Daniel Rowntree

🌟 Exciting Times for Scottish Food Wholesale: £35 Million Investment Ignites Growth 🥳🍽️ Scotland's food wholesale sector is buzzing with a £35 million investment poised to reshape the industry. This capital infusion highlights confidence and signals a wave of innovation and expansion. Catalyzing Growth: The investment is a game-changer, enhancing infrastructure, expanding product offerings, and scaling operations. It strengthens the company's market presence both domestically and internationally. 🚀📈 Supporting Local and Sustainable: The investment focuses on local agriculture and sustainability. By improving technology and logistics, the company aims to optimize supply chains, reduce food waste, and boost locally sourced produce, aligning with the demand for transparency and eco-friendly practices. 🌱🥕🏴 Creating Jobs: This boost will create numerous job opportunities across Scotland, leading to new hires, training programs, and local talent development, thus enhancing the local economy and workforce. 👩‍💼👨‍💼💼 Driving Innovation: Funds will support advanced warehousing and logistics systems, increasing efficiency and service delivery, and keeping the company competitive in a fast-evolving industry. 📦💻🔧 This £35 million investment in Scotland’s food sector is more than financial backing; it’s a catalyst for positive change in communities, the environment, and industry. The future looks bright for this Scottish wholesaler and the broader food sector. #FoodIndustry #Investment #SustainableGrowth #ScottishBusiness 🥳🌿📈

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June 24 sees Gold Standard Nutrition (GSN) meet yet another of its 2024 Brand milestones with the ambitious launch of its first garage forecourt alliance (Valli Forecourts Ltd who are stocking 2 of GSN’s acclaimed Chicken Bite offerings (Panko and Salt & Pepper), all 4 high protein wraps (Korean Sweet Chilli, Sticky BBQ Chicken, Chicken Tikka & English Breakfast) and 7 of GSNs most popular Pots of Gold formats (Sweet & Sour, Breaded Chicken Katsu, Salt & Pepper Chicken Noodles, Malaysian Coconut Curry, Pasta Bolognese, Thai Green Curry and Piri Piri with spicy rice) as part of its NEW protein-rich offer. Today, Gold Standard Nutrition is a leading voice within the thriving movement for protein-rich #frozen #readymeals for #healthconscious consumers seeking tasty savoury food offerings that are low in #sugar and rich in #protein. The #Selby based business first made its name within the indie #gym scene before pivoting into B2C over COVID, which remains a key component of the business’s distribution network to this day.  Today GSN’s ambitious reach extends to the #NHS, army barracks, ambulance & #policestations and #university campuses, some exploratory #export opportunities, #foodservice and most recently an ambitious trial within a selection of Co-op stores. According to Gold Standard spokesperson, Neal Rawlinson, ‘We identified the opportunity for best-in-class #garageforecourts some time ago because it perfectly mirrored the time-poor yet conscientious consumer demographic that we’re actively targeting. Valli is a perfect garage forecourt partner for a conscientious food brand like ours, because its stores not only offer an extensive food offer, they are also a proven pitstop for innovative challenger brands to showcase their appetite appeal. Gold Standard Nutrition

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What’s the “Funding Gap”? At Mission Ventures, we’re convinced a significant gap exists for UK Food and Drink SMEs (and in particular, healthier challenger brands). It’s defined as: ‘…the difference between the amount of financing small businesses need and the amount they can obtain’. I’d like to gain your perspective on this; What is the funding gap according to you and more importantly, what are the best mechanisms to address it? Please complete this survey: https://lnkd.in/edc5-UuB It won’t take you more than 5 mins. Promise.

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Really looking forward to being a panel member on this webinar! It feels a privilege to be at the front of an emerging industry that is accurately considered a sound #diversification tool in agriculture. I can’t wait to hear from my panel companions and more importantly the audience Q&A. #FarmOfTheFuture #InsectFarming #NewAgriculture #Agritech

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Next week is the the National Organic Conference at Kingsclere Estate in Hampshire 1-2 July. This year’s conference will focus on food, farming, nature, climate and people. Bringing the entire supply chain together to discuss the big issues and exchange learnings. We will be seeking through collaboration across and between all actors within the sector to help secure a fairer, more balanced system for everyone involved. To find out more information and book your place, visit https://shorturl.at/gmpr5 #proudtobeorganic #IGrowYourFood #IFOAMorganicseurope #regenerativefarming #ofgorganic #sustainability #agriculturebiologique #health #sustainablefarming #organicfarming #organic #organicfood #organiclife #UKorganic #organicresearchcentre #biodynamic #sustainabledevelopment #farmingforthefuture 

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Great news, but i'd love to know your thoughts, These results show an almost 29% reduction in added sugar consumption for chikdrem and 40% in adults. However, there's lurks a bigger risk: many have switched to artificially sweetened drinks, which are linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, gut disorders, and more. Producing more low-sugar options that are well-formulated, offering flavour without compromising health is the way forward, but big manufacturing needs to be all over this with better formulations and no get out of jail card for being hit with sugar tax by just replacing one 'bad' ingredient for another more fatal ingredient. Stevia glycosides and sucralose, are widely used as sugar substitutes in these low calorie /zero sugar drinks. While they help reduce calorie intake, they come with potential health risks: Stevia Glycosides: Digestive Issues: Can cause bloating, nausea, and diarrhea in some individuals. Blood Sugar Impact: Despite being non-caloric, studies suggest they negatively affect insulin and glucose levels. Gut Health: negatively affects gut microbiota, leading to digestive disorders. Metabolic Effects: Some studies link it to altered glucose and insulin responses, potentially increasing diabetes risk. Heat Instability: When heated,(pasteurised) it can break down into potentially harmful compounds. Our soft drinks are laced with these harmful sweeteners. do we solved one problem but created a bigger one. Overall, great results but it raises concern for what was the solution.. what are yout thoughts? . #Health #Nutrition #Wellness #PublicHealth

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💫 A big development for grocery packaging in the UK 💫 The tldr on last week’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) announcement and what it means for reusable packaging: 📣 DEFRA announced ‘illustrative’ fees last week 📈 2 to 3+ increase of current tax burdens paid by producers  ⏭ First payments in 2025 🌶 Modulated (eco) fees in 2026 will mean proportionally higher payments for more impactful packaging categories / materials. 💫 Great news for reuse: the biggest step in a packaging revolution, with DEFRA planning a 2025 framework for incentivising reuse, levelling the playing field between single-use and reuse. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ej2KTbYn And please dive in policy folk to correct any detail you think is missing / out of line here! There's not been much reflection on this here (on Linkedin) and it would be good to hear more views.

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To showcase your free from Drinks to those who will rely upon being able to find them this Christmas, enter the Free From Christmas Awards - Drinks category entry open until midnight Sunday 29th Sept! Benefits of entering Unique – we are the only UK award dedicated to free from food and drink, and as such we are a ‘go to’ for the free from & allergic consumer. Value – every entry gets its time in the spotlight with our panels of expert judges. Standout – our logo resonates with consumers, it helps them identify safe, quality products and outstrips other mainstream awards as a trusted certification Feedback – receive valuable insights on your entry, plus observations and insights on the wider category in which the product was entered. Communication – we support entrants across our social platforms which have a combined following of over 20K. Community – join other like-minded and energetic free from professionals. Confidence – entering our awards displays a belief in a product which increases consumer confidence and trust in your brand. https://lnkd.in/g9kyJsZz

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Technology developed by Scottish biotech Biotangents Ltd, which has announced its latest investment round, is set to revolutionise the dairy farming industry with the world’s fastest on-farm, point-of-care diagnostic device aimed at addressing disease in dairy cows. Bovine mastitis alone is estimated to cost the global dairy farming industry around £20 billion every year, costing the average UK dairy farm up to £25,000 per annum. The company developed its technology due to the timeframe of existing diagnostics, which take so long that farmers resort to presumptively treating herds, predominantly with antibiotics that are estimated to be unnecessary in up to 40 percent of cases. In turn, this increases the anti-microbial resistance of the herd, decreases life expectancy, and increases milk wastage, leading to negative environmental impact and significant costs. Biotangents’s solution is a cost effective, innovative on-farm molecular diagnostic device that provides highly accurate results in less than two hours, safely enabling the farmer to make an informed treatment decision. The data is sent to the farmer’s phone and, if required, can be sent to their management system, vets, and milk processors. While focused on next generation diagnostics for the animal health sector, Biotangents also sees future applications for its technology, including in human healthcare and environmental monitoring. The £2.3 million investment round was led by St Andrews-based investment firm Eos and British Business Investments through their Regional Angels Programme, and existing investors and Kelvin Capital and Scottish Enterprise. Senior agritech adviser Nicky Deasy joins the board on behalf of Eos as an investor director. Following the investment, Biotangents will commence on-farm trials across the UK and internationally later next year. Fiona Marshall, CEO of Biotangents, said: “Biotangents is on the cusp of full market launch with a technology that leads to better herd health, much improved productivity, and significantly higher levels of sustainability.” Jill Arnold CA, Investment Relationship Director at Eos, said: “Scottish science that improves lives, and has global market potential, is core to our focus at Eos and Biotangents fits that criteria perfectly, not just in terms of addressing antimicrobial resistance in livestock, but also in improved animal husbandry.” Ross McDermid, CCO at Biotangents, said: “This investment endorses our game-changing technology, and means we can now seize the huge market opportunity to support farmers, vets, and the wider dairy industry.” Left to right are Nicky Deasy, Ross McDermid, Fiona Marshall, and Jill Arnold

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May brought lacklustre results for Scottish retailers, with total sales increasing a mere 0.1% compared to the previous year. Adjusted for inflation, sales actually dipped 0.5%. While food sales grew by 1.1%, non-food sales dropped by 0.8%. Despite the subdued figures, retailers remain optimistic about the summer months, citing upcoming events like the Olympics and the Euros as potential drivers of consumer spending. Technology and beauty sales performed well in May, offering a glimmer of hope. Ewan MacDonald Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “The slight fall is likely a consequence of comparison with a strong 2023 performance, where the King’s coronation and two bank holidays encouraged shoppers to splash out, compared to this year where the splashing was more to do with the miserable weather. “Food and drink sales continue to grow, albeit in a more modest manner now food price inflation has stabilised. Technology sales did well, boosted by a combination of new products alongside many early pandemic purchases now requiring replacement.” He continued: “Looking ahead retailers will hope the upcoming run of major events, including the Olympics, European Men’s Football Championships, and a series of high-profile concerts, will kick off a brighter period of trading. “Retailers know all too well how cruel summer can be so will hope they can shake it off and be ready for it to be a potential gold rush to get out of the woods in the coming months.” Read more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3RdYJ93 The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is here to support your business - reach out to share your views, concerns and opportunities. #SCCnews #businesssupport #businessnetwork #businessvoice #businessleader Sign up for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce enewsletter at https://buff.ly/3CpsQnu

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Consumers are driven by desire 🫶 Plenty to take away from Day 1 of B Lab UK’s Louder than Words festival here in Oxford, but there was one message that stuck today, and that came in different forms from both the legendary Mary Portas , as well as Rosie Brown from COOK Trading Ltd. Of course we must all continue to spend time looking at our supply chains, sourcing better, more sustainable ingredients, from more diverse suppliers and having an impact that way. But isn’t it just as important to focus our collaborative efforts on the demand side? How can we get customers to WANT the things that are better for people and planet? And how can we help make it easier for them to choose them? Yes the data suggests that consumers will be actively put off a product or brand doing the wrong thing, but let’s not assume people prioritise that in their purchasing decisions above all else. They value doing right by people and planet highly, but they are also strongly driven by desire… From merchandising differently to help nudge consumers, to designing a product people just realllllly want, there were plenty of good ideas, and it was a good reminder that to achieve any impact at all, the product itself has to be winning, and your customers have to love it ❤️ Helpfully this justifies how many hours I spend at the Good & Proper Tea | B Corp™ tasting table 🥄🤓

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Which non-alc business will exit this week ? We have had an unprecedented run of 4 exits / strategic investments in 4 weeks. 1️⃣ First we had Mash Gang to DioniLife 2️⃣ Then we had YOURS Non-Alcoholic Wine exit to Lead The Way Ventures 3️⃣ The third was Ritual Zero Proof to Diageo 4️⃣ And last week we have LVMH investing in FRENCH BLOOM congrats Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger Turns out my prediction of a slow in M&A activity due to Big Alc stocks being in decline was WRONG. Things are hotting up, and it seems our category is one to watch. >Will Ghia be brought fully into the Pernod Portfolio… >Could we see HEINEKEN Beverages take a punt on De Soi like they have with SERVED® and G Spot ? >There has got to be a wine proxie that exits soon so perhaps NON ? >Lucky Saint | B Corp™ have been ripe for some time... >Parch Spirits Co are hitting some high notes too... So who is your money on for the next one to drop ?

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Here are some eye-opening stats on food waste in the UK, along with practical tips to reduce it. #seasonalproduce #reducingfoodwaste #cheftips #mealplanning

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One message changed everything: "Hi Edin, hope you're having a good week. I wanted to reach out to get our functional drinks brand MUUSH into your eye line...." That one casual DM turned into something special. We Amplify recognised the potential to scale Muush ltd into a category leader. I met Matthew Martin and Dan D'Souza here on LinkedIn. After 4 weeks of learning and fine-tuning, we are now ready. One day -> two investor presentations arranged. Why? Because Muush ltd ticks all the boxes. 1. Founders -> serial entrepreneurs with two exits. 2. Problem -> Non-alcohol spirits are complicated, and soft drinks are often sugary or full of additives. 2. Market -> Nootropic drinks, set to grow at a 14.6% CAGR and reach $14 billion by 2030 4. Solution ->Muush ltd combine fruits, roots, and functional mushrooms with low sugar and added nutrients, making them deliciously healthy. Send me a DM for a full deck. This opportunity will not be available for too long (*EIS and SEIS eligible). --- F&B founders, if you are looking to raise funding or/and scale your business, reach out here: https://lnkd.in/eh5a5_P8

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Fighting harder than ever to maintain sales through current accounts? You are not alone! Continuing the GRIPPING serialisation of the latest Kindred survey of over 200 independent drinks brands by CGA by NIQ. The Duppy Share we're investing deeper than ever before in our off-trade partners in order to maintain last year's volume. The value-for-money hunting UK consumer is now buying over 75% of their spirits on-promo (vs 55% LY), meaning more investment than ever to maintain volume. On-trade is slightly different - Duppy's strength is in high volume large venue indies, where we can afford to over invest in epic experiences. Recent wins in Lucky Voice Group, Bubba Oasis | Bubba Hospitality Group, Troxy, The Clockwork Rose, Heartbreaker’s Gentlemen’s Club & Restaurant, Wing Kingz and Natty's Jerk all great examples of deep support and strong high volume opportunities. Expecting to see the market correct itself somewhat through 2025, as our multi-national competitors reduce their overfunding to deliver their sales numbers and the trade reduce their expectations of an indie sector that keeps saying NO to "opportunities" to showcase our brands in front of new audiences for ridiculous fees, and refuse to invest in accounts that aren't driving a profit or significant growth.

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Matcha Magic - What's ahead for the Green Powerhouse?  Growth of Matcha in UK Cafés:  SUKI launched Matcha ahead of the curve in 2007 but we’ve seen the strongest growth over the last 18 months. Health consciousness among UK consumers is a key driver. Matcha, rich in antioxidants, fits perfectly with the demand for functional foods and beverages.    Many of the cafés we sell to now feature matcha lattes as a staple on the menu as well as matcha-flavoured baked goods, responding to a trend towards healthier options. The UK branded coffee shop market exceeded 10,000 outlets in 2023, which would have helped drive the overall consumption of Matcha up.    The UK matcha market reached approximately £19 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2024 to 2031. This significant growth offers a unique opportunity for café owners to diversify and attract health-conscious customers.   Globally, the matcha market was valued at USD 3.48 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 5.78 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 10.7%. Kind regards, Oscar.

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🚭 Disposable Vapes Banned in the UK: What’s Next for Vape Suppliers? The UK’s recent ban on disposable vapes marks a significant shift in the vaping industry. Citing concerns over environmental impact and youth usage, this change pushes suppliers to rethink their strategies and pivot towards more sustainable and responsible solutions. But with every challenge comes opportunity. 💡 📦 Potential Solutions for Vape Suppliers: 1. Sustainable Alternatives: Suppliers can innovate by offering rechargeable or reusable vape devices that reduce waste while maintaining convenience for users. 2. Eco-Friendly Materials: Packaging and device design can focus on biodegradable or recyclable materials to align with environmental regulations. 3. Nicotine-Free Options: With growing health awareness, expanding product lines to include nicotine-free and wellness-focused alternatives could tap into new customer segments. 4. Educational Campaigns: Engage in responsible marketing and create campaigns around safe and responsible vaping, helping to reshape public perception and demonstrate a commitment to healthier, safer alternatives. As the industry faces this new landscape, the ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace sustainability will be key to navigating the future. How is your business preparing for this change? Share your thoughts! #Vaping #Sustainability #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #UKRegulations

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IMPACT EVOLVE will attend the Food and Drink Expo at the NEC in Birmingham tomorrow. It is usually a brilliant event, with the presence of new and established brands and their founders. We are excited to introduce ourselves, and if you have plans to do any of the following in the next 12 months, we would like to discuss them with you: - Entering a new market - Opening a new sales channel - Introducing new technology into your supply chain - Hiring new members for your operations team - Relocating to a new warehouse. - Need support to take your operation from chaos to calm Some of the exciting brands below that we are looking to say hello to..... Bio&Me I B Corp Bottle Up Buttermilk Confections Eaten Alive Ltd OneGoodThing GirlGoneGood® Wellness + Wilderness GNAW Chocolate WOW HYDRATE World of Sweets Virtus Brands The Tofoo Co #NEC #Supplychain #Operations #Growingpains #Scaling

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