The poor state of Britain’s railways caused concern for the organisers of Food & Drink Expo yesterday [Monday] as Lord Whitty, due to open the show, was delayed due to late-running trains. Fortunately, National Farmers’ Union president Ben Gill stepped in at the eleventh hour to declare the show open.
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Gill alerted both trade visitors and press to the need for the food industry to change. He said the food chain is currently too disparate, with caterers, farmers, retailers and other links in the chain working in too isolated a manner. This very much echoes comments made at the Red Meat Industry Forum early this month.
Gill seized the opportunity to challenge the French persistence on banning UK beef imports. France “cannot go on in this high-handed way,” he stressed, calling on the EU to bring France into line.
He also sounded a note of caution on EU enlargement, stating that the new product availability must not be allowed to undermine consumer confidence in food safety. Food from new Member States enjoying easier access to EU markets must be subject to rigorous checks, he added.
Considering the new Food Chain Centre proposed by the Red Meat Industry Forum, Gill slated “certain sections” of the media for being too quick to criticise. In a brief panel discussion, Sylvia Jay, director general of the Food and Drink Federation, backed Gill up on this, saying the Food Chain Centre would be a quick win for the government, as it would not require unreasonable investment and was of obvious benefit.
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By GlobalDataWith so many regional producers in attendance at the show, it was likely the panel would be questioned on local sourcing, and Grocer editor Clive Beddall, chairing the debate, did not disappoint. Joanne Denny, chief executive of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, which has done a great deal of research into local sourcing issues, stressed that consumers are keen to support local produce, but manufacturers should not be blind to the fact that shoppers will still consider other factors. In a nutshell, they will remain committed to buying food that looks and tastes good, is well priced and good quality – and if it’s local so much the better. They are well-disposed to local food but not prepared to sacrifice other strengths.
Open until 20 March, the show will be running concurrently with Food & Bake, Foodex Meatex and the Convenience Retailing Show. As well as showcasing regional specialities under the auspices of organisations such as Yorkshire Pantry, Scottish Development International and the newly formed South West Food & Drink (Taste of the West), a number of international companies have put in an appearance, such as Grupo Leche Pascual and Pago.
