The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)  that four flower species imported from the EU will benefit from a reduction in plant health border inspection rates from 3% to 1%, effective from 00:01 on 19 January 2026. The decision represents a major win for the UK floriculture supply chain and its customers, achieved through the submission of detailed technical evidence by FPC and supported by s

A new trend report has highlighted a significant shift in UK foodservice towards plant-forward menus, driven by flexitarian consumers and growing demand for inclusive dining options that balance plant-based ingredients with familiar comfort foods. The report suggests plant-forward dining is becoming a more permanent feature of the UK hospitality landscape, even as the number of strict vegans remains stable. Instead, a broader section of consumers is increasingly choosing plan

Aldi has helped deliver more than 1.5 million meals to people in need over the Christmas and New Year period by donating surplus food from stores across the UK. Image courtesy of Aldi The supermarket said it worked with local charities, community groups and food banks nationwide, redistributing a range of fresh and chilled foods after stores closed early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The donations were coordinated through Aldi’s partnership with Neighbourly, the commun