC in the world is here in Great Britain speaks for itself not only in terms of us needing to meet the growing demand from customers, but also in terms of our ambition to grow that demand in the future.”

The new warehouse will be the first to feature automation, this will hopefully generate more jobs. Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “it’s fantastic to see Lidl investing in the UK and creating thousands more well-paid jobs. As our plan to halve inflation this year and grow the economy bears fruit, businesses can be confident that investing in the UK is the right decision.”

Lidl is now the highest paying supermarket, with increased hourly wages from £11.00 to £11.40 and the potential that it might rise to £12.30 depending on the duration of service. 

Lidl have said ‘The warehouse is set to open with a cutting of a ribbon and parade’ to celebrate the great achievement.

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In recent years, frozen food is stealing the spotlight over fresh produce. The uprise in easy, quick, and cheap food paralleled with the inflation of food prices across the UK. 

With the price of food rising, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have stated that adults have been faced with a rather uncomfortable statistic that nearly ‘52% of adults are spending more than usual to get what they normally buy when food shopping.’

As of 2023, prices are beginning to drop; but with nearly 95% of adults stating that their rising costs are owing to higher food prices, the popularity surge in frozen food has not shifted. 

With the advantage of frozen meat, fruit, ready meals, and more, the frozen aisle combats the cost-of-living crisis with an effective selection of meal options.

Supermarket giant, Iceland have stated that through academic study: ‘frozen fruit and vegetables typically contain more vitamins and antioxidants than “fresh” ones that have spent days, often weeks, in the supply chain.’

‘Frozen food has much longer shelf life than fresh food, so minimises waste in the supply chain and customers’ homes.’ 

In addition, frozen food plays such a large part of reducing waste, Iceland said: ‘British families could reduce waste by almost half (47.5%) by eating frozen food.’

The benefits of shopping in the frozen aisle appear to be significantly higher than buying fresh food. With the added expiration and lower costs, is frozen the future of food production?

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The UK’s leading dairy drink business has announced details of their investment plan of £20m. Having invested £34 million since 2013, Crediton Dairy have been working hard to create a significant progress in creating a high-quality product range of milk drinks, creams, and ice coffees. 

With their second major investment of 12m back in 2019. The new investment plan is set to focus on upgrading Crediton Dairy’s production process and improve their carbon reduction with installations of new effluent treatment and water recycling plants. As well as reducing their gas and electricity. 

Crediton Dairy’s shift toward an environmentally friendly production system comes in line with their core principles. 

To limit their environmental impact they have stated: ‘by 2025 in line with Dairy UK industry standards’ they will have a 30% reduction in carbon related energy use and water consumption. As well as a 20% reduction in chemical oxygen demand and a 0% waste to landfill. 

The proposed reduction in emissions and wastage should be catalysed by the newly announced investment plan to maximise their recycled content whilst minimising carbon impact.

As well, with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the dairy industries costs became increasingly high for another challenging year, which resulted in a higher turnover in 2022 of £114.1m from £101.5m back in 2021. 

Tim Smiddy, the managing director has stated: “In the light of increasing demand for our product portfolio we are confident about the long-term prospects for the dairy drinks sector and the role that we, as a focused and flexible, independent, added value business, can play within it.”

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Bird flu’s viral release back in 2021 effected farmers all over the UK as poultry farmers were conditioned to confining their birds to the indoors.

This last year, Avian influenza has not only become a seasonal problem, but viral outbreaks are happening throughout the year. The poultries restriction to factories has promoted ethical concerns involving the health of the birds. Thousands are being reared in confining conditions. Impacting the risk of infections spreading within the factories.

The Compassion in World Farming have stated that following 20 years of evolution of farmed poultry the deadliest strain of bird flu has arisen in wild birds. This independent circulation of the virus has resulted in outbreaks within remote areas with no poultry.

Although the circulation of bird flu within wild birds is alarming, it is a natural occurrence. However, in July 2023 a statement was produced by the UN’S Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), spoke of ‘countries working together across various sectors to save as many animals as possible. Avian influenza viruses normally spread among birds; but the increasing number of H5N1 Avian influenza detections among mammals – which are biologically closer to humans than birds are – raises concern that the virus might adapt to infect humans more easily’. 

This statement has triggered an unsettling reality to the farming industry. This disease will not be slowing down; but in fact, mutating into new variants of influenza A(H5) and influenza A(H5N1). The World Health Organization (WHO) have stated a few mammals that this strain has infected. Naturally, most of the mammals infected are predators, some of the known mammals include mink, otter, badger, bear, racoon, and seals.

Farmers have been appointed precautions to help slow down the A(H5N1) spreading. This includes Farmers applying appropriate hygiene practices to their poultry and consideration of vaccinating poultry to serve as a ‘disease control tool’.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have stated that they are ‘monitoring the rapidly evolving nature of the virus.’ As well, they will continue to provide updates of countries responses to the spread in the hopes of this virus not becoming a major risk to humans.

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After this incredibly wet July, the vineyards across England are looking at a great year for harvest. Although unwanted by most, the Met Office have stated that the rainfall this summer has average to 140.1mm across the UK. This has resulted in it begin one of the wettest Julys on record since 1836. 

The surge in rainfall has proved to be a shock for the public who were hoping for temperatures like July 2022 which reached up to 40c. However, this surprising turn of events has resulted in vineyards exceeding their expectations for the upcoming harvest in September/October. 

The trade report from WineGB have stated that hectarage and planting have gone up by 74% in the last five years. Active vineyards now account for 82% of hectarage which is 3,928ha. This has resulted in 4.8 tonnes of yield per hectare.

With over 943 vineyards now in operation, there is expected to be a 50% growth in employment by 2025. The result of a wetter summer has promised large bunches to be produced and employment may rise even further with the upcoming harvest. With this incredible boost in production, the UK is becoming a strong competitor in the wine industry. 

With wine generally being produced in regions north and south to the equator. This has been subject to the weather closer to the equator being too hot and the poles being too cold for grape production. The best climate is in regions that have both sunlight and rainfall to a moderate degree.

With England’s maritime climate, it suggests our temperatures are mainly influenced by the nearby ocean. Over the last few years, we have seen a surge in heat covering the summer months with has affected the type of wine we produce.

With this very unexpected wet summer, does this mean we are in for one of our best yields to date?

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The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) have outlined new guidance for allergen labelling. The aim is to help keep consumers safe and understanding how food businesses use the Precautionary Information guidance (PAL).

The FSA have stated companies should only be using PAL ‘if there is an unavoidable risk of allergen cross-contamination which cannot be sufficiently controlled by segregation and cleaning.’ 

The specification of an allergen is now mandatory, businesses need to state: “may contain peanuts” rather than a generic “may contain nuts.” As well, businesses must use both ‘PAL statements in combination with a ‘vegan’ label where a risk of cross contamination with an allergen has been identified.” 

The FDF have stated: ‘The process of managing allergenic ingredient addition or removal should include conducting an allergen risk assessment, identifying control measures and implementing a plan to effectively inform customers and final consumers.’ 

The outlines are for a Food Business Operator (FBO) to consider ‘when making changes that impact the allergen labelling on pre-packaged products.’ In addition, the FSA and FDF have highlighted that businesses need to seek further information when selling “free from” products and how to use No Gluten Containing Ingredients (NGCI) statements.

Natasha Smith, Deputy Director of Policy at the FSA said: The guidance also helps make clear the distinction between a ‘vegan’ claim, and a ‘free from’ claim. A ‘free-from’ allergen claim should guarantee that the specified allergen is absent and to use it a food business must have implemented strict controls to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.  A vegan claim is not about food safety, and our new guidance highlights that a PAL statement for any or all of molluscs, eggs, fish, milk and crustacea (foods that are both regulated allergens and animal products) can be used to communicate a risk of their unintended presence, where this has been identified by a food business’ risk assessment.”  

As well, Susan Jebb OBE, chairperson of Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said: “The FSA’s research has shown that people with food hypersensitivity and food businesses are concerned about how ‘may contain’ labels are used, and this guidance should provide clarification. The FSA takes seriously its responsibility to protect the interests of people with a food hypersensitivity. Helping businesses to get their labelling right is an important part of this work and I encourage businesses to get their guidance as part of their allergen management processes.”

Food hypersensitivity has taken priority for the FSA and FDF. Businesses are now moving in a direction that improves allergen information for consumers safety and the standardization of food standards internationally.

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