Author: Sam Allcock

Lay-offs could affect up to 1,000 positions at Wilkesboro, according to one report. More job losses appear to be imminent at US meat giant Tyson Foods. Tyson is reportedly planning to lay off workers at its Wilkesboro plant in North Carolina due to a reduced need for staff to process the company’s fully cooked products, according to WXII, an affiliate of the national broadcaster NBC. While WXII was unable to determine the exact number of jobs that will be affected, it reported that Tyson intends to assist affected employees in finding alternative positions. Meanwhile, the Wilkes Record newspaper, citing unnamed…

Ukraine exported 4.2 million metric tonnes of wheat and corn in July, compared to approximately 2.1 million during the same period last year. Ukraine has managed to double its monthly grain exports year-on-year despite Russian attacks on key Black Sea ports. According to Ukraine’s UGA traders’ union, the country exported 4.2 million metric tonnes of wheat and corn in July, compared to around 2.1 million a year earlier. This achievement comes despite Russia targeting key Black Sea ports, including Odesa and Izmail, a port along the Danube River, with precision missiles. However, Ukraine, a major global producer of wheat and…

The Minerva transaction involves the acquisition of facilities in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile from meat industry peer Marfrig. Minerva Foods and Brazilian meat peer Marfrig Global Foods have both confirmed that an asset deal between the two companies has been approved by regulators. Nearly a year after the 7.5bn reais ($1.3bn) plant transaction was announced, in which Minerva was to acquire a number of factories and facilities from Marfrig across four South American countries, Brazil’s competition authority has granted conditional approval to a scaled-down version of the deal. Originally revealed last August, the deal included 11 plants and a distribution…

Despite the ongoing “softness” in the meat-alternatives category, Quorn’s gross margins have shown signs of recovery. Monde Nissin, the owner of Quorn, continued to experience challenges in the meat-alternatives sector, although the decline in second-quarter sales was less severe than in previous quarters. The results for the three months ending 30th June presented a mixed picture for the meat-free category. While the Philippines-based Monde Nissin reported a recovery in gross profits and margins, there was also a widening in EBITDA and net losses. Conversely, the company’s core Asia Pacific branded food and beverage business (APAC BFB) recorded a 5.7% increase…

Reuters reports that agri-food companies are encountering challenges as commodity crop prices approach four-year lows and crop processing margins have declined. US agri-food giant Cargill is reportedly planning a strategic overhaul that will see the business restructured into three operating units, down from the current five. News agency Reuters, citing an internal memo it has seen and two unnamed company sources, wrote that Cargill, like other agri-food businesses, is facing difficulties as the prices of the commodity crops they trade reach four-year lows and crop processing margins have decreased. According to Reuters, the memo indicates that the company intends to…

A third person has died in the United States due to a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, according to a federal food safety centre. Since the expansion of the product recall involving US-based Boar’s Head meat and poultry products was announced last month, another person has died in Virginia. The other two deaths occurred in New Jersey and Illinois. In addition, nine more cases of infection have been reported, bringing the total number of hospitalisations to 43. Boar’s Head recalled seven million pounds of deli meats on 30th July, expanding an initial recall that took place on…

With almost 60 restaurants UK-wide, a presence in Canada and plans to move into Pakistan, North and South America, Europe and the Middle East, the ambitious expansion plans of restaurant franchise Heavenly Desserts are continuing to develop at pace. Managing director Yousif Aslam shares his advice on creating an ever-growing international franchise. My business partner Mohammed Imran and I launched Heavenly Desserts with a vision to create a new approach to how desserts were enjoyed worldwide, creating a premium range and an exceptional overall dining experience that brought worldwide flavours and unique ingredients to our audiences. It is this vision…

B-Corp kitchenware brand ProCook proudly introduces the latest addition to its small kitchen electricals range: the Bread Maker. This launch is part of ProCook’s expansion into the appliances market, a venture years in development and now coming to fruition with core products already launched such as the Air Fryer Health Grill, Blender, and Stand Mixer. Competitively priced at only £79, the ProCook Bread Maker manages the entire bread-making process effortlessly, ensuring perfectly baked loaves every time. Designed with 12 pre-programmed settings, the premium Bread Maker creates a variety of bread types with ease, whether you prefer whole wheat bread, white…

Wild Canvas, the one-of-a-kind camping experience with a relaxed festival atmosphere has announced its foodie line up. The five-week pop-up, now in its fifth year, is nestled within the picturesque riverside meadows of the historic Turvey House Estate in Bedfordshire – just 1.45 hours from London.  Running from Thurs 25th July to Tuesday 27th August, the event is the perfect location for camping and relaxation. Guests can escape the everyday and immerse themselves in food and drink, nature, music, creative arts and wellness. With a welcoming and relaxed ethos, the campsite is perfect for all ages. The Riverfront Café, run by local chefs The Brothers Supper, will feature hot breakfasts, wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers,…

World leading food and drink service provider to become a Founding Partner of iconic new home of Everton Football Club  Partnership will revolutionise fan experience at the waterfront venue Frictionless experiences will help make Everton Stadium one of the most advanced in Europe Partnership will create 1200 jobs and a new social enterprise between Aramark and Everton in the Community Aramark UK has committed to helping turn Everton Stadium into one of the most revolutionary and advanced venues for fan experience in Europe. Recognised as one of the world’s leading foodservice providers, and as industry experts in creating food and…