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< PreviousPolytag has announced the successful integration of four Polytag Plastic Detection Units at Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) across Wales. These new installations in Conwy, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, and Anglesey represent a significant advancement in Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme. This industry-led initiative empowers brands, retailers, and waste management businesses with real-time data regarding the recycling of single- use plastic, particularly in the food and drink packaging sector. The four new units join Re-Gen’s MRF in Newry (Northern Ireland) and Biffa facilities in Edmonton and Teesside, enhancing the programme’s scope. With Polytag’s innovative technology, brands will gain vital data visibility over the 146,000 tonnes of waste entering the recycling and recovery streams across the four Welsh facilities each year. Polytag’s Plastic Detection Units utilize advanced scanning technology to detect invisible UV tags embedded in label artwork. This capability allows brands to precisely track when and where their food and drink sustainable packaging is recycled, effectively closing the data gap within the recycling process. Delivered in partnership with the Welsh company, EBS, the newly installed units scan and collect barcode-level data on each product as it enters the recycling stream. Polytag Enhances Waste Traceability for 146,000 Tonnes in Wales with New Recycling Technology NEWS Field Doctor Secures Seven-Figure Investment Field Doctor, a personalised frozen meal delivery brand, has successfully secured significant funding from two prominent investment funds. This strategic move is timely, given the evolving food and beverage industry trends. Perfect Redd and the South West Investment Fund have together invested a seven-figure sum, enabling the company to accelerate its growth in the direct-to-consumer space. This investment aligns with current food manufacturing trends aimed at enhancing consumer accessibility. Moreover, Field Doctor plans to utilize this capital to explore new channels and expand into the B2B sector, addressing emerging food distribution trends. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 10 Greencore Returns with Enhanced Offer for Bakkavor Ireland-based food supplier Greencore has reportedly made an improved offer in its endeavor to acquire UK peer Bakkavor. According to news agency Bloomberg, citing “people with knowledge of the matter,” the details of the improved bid remain undisclosed. However, their sources indicated that Bakkavor is currently evaluating the new proposal. Neither Greencore nor Bakkavor, both key suppliers to large UK supermarket chains, have provided comments on the situation. On 14 March, Greencore, like Bakkavor listed on the London Stock Exchange, announced that it had submitted two offers for its rival in recent weeks. The most recent rejected bid, submitted on 7 March, comprised a mix of cash and shares, valuing Bakkavor at £1.14 billion ($1.47 billion at the time). Under the proposed terms, Greencore shareholders would own approximately 59.8% of the combined entity, while Bakkavor investors would hold the remaining shares.Five years on from Brexit, the UK’s food and drink trade tells a story of stark imbalance. Export volumes to the EU have dropped by over a third, while EU imports into the UK hit record highs. With small businesses bearing the brunt and industry leaders calling for urgent reform, the question isn’t whether change is needed—but how fast it must come. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 12 IMPORT & EXPORT14 a FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 13 new border checks on EU goods in April 2024, these remain significantly lighter than the full regulatory burden faced by UK exporters to Europe. This asymmetry means that while European food businesses benefit from streamlined access to UK markets, British exporters face rising costs, complex documentation, and border delays that can be particularly punishing for perishable goods. “The reality is clear,” says Balwinder Dhoot, Director of Industry Growth and Sustainability at the FDF. “UK food and drink businesses are being outpaced—not because of inferior products, but because of disproportionate bureaucracy. Government must work with the EU and industry to remove as many of these barriers as possible.” SMEs on the Edge: Navigating Post-Brexit Trade Complexity Among the 12,500 food and drink businesses in the UK, it’s the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are most exposed. Many lack the in-house compliance expertise or logistics infrastructure to meet EU import rules, particularly for animal products, which are subject to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls. One Midlands-based cheese producer, who wished to remain anonymous, described the process of exporting to France as “death by documentation.” Each shipment now requires extensive health certifications, customs IMPORT & EXPORT The Numbers That Tell the Story The Food and Drink Federation’s 2024 Trade Snapshot paints a sobering picture: UK food and drink export volumes to the EU have plummeted by 34.1% since 2019. That’s more than a third lost in just five years. Globally, the UK’s export volumes dropped 12.6% year-on- year and are down nearly 20% on average compared to pre-Brexit years. While the world has faced extraordinary events—pandemics, wars, and inflationary pressures—this trade slump isn’t a global phenomenon. Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy have all seen their export volumes rise since 2020. For the UK, the trend is unique— and worrying. In contrast, EU imports to the UK grew by 3.3% in 2024 alone, hitting £44.7 billion and contributing to an all-time high of £63.1 billion in total UK food and drink imports. The import- export trade gap is no longer just a statistical concern; it’s a structural one. An Uneven Playing Field: Why Are EU Imports Surging? The growth in EU food imports isn’t just driven by strong continental supply chains—it’s also powered by softer UK import rules. Despite the UK implementing declarations, and proof of origin—adding cost, time, and risk. For high-growth, artisan brands that previously relied on European markets for expansion, these trade barriers have had a chilling effect. And while large multinationals can weather such storms with dedicated trade compliance teams, SMEs are increasingly forced to scale back or abandon export plans altogether. The April 2024 Border Checks: A Turning Point or Another Barrier? The phased introduction of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) added new layers of checks on EU food imports from April 2024. While designed to bolster biosecurity and streamline risk-based inspections, many in the industry argue that the changes—though long-awaited—remain lopsided. Under BTOM, goods from the EU are now categorised into high, medium, or low risk, with different inspection protocols. However, UK goods entering the EU face a blanket application of SPS requirements, regardless of risk level. This results in UK exporters facing more stringent scrutiny than their EU counterparts. The government maintains that further digitisation, including electronic health certificates and single trade windows, will improve efficiency—but for now, these systems are either in pilot phases or not yet universally adopted. A Strategic Trade Reset: What the FDF Is Calling For To redress the imbalance, the FDF is urging the government to take a more strategic approach to EU trade. At the heart of its proposal is a balanced Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU—similar to models used by Switzerland and New Zealand—that could eliminate many current friction points. Such an agreement would remove the need for multiple costly certificates and reduce the frequency of border inspections, particularly for trusted UK exporters with strong food safety records. In addition, the FDF is advocating for: Simplified customs paperwork and pre-notification requirements. Lower or capped border inspection fees. Greater support for SMEs in trade compliance and logistics. More predictable timelines for UK-EU border crossings. As Balwinder Dhoot puts it, “This is not about a quick fix—it’s FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 14IMPORT & EXPORT about getting the right fit for the UK’s future trade model with the EU.” Looking Beyond Europe: Bright Spots in Emerging Markets Despite the difficulties within Europe, the UK is seeing export growth in other regions. Export volumes to non-EU countries rose by 5.7% year-on-year, driven by new trade agreements and market development efforts. The UK’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Australia, now in its second year, helped increase exports by 9.1% in 2024, totalling £429.5 million. In North America, the USA—now the UK’s third- largest food and drink export destination—saw a notable 11.8% increase. Turkey stands out as a growing star, with UK exports jumping by 23.4%, and the Middle East presents further potential. Negotiations for an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could open lucrative doors for UK producers, particularly in dairy, snacks, and processed foods. The UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in December 2024 offers yet another pathway to market diversification, providing tariff reductions and common standards for access to 11 fast-growing economies. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 15 The Role of Collaboration: Industry Leadership and Peer Support For businesses looking to navigate this shifting landscape, collaboration is proving essential. Nicola Thomas, Director of the UK Food and Drink Exporters Association (FDEA), stresses the power of community: “Leveraging the knowledge and experience of trade experts, in-market consultants, and peer networks has never been more important. Exporting isn’t just about logistics—it’s about building local relationships, adapting product formats, and understanding consumer nuances.” The FDEA continues to run workshops and matchmaking services to help UK businesses access overseas buyers and navigate post-Brexit compliance. The Political Dimension: Could a General Election Shift the Trade Agenda? With a UK general election expected before the end of 2025, trade policy is once again in the political spotlight. While both major parties have promised to support exporters and drive economic growth, only time will tell whether the next government will commit to a new EU SPS deal or pursue more aggressive diversification into emerging markets. Industry leaders are watching closely. Many believe that securing smoother EU trade must go hand-in-hand with unlocking global opportunities—and that current trade friction with Europe is simply unsustainable in the long term. Conclusion: Rebalancing for Growth The UK’s food and drink industry is at a pivotal moment. The post-Brexit trade model has created winners and losers—and for now, the data suggests the EU has the upper hand. To protect the future of UK food production and export, strategic reforms are not just desirable—they are essential. From smarter policy to deeper collaboration and global ambition, the road to a balanced trade future demands bold thinking, firm leadership, and a genuine partnership between industry and government. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 16MEAT, POULTRY & SEAFOOD FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 17 A silent revolution is underway within the UK’s meat, poultry, and seafood sectors. Driven by a rising tide of consumer awareness and a pressing need for environmental stewardship, producers are embracing innovation to redefine their operations. This is not merely about adapting to trends; it’s about ensuring the long-term viability of the industry itself. From the farm to the ocean, technological advancements and sustainable practices are reshaping every stage of production, paving the way for a more responsible and efficient food system. S ustainability has become a defining priority for the UK’s meat and seafood industries, with producers focusing on reducing their environmental footprint and improving animal welfare. One of the most pressing concerns in beef production is methane emissions. With livestock accounting for nearly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, innovative feed additives are being introduced to mitigate the issue. Compounds such as Bovaer®, which inhibits the enzyme responsible for methane production in cattle, have shown promise in reducing methane output by up to 30%, offering a practical solution for more sustainable beef farming. Poultry farming is also evolving, with a significant emphasis on antibiotic reduction. Antimicrobial resistance remains a global concern, and the UK poultry industry has already achieved an 82% reduction in antibiotic use 19 a since 2011 through improved husbandry practices and innovative gut health management. The ABC concept— focusing on probiotics, biosecurity, and alternative treatments—is becoming a gold standard for sustainable poultry farming, reducing reliance on antibiotics without compromising productivity. In the seafood sector, overfishing and habitat destruction threaten marine ecosystems. A recent World Bank study estimates that poor fisheries management costs the global economy $83 billion annually. To counteract this, AI-driven fish stock assessments and real-time monitoring technologies are improving sustainability. Smart nets and modified trawls are reducing bycatch, while AI-powered sonar analysis is enhancing stock prediction models. These advancements not only protect marine biodiversity but also ensure long- term viability for seafood producers. As sustainability becomes a central industry theme, consumer preferences are also shifting. Health-conscious shoppers are increasingly seeking leaner cuts of meat, higher welfare certifications, and convenient ready- to-eat options. The rise of value-added products, such as pre-marinated meats and high-protein seafood snacks, reflects the changing demands of modern consumers. Plant-based and hybrid meat alternatives are gaining traction, with UK retailers expanding their offerings to cater to flexitarian diets. Innovations in cultivated meat technology are also progressing, with regulatory approvals for lab-grown seafood paving the way for new market opportunities. While traditional meat remains dominant, these alternative proteins are reshaping the landscape, compelling established producers to diversify their portfolios. Regulatory shifts are adding another layer of complexity for UK meat and seafood exporters. Brexit has altered FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 16trade dynamics, introducing new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) regulations that impact import and export procedures. The UK’s Border Target Operating Model, implemented in phases throughout 2024, categorizes imports based on risk, requiring businesses to adapt to new certification and inspection protocols. Navigating these regulations is essential for maintaining smooth trade flows. Digitalization is playing a key role, with the transition toward electronic health certificates streamlining compliance processes. Blockchain technology is also emerging as a valuable tool for ensuring traceability, allowing producers to verify the origin, quality, and sustainability credentials of their products with greater transparency. Transparency and Traceability as Competitive Advantages Supermarkets wield significant influence in shaping industry standards, demanding transparency from suppliers regarding sourcing, sustainability, and ethical production practices. UK producers that can provide verifiable data on animal welfare, environmental impact, and supply chain integrity stand to gain a competitive edge. Investing in advanced traceability systems is becoming a priority. Blockchain applications are enhancing transparency by creating immutable records of a product’s journey from farm to shelf. This not only reassures retailers and consumers but also helps producers strengthen their brand credibility in an increasingly scrutinized market. Technological Advancements Driving Industry Efficiency Beyond sustainability and regulation, technology is revolutionizing every aspect of meat, poultry, and seafood production. Innovations in packaging, such as oxygen-scavenging films and modified-atmosphere solutions, are extending shelf life and reducing food waste. In processing facilities, automation and AI-driven quality control systems are enhancing efficiency, while temperature- controlled logistics are improving the safety and freshness of perishable goods. In meat and poultry processing, advancements in hygiene technology are enhancing food safety. Automated sanitation systems, UV-C disinfection, and AI-driven contamination detection are minimizing health risks and improving operational efficiency. These technologies not only address regulatory requirements but also support sustainability by reducing water and chemical usage. The Future: Adaptability as the Key to Long-Term Success As the UK’s meat, poultry, and seafood industries navigate an era of transformation, adaptability will be crucial. Sustainability, innovation, and regulatory compliance are reshaping market dynamics, requiring producers to stay ahead of evolving consumer expectations and environmental challenges. By investing in technological advancements, embracing transparent supply chain practices, and aligning with sustainability-driven initiatives, businesses in this sector can position themselves for long-term success. The ability to innovate while maintaining ethical and environmental responsibility will define the future of the UK’s protein industries, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly conscientious global marketplace. The ability to innovate while maintaining ethical and environmental responsibility will define the future of the UK’s protein industries, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly conscientious global marketplace, and feed the nation for generations to come. MEAT, POULTRY & SEAFOOD FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 19Next >