Butchers shops, once a common sight in most towns and villages across Europe, are declining in number. The impact of that decline can be felt in communities throughout the continent, and it could also be impacting our diets too. On Allergen Awareness Week, and in partnership with Dutch Spices, we look at why butchers shops are disappearing, but also how that trend can be reversed. We delve into some of the methods butchers can use to get themselves fit for the future, and compete with the supermarkets. In the UK, we have seen a reduction in the number of butchers shops of more than 18 per ..read more

Has there been a more challenging time for the global food system in modern times? It is difficult to argue against considering the amount of geopolitical turmoil and the growing climate crisis. Add into that, a growing population, and the scale of the challenge of keeping everyone fed is clear. But that is where innovation will be key. The global food system needs to keep innovating in order to meet the challenges it faces. Attend our Food Innovation, Nutrition and Sustainability events In this episode of the Food Matters Live Podcast, recorded live at the Sustainable Food Forum in London ..read more

From the first apple orchards, to its resurgence in modern craft cideries, cider’s history is a story of innovation, tradition, and deep connection to the land. But it is not just a tale of apples and fermentation. It is a journey that has shaped communities, cultures, and the way we raise a glass to celebrate life's moments. It is also a tale of adaptation, with cider evolving alongside the changing tastes and technology of today’s modern world. So, in this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we uncover the twists and turns in cider's evolution, and explore the fascinating interplay ..read more

When we think about sustainable nutrition, many of us will think about plant-based eating. There is no doubt that switching to a plant-based diet helps the sustainability cause in multiple ways, but the bigger picture is far more nuanced than that. Every consumer, ingredient, product and brand has their own context, which makes generalising about environmental impact very difficult.  In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Inspiring Nutrition event in London in 2023, we look at how some of the complexities in this area might be addressed. Attend our Sust ..read more

Packaging has a huge role to play in making the global food system more sustainable. The materials we use to transport, store and market our food are a key part of the conversation when it comes to increasing sustainability in the sector. There is a demand for more responsible food packaging solutions across the value chain as pressure mounts from both regulators and consumers.  But, the move towards more sustainable packaging is not always an easy, or straight forward, one. In this episode of the Food Matters Live Podcast, recorded live at our Sustainable Food Forum held in London in ..read more

Producing a new food product, bringing it to market, and then successfully selling it, is no easy task. It is difficult to get an exact figure, but most research indicates that at least half of new products fail within a year of launching. It is no surprise when you consider just how competitive the food industry is - in the UK, it is the largest manufacturing sector. Taking all of that into account, getting your new product “just right” is a challenge that requires skill, knowledge, and in most cases, deep category expertise and experience. In this episode of the Food Matters Live po ..read more

Nutraceuticals are big business, but what is in store for this dynamic and competitive market in 2024 and beyond? There is no doubt that demand for these products is growing, and consumers are more knowledgeable than ever. But with greater awareness and increased understanding, comes greater skepticism, meaning the science has to be water-tight. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recording live at our Inspiring Nutrition Event in London in November 2023, we ask an expert panel to forecast where the nutraceuticals market is heading. They delve into the latest science, forecas ..read more

What role can new developments in ingredients play in moving us towards a more sustainable global food system? As food companies move towards a more circular, less wasteful model, how important will ingredient innovation be? In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Sustainable Food Forum in London, we try to answer those questions. Attend our Sustainability events in April Experts and innovators explore the pipeline of emerging sustainable ingredient development, which will shape the future of food.  They also delve into the potential of up-cycling waste ..read more

The gut microbiome is one of the hot topics on the lips of nutritionists, dietitians, and the food industry as a whole. But are consumers keeping up with an area of understanding that is moving at such speed? From probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, to the impact of artificial sweeteners on the mind-gut connection, there is a lot to get your head around. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Inspiring Nutrition event in London in November 2023, we delve into this dynamic market. Our panel moves beyond the buzzwords and discusses the opportunities and the p ..read more

There are multiple challenges facing the global food system, so how can we go about changing it to overcome them? It is projected that the system will need to feed nearly 10 billion people by 2050, a big enough challenge in itself. But when you combine that with protecting the planet and building more resilience, it becomes and even more daunting task. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our Sustainable Food Forum in September 2023, we do our best to find some answers. How must the global food system needs to change to meet the challenges of a growing populat ..read more