Food & Drink Manufacturers News Roundup, September 8th
September 8, 2017
The UK’s food and drink industry is worth an eye-watering £100 billion to the economy each year, employing over 400,000 people and exporting billions of pounds of produce to countries around the world in the process.
It’s a dynamic and varied industry, one which brings a great deal of prestige to the UK and enjoys support from across the globe. Quite simply, it’s a lynchpin of the UK’s economy, and one that at Dehum we’re extremely proud to support through our range of dehumidification solutions.
Such levels of success, however, mean that keeping up with the latest food and drink industry news can be something of a hassle. That’s why we’ve committed to bringing our customers all the latest news from the sector on a weekly basis. So, join us as we share the news, as of September 8th.
Young’s Seafood Plans US Expansion
Grimsby’s iconic frozen fish supplier Young’s is planning a US expansion following their partnership with The Fishin’ Company in America.
They’ve committed to launching seven new products into the US across two retailers, though they have not yet revealed which products they’ll launch or which retailers have signed on to sell them.
The decision followed research into the US market which found that there was a strong demand for British fish products amongst American consumers. Accordingly, Young’s US launch will focus on heritage, quality and expertise, three elements that US consumers associate with British exports.
The Fishin’ Company will provide Young’s with access to their distribution network, although it’s not clear whether Young’s will manufacture their goods in the UK or in the US for the latter market.
Bill Showalter, CEO at Young’s, said that the partnership would provide both parties with an opportunity to develop, adding: “With much-loved ranges including Gastro and Chip Shop, Young’s has the potential to offer exceptional quality frozen fish and stand out innovation to U.S. consumers. The partnership with The Fishin’ Company marks a key milestone in realizing this potential,”
UK Grocery Market Climbs 2.9% YoY
Sales of UK grocery produce have grown 2.9% year-on-year, according to a new report from Nielsen, as the European grocery market grew at the fastest rate in three years.
Sales of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in the UK rose by an impressive 3.8% over the year, however, the volume of items bought by consumers fell 0.9% thanks to inflation in the sector driving up prices.
Turkey enjoyed the largest growth in grocery sales, rising 14.2%. Sales in Switzerland, meanwhile, fell by 0.7%.
Ice Cream Sales Soar After Warm Start to Year
Sales at ice cream firm Froneri UK have risen dramatically in 2017, up 16.3% over the same period last year, benefitting from the warm start to the year.
The company, which own Kelly’s of Cornwall and have franchise manufacturing rights for Nestle and Cadbury’s products, has seen Cadbury sales rise 33% and Kelly’s sales rise 17%. The company were also keen to point out the growth in the ice lollies segment, which is seen as an “enjoyable and permissible treat for the family”
Charlotte Hambling, UK head of marketing for Froneri, said: “Sales remained buoyant throughout autumn and winter last year and so we started the 2017 peak selling season in a strong position.
“Revenues in the first half of this year were 22 per cent up on 2016 with volumes also showing a 15 per cent increase.
“We have enjoyed record breaking weeks this year at our Leeming Bar site with more than 6,000 pallets of product leaving the site during the first two weeks of May alone.”
