News & Features » Processor » Features
  • A matter of mince

     - Published:  22 January, 2010

    Retail sales of mince (beef, lamb and pork) fell by 1.8% to 163,192t, but grew by 9.9% in value to £709m in the 52 weeks to 29 November 2009, according to TNS data supplied by AHDB Meat Services, with price increases the major factor in the impressive value hike.

  • Regulating the meat industry

     - Published:  08 January, 2010

    The meat industry needs to grow up if it wants to see an end to government-imposed regulation, says Tim Smith, chief executive of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

  • The heat is on for the ingredients sector

     - Published:  08 January, 2010

    The way in which ingredients companies work with manufacturers has changed beyond recognition in recent years, with companies building much closer relationships with their customers and product development times lasting several months. 

  • Poultry report: Birds in balance

     - Published:  13 November, 2009

    Stable prices, and easing of pressure from European Union and a positive outlook by suppliers are all contributing to an upbeat poultry market. Carina Perkins reports

  • Cut to the chase

     - Published:  30 October, 2009

    Energy reduction and efficiency are the key requirements for modern cutting, slicing and dicing equipment. Fred A'Court sharpens his focus on the machinery making the grade.

  • Meat Hygiene Service: Front-line politics

     - Published:  16 October, 2009

    A brave new world of co-operation is key to success when it comes to transforming the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), according to the organisation's new business directors.

  • Sausages ride out the recession

     - Published:  02 October, 2009

    From premium through to value, sausages have ridden out the recession with remarkable ease, reports Adam Baker.

  • Transport running into trouble

     - Published:  04 September, 2009

    This week the government implemented the third rise in fuel duty in nine months. Experts warn the rise will have a serious impact on the logistics industry and all those who make use of it. Carina Perkins reports

  • Holding pattern

     - Published:  21 August, 2009

    Can lamb hold on to its market share in the face of the economic slowdown or will it lose out to cheaper products, asks Ed Bedington

  • Reason to believe

     - Published:  07 August, 2009

    Adam Baker wonders if halal meat can be the guiding saviour to invigorate a once-great UK livestock sector

  • Taken to task

     - Published:  10 July, 2009

    The grass is greener in Ireland, but the red meat industry there has had its share of problems over the past few years. Now, though, following a Task Force report, it looks to be turning a corner, as Carina Perkins reports

  • All change

     - Published:  10 July, 2009

    Running an abattoir is a tough business and with change almost a constant, it is hard for operators to keep pace. Fred A'Court looks at the key issues facing the sector

  • Action stations

     - Published:  26 June, 2009

    A strong product image for Welsh red meat coupled with a positive strategic action plan are designed to boost business  for farmers and revitalise a struggling industry sector.  Carina Perkins reports

  • Pork basks in a popularity wave

     - Published:  26 June, 2009

    Pork sales are buoyant, the UK pig herd is stabilising and exports are being boosted by a favourable exchange rate. All in all, the category is having a much better time of it than a year ago. Alyson Magee reports

  • Butchers pedal to Paris triumph

     - Published:  26 June, 2009

    A gruelling two-wheeled odyssey from London to Paris raised over £40k for charity and put the British meat industry on the map. Ed 'Chris Hoy' Bedington reports

  • Danger alert

     - Published:  12 June, 2009

    Can the Scotch brand stay strong in the face of dwindling supplies and a consumer credit crunch? Ed Bedington takes a look at some of the issues facing the Scottish meat sector

  • The big debate

     - Published:  12 June, 2009

    There has been a major controversy over food labelling in the past year. Adam Baker investigates the effect it is having

  • Tomorrow's world

     - Published:  29 May, 2009

    Processing lines can be tough - even dangerous - places to work. Adam Baker looks at what is being done to streamline the process

  • Map to the future

     - Published:  15 May, 2009

    With a ground-breaking environmental goals now set by UK government, the meat industry is likely to be a target for future legislation. So what is it doing to reduce its emissions? Carina Perkins reports

  • Exploding the myths

     - Published:  01 May, 2009

    From gross misconduct to asking an employee if she is pregnant, the dangers of falling foul can be quite daunting for a business. Anna West and Adam Rice explode a few popular myths

  • Casing out casings

     - Published:  01 May, 2009

    Has the economic downturn had any effect on sausage casings? And is gut really better than collagen? Ed Bedington checks out the pros and the cons

  • Out to lunch

     - Published:  17 April, 2009

    The revival of packed lunches has had a big impact on the cooked meats market, boosting value sales while putting pressure on premium products. Carina Perkins reports

  • Learning curve

     - Published:  03 April, 2009

    A grassroots reform of qualifications is under way, with the aim of achieving clearer, more employer-specific training. Fred A’Court reports

  • Bringing home the bacon?

     - Published:  03 April, 2009

    Buoyant value sales in the UK retail bacon market over the past year are masking stagnant volume sales, supply shortages and potential recessionary woes. Alyson Magee reports

  • Beef in the balance

     - Published:  06 March, 2009

    The beef sector has had a good run of rising prices and increased demand, but with the economy teetering on the brink of free-fall, what future for beef? Fred A’Court investigates

  • Riding out the storm

     - Published:  20 February, 2009

    Adam Baker asks market leaders in the cutting, slicing and dicing market how they are coping with the global hardships of 2009

  • Love me tender

     - Published:  06 February, 2009

    Technology in the meat sector moves on at a great pace. Alyson Magee looks at how technology is developing across the production and processing sectors, with tender meat high on the agenda

  • Cheap Eats

     - Published:  06 February, 2009

    The world might be facing a global recession, but if there is one product that is bucking the downward trend, it is mince. Fred A’Court takes a look at the latest developments in the mince market

  • Take a weight off your mind

     - Published:  23 January, 2009

    Meat processors are always under pressure from demanding multiples – a trend that is further pronounced in the current climate. Adam Baker looks at how weighing system suppliers are helping customers take the strain.

  • Crunch cooking

     - Published:  09 January, 2009

    Shoppers are starting to place economy and value ahead of premium and clean-label when it comes to their weekly shop. Carina Perkins reports on how suppliers are responding.

  • Poultry sector plays to a strong market

     - Published:  24 November, 2008

    Despite fears over the economy and concerns about GM-free feed, UK poultry producers are in a relatively upbeat mood, finds Keren Sall

  • Don't pack IT in

     - Published:  24 October, 2008

    Think again. Making cutbacks in IT investment may seem the thing to do in the current economic climate but could prove short-sighted, says Adam Baker

  • At what cost?

     - Published:  24 October, 2008

    The challenge to reduce costs on meat hygiene inspection lies as much with Defra and the FSA as it does with industry. But the meat sector must also shoulder its share of the responsibility, finds Keren Sall

  • Lamb faces an uncertain future

     - Published:  29 August, 2008

    A tough year for UK lamb producers in 2007 has been followed by a more positive start to 2008. But with an economic squeeze looming, the industry will need all the support it can muster in the months ahead. Adam Baker reports

     

  • Market challenge

     - Published:  14 July, 2008

    There is some light at the end of the tunnel for the pork industry, but pig farmers will need to hold their nerve if they are to begin to see real return on their efforts, as Keren Sall reports

     

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