Fiona Pownall

📈 Consumers in the UK are spending 18% more on FMCG compared to 2021... but there's more to this story! This surge in spending is fueled more by necessity rather than indulgence, as inflation reaches its highest levels in more than 40 years. Since 2021, there's been a continuous decline in actual product purchases, with a staggering 71% of subcategories experiencing unit decline. Wondering how to revive FMCG manufacturing? Read some tips from our Senior Commercial Manager, George Wood below: 👉 https://lnkd.in/giQQDzbb #UKConsumer #inflation #ConsumerBehaviour #ShopperTrends

17

Results from our latest Food & Drink Industry Survey show that food and drink businesses across the UK are finding it challenging to source and recruit the right staff for their business. Despite this, there were clear signs of growth in 2023 with 59% increasing their workforces, and overall, 73% of businesses are confident their workforce can meet 2024 demand. Learn more about the 'people' challenges facing the sector by downloading our full report, here: https://bit.ly/49GgG7t #FoodAndDrinkSector #IndustrySurvey #IndustryInsights

6

Mixed landscape for food & drink M&As with deal volumes up but values down- with regional variances. Market conditions & confidence are improving at a gradual rate so expect M&As and PE investment to develop in the back end of 24/25.

2

The Johnston Carmichael Food and Drink Industry Survey is back for 2024! We’re calling all Food & Drink leaders to share your insights on performance, sustainability, funding, innovation, and more. Get your voice heard, benchmark your business, and help shape a clearer picture of the sector. Complete the survey here: https://bit.ly/4eZLhi6 #FoodAndDrink #IndustryInsights #Survey #IndustrySurvey #BusinessAdvisers #Accountants

10

Thank you, Business Leader, for featuring the journey of Modern Milkman and what it's like to be an authentic CEO. Discover how we've turned our ideas into action and how humble beginnings can lead to big things. Read our story here https://lnkd.in/ejkxtD9V

48

1 Comment

𝐀 𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐊’𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 🍹 3.40% 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘒 𝘉𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 There's been a healthy growing demand for beverages in the UK which could signal that this is a good time for brands to get into developing new products and expand their existing product lines. 60% 𝘛𝘰𝘱-𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥'𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘒 New and small entrants in the industry may have difficulty entering the market to gain a foothold. This means that new brands must focus on differentiating themselves significantly through their product offerings, marketing strategies, and competitive pricing. 1.8𝘹 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩-𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 Consumers are also seen to have an increasing interest towards health beverages, seeing a 1.8x increase in search volume in the last year alone. What are the overall implications of these data? ✅ Market Opportunities The combination of market growth and rising demand for health-centric products presents significant opportunities for innovation and expansion within the beverage industry. Companies that can effectively tap into the health trend while maintaining quality and taste are likely to succeed. ✅ Competitive Dynamics The strong market presence of the top brands suggests that smaller brands need to adopt creative strategies to compete. Differentiation through product innovation, branding, and targeted marketing will be crucial. ✅ Consumer Behaviour Understanding and responding to consumer preferences, particularly the shift towards health-centric beverages, will be key. Companies that align their product offerings with these trends can enhance customer loyalty and increase market share. Enjoyed this short report? You can get the full report, for free, when you click this link —> https://lnkd.in/gXHEk8UW Share your thoughts below or dive deeper into the beverage market trends with a comprehensive market insights report from &facts. Generate your market insights report now on the &facts platform #BeverageMarket #MarketTrends #HealthBeverages #Innovation #MarketInsights

2

Meet our Senior Commercial Controller Julian Smith in the latest issue of Cash and Carry Management! In the spotlight Julian shares his interests, achievements and how he got into the industry. Read the article below.

21

The UK's food and drink manufacturing sector is booming! 📈 Output growth is hitting record highs, fuelled by increased demand and inflation. The sector saw the strongest output growth in July, reaching a score of 59.2. It also experienced the fastest rate of price increases, highlighting the impact of cost pressures. Here's what's keeping the sector thriving: * 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡: The industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased demand and inflation. * 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Despite cost pressures, almost 90% of manufacturers are planning to maintain or increase investment in the next year. * 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: The sector faces sustained cost pressures, including elevated shipping costs and staff expenses, which could impact long-term sustainability. Read more here 👇: https://lnkd.in/gEWM7rdb Follow for more!

2

The Importance of Sales Skills in NPD   One thing that repeatedly comes up when speaking to senior NPD leaders about what they look for when recruiting into their team, is the often overlooked importance of sales skills in NPD.   Even the most creative product developer needs strong sales skills in the food industry to ensure success.   Without the ability to sell your product, it might never get off the ground. Selling the idea and getting both internal and external stakeholders on board is crucial.   Mastering the art of selling is how you turn great products into market successes. It's all about getting people excited and invested in your innovation.   If you are looking to develop professionally, this may be an area to focus on to help you stand out. And if you are on the lookout for a new role, try to showcase your sales skills during interviews. #newproductdevelopment #npd #foodindustry

9

Which social media channels are important to your bakery business? With over 3,000 bread and bakery goods production businesses in the UK, the sector remains highly competitive, particularly when it comes to inspiring and engaging customers.  Whether seeking inspiration, raising awareness, or embracing new audiences, we explore some top tips for you to embrace a proactive social media strategy! Read more here - https://lnkd.in/ej9AAAwE #BakeryInspiration #CraftBakery #UKBakery #BakeryTips

10

Fraught with challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions, the resilience and innovation of FMCG companies are truly inspiring. The latest Alantra Fast 50 report unveils remarkable growth rates among top-performing businesses, with a notable trend emerging: an increasing number of female-led companies taking the lead. From CBD drinks brand Trip to Rheal and Vegetarian Express, female-led businesses are spearheading this surge, reflecting a positive shift towards greater diversity and inclusion in the FMCG industry. With more women breaking barriers and driving success in FMCG, we're witnessing a transformative shift towards a more inclusive and equitable future. At Manners Maclean International, we recognise the invaluable contributions of diverse talent to organisational success. As executive search recruiters, we're committed to championing diversity in leadership roles and empowering businesses to thrive. Let's continue to celebrate and support the remarkable achievements of female leaders in FMCG, and together, pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. #DiversityandInclusion #FemaleLeadership #FMCG

2

What are your thoughts on prawn cocktails on the menu, and do they sell? Let us know your thoughts in the comments... Head over to our site to check out our range of prawns. #HoldsworthFoods #FoodDistribution #UKFoodService #B2BFoodSupply #PubsAndRestaurants #FoodWholesalers #CateringSupplies #QualityIngredients #HospitalityIndustry #SustainableFood #FreshFoodDelivery #Foodie

15

3 Comments

✍ Registration link in comments ✍ Join this expert panel as we tackle one of the biggest challenges in the world of Food & FMCG - Reed in collaboration with Mmmake Your Mark. ❓ How can businesses connect with local communities? ❓ How do we address the current skill shortage? ❓ How do we attract the next generation of school leavers to FMCG? ❓ How can the sector collaborate on these issues? 🔊 Mehdi Adjiri (MSc), Sarah McCarthy, Vicky O'Hare and Werner Bezuidenhout are joining me, to discuss the above, and more - Do not miss this #food #skillshortage #webinar #fmcg #talent #warontalent #collaboration #mmmakeyourmark

10

3 Comments

Seeing innovations in food and drink? 🍽️ Today, we're seeing exciting trends in the commercial side of the food and drink sector: ✅ Health-conscious options are booming, from plant-based dishes to low-sugar beverages. ✅ Sustainability is the new norm - more businesses are prioritising eco-friendly packaging. ✅ Tech integration continues to elevate customer experience, with AI and delivery apps leading the charge. Interested in these trends? Share your thoughts below! #FoodAndDrink #Innovation #Sustainability

Koninklijke Grolsch reduce its UK alcohol content from 4% to 3.4%.   Prior to the drop in ABV, sales had dropped 55.8% to £3.4m which will save Asahi UK 23p in per 440ml can 💸   Asahi Beverages UK have also lowered the strength of other brands, like Dark Star Hophead when revenue rose 2.9% to £527m in 2023, but pre-tax losses increased to £14.1m.   Other brews to be ‘drinkflated’ down to 3.4% abv in recent years include:   🍺 Danish Pilsner by Carlsberg Group 🍺 John Smith’s Extra Smooth by The HEINEKEN Company 🍺 Bud Light by Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I   An Asahi spokesperson said: ‘Following much analysis, we decided to reformulate Grolsch to a new ABV of 3.4%, which went into market earlier this year. We are confident this still delivers an excellent premium beer that will appeal to a broad range of consumers.’ Grolsch is available at Sainsbury's.

6