Mike Hill

In a brewing industry where hops are driving most of the conversation in terms of newer, more compelling flavours in beer, in my new feature for Craft Beer & Brewing I investigated the growing trend of breweries turning to heritage malt varieties so as to explore new dimensions of flavour in their own beers. I spoke to several brewers, including Toby Mackenzie at RedWillow, Danny Tapper at Beak and Gareth Young at Epochal, plus Alison Milne at Crafty Maltsters and Dr. David Griggs at Crisp Malt to find out how breweries are using these heritage malting barley varieties, what kind of results they're getting from them, and who's interested in drinking them. You can read the answers to those questions here: https://lnkd.in/ge6PsiSk

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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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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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Another year of double digit growth for Kent wine producer 🍷📈 Gusbourne, the premium English sparkling wine producer, has announced another year of good progress, reporting a 16.5 per cent increase in UK wine sales growth, net revenue up by 13 per cent compared to the previous period, gross profit up by 30 per cent to £4.1 million and gross margin improving to more than 68 per cent. With the ongoing expansion of the Appledore, Kent's international presence and global appetite for English fine wine increasing, Gusbourne is now in 35 international markets, and expects the year ahead to see it benefit from increased supply and inventory, following the harvesting of its biggest yield to date last year. Gusbourne has also seen ongoing success in international and UK wine competitions with an impressive number of awards for its wines, including gold medals and trophies. Since the year end, Gusbourne has been awarded the Kings Award for Enterprise for International Trade Export. Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/engd5a38 #winery #vineyard #wine #drinks #growth #businessgrowth #finance #funding #investing #announcement #businessnews #businessintelligence

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Why do British Frozen Food Federation members enter their products into our annual awards? Does winning make a difference to a consumers view of a product? How does a winner’s logo on product packaging influence consumer buying decisions? I am often asked these questions by entrants, so we decided to find out from Vypr’s 80k strong consumer panel. The results are powerful when considering the value of awards and how to promote winning products. '54.45% respondents are more likely to select a frozen product with a British Frozen Food award winner’s logo on pack' This was great to hear, but why do they think that? '53% of Millenials place a high value on a BFFF winner’s logo, perceive higher quality and find the award particularly reassuring' '45.85% of overall consumers also view a winner’s logo on pack as a sign of higher quality' Highlights of the research show that: Older consumers (aged 55+) particularly value the safety standards implied by the logo, which suggests its potential to resonate across age groups by addressing both quality and safety. Millennials are the demographic most likely to associate the British Frozen Food Awards logo with high quality, viewing it as a trusted seal of approval. So, including an awards logo on packaging can enhance product credibility and consumer trust, especially when targeting millennials and quality-conscious shoppers. A connection between the logo and product standards in marketing communications can further strengthen consumer confidence in the frozen food category. On top of this your products are judged across the UK by 18 consumer panels of twelve people, and a panel of professional chefs, giving your product exposure to your potential market. Take this opportunity and enter the 2025 awards today with the deadline for the retail products is fast approaching on Friday 6th December (extended from the original deadline due a website outage) - do not delay! The Foodservice deadline is 31st January 2025. For more information on categories, the process, and entry forms visit: https://lnkd.in/e8qyj7ta #FrozenFood #ThinkFrozen #FrozenFoodAwards

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🚀 Empowering Growth: Foresight's Strategic Investment in Quality Food Products 🚀 Foresight Group's latest investment into Scotland’s Quality Food Products (QFP) highlights the powerful synergy between innovation and regional growth. 💡 With over £54 million already invested in Scotland, Foresight continues to drive local business expansion, sustainability, and community impact. What makes this move noteworthy? ✅ Leadership Evolution: A new management team, including Brian McMonagle as Executive Chair, promises strategic direction while honouring the company’s roots. ✅ Job Creation: Scaling QFP’s operations means strengthening Scotland’s vital food sector while boosting employment opportunities. ✅ Long-term Vision: This isn’t just about profits; it’s about creating lasting societal and economic value. 🌍 Thought-provoking takeaway: As investors focus on regional growth, how can businesses balance rapid expansion with preserving their heritage and fostering sustainable practices? This partnership between Foresight and QFP is a reminder that collaboration and strategic investments can redefine industries. Could this be the blueprint for the future of regional business innovation? #SustainableInvesting #FoodIndustryGrowth #RegionalImpact #LeadershipTransformation #MeyrickConsulting

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UK set to consider extending it's sugar tax to include milk- based drinks. Milk based drinks were typically exempt from the levy tax, these included beverages such as milkshakes and pre-made milk based coffee drinks. https://lnkd.in/eivAtKWS #foodlaw #foodregulatory #ukfoodlaw #foodscience #sugartax #sugarsweetenedbeverages #regulatoryaffairs #sugar #milkbeverages #milkdrinks

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EGGCITING NEWS. The role of egg consumption in the first 1001 days of life: An interesting narrative review from the BJM. It is well known that Including eggs in the diet is an easy and cost-effective way to improve diversity and digestibility of nutrients when dietary requirements are higher. The aim of this article was to review the latest literature and guidance on egg consumption and examine barriers to consumption during the critical first 1001 days of life . It was noted egg consumption is relatively low, despite previous concerns about food safety and allergy having been overturned in official advice. The evidence indicates that eggs are an important food for pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes and child nutrition. The evidence reviewed indicates that eggs represent an important and bioavailable source of protein and contain a number of key nutrients, including vitamins D, folate and choline, for the first 1001 days of life. The consumption of eggs in the first 1001 days has the potential to bridge nutrient gaps, augment breast milk composition, help protect against allergy and contribute to child development and growth. The NHS currently advises that British Lion eggs are safe for pregnant women to eat in raw or partially cooked form, eg soft-boiled eggs, as they come from flocks that have been vaccinated against salmonella. Eggs form an important part of my families diet. Phil Slaney @Kevin Coles Dr Lisa Ackerley, CEnvH, FRSPH #Eggs #Nutrition #FoodTechnology #Farming #FoodManufacturing #FoodIndustry #Hospitality #Restaurants #Retail #PublicHealth #Health #FoodScience https://lnkd.in/dvRDViFk

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New Innovation Forum podcast – How to make tasty foods healthier. This week: Tate & Lyle's president of innovation and commercial development, Victoria Spadaro Grant, talks with Innovation Forum's Hannah Oborne about the challenges and concerns around ultra-processed foods and what brands should prioritise to secure the future of food systems. They discuss how ultra-processed foods can be a solution to tackle sustainability, nutrition and accessibility of food.   Plus: Better Cotton in the spotlight again over sustainability claims; people's climate vote supports stronger climate action and support for global south; UK retail chain John Lewis Partnership launches a 20-piece circular economy home and fashion collection; International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) shares guidelines to align sustainability reporting; UK delivery company Evri increasing its electric vehicle fleet as part of a £19m investment; and, Denmark to introduce the world's first carbon tax on agriculture, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.

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3 in 4 On Premise consumers in Britain drink hot beverages in the out-of-home, including their iced varieties ☕ 🧊 Andy Hodgson reveals that consumers are looking beyond cost and cup size when making buying decisions. It's no longer enough for suppliers to simply provide a product, it's essential to work with operators to meet consumers' evolving needs. Explore the latest in hot beverages - https://lnkd.in/g9nmXni5 #OutOfHome #HotBeverages #ConsumerTrends #Coffee #PurchasingDecisions

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What are your New Year resolutions? Write them below and in a years time we can see how we've done. For me, I’ll be focussing on a better work-life balance to give myself the time to run more… stronger body makes for a stronger mind! #NewYearsResolution HortWeek https://lnkd.in/eF62YvzU

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📣 Like never before, the European Beef Industry are working together in a groundbreaking way to be at the forefront of positive change for a more sustainable food system. For the past 6 years, the European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability (ERBS) has been uniting organisations across the value chain to advance European beef sustainability. By embracing the diversity of production systems and empowering stakeholders to create locally relevant solutions that drive sustainable beef production, the ERBS is leading the transition in Europe. ERBS members have joined forces to set bold sustainability targets and drive measurable progress. The positive impact of this collaboration is demonstrated by tangible, data-backed progress reporting which shows that together we: 🎯 Are reaching 250,000 farmers 🎯 Have engaged in over 100 activities 🎯 Have examples of positive progress in every outcome area 🎬 Check out our video to see the passion and dedication of our members who are transforming European beef production. The challenges we face are shared across the industry, and no one organisation can solve them alone. Together, we can drive real progress at scale. https://lnkd.in/eUwgRUXJ 🤝 Join the conversation! Why do you think collaboration is key for overcoming sustainability challenges and driving positive change? ➡️ Help us shape the future of European beef sustainability. Let’s connect and continue the momentum together. #ERBS #BeefSustainability #PeoplePoweredAgriculture

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Food Standards Agency recall; further fallout from the peanut contaminated mustard! Hain Daniel's recalls Yorkshire Provender Jacket & Toast Toppers, Haricot Beans and Lentil Chilli varieties Use By: 16.20.24, as products may be contaminated with peanut which is not identified on the label. Products could be dangerous if consumed by those with peanut allergy or intolerance. I really feel for some of these smaller companies who, through no fault of their own, are having to run potentially damaging & expensive recalls because they use a mustard powder that has potentially been in contact with peanut. However this does go to prove that the product notification & recall system does work! https://lnkd.in/emMi-5sA #haccp #foodsafety #foodallergyalert #peanutallergy #foodsafetymanagement

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From accessing vital funding and developing successful strategies, to getting to know some of the region's key business leaders through networking, SoGlos sits down with Robert Malin, co-founder of Stroud-based wine brand When in Rome | B Corp™ , to find out how The Growth Hub Gloucestershire has helped him take his business from regional startup to one of the leading eco brands in UK supermarkets. Read the full interview ➡️ https://lnkd.in/edJ2AjHv #wine #eco #business #businesssupport #stroud #gloucestershire

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How many times have I used Pythagoras’ theorem since Maths GCSE? It's 𝘢² + 𝘣² = 𝘤² by the way. But yes I had to google that. I had to google it because i've used it 0 times since. In those 15 years though, though, I have probably chosen what to eat about 16,000 times. And while Pythagoras might theoretically help a few people get a job coding at Google, what we choose to eat impacts ALL OF US: our health 🩺, the planet 🌍, the economy 💷, our farmers 🚜, AND food security 🍲. Have a look at a few challenges we're facing below: 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from our global food system. 11 million deaths per year globally are linked to poor diet. Only 3% of British farmers are under 35 - yet WE NEED more young farmers. 72% of young people (aged 16-24) adint they "know very little or nothing" about farming. We teach problem-solving in schools, but imagine if, instead of memorising formulas we’ll rarely use, kids learned how their food choices impact them and the world around them? There's a new petition pushing to include food, farming, and sustainability education in the school curriculum. IT'S JUST WHAT WE NEED. If you agree - add your name here 👉https://lnkd.in/eV-FMmVb.

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My article this week looks at the accelerating increase of scratch and short-cut cooking and the positive impact this is having on the popularity of the Mediterranean diet. https://lnkd.in/erTuycj9

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POSSIBLE ASHWAGANDHA BAN IN THE UK IN 2025 In the UK for the past 24 months we have been defending the safe use of Ashwagandha (also known as Withania somnifera) in food supplements. The issues in the UK started after a flawed DTU report that resulted in RASSF notification by Denmark in Feb 2022. Despite evidence to the contrary the UK are now requesting evidence to demonstrate safety that will go forwards to a risk assessment. I can say so far there has been no assistance to clients that faced enforcement action when carrying generic or branded forms of Ashwagandha. Now is the time for these firs to invest in a coherent defence or look to loose access of their products for lawful sale in the UK. #ashwagandha #foodlaw #fsa #foodsafety #toxicology #defense #uk #consultation #Withania Source for consultation: https://lnkd.in/eDTfBfBK

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